Sunday, June 9, 2019

Apple : Microsoft E3 2019 live blog: we're here and ready for the Xbox Two

Apple : Microsoft E3 2019 live blog: we're here and ready for the Xbox Two

Microsoft E3 2019 live blog: we're here and ready for the Xbox Two

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:20 PM PDT

We're live from the Microsoft Xbox E3 2019 conference at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. 

We'll be bringing you all the biggest Xbox news and announcements as they happen. So what are we expecting? The worst kept secret of the show is probably the unveiling of the next Xbox console (or consoles as the case may be). Microsoft has already been teasing Xbox Scarlett in its countdown videos for the show and there's been plenty of rumors to back up the theory that this conference will be focusing on hardware.

Additionally, we're expecting more on Microsoft's cloud-streaming service Project xCloud, a host of unannounced games - perhaps launch titles for the Xbox Two - and details on tiles such as Halo Infinite, Fable 4 and Gears 5.

So get ready to jump in, it's going to be one heck of a ride...

14:19 - Another rumor confirmed. George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware's Elden Ring World Premiere.

14:18 -  Yep, Borderlands 2 DLC confirmed: Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary.

14:17 - Borderlands 3 new trailer. Are we about to get confirmation of the Borderlands 2 rumored DLC?

14:15 - World Premiere of new Bandai Namco title: Tales of Arise. Coming 2020.

14:12 - Microsoft partnership with Smilegate which means World Premiere of Crossfire which comes out 2020. No one seems to know who they are but Phil says there's a global fan-base of 650 million. Show us the receipts, Phil. 

14:10 - Phantasy Star Online 2 is now coming to the Xbox One. First time in the west but the online title is big in Japan. It's free to play too. Spring 2020 for a release.

14:08 - State of Decay 2: Wasteland is up next, bringing two new stories to the title. It's available now and on Xbox Game Pass.

14:05 - I love a good Pop! Vinyl as much as the next geek but not particularly sold on this new Gears of War Pop! game. Pre-orders are open soon though.

14:03 - Forza Horizon 4 is getting... Lego DLC? Speed Champions expansion out on June 13, 2019. 

14:02 - Dying Light 2 cinematic trailer.

14:01 - Quick segment on the Xbox Elite Controller 2. Launches in 24 countries on November 4, 2019 for $179.99.

14:00 - If that wasn't enough, there is also Terminator character DLC available for Gears 5.

13:55 - Here come the pyrotechnics and another whole new cinematic trailer for Gears 5's Escape mode. Everything smells like burning in the theatre. We're regretting not being closer to afire exit.

13:53 - Gears 5 is releasing on September 10, 2019. You can play early with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There's a load of new and improved modes coming too. 

13:52 - New ominous new cinematic trailer for Gears 5. 

13:50 - Next is Way to the Woods. An adorable indie title that focuses on a child and parent deer. This is exactly the wholesome content we're here for. Well, in between the gratuitous violence obviously.

13:49 - 12 minutes, another lovely little indie gem. An interactive thriller apparently. Exciting.

13:48 - Dragonball action RPG: Kakarot. Due for release in early 2020.

13:46 - Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga World Premiere. All nine games in one to be released in 2020.

13:45 - Xbox Studios has acquired Double Fine Productions, developer of Brutal Legend and Psychonauts. Tim Schaefer is here with a brand new Psychonauts 2 trailer.

13:42 - Wasteland 3 next. Some more filler.

13:40 - Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Coming this fall.

13:37 - Flight Simulator coming to Xbox.

13:35 - Xbox Games Pass for PC launches open beta today. Halo: Master Chief collection included. Means we can finally play the Master Chief Collection on PC. Hazaa!!

13:32 - Xbox Game Pass now. From today it's getting Metro Exodus, Batman: Arkham Knight, Hollow Knight and Borderlands: Handsome Collection.

13:30 - Getting our filler of indie titles: Spiritfarer, Battletoads, The Legend of Wright and a load of others coming to Xbox Game Pass.

13:25 - Cyberpunk 2077 is officially releasing April 16, 2020. Pre-orders open now.

13:22 - Keanu reeves is coming to Cyberpunk 2077 and the theatre is going mental. He is definitely a perfect choice for this game.

13:20 - New Cyberpunk 2077 story trailer. The fact it's showing now could mean it's only coming to current generation consoles. Hopefully we're wrong.

13:17 - World Premiere of the Blair Witch. A whole heap of "nope". Releasing August 20, 2019.

13:13 - This will be the "largest showcase of games" at E3 2019. Xbox plan on showing 60 games in total, 14 games from Xbox Games Studios and 34 games on Xbox Games Pass. Spencer also confirmed we'll be hearing more on next-gen Xbox.

13:11 - Phil Spencer is here!

13:10 - Minecraft Dungeons next. Imagine an RPG, dungeon-crawling version of Minecraft with a four-player online and couch co-op mode. It's due out Spring, 2020.

13:08 - Ori and the Will of the Wisps next. New gameplay trailer and release date of February 11, 2020.

13:06 - New title from Ninja Theory is Bleeding Edge. Online melee, 4 v 4 title that looks like a combination of Rage 2 and Borderlands. It''s a neon bloodbath. Technical Alpha starts June 27, 2019.

13:05 - Ninja Theory up next. Let's see what the studio has been up to now its part of the Xbox family.  

13:01 - New trailer for The Outer Worlds. Shedding a bit more light on the game's narrative and gives us a look at gameplay. Also, a relase date - October 25, 2019.

13:00 - And we're off! Microsoft's Xbox E3 2019 conference is now underway.

12:55 - Announcement in the theatre has just confirmed the conference will start in five minutes. Prepare yourselves!

12:50 - We've just had a safety announcement so hopefully it's not long until things get underway. It should all be kicking off in just 10 minutes. Currently the Microsoft Theatre is comparable to a rave held by the Grinch - green lights everywhere, trance blaring and dancing influencers. If this is how Phil Spencer gets pumped up then who are we to judge?

12:45 - Rumor has is Microsoft are set to announce a whopping 14 games at today's conference. We're expecting a few of those to be launch titles for the next Xbox, alongside some games which have already been announced. But we're also hoping ol' Phil Spencer has some tricks up his sleeve and hits us with a few surprise announcements.

12:35 - The conference is literally about to start but leaks are still flooding in. According to a tweet by Twitter user Sabi, the next Xbox will have 120FPS, 8K support and backwards compatibility for all consoles. 

If that's the case, it will be an insanely powerful console and the PS5 will definitely have its work cut out trying to keep up. Check out the tweet below:

12:30 - We're live from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles and the atmosphere is buzzing. Every time the music changes, the crowd audibly gasps but - as far as we know - the conference is running a little behind. 

11:30 - Let the queuing commence!

  • E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor. 

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Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will collect all nine movies into one family-friendly game

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:19 PM PDT

Star Wars fans are already getting a big name game in the form of Star Wars Jedi: The Fallen Order. But, for anyone that wants to relive all the adventures from Episode I to Episode IX, there may be only one game to combine them all. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was just announced at E3 2019 during Microsoft's keynote presentation.

The new Lego Star Wars game will launch in 2020 after the ninth Star Wars movie concludes the nine-movie saga. It's coming to Xbox One and Windows PC, and it promises plainly to collect all nine films into one new game.

Naturally, the new game will include fan favorite characters from the franchise, with the trailer showing Darth Maul, Obi Wan, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Rey, and the beloved droids R2-D2 and BB-8. There will undoubtedly be many more characters playable in the game as well, if past games serve as an example.

Previous Lego Star Wars games have covered much of the Star Wars Saga to-date, with the original trilogy, prequel trilogy, and even some of the latest trilogy covered. But, the new game may offer more than just some new episodes sprinkled on top of a remaster of the older games.

It's been more than 15 years since the Lego Star Wars video game franchise popped up to offer gamers a lighthearted and family-friendly version of the Star Wars story to play in game form. 

While Star Wars Jedi: The Fallen Order is set to offer gamers a darker spin on the Star Wars universe, especially with a hero that acts a lot like a Sith, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will be a game anyone can play, and is sure to feature the same goofy Lego combat and unique puzzle solving that has featured in the franchise so far.

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Keanu Reeves will channel his inner 'Neo' for Cyberpunk 2077

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:14 PM PDT

During Microsoft's E3 2019 keynote address, none other than "The Matrix" star Keanu Reeves took the stage to reveal his role in the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 by The Witcher developer CD Projekt Red.

The surprising news came via an incredible extended trailer for the game, which included a release date – finally – of April 16, 2020. Naturally, the game will launch on Xbox consoles in addition to PlayStation consoles and PC. However, it's unknown whether any new consoles will be available by that time for this game's release.

It's currently unknown what Reeves's role will be in the video game specifically, but his likeness has been achieved digitally to astounding detail. It appears that his unnamed character will lend a helping hand the the game's protagonist, known as 'Samurai'. It does not appear as if Reeves's character will be playable in the game.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves's character in Cyberpunk 2077. (Image Credit: Microsoft)

This will be Reeves's first appearance in a video game since his likeness was achieved – to far less detail – in games based on "The Matrix" films way back for the PlayStation 2. Frankly, it's a setting that appears to be right at home for Reeves, sunglasses and all.

Cyberpunk 2077 is promised to be CD Projekt Red's most ambitious game to date, an open-world, action shooter role-playing game with heavy cinematic elements and a focus on player choices that have a deep impact on the story as it progresses. We'll be sure to dig for more information once we hit the E3 2019 show floor in the coming days.

