Feb 27

EA releases source code for four Command & Conquer games

Posted in: Today's Chili

Video game preservation scored a win today with EA’s decision to make four Command & Conquer games open source. The company has released the source code for Command & Conquer, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Renegade and Command & Conquer: Generals through a GPL license. All four projects are available to the public on Github.

In addition, EA is adding Steam Workshop support to more contemporary entries in the real-time strategy franchise, including a modding support pack with assets from the series titles on the SAGE engine, such as Command & Conquer Red Alert 3. This game genre has fallen out of vogue in recent years. But the C&C series still has a lot of fans, so a fresh boost of modder interest could bring new players to the franchise. (Plus, never forget that Red Alert 3 also contains the single best line delivery in all of video game history.)

EA released meticulous remasters of the first two installments of Command & Conquer in 2020, which included the release of those games’ source code. In December, the company made several of its patents for accessibility open source as well.

It’s also encouraging to see EA taking a positive action around a beloved franchise, especially when its recent efforts to remaster The Sims and The Sims 2 was riddled with technical issues at launch that required heavy-duty patches to fix.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/ea-releases-source-code-for-four-command–conquer-games-223425774.html?src=rss

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Feb 27

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

Posted in: Today's Chili

The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra was officially launched in China today (February 27). The latest flagship from the brand joins the Xiaomi 15 series, which already includes the base and Pro models, released in October of last year.

The device shares several similarities with the Ultra model released in 2024. One of the standout features of the 15 Ultra is its 200MP periscope camera. During the launch event, Xiaomi emphasized the camera’s performance in low-light conditions, and recent photos have confirmed this claim.

The device maintains the brand’s traditional design. Its 6.73-inch display keeps the 1-120 Hz refresh rate but now boasts an improved HDR brightness of 3,200 nits. On the inside, the phone is equipped with up to 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The model also features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 90W wired charging. However, there was no mention of Qi2 wireless charging support.

The primary highlight is, undoubtedly, the periscope camera; It comes with a larger sensor, faster aperture, and superior resolution compared to the periscope in the 14 Ultra. While the zoom is slightly lower (5x on the 15 Ultra versus 4.3x on the previous model), Xiaomi explained that these enhancements allow for better light capture, especially in zoomed-in night photos.

In addition to the periscope, the 15 Ultra includes three 50 MP rear sensors with similar configurations to the previous model, though with some improvements. The main camera now features a fixed f/1.63 aperture, replacing the variable aperture found on the 14 Ultra.

Focusing on photography, Xiaomi also introduced the third-generation Photography Kit, which includes a camera stand and case, offering more tools for users looking to further enhance their photos.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specs

SpecificationDetails
Display6.73-inch AMOLED panel, 1-120 Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits brightness
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM12 to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM
Internal Storage256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage
Main Camera50 MP
Telephoto Camera50 MP
Ultrawide Camera50 MP
Periscope Telephoto Camera200 MP
Selfie Camera32 MP
Battery6,000 mAh (5,410 mAh globally), 95W fast charging
CertificationIP68
NFCYes

Availabilty and Price

The 15 Ultra is designed to compete with its rivals, offering an exceptional camera system in a rear module that stands out visually. The announced price is 6,499 yuan (approximately $893), with a global launch set for March 2 at MWC.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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Feb 27

Roblox is now much faster on Chromebooks

Posted in: Today's Chili

In a fitting crossover, Roblox is getting a big speed boost on Chromebooks. Google said on Thursday that a new x86 version of the online game platform and creation system is twice as fast as the Android version, which was previously the only way to play Roblox on ChromeOS.

Given the overlap between Chromebooks (popular in education) and Roblox (popular with kids, for better or worse), a better-performing version on ChromeOS seems like a good match. Although there are more ARM-based Chromebooks than before, most still use x86 architecture.

Google says the new Roblox build provides smoother gameplay, quicker load times and “an overall better Roblox experience.” More specifically, you should see a 99 percent framerate increase in the virtual pet game Adopt Me! and a 67 percent boost in the role-playing sim Brookhaven RP. Load times are up to 29 percent faster when going from a fresh start to the login page.

Alongside the x86 launch, Google and Roblox have some speed-themed in-game swag for Chromebook users. You can redeem a jetpack with a Chrome logo (of course!) for your avatar to fly around like a Google-sponsored Buzz Lightyear. You can also redeem a “hoverboard” (which looks suspiciously like a OneWheel) for faster ground travel. You’ll find both on Google’s perks page.

