Call of Duty: Warzone to Go Offline Amidst Sequel Launch, Modern Warfare 2 Season 1 Details Revealed

As Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 nears its November 16 launch, Activision has confirmed that the original Warzone will undergo a temporary server shutdown for 12 days. Warzone 2.0 launches November 16, alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 season 1 multiplayer, which brings an all-new battle pass, new maps, and some football-themed operator skins. The original Warzone ...

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Microsoft DirectStorage 11 with GPU Decompression: How does the feature improve game load times

Microsoft's DirectStorage 1.1 is releasing this week and is expected to reduce game load times significantly. DirectStorage came out earlier this year to minimise CPU overhead but did not include the feature that is supposed to help run games on modern PCs. However, the company has added the long-awaited feature with the latest DirectStorage 1.1. 

What is GPU Decompression and how does it work?

In a blog post dated October 13, 2022, Microsoft mentioned that it was in the final stages of development and would release Decompression for developers by the end of 2022. Adding to it, the company says that this is one of its most highly requested features. But what is GPU Decompression, after all? 

Computer games require vast amounts of data to build immersive, interactive worlds. Every video game's landscape, object and character have certain "assets" that describe its characteristics like shape, lighting and colour. 

Combined, all the assets add up to hundreds of gigabytes of data, which is compressed to reduce the overall size of a game. When players run a game, these assets containing data are transferred to system memory, where the processor decompresses and copies the data on the graphics processor, CPU Decompression—this decompression and transfer of data results in extended load times.

While DirectStorage 1.0 improved the data transfer aspect of the process, DirectStorage 1.1 moved the decompression of the assets directly to the GPU, eliminating the step where the CPU processes the data and then copies it to the GPU. This method of moving the decompression of the assets to the GPU is called GPU Decompression. 

DirectStorage 1.1 will improve the Windows gaming experience

Usually, graphics cards are more efficient in conducting repeated tasks and combined with the bandwidth of a high-speed NVMe drive, GPU Decompression on DirectStorage 1.1 reduces the time it takes to load an asset in the game, which improves overall playability. Microsoft showed that scenes can be loaded nearly three times faster with GPU Decompression than with CPU Decompression.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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Apples extended reality headset to enter mass production in early 2023: Report

If you’ve been following the Cupertino-based tech giant Apple, you must be aware of the purported AR/VR headset the company is developing. Although the product has been behind the curtains, several reports about the specifications and release timeline have been published. 

Apple’s mixed reality headset could launch in 2023

A report by DigiTimes claims that the headset will enter mass production in March 2023. It corroborates previous reports that suggested that the mixed reality headset won’t be ready for production until next year. In addition, the report also provides a decent idea about the pricing and release timeline of the product.

Per the report, Apple is currently crafting its first extended reality headset, codenamed N301. The headset will be exclusively assembled by Apple’s partner Pegatron. Since the product might enter mass production by March 2023, it could be in the final stages of development and come out later that year. Although, the pricing of the product could obstruct its way to the masses as it could cost around $2,000 to $2,500 USD, which roughly translates to over INR 2,00,000, equivalent to what Apple’s flagship MacBooks cost. 

The report adds that the extended reality headset targets commercial markets. Additionally, its shipment quantity is limited. While previous speculations suggested that the product shipment could reach 2.5 million units, new estimates “place the annual shipment at around 0.7 to 0.8 million units.”

The company is also working on an affordable headset

For those scratching their head over the extended reality headset’s price, Apple reportedly had another “consumer friendly” headset in the pipeline, slated for release in or around 2024. Nevertheless, enthusiasts and fans eagerly await what Apple has to offer. That is all the information the report contains. 

In our opinion, Apple’s AR/VR headset will set a benchmark for the industry to follow, including established players such as Meta. Although the company has been late in picking up trends, like always-on display or a high-resolution primary camera, its implementation is always a cut above the rest.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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Twitter Blue for 799 a month is live: How to sign up, availability and all the other details you need to know

After days of anticipation and criticism, the new Twitter Blue subscription is finally here. For now, the Musk-led platform has released the subscription for iOS devices, which include iPhones and iPads. As mentioned in previous reports, Twitter Blue costs $7.99 per month, which roughly translates to Rs. 650 a month. 

“Power to the people” - Twitter Blue is here

When you click the blue checkmark, you'll see the top prompt if the Twitter user has paid for the blue tick and if that's a legacy verified Twitter user, the bottom prompt shows up.