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.

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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 coming November 4

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:14 PM PDT

Microsoft gave us our first glimpse of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 at its E3 2019 presentation.

According Microsoft's Larry Hryb, the controller has been complete re-engineered for the ultimate performance. It will also be highly customisable, allowing you to tweak how it feels and behaves to suit your preferences, and will launch in 24 countries on November 4, 2019.

As with the previous Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 won't be cheap – with a price tag of $179.99 (around £140, AU$250).

Xbox Two controller?

With Microsoft expected to reveal the Xbox Two at E3 2019, could the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 be the default controller for the new console, as well as an optional controller for the Xbox One?

Hopefully we won't have long to wait, but in the meantime check out the trailer below (yes, controllers now have trailers):


E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor. 

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Gears 5: release date, news and trailers

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:11 PM PDT

Microsoft's exclusive Gears of War series is one of the most popular to hit Xbox, with the Lancer and its chainsaw bayonet as recognizable as Halo’s iconic Warthog. And at the Microsoft E3 2019 keynote, the company announced Gears 5 is coming out September 10, 2019.

Called Gears 5 rather than Gears 'of War' 5 the latest game in the series will have a female protagonist, Kait. Marcus Phoenix will still appear, but Kait will take the starring role as she leads her team on a personal mission continuing from the emotional ending of Gears of War 4. 

Microsoft shared more details about Gears 5 during it's E3 2019 conference: a new 3-player online and local co-op mode 'Escape,' a special character pack featuring Terminator skins in a crossover with the upcoming 'Terminator: Dark Fate' film, and a new teaser.

Another fun addition: Gears 5 will get a Map Editor, a first for the series, per an Xbox official tweet. And if you sign up for the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can play the game four days early on September 6. 

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The fifth game in the main Gears of War series, potentially acting as the middle chapter in a second trilogy 
  • When’s it out? September 10, 2019
  • What can I play it on? Xbox One, and PC (maybe. See below for more details) 

Gears 5 trailers

At E3 2019, Microsoft gave more details about Gears 5, including the new 3-player co-op mode Escape. Here's the trailer, showing off the three new characters who will fight to get out of a Locust-infested area.

Microsoft and The Coalition studio head Rod Ferguson confirmed Gears of War 5 during the Xbox Keynote at E3 2018. To go alongside the announcement we got a new trailer starring Kait Diaz, Marcus Fenix and the rest of the Gears crew. Locusts will again play a major role in the series when the game comes out later this year.

You can check out the Gears 5 announcement trailer below:

Gears 5 release date

Now that Gears 5 has been announced, we know that it'll be coming some time in 2019. There's nothing more specific than that just yet but we expect Microsoft will reveal an official release date at E3 2019.

Gears 5 news and features

Gears 5


E3 2019

We're expecting Microsoft to reveal Gears 5's release date and further details during the Xbox conference at E3 2019.

XO18 show

During the XO18 show in November, 2018,  The Coalition studio head Rod Ferguson promised "a bunch of innovations, a bunch of changes, a bunch of things that are really exciting and different but still feel like Gears of War" (via GamesRadar).

Cult of personality

During the XO18 show in November, 2018, The Coalition studio head Rod Ferguson
explained the studio wants to prove it can still provide "an authentic Gears of War experience" and that Gears 5 will be about "bringing The Coalition’s personality to the game" (via GamesRadar).

Gears 5

E3 2018

Gears of War 5 was confirmed during E3 2018, and will be called Gears 5 to be released in 2019. Following on from the ending of Gears of War 4, this game will follow Kait as the star of a new trilogy. Breaking her chain of command, the game will follow Kait as she breaks the chain of command and takes her squad on a decidedly personal mission. 

PC Gaming

Microsoft has been pushing its PC Play Anywhere program, that sees you able to take your Xbox games and play them on Windows PCs. Gears of War 4 made use of it way back in 2016, so there’s no reason why Microsoft would drop the service for a sequel. (Which is a nice change, considering Gears of War 2 and 3 never saw releases on PC.)

Gears 5

What we want to see from Gears 5

Unanswered questions

Gears of War 4 ended with JD and Kait fighting their way through the Swarm to try and save Reyna, Kait’s mother, only to find it was too late. Reyna wasn’t dead but the Swarm were trying to integrate her into their hive and removing her would kill her. But, at Reyna’s request, JD and Kait tear her away from the Swarm. 

Before she does, Reyna teases a great mystery: she gives Kait a necklace that she says she was given by her own mother, Kait’s grandmother. The symbol is one Gears fans will recognize looks remarkably similar to one worn by Queen Myrrah of the Locust, your nemesis in original trilogy. A Gears sequel would have to explore this further – are Reyna and Kait descendants of the Locust? 

Gears 5

There are hints that Adam Fenix, Marcus’ father, JD’s grandfather was close to Myrrah before the wars, so there’s a chance that Locusts and humans coupled but it would be new territory for a Gears of War game to explore.

Wish List

Besides continuing the campaign story, we’d like to see more of the changed world we were introduced to in Gears of War 4. Taking place 25 years after the original trilogy, the sequel is set in a world where humans were forced to abandon fossil fuels and collect together in small martial law-governed encampments and violent windstorms sweep the land, tearing up anything left unprotected. 

Gears of War 5 should explore that further, showing us how desperate humans are trying to fight off the Swarm on a planet that is trying to kill them.

Gears 5

The Coalition worked to make Gears of War 4’s battlefields more dynamic places, giving you the ability to pull enemies out of cover and leap forward with short range charges. A sequel should continue this, giving players greater freedom of movement and ways to break stalemates between human and Swarm forces.

The original Gears of War cemented the cover shooter as a subgenre, now its sequels have to rattle its foundations by taking away the safety of sitting behind a low wall.

(Image credits: The Coalition/Microsoft)

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E3 2019: schedule, press conferences, games list, and leaks

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 02:08 PM PDT

Breaking news at E3 2019 has new games being announced at the Microsoft E3 press conference today, and we also have a new pro controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Of course, we're waiting for the Xbox Two announcement. 

We're reporting live at E3 2019 in Los Angeles, which actually began yesterday with official news about new EA games, plus we've also seen some high-profile E3 leaks in the last 24 hours. Our reporting work doesn't stop until Friday – if we're lucky.

If you're looking for E3 2019 trailers, we're serving them up as soon as the videos premier on stage and make their way to YouTube.

There's a lot more E3 news to come, and we're updating this page in real-time with a full digest of what the Electronic Entertainment Expo offers. Our E3 2019 games list is growing, as the press conference schedule drags on.

In the last two weeks, we've heard rumors about a dozen games with one game - Watch Dogs 3: Legion - getting leaked to the public. And in the last day, we've heard word of a game from George R.R. Martin and From Software.

While leaks have spoiled some of the big E3 surprises, we'll still see plenty of new titles this weekend: There's rumors of a new Fable, the first details of Square Enix's ambitious Avengers game and, if we're lucky, we'll get our first look at Microsoft's next-gen console. By the time the Nintendo Direct hits on Tuesday morning, we could be up to our eyes in new games coming later this year.  

That's because, no matter how it changes over the years, E3 is still the biggest event in gaming. Whether it’s held at a hotel, a convention center or somewhere out in Hollywood, it is the definitive industry event of the year, where gamers from around the world get together to see what comes next for consoles, handhelds, PCs, mobile phones and everything in between.

E3 stands for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, and while that hasn't changed from year to year, the press conference has gotten shuffled. So we'll explain it quickly.

The official E3 2019 dates are Tuesday, June 11 to Thursday, June 13. However, that's just for the portion of the show held inside the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In reality, the first big event of E3 2019 was EA Play, which kicked-off off on Saturday, June 8 at the Hollywood Palladium. It wasn't a short-and-sweet E3 keynote, but a full day of deep dive trailers into EA's biggest titles.

Between EA Play on Saturday and the opening of the show floor on Tuesday morning you can also expect a press event for Microsoft today, Sunday, in theafternoon with Bethesda, Square Enix, Ubisoft and Nintendo's keynotes sandwiched in between. The PC Gaming Show, Ubisoft and Square-Enix all have E3 press conferences on Monday. 

FIFA 19 (Image Credit: EA)

Keynote time: It's over, but we have the EA Play re-cap. It started on Saturday, June 8 at 9:15am PT for fans with tickets at the Hollywood Palladium.

EA had an early lead going into 2019 with its plans already detailed on its official site. So more than breaking news, this E3 press conference has been about going deep into the gameplay of each title.

Here's the news from during the EA Play press conference:

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was the highlight from Respawn Entertainment looking a bit like Uncharted with a lightsaber and The Force powers (that's not a bad thing). There was no Titanfall 3, from the developer, but we did see Apex Legends Season 2: Battle Cry get a start date of July 2.

EA Sports gave us deep looks into both FIFA 20 and Madden 20, while Battlefield 5 Chapter 4 and The Sims 4: Island Living expanded their respective (and very different universes).

We didn't get many surprises – at least not from EA's official E3 press conference. It could still wow us with BioWare's Dragon Age 4 (it debuted a teaser trailer at last year’s The Game Awards and we're primed for an E3 2019 trailer follow-up). Likewise, we didn't see anything from PopCap (famous for Plants vs Zombies) and Ghost Games, the new stakeholders of the Need for Speed franchise. Not yet at least.