This isn’t the first mashup between the two companies. Last year, they teamed up on a weird game that teaches kids about online safety, the, uh, “interestingly” named Be Internet Awesome World.

Google told Engadget that you can install the x86 version of Roblox directly through the Play Store. Although that’s typically where you find the Android version, the storefront should automatically deliver the right build for your laptop.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/roblox-is-now-much-faster-on-chromebooks-210030799.html?src=rss

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Feb 27

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

Posted in: Today's Chili

The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra was officially launched in China today (February 27). The latest flagship from the brand joins the Xiaomi 15 series, which already includes the base and Pro models, released in October of last year.

The device shares several similarities with the Ultra model released in 2024. One of the standout features of the 15 Ultra is its 200MP periscope camera. During the launch event, Xiaomi emphasized the camera’s performance in low-light conditions, and recent photos have confirmed this claim.

The device maintains the brand’s traditional design. Its 6.73-inch display keeps the 1-120 Hz refresh rate but now boasts an improved HDR brightness of 3,200 nits. On the inside, the phone is equipped with up to 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The model also features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 90W wired charging. However, there was no mention of Qi2 wireless charging support.

The primary highlight is, undoubtedly, the periscope camera; It comes with a larger sensor, faster aperture, and superior resolution compared to the periscope in the 14 Ultra. While the zoom is slightly lower (5x on the 15 Ultra versus 4.3x on the previous model), Xiaomi explained that these enhancements allow for better light capture, especially in zoomed-in night photos.

In addition to the periscope, the 15 Ultra includes three 50 MP rear sensors with similar configurations to the previous model, though with some improvements. The main camera now features a fixed f/1.63 aperture, replacing the variable aperture found on the 14 Ultra.

Focusing on photography, Xiaomi also introduced the third-generation Photography Kit, which includes a camera stand and case, offering more tools for users looking to further enhance their photos.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specs

SpecificationDetails
Display6.73-inch AMOLED panel, 1-120 Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits brightness
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM12 to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM
Internal Storage256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage
Main Camera50 MP
Telephoto Camera50 MP
Ultrawide Camera50 MP
Periscope Telephoto Camera200 MP
Selfie Camera32 MP
Battery6,000 mAh (5,410 mAh globally), 95W fast charging
CertificationIP68
NFCYes

Availabilty and Price

The 15 Ultra is designed to compete with its rivals, offering an exceptional camera system in a rear module that stands out visually. The announced price is 6,499 yuan (approximately $893), with a global launch set for March 2 at MWC.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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Feb 27

Twitch will open some monetization tools to even first-time streamers

Posted in: Today's Chili

At some point in 2025, Twitch plans to offer monetization tools like subscriptions and Bits for all streamers, according to an open letter from Twitch CEO Dan Clancy. Monetizing Twitch streams previously required reaching “Affiliate” status on the platform.

Having viewers subscribe to a Twitch channel or cheer with Bits (Twitch’s digital currency) during a stream are the two most prominent ways the average streamer can make money from their streams, outside of passive ad revenue or sponsorships. Currently, each subscription earns you a 50/50 split on subscription revenue after processing fees and taxes, while each Bit earned during a stream translates to around $0.01.

Opening up subscriptions and Bits to “most streamers, from day one,” should serve to make streaming on Twitch more enticing to anyone worried about the long process of becoming a Twitch Affiliate or Partner. Reaching either status on Twitch requires earning a certain amount of followers and streaming a certain amount of hours, on top of other criteria. With at least some monetization tools becoming available to everyone, climbing Twitch’s ladder seems like it could become more about unlocking access to tools rather than the ability to earn money at all. (Thought novice streamers should keep in mind they must get a minimum of $50 to withdraw their earnings from Twitch at all.)

Alongside these changes, Clancy also announced that Twitch will introduce more ways for streamers to earn money together, new editing tools for creating clips of streams and expanded moderation tools on mobile. Twitch’s has been rethinking its approach to moderation and policy violations over the last few months. Earlier in February, the company tweaked how it enforces community guideline violations, making it so violations can “expire” after a certain amount of time.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/twitch-will-open-some-monetization-tools-to-even-first-time-streamers-204805004.html?src=rss

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Feb 27

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

Posted in: Today's Chili

The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra was officially launched in China today (February 27). The latest flagship from the brand joins the Xiaomi 15 series, which already includes the base and Pro models, released in October of last year.