Twitter Blue is the first major product launched since the tech mogul took over the company. It includes features like a verified check mark, priority ranking and half as many ads as shown to non-paying users. Here is everything you need to know about the disputer Twitter Blue subscription, its availability and its features.

Ever since Musk acquired Twitter, he has been exploring ways to make money out of it. Initially, the erratic Twitter leader proposed to charge $20 a month for a blue tick verified account. However, that grabbed a lot of bad press and eventually, the company had to lower the price. 

Originally, Twitter Blue was supposed to come out earlier this week when it was reported that the iOS app update notes contained references to the new subscription. However, Twitter’s early product manager clarified that the platform was testing the feature in real-time.

Twitter Blue is available for users in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom. It is important to mention that the feature is not yet available for Android users.

Just upgraded to the new @TwitterBlue now my new $8 blue verification badge replaces my old blue verification badge, which looks identical pic.twitter.com/risqcGhC0v

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) November 9, 2022 How to sign up for Twitter Blue?

To sign up for Twitter Blue, users should log in to the Twitter account they wish to purchase a subscription, head to the profile menu and select Twitter Blue. After that, users will see payment-related prompts on their screen, completing which users can become Twitter Blue users. 

As mentioned on the official support page, once the service is active, it will be available anywhere the user uses the associated Twitter account, but “not all features may be available on all platforms at all times.” New Twitter accounts created on or after November 9, 2022, are not eligible for the service. The Blue subscription is not transferable between accounts and can only be linked to one Twitter account.  

Although the service is not available in all countries, once a user has purchased, Twitter Blue features are accessible anywhere the user goes. If someone wants to cancel their subscription, the cancellation should be made through the Twitter app – deactivating or uninstalling the app does not automatically cancel the subscription. 

Previous Twitter Blue subscribers will have to upgrade to the new service

Those subscribed to the service previously will need to upgrade to the higher price on iOS to receive a blue checkmark. However, existing subscribers on the web or Android app version do not have the option to upgrade to the new service. While writing this report, only the verified checkmark is available as the added feature, while other features are coming soon.

As the official support page mentions, the blue checkmark on Twitter can mean two things. First, the account was verified under the previous verification criteria (active, notable and authentic). Or the account has an active Twitter Blue subscription. Additionally, accounts that receive the verification mark after paying for Blue will not undergo any review. 

As highlighted in a previous report, it remains unclear whether previously verified users will lose their check mark if they don’t subscribe to the new service. Indian users might have to wait for some more time as the service is not live in the country yet. However, earlier this week, Musk himself said that Twitter Blue could be released in India this month. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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Intel NUC 13 Extreme Mini PC announced with 13th Gen Intel processors: Check out the details here

Intel has launched their new NUC 13 Extreme Kit and NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element. The NUC 13 features the unlocked 13th Gen Intel Core desktop processors and space for new triple-slot, 12-inch graphics cards for even more performance. Let’s check out the newly launched Mini PCs from Intel in detail! 

Intel NUC 13 Extreme: What’s New?

Intel’s NUC 13 Extreme is extremely customisable as it comes with multiple CPU options from the 13th Gen lineup. It supports max up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 desktop processor with eight performance cores and 16 efficient cores, 32 threads and up to 5.8 GHz max turbo frequency.

Along with that it also comes with support for up to 64GB dual-channel DDR5-5600 MHz RAM. There is even support for up to PCIe Gen5 x16 new triple-slot 12” graphics cards and three PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs. It gets the Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Intel Killer’s Wi-Fi 6E and up to two Thunderbolt 4 ports with six USB 3.2 rear ports.

Intel NUC 13 Extreme: Price and Availability

The Intel NUC 13 Extreme Kit will range from $1179 to $1549, and $760 to $1100 for the Intel NUC 13 Extreme Compute Element depending on the configuration of their Mini PC. 

The company has said that it will allow users to customize their memory, storage and operating system depending on their needs. They have also said that the Intel NUC 13 Extreme will be first available in China with a global release during the fourth quarter of 2022 and through early 2023. 

At the launch, Brian McCarson, Intel Vice President and General Manager of the Intel NUC Group said, “Our latest Intel NUC 13 Extreme sets a new bar for how to pack stellar gaming performance in a form factor that is 70% smaller than a typical 50L gaming tower. Along with the epic performance you expect from an Intel NUC product, we also deliver exceptional product quality and feature density in a completely modular and customizable design.”