Halo Infinite (Image Credit: 343 Industries)

Keynote time: Happening now – Sunday, June 9 at 1 pm PST, 4 pm EST and 9 pm BST 

Our Microsoft E3 2019 liveblog of the press conference is ongoing, and we can get you up to speed. Microsoft is the only one of the big three console makers that’s definitely going to E3 2019 in full capacity – meaning they have a press conference and a booth presence at E3. 

That gives Microsoft a bit of an advantage if it decides to debut its next-gen Xbox codenamed Project Scarlett (it hasn't happened just yet), and it might be the reason why Sony is avoiding the show altogether.

The big news highlight so far was Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077 from CD Projekt Red, and he even graced Microsoft's E3 2019 stage along with the release date: April 16, 2020. It's also due to come to the PC and PS4 then, too.

Less likely, Microsoft could have demos of the HoloLens 2 in a similar setup to a few years ago when it paired the hardware with a demo of Halo 5: Guardians, but that’s on the far fringes of what’s likely to happen.

In terms of games, we’re predicting that Microsoft’s first-party studios should be there in full force with new footage of Gears 5, Halo Infinite and, as always, a new Forza title.

Last year Microsoft announced the acquisition of several new studios including The Initiative, Undead Labs, Playground Games, Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, so hopefully we’ll start to see some of the projects these companies have been working on.

Elder Scrolls VI (Image Credit: Bethesda)

Keynote time: Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 5:30pm PT

Regardless of Sony's plans, we now know that Bethesda will be holding a showcase event at E3 2019, close in time to last year's event. To that end, you can expect to hear more about the developer/publisher's titles starting on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 5:30pm PT.

So what can we expect to see? It’s almost a given that we’ll hear updates for legacy titles like The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76, two of the developer’s largest MMOs to date, as well as the previously  Doom Eternal from partner iD Software. 

In between bombshell announcements, we’re also likely to hear more about Bethesda’s free-to-play and mobile offerings like Elder Scrolls Blades, which is due out later this year, and The Elder Scrolls: Legends, a free-to-play card game that’s in the same vein as Hearthstone.

Unfortunately, those of us expecting to see new trailers for the next hotly anticipated entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise, Elder Scrolls VI, and Bethesda's ambitious sci-fi project, Starfield, are going to be disappointed. Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard told a roomful of attendees at PAX East that it's still too early to talk about the games and asked everyone to "please be patient".

Interested in attending in-person? Bethesda is giving out tickets via an online contest that will give out two tickets to you and a friend!

Final Fantasy VII (Image Credit: Square Enix)

Keynote time: Monday, June 10, at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET 

After the long-awaited release of Kingdom Hearts 3 in early January, Square Enix has been fairly quiet. But that looks like that's going to change at E3.

Thanks to a tweet posted to the Marvel's Avengers twitter in late May, we know we're going to see Crystal Dynamic's game at the show, as well as Final Fantasy VII Remake which recently had a key spot during Sony's last State of Play event.

We also know that Square Enix is currently working on Dragon Quest Builders 2 on Nintendo Switch, as it was announced during a Nintendo Direct earlier this year, as well as Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition.

Outside of those games, it’s likely we’ll hear more about the next episode in Life is Strange 2, as well as DLC for Kingdom Hearts III. Square Enix might also use the time during its press event to talk about Just Cause 4 and Oninaki. 

‘But is it too early to hear something about Final Fantasy 16?’ Yes. Yes, it is.  

Keynote time: N/A

Sorry guys, unfortunately Sony is skipping the E3 festivities this year and has said that it will instead find another venue to showcase the games and hardware coming down the pipeline.  That said, we won't rule out another State of Play event, like the one Sony held back in March.

If that doesn't happen, well, we’ll just have to wait to hear more about The Last of Us Part II, Death Stranding and Ghost of Tsushima.

Beyond Good & Evil 2 (Image Credit: Ubisoft)

Keynote time: Monday, June 10, 2019 at 1pm PT (4pm ET, 9pm UK) 

Ubisoft will definitely be back at this year's E3. The developer-slash-publishing house has a lot on its plate for early 2019 including Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 as well as Trials Rising, both of which came out in the February-March window, but hasn't said what's coming later this year.

The game we know the most about from Ubisoft that would likely be at this year’s show is Skull and Bones, the ship-focused combat game that looks to carry the torch from Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Ubisoft has yet to give us a solid release date for the game, but it’s likely that’s the sort of thing it’s saving for an E3 2019 keynote. 

It’s also likely we’ll hear more about Beyond Good and Evil 2 and potentially get our first look at the gameplay at Ubisoft’s keynote... but that could just be wishful thinking on our part.

Beyond those two games, we’ve heard rumors that Ubisoft will announce three to four new AAA titles in between March 2019 and March 2020, but we can only speculate what’s to come. The only franchise that’s definitely not going to be there is a mainline Assassin’s Creed game as Ubisoft has said that it will be skipping a release in 2019. 

PC Gaming Show (Image Credit: PC Gamer)

Keynote time:  Monday, June 10, 2019 at 10am PT (1pm ET, 5pm UK)  

If you’re a PC gamer, you won’t want to miss the PC Gaming Show, which will make its fifth consecutive return to the convention. 

We’re not sure what to expect from the two-hour event, but if it’s anything like previous years it will feature a number of indie games that wouldn’t usually get time up on the big stage alongside hardware announcements.

For folks at home, the event will be available to stream on twitch.tv/pcgamer, or on Facebook or YouTube or, if you're in town, it's open to the public with an RSVP at The Mayan Theater.  

At last year’s event we got the chance to see a number of new indie games like Neo Cab and Maneater, as well as some heavy-hitting titles like Stormlands from Insomniac and Warframe: The Sacrifice from Digital Extremes. We’re expecting some similar big announcements from this year’s show.  

The gaming world might be gearing up for a possible reveal of the next-gen PS5 and Xbox Two at E3 2019, but there's a lot in store for desktop gamers, too. 

Animal Crossing (Image Credit: Nintendo)

Keynote time: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 9am PT (12pm ET)

While Sony won’t be at this year’s event, Nintendo most certainly will - first digitally in a Nintendo Direct that usually airs Tuesday morning and then physically when its massive booth takes over West Hall. 

In terms of what games Nintendo is going to bring with it this year, the company says we’ll hear more about Pokemon Sword and Shield, as that’s due out by the end of 2019, plus the Link’s Awakening Remake and Mario Maker 2.

We're hoping we'll also hear more about Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch, which was announced in 2018 and given a 2019 launch window, but there's no guarantee from Nintendo that we'll catch Tom Nook at this year's show. 

Beyond those core games, we know Nintendo is developing Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Fire Emblem Three Houses, the latter of which should be available in August unless it’s delayed. Nintendo could also use the time to show off its next Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC character pack. 

Either way, we'll find out more on June 11 at 9am PT.

Keynote time: Confirmed, but TBD

Last but certainly not least, we couldn’t leave out Devolver Digital, who has confirmed via Twitter that it would be posting another off-the-wall pre-recorded keynote which may or may not involve fictional CEO Nina Struthers. 

Expect it to be just as weird as year’s. 

Keynote time: Technically not a keynote, but the first Stadia Connect aired on June 6 at 9 am PDT

While it's not technically part of E3 as it doesn't have a partnership with the ESA, Google has shown that it wants to be part of the big show by leading the week's events with a Google Stadia announcement.

In a 25-minute presentation held on June 6, Google Stadia boss (and former Microsoft VP) Phil Harrison gave us our first tangible details about the new streaming service coming later this year. The TL;DW? Stadia will cost $9.99 per month and will allow you unlimited game-streaming in 4K HDR at 60fps. You can play on your TV with a Chromecast Ultra, or your laptop or desktop in a Chrome browser. You'll also be able to game on your smartphone... as long as you own a Google Pixel device. 

Want to know more about Google's ambitious venture into videogames? We've got all the details in our complete Google Stadia guide.

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Cyberpunk 2077: release date, trailer and news

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:57 PM PDT

Update: The new Cyberpunk 2077 trailer at E3 2019 starred Keanu Reeves, believe it or not, and he announced the official release date: April 16, 2020.

That's a bit later than we were hoping for this hyped-up Xbox One game (that's also coming to the PC and PS4), but its vast open-world setting, dizzying neon colors, and branching storylines all make it sound extremely promising.

We see a bit more of the metropolis of the future in this extended trailer, where body modification has become an obsession, and you're an outlaw in the sleazy underbelly of the city.

You're not playing as the Reeves character, as far as we can tell, but he seems to be integral, someone who helps you along the way, saying "We have a city to burn" at the very end of the E3 2019 trailer. 

"Walking in the streets of the future is going to be breathing," Reeves, and it was enough for "The Matrix" star to get onboard with developer CD Projekt Red.

Previous reporting...

Cyberpunk 2077 is a neon cyberpunk game that has The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red moving from a gritty, high fantasy world to an equally gritty, science fiction world metropolis. It's based off the pen-and-paper RPG of the same name, but plays a hell of a lot like The Matrix game we've always wanted.

We caught our first peek at the game behind closed doors at E3 2018 – you can check out what we saw in the 48-minute walkthrough video below – and all signs point to another big showing at the expo this June.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that looks vastly different from its developer's The Witcher series, with towering neon skyscrapers, bionic enhancements and a focus on vertical movement rather than wide open plains. It's also all in first-person.

CD Projekt Red has big plans for Cyberpunk 2077 at E3 2019 and we can't wait to see what the developer is cooking up for gaming's biggest trade show.