The device shares several similarities with the Ultra model released in 2024. One of the standout features of the 15 Ultra is its 200MP periscope camera. During the launch event, Xiaomi emphasized the camera’s performance in low-light conditions, and recent photos have confirmed this claim.

The device maintains the brand’s traditional design. Its 6.73-inch display keeps the 1-120 Hz refresh rate but now boasts an improved HDR brightness of 3,200 nits. On the inside, the phone is equipped with up to 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The model also features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 90W wired charging. However, there was no mention of Qi2 wireless charging support.

The primary highlight is, undoubtedly, the periscope camera; It comes with a larger sensor, faster aperture, and superior resolution compared to the periscope in the 14 Ultra. While the zoom is slightly lower (5x on the 15 Ultra versus 4.3x on the previous model), Xiaomi explained that these enhancements allow for better light capture, especially in zoomed-in night photos.

In addition to the periscope, the 15 Ultra includes three 50 MP rear sensors with similar configurations to the previous model, though with some improvements. The main camera now features a fixed f/1.63 aperture, replacing the variable aperture found on the 14 Ultra.

Focusing on photography, Xiaomi also introduced the third-generation Photography Kit, which includes a camera stand and case, offering more tools for users looking to further enhance their photos.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specs

SpecificationDetails
Display6.73-inch AMOLED panel, 1-120 Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits brightness
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM12 to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM
Internal Storage256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage
Main Camera50 MP
Telephoto Camera50 MP
Ultrawide Camera50 MP
Periscope Telephoto Camera200 MP
Selfie Camera32 MP
Battery6,000 mAh (5,410 mAh globally), 95W fast charging
CertificationIP68
NFCYes

Availabilty and Price

The 15 Ultra is designed to compete with its rivals, offering an exceptional camera system in a rear module that stands out visually. The announced price is 6,499 yuan (approximately $893), with a global launch set for March 2 at MWC.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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Feb 27

Pokémon Champions is all about the battles

Posted in: Today's Chili

Game Freak dropped a surprise trailer at today’s Pokémon Presents livestream for something called Pokémon Champions. It’s a dedicated battle sim, recalling the glory days of Pokémon Stadium for the N64. This means that Champions distills the franchise’s formula down to just battling, with a heavy emphasis on multiplayer.

To that end, the game is cross-platform, with the developer saying that players on “Nintendo Switch and mobile” will be able to duke it out. We don’t know what kind of roster the game itself will provide, but it integrates with the cloud-storage service Pokémon Home. People should be able to pull most of their favorite Pokémon from titles like Pokémon Go and recent mainline entries like Pokémon Sword and Shield. It also works with the spin-off Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The official press release, however, does note that there will be some restrictions when it comes to availability.

The gameplay should feel instantly familiar to anyone who has ever dabbled in the franchise, as the trailer description touts tried-and-true “mechanics such as Pokémon types, abilities and moves.” The footage even shows more niche mechanics like Mega Evolution and Terastallization, indicating that players may not be tied to the base-level Pokémon rule set.

There’s no release window yet. All we know is that it’s currently in development. Speaking of release dates, today’s livestream did reveal that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be coming out by the end of the year for the Switch.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pokemon-champions-is-all-about-the-battles-194527252.html?src=rss

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Feb 27

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

Posted in: Today's Chili

The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra was officially launched in China today (February 27). The latest flagship from the brand joins the Xiaomi 15 series, which already includes the base and Pro models, released in October of last year.

The device shares several similarities with the Ultra model released in 2024. One of the standout features of the 15 Ultra is its 200MP periscope camera. During the launch event, Xiaomi emphasized the camera’s performance in low-light conditions, and recent photos have confirmed this claim.

The device maintains the brand’s traditional design. Its 6.73-inch display keeps the 1-120 Hz refresh rate but now boasts an improved HDR brightness of 3,200 nits. On the inside, the phone is equipped with up to 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The model also features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 90W wired charging. However, there was no mention of Qi2 wireless charging support.

The primary highlight is, undoubtedly, the periscope camera; It comes with a larger sensor, faster aperture, and superior resolution compared to the periscope in the 14 Ultra. While the zoom is slightly lower (5x on the 15 Ultra versus 4.3x on the previous model), Xiaomi explained that these enhancements allow for better light capture, especially in zoomed-in night photos.