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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God of War Ragnarok launched for PlayStation 4 and 5: Check out all the details here

The much-awaited PlayStation exclusive God of War Ragnarok, the sequel to 2018’s God of War has finally been launched in India. The game is available on the PlayStation 5 as well as the PlayStation 4. Let’s check out more details about this game! 

God of War Ragnarok: What’s all the hype about?

God of War Ragnarok has received some great reviews from critics. The game is already at a Metacritic score of 94 and gamers all around the globe who have started playing the game are already praising it and calling it a “worthy successor to the 2018 game.” 

As for the story, the game takes place right after 2018’s God of War and the story follows Kratos and Atreus through the Nine Realms of Norse mythology. Both the father-son duo will have to face several beasts and gods on their journey to seek out a means to prevent Ragnarok while attempting to uncover answers behind Atreus' identity as Loki. 

God of War Ragnarok in India

God of War Ragnarok marketing is finally in line with unit sale expectations in India. #ps5 #GodofWarRagnarok #india | A friend sent these with the following message: rumors are it stops at jotunhiem

pic.twitter.com/4ZR1Chr5YP

— 0xSkeptic (@RishiAlwani) October 25, 2022

God of War Ragnarok has gained a lot of attention in the past few months. Sony India planned a midnight launch for the game in multiple locations in the country and lots of gamers from around the country attended the launch from their respective cities.  

An informative thread from Rishi Alwani covers all the details of the midnight launch that happened in multiple cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and more! 

God of War Ragnarok: Pricing and Availability

The digital version of the game is available on PlayStation Store. While the physical discs can be ordered online from ShopAtSC, Games The Shop, and Amazon India. Customers who had pre-ordered the game will get access to Kratos Risen Snow Armour and Atreus Risen Snow Tunic.

As of now, God of War Ragnarok’s Launch Edition is only available in online stores. However, as confirmed by Rishi Alwani, the Collector's Edition and Jotnar Edition for the game is also available in a few offline stores. You’ll have to check your local stores in your city if case you’re willing to pick those editions of the game.

Nonetheless, the official pricing for all the editions of God of War Ragnarok has been mentioned below:

- God of War Ragnarok Launch Edition (PS4) - ₹3,999

- God of War Ragnarok Launch Edition (PS5) - ₹4,999

- God of War Ragnarok Collector's Edition (PS5) - ₹13,500

- God of War Ragnarok Jotnar Edition (PS5) - ₹16,999

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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Netflix has something new for the Stranger Things fan coming in 2023

Netflix's most beloved series Stranger Things, has gone on for four seasons, with the last season to launch in early 2023. The American series has a huge fan base, and Netflix announced that season 5 of the Duffer Brothers series would be the last. However, Netflix doesn't want the thrill to end for you; the company, with developer Tender Claws, will release a Stranger Things VR game on major VR platforms in the winter of 2023. The announcement was made on the gaming studio's official Twitter handle on Sunday, celebrating Stranger Things Day 2022. In addition, the streaming platform shared the teaser on its YouTube channel

Stranger Things has been streaming on Netflix since July 2016, and the series is about the fictional town of Hawkins in Indiana in the US. The story's background is that Hawkins's US Department of Energy research centre experiments with some supernatural and paranormal power. The institute kidnaps humans(kids) to run tests on them, and at the same time, a test creation called "Eleven" runs away from the laboratory.

The psychological horror-action game allows players to take on the mantle of season 4's antagonist Vecna. A brief teaser trailer gives a feel for the art style of the play but holds back on storyline details and specific gameplay experiences. The game will let you be the vicious villain Vecna and take revenge on Eleven and Hawkins by enacting the fearsome villain in the gameplay. A press release states, Play as Vecna in the new Stranger Things adventure in VR mode. Be an explorer of undiscovered realities when you tame the void from your hive mind. Invade the brains and besiege nightmares to take revenge on Eleven and Hawkins. 

Tender Claws is based in Los Angeles and is an award-winning art and games studio known for emerging media innovations and a strong storytelling foundation. According to its about me page, the developer has previously worked on the VR games Virtual Reality 1 and 2, along with the "mobile AR virtual pet Tender, and exciting theatrical adventures The Under Presents and Tempest." Meanwhile, Netflix has previously released multiple games around its flagship series, including Stranger Things: The VR Experience and the mobile and console game Stranger Things 3: The Game.

Meanwhile, Netflix concluded Stranger Things Day 2022 by unveiling the title of its upcoming episode of the Duffer Brother's Stranger Things Season 5 on its Twitter handle. The Stranger Things Season 5 premiere episode is titled "THE CRAWL," the company tweeted.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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