The internet is crawling with news and rumors about this PC, Xbox One and PS4-bound game, so we’ve collected everything that's been said about Cyberpunk 2077 here for your convenience and we'll be constantly updating this page as more details emerge.

Cut to the Chase

  • What is Cyberpunk 2077? A brand new IP from CD Projekt Red starring Keanu Reeves 
  • What's the Cyberpunk 2077 release date? April 16, 2020
  • What systems will Cyberpunk 2077 be released on? PS4, Xbox One and PC (almost certainly 4K consoles too)

Cyberpunk 2077 trailers

After a veritable truckload of hype, CD Projekt Red released 48 minutes of gameplay footage, based on the demo journalists saw at E3 2018. 

In it, you'll see what gunplay looks like, character creation and backstory assignment, plus how you'll upgrade yourself via cybernetic enhancements. You'll meet some of the characters in Cyberpunk's seedy crime circuit and explore the city on foot and in vehicles. (Quick warning: the trailer contains nudity, violence and swearing.)

Check it out below:

We were treated to a brand new Cyberpunk 2077 trailer during E3 2018 which you can watch below:

In March 2019, we got yet another video, this time of the development team gearing up for the E3 2019 showcase event. Those hoping for a 2019 release may want to start to brace themselves however – though the game remains without a release date, the suggestion of the video below is that development is still in full swing, and a release date may be some time away yet:

Cyberpunk 2077 release date: April 16, 2020

In the game’s first official teaser trailer, it’s stated that the game will be coming “when it’s ready,” but now we have an official release date: April 16, 2020, care of the E3 2019 trailer.

This is despite an investor call in early 2016 that suggested that Cyberpunk 2077 would be released before June 2019. It was also said in this call that CD Projekt Red is planning to release two new triple A RPGs before 2021. 

It was later clarified in forums that Cyberpunk 2077 would be the first of these games to arrive and work on the second would not start before Cyberpunk 2077 was finished. 

Cyberpunk 2077


Considering The Witcher 3 took around three and a half years to develop, a 2019 release didn't seem unmanageable for the studio. But the scale of the development, as well as rumors of the game being a cross-gen Xbox Two and PS5 title, it makes sense that the game has taken longer than initially anticipated.

While CD Projekt Red has revealed new gameplay at E3 2019, it also confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will not actually be playable at E3. 

Cyberpunk 2077 news and features

New Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay will be shown at E3 2019, but it won't be playable

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 won't be playable at E3 but we will get to see new gameplay footage. 

 he news was confirmed by CD Projekt Red's global community lead, Marcin Momot, on Twitter, who revealed that the developer will be hosting gameplay presentations both behind closed doors and open to the public at E3 2019 (via Gamespot). 

Check out the tweet below: 

In a follow-up tweet, Momot revealed that these two presentations will be "different showings", but wouldn't go into details of exactly how the two will differ or what will be shown. 

Cyberpunk 2077

E3 2019 could bring a release date announcement

Now, any rumor in the run up to E3 should be taken with a pinch of salt but those looking forward to CD Projekt Red's next offering will be excited about this one. A user on NeoGAF (via PCGamesN) has posted a thread in which they list a number of things likely and unlikely to happen at this year's show. Something they believe is coming is a release date announcement for Cyberpunk 2077.

While it definitely doesn't seem outside of the realms of possibility that the release date will be announced at this year's show as we know that the game will be there and we've now seen a significant amount of gameplay, nothing is certain and this remains nothing more than conjecture. Fortunately, E3 2019 is closer than ever and we don't have long to wait. 

Vampire Bloodlines and Deus Ex were inspirations for the game

Given it’s based on a tabletop roleplaying game and Cyberpunk is already a massive sub-genre in science fiction, we knew Cyberpunk 2077 hadn’t been totally pulled from the ether without any kind of influence. But we’re always interested to find out about some of the more subtle influences on the game and the way it plays, some of which Quest Director Mateusz Tomaskiewicz has revealed in a recent interview with gaming publication AreaJugones.

Tomaskiewicz said that games such as Deus Ex, Vampire Bloodlines and Elder Scrolls had influenced him in his work on Cyberpunk 2077's quests. He cites the original Deus Ex as a particular influence and praises the ways in which it gives players the freedom to complete missions in multiple ways. This suggests we can expect a great deal of freedom and complexity and non-linearity in Cyberpunk 2077’s missions as well as in the protagonist you'll be using to cause havoc in the game world which is something quite different from the tight gameplay-loop found in The Witcher. 

CD Projekt Red is working on two AAA titles – both to be released by 2021

CD Projekt Red has confirmed it still plans to release two AAA titles by 2021. While we know one of these titles will definitely be Cyberpunk 2077, we're still in the dark about what the second title could be.

This release window was reaffirmed on the official CD Projekt Red forums, with moderator Donata Popławska confirming the studio is sticking to its original roadmap.

"As far as the strategy of the CD Projekt Capital Group for 2016-2021 is concerned, its plans to release the second AAA game by 2021 remain unchanged," the moderator wrote (translated via Resetera user Antiax). 

However, Popławska did not expand on what the second AAA title to be released in this time frame could be.

"We are currently focusing on the production and promotion of Cyberpunk, so we do not want to comment on further projects," they continued.

Cyberpunk 2077 will be at E3 2019

According to a tweet from the official Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account, CD Projekt Red will be at E3 2019. So hopefully that means we will be seeing more gameplay footage from Cyberpunk 2077.

Lady Gaga could be making an appearance?

According to french site ActuGaming, Lady Gaga and CD Projekt Red are collaborating for Cyberpunk 2077 and the artist has already visited the Polish studio to take part in motion-capture – suggesting she will have a character role in the game itself.

In addition ActuGaming claims the collaboration will be officially announced at E3 2019, with Gaga rumored to be making an appearance at the gaming convention.

Last year Gaga tweeted a strange mix of letters and numbers, which the official Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account replied to with "Of course! Of course we will!", suggesting the A Star is Born actress would be involved with the game in some way or another.

E3 2018 confirmed features

We got to spend some time watching a demo of Cyberpunk 2077 during E3 and we learned some interesting things about the game. 

It's a first person RPG set in a huge open world known as Night City – a metropolis split into six districts, each offering a different environment to explore. During the demo we only saw a small part of one of them. 

Players can create their own character called V and embark on their journey to crawl up from the criminal underbelly. This is a dark game and though The Witcher series is mature, this takes it to a new level. 

As you'd expect, the game lets you augment your body using various bits of tech – illegal or otherwise – and you can use drugs to enhance your combat, or a kind of digital brain-hack called 'Braindance'. We know weapons are wide ranging and seriously creative, with smart guns and bullets as well as terrifying Mantis Blades for melee.

There are no loading screens in Cyberpunk 2077 and the story and side quests are branching and numerous, and your choices genuinely impact the outcome. You can read more about how impressed were were by what we saw.

E3 2018 secret message

CD Projekt RED used the Xbox Showcase to show its latest trailer for Cyberpunk 2077. But it's more than just a trailer. Spotted by Polygon, there's a moment in the trailer with hidden text with more information on the game which is revealed when you enhance the image.

In the message CD Projekt first apologises for "staying silent longer than we planned" but following the release of The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine the developer wanted to wait until it had "something meaningful and substantial" to show.

It goes on to say that the vision for Cyberpunk is "an alternative version of the future where America is in pieces, megacorporations control all aspects of civilized life, and gangs rule the rest." This game will, CD Projekt says, be a "true single player, story-driven RPG" where you'll be able to create your own character.

At the moment the developer isn't ready to confirm any kind of release date and asks for more patience. It also says it has "no bloody clue" about how big the game is but does say it's "seriously big."

Cyberpunk 2077

It could be on the next generation of consoles

CD Projekt Red has hinted that Cyberpunk 2077 could be developed for both current and next gen titles. GamingBolt has reported that during a presentation at the Pareto Securities Gaming Seminar 2018 event, the studio's CFO Piotr Nielubowicz and CEO Adam Kiciński mentioned Cyberpunk 2077 hinted that it may be being developed for future hardware. The slide in question stated the team was developing the title for “current and next-generation technology”.

Given the game's current timeline, it's possible it could be a dual launch title on current and next-gen systems: PS4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Two alike.

It will be on Steam

Good news Steam fans: Cyberpunk 2077 will definitely be coming to the platform. At the Pareto Securities Gaming Seminar (via PCGamesN) the studio’s CEO Adam Kiciński gave a presentation in which he confirmed that the game would not be exclusive to GOG. There's been a lot of furore over the Metro Exodus being 'removed' from Steam and onto the Epic Games Store, but it looks like CD Projekt Red is steering clear of that minefield.

It’s going to be bigger than The Witcher 3

It would have been a pretty safe guess to say that Cyberpunk 2077 is going to be a big game, but in an interview with MCV in 2015 visual effects artist Jose Teixeira said it’s going to be “far, far bigger” than anything the studio has ever done. 

In fact, he said that The Witcher 3 was being treated as a learning experience and that they could do better. To do better, the studio has doubled in size with studio head Adam Badowski saying that after The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077 needs to be “even better, even bigger, even more revolutionary” than what had originally been planned. 

Cyberpunk 2077

You’ll be travelling on more advanced tech than boats and horses

So, we know the game map is going to be intimidatingly big. How will we get around it, then? Well fortunately, moving out of the high fantasy realm gives CD Projekt Red a little more freedom when it comes to creating vehicles.