In addition to the periscope, the 15 Ultra includes three 50 MP rear sensors with similar configurations to the previous model, though with some improvements. The main camera now features a fixed f/1.63 aperture, replacing the variable aperture found on the 14 Ultra.

Focusing on photography, Xiaomi also introduced the third-generation Photography Kit, which includes a camera stand and case, offering more tools for users looking to further enhance their photos.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specs

SpecificationDetails
Display6.73-inch AMOLED panel, 1-120 Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits brightness
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM12 to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM
Internal Storage256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage
Main Camera50 MP
Telephoto Camera50 MP
Ultrawide Camera50 MP
Periscope Telephoto Camera200 MP
Selfie Camera32 MP
Battery6,000 mAh (5,410 mAh globally), 95W fast charging
CertificationIP68
NFCYes

Availabilty and Price

The 15 Ultra is designed to compete with its rivals, offering an exceptional camera system in a rear module that stands out visually. The announced price is 6,499 yuan (approximately $893), with a global launch set for March 2 at MWC.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched: 200MP Periscope Camera, 1TB Of Storage And More

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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Feb 27

New Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer reveals an absolutely massive version of Lumiose City

Posted in: Today's Chili

Game Freak held a Pokémon Presents livestream today and we finally got a good look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The new trailer for the follow-up to the well-received Pokémon Legends: Arceus reveals the massive Lumiose City, which first appeared in Pokémon X and Y all the way back in 2013. It’s a bustling metropolis filled with skyscrapers, and a far cry from the serene countryside of Arceus.

The trailer spotlighted the three starter Pokémon players will be able to choose from. They include the gen 2 starters Chikorita and Totodile and the gen 5 starter Tepig. We also got a better look at the gameplay elements, and they seem like something of a hybrid between the real-time capture mechanics of Arceus and the old-school turn-based gameplay of traditional Pokémon titles.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will also bring back Mega Evolutions, which turn regular pocket monsters into superpowered monstrosities with temporary stat boosts. This mechanic, just like Z-A’s location, was first introduced in Pokémon X and Y.

We have a bit longer to wait for this one. The game doesn’t come out until the end of the year. It’s also being released for the original Switch, despite the fact that the Switch 2 will most likely be on store shelves by that point. However, long-time readers may remember that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, so it’ll run on both machines.

Game Freak also showed off a new game called Pokémon Champions, which is a cross-platform battle sim. Today’s Pokémon Presents livestream celebrated the 29th birthday of the franchise. Happy birthday, cute pets we force to live inside of tiny balls and fight to the death!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/new-pokemon-legends-z-a-trailer-reveals-an-absolutely-massive-version-of-lumiose-city-180550052.html?src=rss

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Feb 27

Nothing Phone 3a Pro And 3a Designs Officially Revealed Before Launch

Posted in: Today's Chili

Nothing recently unveiled the Phone 3a Pro, sparking mixed reactions due to its unconventional rear camera design. Smartphone camera designs have evolved significantly over the years, with some offering sleek and innovative aesthetics while others have been met with criticism. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has sparked debate due to its unconventional rear camera layout, which some users find visually unappealing.

The standout feature of the Phone 3a Pro is its large circular camera module, which takes up a significant portion of the back panel. The module houses an LED flash at the top, an 8MP ultrawide camera below it, and a 50MP main sensor directly beneath that. To the right of these cameras sits a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, which deviates from the circular design with an oval-shaped sensor. While the individual camera specifications are impressive, the overall arrangement appears asymmetrical, making it a divisive design choice.

Now, just ahead of its official launch next week, the company has revealed the standard Phone 3a, offering a more familiar aesthetic. The 3a showcases a horizontally stacked rear camera module, resembling the design seen in the Phone 2a series. Unlike the dual-camera setup from previous models, the Phone 3a features a triple-camera array. The device retains Nothing’s signature Glyph lighting and introduces an additional hardware button known as the Essential Key, designed to assist users with AI-powered tasks.

 

Leaked specifications suggest that the Nothing Phone 3a Series will be equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, a 6.77-inch 120Hz OLED display, and a 5,000mAh battery. The devices also reported to feature an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.

As for its camera system, the phones are expected to include a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto camera (2x optical zoom on the 3a and 3x on the 3a Pro), marking a notable upgrade over its predecessors. With Nothing’s official event scheduled for March 4, consumers won’t have to wait long for full details and confirmation of specifications.

Nothing Phone 3a Pro And 3a Designs Officially Revealed Before Launch

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

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