Don’t expect horses and basic boats here – a job listing for a Senior Vehicle Artist for the studio said they’d be expected to work on “incredibly complex vehicles, planes, bikes, robots and mechanics.“

There may be multiplayer

It was confirmed years ago that the game would have multiplayer elements but what exactly they’ll be is unclear. It was said, though, that the game would mainly focus on single player. 

The company president said in March 2018 that these elements are not on the table right now, so it's possible that they'll be introduced after the game's release in a sort of online world like GTA Online. 

There will be online

As well as multiplayer, CD Projekt's CEO has confirmed that there will also be online elements to the game. In an interview with Polish tech site Strefa Inwestorow Kiciński stated that “Online is necessary, or very recommended if you wish to achieve a long-term success. At some point, we have mentioned that there will be a certain online element related to Cyberpunk.”

Whether or not the online elements will feed into the multiplayer is unclear.

But there won't be microtransactions

The studio also tweeted to quell fears over microtransactions in online components, stating that Cyberpunk 2077 will be "nothing less than" the Witcher 3, adding that players will "get what [they] pay for" with "no hidden catch."

It appears that while many studios are feeling the need to move to a service model to ensure their titles make money, CD Projekt is staying committed to the story-driven single player experience with Cyberpunk 2077, one which served them very well with The Witcher. 

Cyberpunk 2077

Things we'd like to see

Combat inspired by the original tabletop RPG

We know that the designer of the tabletop RPG Cybperunk on which Cyberpunk 2077 is based is heavily involved in the creation of the game. We hope his involvement extends to the game's combat because the combat system he created in his own game was fairly revolutionary for the tabletop genre.

Rather than involving drawn out and long turns, it was fast, brutal, gritty and overall perfectly suited to the spirit of Cyberpunk.

A big part of Cyberpunk combat involves upgrading your body with new abilities and robotics which would be perfectly in line with a video game character development system like those created by CD Projekt Red. 

In Pondsmith's game bodily enhancement has to be carefully considered –
it's a balancing act where every benefit has a drawback. When a player makes robotic additions to themselves they reduce their humanity and empathy leading to an uncontrollable state of cyberpsychosis. This has the potential to be a really interesting system if it's adapted for the game and could be used in a similar manner to excessive consumption of combat-enhancing potions in The Witcher. 

Keep checking back here for all the latest Cyberpunk 2077 news 

(Image credits: CD Projekt Red)

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Xbox Game Pass for PC is now available as a beta

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:45 PM PDT

Update: At E3 2019, Microsoft announced that the Xbox Game Pass for PC - its subscription gaming service - is available to try right now as a beta, with the full release coming later this year. Players can access the Xbox Game Pass through the new Xbox app in Windows 10, and it will cost $5/£4 (around AU$8) a month.

Original story continues...

Phil Spencer, executive vice-president of Gaming at Microsoft has admitted that the company has let down PC gamers in the past – and has explained how it's working to right those wrongs.

According to Spencer, “We’ve not always lived up to our aspiration of keeping gamers at the center of everything we do when it comes to the experience they’ve had on Windows.” 

To rectify that, Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Game Pass subscription service to PC – and it's revealed that it has built the service from the ground up for PC gamers.

Xbox Game Pass for PC will bring over 100 games to Windows 10, which players can download and play for a flat monthly subscription.

Microsoft says it's working with some of the biggest developers on PC – including Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive and Sega – to bring their games to the service.

As with Xbox Game Pass on Xbox One, Microsoft’s own games will be available on the service on the same day they're released – and Xbox Game Pass for PC members will also receive discounts in the Microsoft Store on Windows of up to 20% on games currently in the library, and up to 10% off related game DLC and add-ons.

Committed to PC

Microsoft also highlighted its commitment to PC gaming – something it’s sometimes accused of neglecting despite being the company behind Windows 10 – by announcing that it will be bringing more than 20 Xbox Game Studio games to Steam, including Gears 5 and Age of Empires I, II & III: Definitive Editions.

Spencer added: “We know millions of PC gamers trust Steam as a great source to buy PC games and we’ve heard the feedback that PC gamers would like choice.”

It’s certainly a welcome move to see Microsoft back off from trying to force people to buy their games from the Microsoft Store.

Spencer also revealed that Win32 games will be available in the Microsoft Store in Windows 10. Win32 games are regular PC games – as opposed to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games, which were previously the only games sold in the Microsoft Store.

"It's critical that we make decisions that reinforce the open nature of the PC."

Phil Spencer

Many gamers don’t like UWP games because they're locked down, meaning players can't tweak the games and install mods – something many PC gamers are passionate about.

By allowing Win32 games on the Microsoft Store, gamers don’t have to give up the freedom and flexibility that are so important to playing on PC.

As Spencer says: “When I think about the role we play as a company to support and evolve gaming on Windows, it’s critical that we make decisions that reinforce the open nature of the PC.”

So, it seems like Microsoft has listened to the concerns of the PC gaming community. We’ll find out more about its plans for PC gaming at the Xbox E3 2019 Briefing on Sunday, June 9.

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.


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Blair Witch is back at E3 as a videogame - and it actually looks good

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:43 PM PDT

After showing off a bit of Star Wars Jedi: The Fallen Order at E3 2019, Microsoft took a turn to the horror department with the introduction of a new game made in the Blair Witch universe.

The game trailer presented horror style of Alan Wake or Condemned, using a lot of darkness and the aid of a flashlight to see both where you're going and where threats are.

The plot seems to follow a man aiding authorities in the search for a missing  9-year-old boy named Peter Shannon. The protagonist wanders into the Black Hills forest with his dog named Bullet. And, naturally, the horrors of the Blair Witch catch up to him.

Little else is revealed about the game. The protagonist has a flashlight and camcorder handy, but the trailer showed no means of defense other than running away a la Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

The game appears to be highly atmostpheric, which scares coming from both the shifting environment and the sudden appearance of enemies.

One thing the trailer did seem to hint at is a degree of repetition in the game, like a game loop that starts you out at the beginning of the search for the lost boy multiple times but you'll learn more as you go along. We see the protagonist fall victim to an enemy in the trailer, and then we see the camcorder begin to play footage of him once again entering the forest at the beginning of the search for the lost boy.

The Blair Witch game will be available for pre-order today, and it will come with Xbox Game Pass at launch. The game is set to come to Xbox One and Windows PC.

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Best free Linux firewalls of 2019

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:21 PM PDT

While there are a number of free firewall software applications out there for general PC users, one of the biggest advantages of Linux operating systems is their ability to customized and configurable the settings and underlying source code - and this is no different with firewalls.

If you have a Linux machine you could attempt to set up a firewall directly in the code, but if you'd rather have a firewall application to lay the groundwork for you then there are a number of free options available for you.

Some, like ClearOS build it directly into the operating system as part of its security focus, but most other options would be applications that aim to block rogue IPs, monitor ports, and prevent otherwise prevent bad packets from interfering with your machine.

As to be expected with the Linux community there are a range of different options with different emphasis on how much the user is expected to do directly. While some come with neat wizards and GUIs, others expect the user to be comfortable in a command line environment to moderate their settings.

Here then are the options we think are the best free Linux firewalls.

Image credit: ClearOS

ClearOS is by far the sleekest looking firewall distro in this roundup. It's obvious that a lot of time and care has gone into developing the interface.

As most firewall distros are written for the stereotypical geek, it's nice to see a refreshing change in what seems to have become the de facto standard of 'cobble it together and think about the interface afterwards'. This said, ClearOS will run quite happily from the command line for more advanced users.

The installation is painless and takes around 10 minutes to complete. You're given the choice to start in Public Server or Gateway mode, depending on how you want to use ClearOS.  

Once done, reboot and you'll be given all the info you need to access and administer your new firewall remotely. Everything is straightforward – it's obvious that a lot of thought has gone into making ClearOS as easy-to-use as possible.

Once you've completed setup and accessed the web-based admin system, it doesn't take long to familiarise yourself with the various settings and features of ClearOS as the distro provides ‘Getting Started’ help once you log in to the web interface. Setting up firewall rules is quick and painless, as is much of the other configuration.

The most pertinent feature of ClearOS is its usability, but this distro is about a lot more than just sleek looks. It packs in plenty of features as well – not only does it give you a simple, clean way to manage a firewall, but it enables the addition of extra services to your network.

Overall, ClearOS is a powerful distro. As it's available in both free 'Community' and paid 'Professional' versions, it's perfect for both homes and small businesses. 

Image credit: IPCop

This distro, while entirely separate from IPFire, uses a helpful colour-coding scheme similar to the latter, in order to represent different connections. Green is for LAN, red for the internet, orange for DMZ, and blue for wireless clients.

IPCop was originally a fork of Smoothwall (which we’ll also cover later) and was in turn forked by the IPFire team as updates to IPCop are few and far between. The most recent version (2.1.9) was released in February 2015.

Installation is relatively straightforward, but there are some wildcard questions thrown into the mix. While these may puzzle the novice user, accepting the default options won't cause any issues unless you have a very specific network configuration. One of the main advantages of IPCop is that the installation image is very small (around 60MB) and can be copied onto a DVD or flash drive. 

IPCop's web interface feels clunky, although our tests proved that this was merely psychological, because it was actually incredibly responsive. However, other than the 'real-time' graphs that Smoothwall provides, IPCop gives a lot more information about your LAN setup, and about the running of the firewall itself, including a list of the connections that are currently open.

The Firewall also provides a 'caching proxy', so that you can cache frequently accessed pages locally.

IPCop does a good job as a firewall, giving plenty of information about traffic on your network, and while it might not be the prettiest distro in the world, it does what it's designed to do.

Image credit: OPNsense

OPNsense is an easy-to-use open source firewall based on FreeBSD 10.1 to ensure long-term support. Obviously enough, the project’s name is derived from the words 'open' and 'sense', standing for: ‘Open source makes sense.’

The OPNsense project started out as a fork of the more established firewall pfSense in January 2015. The team claimed their reasons for forking the project were partly due to the type of licence pfSense used at the time, and partly because they believed they could create a more secure firewall. 

The firewall now shares only around 10% of its code with the original pfSense project. Also note that the fork generated quite a lot of controversy between pfSense diehards and OPNsense supporters on Reddit.

OPNsense offers weekly security updates so can respond quickly to threats. It contains many advanced features you'd usually find only in commercial firewalls such as forward caching proxy and intrusion detection. It also supports using OpenVPN.

OPNsense incorporates a very rich GUI written in Phalcon PHP which is a real pleasure to use. Aside from being more appealing than pfSense's interface, OPNsense was created partly due to the fact that the team felt the graphical interface shouldn't have root access, as this can cause security issues. 

The GUI has a simple search bar as well as a new System Health module. This module is interactive and provides visual feedback when analysing your network. You can also now export your data in CSV format for further analysis.

The firewall uses an Inline Intrusion Prevention System. This is a powerful form of Deep Packet Inspection whereby instead of merely blocking an IP address or port, OPNsense can inspect individual data packets or connections and stop them before they reach the sender if necessary. OPNsense also offers LibreSSL over OpenSSL.

Image credit: IPFire

IPFire is a Linux firewall distro focusing on user-friendliness and easy setup without compromising your security, supporting some useful features such as intrusion detection. IPFire takes a serious approach to security by using an SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall built on top of netfilter. 

IPFire is specifically designed for people who are new to firewalls and networking, and can be set up in minutes. The installation process allows you to configure your network into different security segments, with each segment being colour-coded. The green segment is a safe area representing all normal clients connected to the local wired network. The red segment represents the internet. 

No traffic can pass from red to any other segment unless you have specifically configured it that way in the firewall. The default setup is for a device with two network cards with a red and green segment only. However, during the setup process you can also implement a blue segment for wireless connections and an orange one known as the DMZ for any public servers. 

Once setup is complete, you can configure additional options and add-ons through an intuitive web interface. 

The ISO image for IPFire is only 171MB in size, so once burned to DVD it'll happily load into your computer's system memory and work from there. Alternatively you can download a flash image to install it to a router or even an image for ARM devices such as the Raspberry Pi.  

The IPFire project is in the process of crowdfunding a ‘captive portal’. This is perfect if you wish to show people who connect to your Wi-Fi network a landing or login page before connecting directly to the internet. It also prevents rogue devices connecting automatically. 

Image credit: pfSense

Like OPNsense, pfSense is based on FreeBSD and designed specifically to work as a firewall and router. As we’ve mentioned already, the fork between these two projects was controversial and pfSense still has many loyal users. Updates are released quarterly. 

This distro runs on a range of hardware but currently only supports x86 architecture. The website has a handy hardware guide to allow you to choose a compatible device. 

The installation is done from a command line but it’s very simple. You can choose to boot from either a CD or USB drive.

The setup assistant will ask you to assign interfaces during the installation, rather than once you've booted to the web interface. You can use the auto-detect feature to work out which network card is which. 

The firewall has a small number of built-in features, such as multi-WAN, Dynamic DNS, hardware failover, and different methods of authentication. Unlike IPFire, pfSense already has a feature for a captive portal, whereby all DNS queries can be resolved to a single IP address such as a landing page for a public Wi-Fi hotspot. 

This distro has a clean interface and is very smooth to use. Once again, as it's based on BSD, some of the terminology used is confusing, but doesn't take long to get to grips with. 

pfSense is possibly the most feature-rich firewall distro out there, but falls down due to a lack of non-firewall-related extra features. If you're just after a simple firewall, you can't go wrong by choosing pfSense, but if you need anything above and beyond that basic functionality, you may want to consider one of the other distros.

Image credit: Smoothwall Express

Smoothwall Express is probably the most well-known firewall distro. To test this, we did a quick poll of 20 Linux geeks, asking them to name a firewall distro. 19 of them came up with Smoothwall first.

The installation of Smoothwall Express is text-based, but you don't need to be familiar with the Linux console and it’s all fairly straightforward. You may prefer to download or indeed print out the installation guide to walk you through the setup process. In order to do this you'll need to create a my.smoothwall profile.

There are three installation options: Standard, Developer and Express. Developer is reserved for those people who actually want to work on coding the Smoothwall project. Express is a stripped-down version of Smoothwall which ensures maximum compatibility with older hardware. 

Unless you have a very specific network configuration, you can usually accept the default options. 

The web-based control panel is simple and easy to understand. Smoothwall Express doesn't provide much in the way of extra features, but does allow you to have a separate account to control the main connection, which is especially useful if you're using dial-up, alongside its caching web proxy service.

One of the benefits of Smoothwall Express is the simplicity it offers when running internal DNS – adding a new hostname takes only a few seconds. Assigning static IPs and enabling remote access can also be accomplished with a few mouse clicks. 

The only issue we noticed during testing was that assigning static DHCP lease assignments requires you to click Add followed by Save, and it isn't particularly obvious that you have to perform the second step. This led to a fair bit of confusion with our network attached printers jumping from one IP address to another.

Final verdict

Choosing the right firewall distro is largely dependent on your specific requirements, but whatever they may be, having protection from a firewall is simply a matter of common sense given the multitude of dangers on the internet these days. That said, aside from basic protection, once your firewall is installed it can also be helpful to have a few extra features for good measure.

Just a firewall

If you're after a basic firewall, then all of the distros here will do a good job, with some performing better than others. If this sounds like you, you can't go wrong with IPFire, which probably has the easiest setup process. 

Failing that, IPCop and Smoothwall Express are excellent options if you're not after anything too complex. If you need a commercial-grade solution and have money to burn, check out Smoothwall's paid-for arm.

If you want something with a small footprint, or to run on an embedded device, pfSense's website contains helpful guides to do this, although it will only run on x86 architectures. For other types of hardware, consider IPFire. 

The winner

For us, however, a box in the corner that isn't being used to its full extent is a wasted box. This is why we prefer to use virtualisation, whereby the firewall can run as a virtual server on the same hardware you use for web browsing. 

While ClearOS remains the most powerful firewall, virtualisation is not as easy as it is with other firewall distros such as IPFire. And this, combined with the fact that IPFire allows easy customisation through its own add-on service Pakfire, means it’s the narrow winner over ClearOS, receiving our gold medal. 

Nevertheless, Smoothwall Express deserves an honourable mention. It's the only firewall that once installed will keep on running with minimal prompting and interference from you. If you ever need to locate specific settings, these are simple to find as well.

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The Outer Worlds: release date, news, trailers and gameplay

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:11 PM PDT

Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment, along with publisher Private Division, will release its new single-player sci-fi shooter-looter RPG The Outer Worlds on October 25, 2019.

Set on the frontier of space, The Outer Worlds has the player awakening from hibernation amidst a conspiracy to destroy Halycon – a colony residing at the edge of the galaxy  driven by big-brand corporations. It's your call how to playand what to choose, with your actions influencing how the story unfolds and the fate of Haylcon itself.

Interested? So are we. Here's everything we know so far about The Outer Worlds.

[Update: Microsoft's E3 2019 keynote revealed The Outer Wilds' release date, October 25 2019, with another trailer]

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? Obsidian's new single-player sci-fi RPG
  • When can I play it? 2019
  • What can I play it on? PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC

The Outer Worlds release date

The Outer Worlds will come out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on October 25 2019.

The Outer Worlds trailers

Another trailer for The Outer Worlds appeared at Microsoft's E3 2019 keynote, showing off a bit more gameplay and the release date: October 25, 2019.

Obsidian showed off 20 minutes of gameplay footage at PAX East, with some witty dialogue, crazy-looking weapons, and a companion who always jumps into the action feet-first. It's also a great look at one of the vibrant city environments (read: a lot of neon).

And in this Game Informer video, The Outer Worlds' co-director Tim Cain and lead designer Charles Staples show off some combat gameplay:

Obsidian announced The Outer Worlds at The Game Awards 2018 with an official announcement trailer. You can check it out below:

The Outer Worlds news

Slow-mo combat

Comparisons to Fallout's V.A.T.S. system will be inevitable, but the PAX East demo shows off something called "tactical time dilation", which slows down time to take the pressure off fast-paced combat encounters:

"We are trying to give opportunities for people who aren't the best shooter players, to slow things down a bit, get their bearings, and then make decisions that will actually help them during combat".

Science weapons

The demo also mentioned 'science weapons', which are apparently high-tech items with fun or downright oddball effects – think glowing scythes with corrosion damage, or a purple stick that freezes enemies and shrinks civilians' heads. There'll be science weapons for every weapon type, so it won't just be in melee either.

Six main character stats

There'll be six main character stats influencing your character's skills, speed, and success in both combat and social interaction: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Perception, Charm, and Temperament.

It's the last one that interest us most: does a grumpy temperament stop people wanting to talk to you, or an easy-going one change your dialogue options?

Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment

All of the jokes

All signs point towards The Outer Worlds not taking itself too seriously. The NPCs really lean into parody, rattling off the names of their favorite brands and speaking obliviously of their "odious interpersonal skills" – while your dialogue options will really let you poke fun.

Lots of character customization, little screen time

While you'll get to customize your character's appearance, it seems you won't even have a voice. In an interview with Polygon, co-creator Leonard Boyarsky revealed the team has taken an "old-school" approach to the game to allow resources to be focused on a complex narrative.

You can play the way you want

In the same interview, Obsidian revealed The Outer Worlds is a player-driven game, which means you essentially have the free will to choose whether you want to be a hero, villain or anything in-between through branching dialogue options. 

Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Companions

Once you progress far enough in the game you will receive your own star ship and crew. These crew members can act as companions as well as offering their own opinion on current events and choices. There's no romance options, though (you can save that stuff for Dragon Age 4).

Brand awareness

As a story centred around corporations, it's no surprise The Outer Worlds will offer various weapons and items to purchase from 10 different brands. Where will your (brand) loyalties lie?

Alternative consequences

Rather than take the immediate consequence of something like a critical wound, you have the option to accept a flaw instead. This is a permanent negative debuff which will remain with you throughout the game.

Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The Outer Worlds: what we want to see

We're sure to get more details over the coming months in the run-up to The Outer World's release (whenever in 2019 that is). In the meantime, here's everything we're hoping Obsidian delivers with the final product.

A gripping main storyline (with some meaningful choices)

Blending real player freedom with a structured narrative is a difficult juggling act. Few games have managed this as well as the original Mass Effect trilogy, so we'll be eager to see whether Obsidian can repeat the trick for their own sci-fi RPG.

A working game engine

You'd think we wouldn't have to put this, but so many big studios are ending up shipping unfinished games because of the scale of their enterprises (Assassin's Creed Unity, Fallout 76, etc). Obsidian's track record, though, and the smaller size of its team, suggests they'll be working within their means.

Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Some actual space exploration

Sure, having giant planets looming in the sky is cool, but if we don't actual get to enjoy exploring the stars it's little more than wallpaper. Here's hoping Obsidian gives you an environment to explore, rather than making a game that could just have easily been set back on Earth.

The beginning of great things to come

With Microsoft having recently acquired Obsidian, there's no telling what that injection of cash could do to the development team's ambitions. If The Outer Worlds proves a hit, we could be seeing a lot more of it down the line, with the resources to really make it galactic.

(Image credits: Obsidian Entertainment)

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E3 2019 trailers: all of the game trailers today

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:11 PM PDT

Update: New E3 trailers are here in care of the Microsoft E3 2019 Press Conference that's happening right now. We'll be adding the gameplay video we see in real-time.

You want a distilled list of the E3 2019 trailers, and that's exactly what we're going to serve up on this constantly updated page while we're at the press conferences (and sometimes getting hands-on time with the games you see).

We're about to get new trailers from Microsoft and Bethesda today, our second day of E3 press conferences, and yesterday we got our first taste of both video game teasers and gameplay footage, care of Electronic Arts and EA Sports at its EA Play press conference. They are in-depth, too, with full walkthroughs of the Star Wars Fallen Order, Apex Legends Season 2: Battle Cry, FIFA 20 and Madden 20 to name a few games.

These E3 trailers you seen below, embedded from YouTube, are just the beginning. Besides Microsoft and Bethesda serving up even more gameplay video goodness later today, we'll have content from the PC Gaming Show on Monday, which always brings epic trailers from a variety of major publishers and indie developers. Square and Ubisoft events happen Monday, too.

Check out the best E3 trailers we've amassed on our constantly updated page.

Bleeding Edge (Nina Theory game) E3 trailer

Minecraft Dungeons E3 2019 reveal trailer

The Out Worlds E3 2019 trailer

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order E3 trailer

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was the big highlight out of the EA Play press conference at E3 2019, and this gameplay trailer tells you why. It has lightsaber battles, ample use of The Force, and enough jumping mechanics to rival the Uncharted series. It looks great, but we're waiting for true hands-on time with this one on the E3 show floor. 

Apex Legends: Season 2 E3 trailer

Apex Legends didn't get off to the best start, and Electronic Arts recognized that in its E3 live stream. Better yet, it's fixing a lot of the problems with weapon balancing and depth of challenges in Apex Legends Season 2. We also get a new legend, Wattson, and a backstory, as evidenced by this more nuanced storyline trailer.

Battlefield 5 Chapter 4 E3 trailer

Battlefield 5 Chapter 4: Defying the Odds is full of fresh content, including new maps, weapons, elite characters and skins. And if you've hit a ceiling at Rank 50, you have some work to do soon, as the rank will be raised to 500.

FIFA 20 E3 trailer

The official FIFA 20 E3 2019 reveal trailer focuses more on the new mode premiering than actual gameplay footage. However, you'll be happy to know that Volta Football is a part of this year's game, bringing FIFA Street like gameplay back into the mix. We'll hopefully have more gameplay video from E3 2019 as well as hands-on time.

Madden NFL 20 E3 trailer

New X-Factor abilities and Face of the Franchise showed up in the Madden 20 trailer, and that's going to excite a lot of fans. So is the Pro Bowl mode that's returning after vanishing in the 2014 season. The game launched on August 2, but you can join the closed beta this month to get an early taste of this season's football sim.

The Sims 4: Island Living E3 trailer

The Sims 4 has another expansion. It takes place on an island. You can go snorkeling (good) or get sunburnt (bad). There are also mermaids in this topical-themed Sims expansion for 2019. Okay, here's something worthwhile: EA partnered with the It Gets Better Project in order to bring new Pride and It Gets Better items. So you'll find new articles of clothing, a gender neutral bathroom door, and other items that will let Sims players show off their LGBTQ+ pride, according to PC Gamer.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Breakpoint E3 trailer

The Ubisoft press conference happens right as E3 2019 starts, but we have a trailer ahead of that event for the latest Ghost Recon game, Breakpoint. It's titled "We Are Wolves," and focuses on the main antagonist group, the Wolves, and has The Punisher himself, Jon Bernthal, voicing the nearly three-minute YouTube video.

Baldur's Gate 3 E3 2019 trailer

Baldur's Gate 3 was the surprise announcement just ahead of E3 2019, and it's coming out sooner than anyone had expected: November 2019, within the Google Stadia launch window. It's also coming to the PC, of course. Larian Studios, the developer behind Divinity: Original Sin, is handling this game.

Destiny 2: Shadowkeep E3 trailer

More Destiny 2 content is on the way in September, and this Shadowkeep E3 trailer shows that it's another major expansion, just like the Forsaken expansion before it. The good news is that you won't be required to own the original game in order to play this one. Bungie is considering this a whole new content experience.

Destroy All Humans! remake E3 trailer

Remember the 2005 game Destroy All Humans! and its various sequels? Well, there's a remake happening for newer consoles, the PS4, Xbox One and PC. It's not due out until 2020, so this official E3 trailer is just a teaser without actual gameplay footage. But it's enough to hold you over – if you've been running low on both Cryptosporidium 137 and late 1950s nostalgia.

Darksiders Genesis E3 trailer

Here's another E3 2019 trailer for a THQ franchise being carried on by THQ Nordic, which also handled Darksiders 3 a year ago. This E3-announced spin-off prequel has the fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse, Strife, as its main protagonist and it's due out in 2019 for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and even Google Stadia.

Control E3 trailer

This Control teaser trailer showed up ahead of E3 2019 and it gives us just enough without actually spoiling the plot surrounding the Federal Bureau of Control. And, since this is a game from Remedy Entertainment (the developer behind the Max Payne and Alan Wake games), the story is a major component. We'll find out more on August 27 when this game launches on PS4, Xbox One and the PC.

Gylt E3 2019 trailer

Just ahead of E3 2019, we got a trailer for the first Google Stadia exclusive game, Gylt. It's supposed to be a haunting single player puzzle adventure game and stars the main playable character, Sally, who is searching for her missing cousin, Emily. Is this E3 reveal trailer enough to make you want to pre-order Stadia? We'll let you watch and decide.

E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.

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Best Linux distros of 2019

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:04 PM PDT

Linux is traditionally associated as being an operating system for coders and programmers, but over the years there have been real attempts to make Linux more attractive to general consumers. This is not least due to general consumer dissatisfaction with Windows security issues or even Apple's walled garden.

However, Linux comes in many different forms, known as 'flavors' or 'distros'. This is simply because Linux is so incredibly configurable that different forms tend to be developed for different userbase needs or interests.

For example, as mentioned, some have moved toward trying to entice disgruntled Windows users into something more familiar. However, others remain focused on specific environments that may favor programming or scientific applications, or other concerns such as security, resource use, and similar.

Different Linux distros can all work with Linux software and applications, and of course, any cloud-based apps that run through a browser. However, Linux distros come with a variety of different ranges of bundled software. Some might come with a lot of basic applications already pre-installed, while others will have the barest minimum.

And, as mentioned, Linux is very customizable, far beyond what normal Windows or Mac users may be used to. 

Altogether, this is why it helps to have a good idea of what different Linux distros can offer. Do you need a GUI more familiar to Windows? Are you more concerned about privacy? How comfortable are you with typing commands rather than clicking icons? 

All these concerns may determine which Linux distro is best for you, and here we aim to help you with that decision.


The very best Linux distros are tailored to specific types of users. Ubuntu for instance is very easy to use, as it’s designed for newcomers. Arch Linux on the other hand appeals to experienced users who can take advantage of using the Terminal to type commands to perform tasks such as installing apps. This guide focuses on picking out the very best distros overall.

Image credit:  Elementary OS 

If you’re after a distro that gets you as far away as possible from the image of a nerdy hacker type bashing away at a terminal interface, Elementary OS is what you need. It’s probably the most attractive distro around, with a style similar to that of macOS. This operating system’s superb desktop environment is known as Pantheon, and is based on Gnome.

The latest version of Elementary OS is called Loki, which as well as being that bit prettier and neater than its predecessor Freya, has its own application installer UI called AppCenter. It’s a delightfully simple way to install apps outside the terminal, which is handy as there aren't very many preinstalled. 

Elementary OS does, however, come bundled with the Epiphany browser, the Geary email client and a few basic ‘tool’ apps. You may need to add more programs, but this is easy to do using the integrated AppCenter, which contains paid programs designed specifically for the OS such as Quilter for budding writers or Spice-Up for composing presentations. The inconvenience of buying and downloading additional apps is balanced by Elementary OS’ Elegance.

  -  You can get started with Elementary OS here

best linux distro

Image credit: Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a great ‘default’ distro for new Linux users, as it comes with a lot of the software you’ll need when switching from Mac or Windows, such as LibreOffice, the favoured productivity suite of Linux users. It also has better support for proprietary media formats, allowing you to play videos, DVDs and MP3 music files out of the box.

You can download three main starter flavours of Mint 19, each of which uses a different desktop environment, the top-most layer of the interface allowing you to change elements such as the appearance of windows and menus. Cinnamon is currently the most popular, but you can also choose the more basic MATE, or Xfce.

Linux Mint 18.3 was the last release to have an official KDE version. Unfortunately, this is no longer available with Linux Mint 19, but it can still be installed on top of version 19 if you miss it.

While Timeshift was introduced in version 18.3 and to all Linux Mint releases, it is one of the main features of Linux Mint 19. Timeshift enables users to restore their computer from the last functional snapshot.

All these desktop environments offer a good deal of customisation options, so feel free to download a few and boot as Live CD prior to installing to see which works best.

  -  You can get started with Mint here

best linux distro

Image credit: Antergos

If you’re willing to try a slightly less user-friendly distro, Arch Linux is one of the most popular choices around. Arch allows you to customize your build using the terminal to download and install packages, and it’s particularly handy for developers and those with older machines who may not want unnecessary packages taking up space.

Of course, this used to be the way all Linux distros were set up, but there are now much more user-friendly methods available. There’s even such a version of Arch Linux, named Antergos (pictured above). Antergos comes with more drivers, more applications and a load of desktop environments to let you change the look of the system. Its aim is to hold your hand and get you up and running with all the basics right from the initial install, but it’s still Arch Linux underneath.

The hardcore crowd may turn their noses up at packages like Antergos, but when it saves those newer to Linux hours of potentially frustrating fiddling about, we’re all for it.

Antergos’ graphical installer can guide you through the setup process and boot you to the Gnome 3 desktop environment. It can also use the Cinammon, MATE, KDE and Xfce environments if you prefer. Antergos doesn't come with an office suite but you can install this and other programs via the delightfully named Arch package manager ‘pacman’.

 - You can get started with Arch Linux here

 - You can get start with Antergos here

best linux distro

Image credit: Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavors of Linux and along with Mint is strongly recommended for Linux newbies, as it's extremely accessible. 

New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months, and every other year the developer Canonical releases an LTS (long term support) version of Ubuntu. These guarantee five years of security and general maintenance updates, so you can carry on using your machine without the hassle of running a full upgrade every few months. Standard releases are supported for one year only. 

The current LTS version of Ubuntu uses the Gnome 3 desktop environment, which may be less familiar to Windows and macOS users.

There are variations of Ubuntu which employ different environments such as Lubuntu, which uses a minimal desktop environment based on LXDE and a selection of fast, lightweight applications. This places far less strain on system resources than the graphic-intensive Unity.

- You can get started with Ubuntu here

best linux distro

Image credit: Tails

Tails is a privacy-oriented Linux distro which has the aim of concealing your location and identity as much as possible. Even Edward Snowden used it. 

The OS routes all its internet traffic through the anonymising Tor network, which is designed to prevent data from being intercepted and analysed. Underneath all the security measures, it’s based on Debian Linux and uses the Gnome desktop so the interface is still clear and user-friendly. 

Tails isn’t for everyone, but this niche OS does give you some peace of mind if you’ve been fretting about all the worrying privacy-trampling legislation being passed these days.

 - You can get started with Tails here

best linux distro

Image credit: CentOS

CentOS is a community offshoot of the Enterprise version of Red Hat Linux, and its focus is on stability rather than constant updates. Like Red Hat, security and maintenance updates for CentOS are pushed out up to 10 years from the initial release of each version. 

CentOS is designed to be super-reliable, which is why it’s a great choice for a server. It's not quite such a good bet for someone looking for a new OS for daily use on their desktop PC or laptop.

On the plus side, you can enjoy the pleasure of having something for nothing – packages compiled for the commercial version of Red Hat Linux are fully compatible with CentOS, so you can use them free of charge. 

 - You can get started with CentOS here

best linux distro

Image credit: Ubuntu Studio

If you want a home music recording studio or a video production workstation without spending the thousands of pounds involved with industry standard software, consider installing Ubuntu Studio. 

This officially recognised flavour of Ubuntu Linux has been designed for audio and video production, as an alternative to paid software such as Pro Tools. Support for audio plug-ins and MIDI input is built in and a virtual patch bay comes preinstalled. 

Ubuntu Studio’s repositories have access to the packages in the main Ubuntu OS as well as a few digital audio sequencers. Its main strength is in audio recording through tools like the JACK Audio Connection Kit.

 - You can get started with Ubuntu Studio here

best linux distro

Image credit: openSUSE

Previously known as SUSE Linux and subsequently SuSE Linux Professional, openSUSE is aimed at developers and system administrators. For that reason, it’s extremely stringent on security protocols. 

The operating system is divided into two main distributions: openSUSE Leap and openSUSE Tumbleweed. Leap uses the source code from SUSE Linux Enterprise, which makes it much more stable. New versions are released roughly once a year and are supported for three years, making Leap perfect for business applications.

Tumbleweed (pictured above) is based on Factory, openSUSE's main development codebase. It follows a rolling release model – in other words, packages are made available for download as soon as they've been tested in Factory. This means Tumbleweed contains the latest stable applications and is good for day-to-day use. 

The OS makes uses of the shiny KDE Plasma desktop, which is perfect if your machine can handle the more advanced graphical features.

One of the more polished Linux distros around, openSUSE is consistently ranked in the top five distros on DistroWatch.com. What’s more, the SUSE Studio Express website allows you to create your own version of openSUSE, complete with tailored preinstalled software packages, desktop and system settings.

 - You can get started with openSUSE here

best linux distro

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F1 live stream: how to watch today's Canadian Grand Prix 2019 online from anywhere

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:59 AM PDT

Is today the day when the 2019 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship finally comes alive? With Sebastian Vettel taking a dramatic pole position, it may finally be time that Mercedes' stranglehold on the standings table is relinquished. It's time for the Canadian Grand Prix coming at you from Montreal at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. You can live stream all the F1 race action from wherever you are in the world using this guide.

The 2019 F1 season has reached Canada and will be held at the dramatic man-made Notre Dame Island in the middle of the St Lawrence River. This course has lots of downforce making it a really fast track to race but there is still lots of heavy braking and chicanes that make this a really exciting race. 

Currently, after winning at Monaco in the last race, the leader of the Drivers' World Championship table is Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, closely followed by his teammate Valtteri Bottas and then Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel some way behind in third.

Despite six straight wins this season for Mercedes, the Canadian Grand Prix could be time for an upset as Ferrari can take advantage of those high speed straights and Vettel on pole. Mercedes is all about the downforce, which this track offers anyway so its advantage could be played out. All that should make for an exciting race and you can stream F1 live from anywhere in the world.

How to watch the Canadian Grand Prix from outside your country

To see how you can stream F1 live from the Canadian Grand Prix in the UK, Australia, the US, Canada and New Zealand, then scroll a little further down this page to see the broadcast options. But if you try and tune in to your native stream from outside your country, you'll quickly discover that it's geo-blocked.

How to watch a Canada F1 live stream in the Canada:

How to stream F1 live from Canada in the UK:

How live stream the Canadian Grand Prix in Australia

How to watch the Canadian Grand Prix in the US:

How to get an F1 live stream in New Zealand

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Xbox at E3 2019: what we want to see from Microsoft's big keynote conference

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:54 AM PDT

It's shaping up to be a big E3 for Microsoft. With Sony skipping this year's event entirely, Microsoft's Xbox E3 2019 conference later today has the chance to steal the whole show. And it looks like that could be the case, with rumors circulating that E3 2019 will finally be the year that Microsoft unveils the next Xbox console (or consoles plural as the case may be).

We're expecting Microsoft to go full force with hardware this year, revealing details of the next-generation Xbox along with any games we can expect to see on the upcoming console. The company has even been teasing Xbox Scarlett in its E3 countdown videos. Despite this potential focus on hardware, we're expecting Microsoft to have some software exclusives up its sleeve too at this year's Xbox show.

We're also hoping to see more about what Microsoft has been working on with its newly-acquired studios, which include the likes of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice developer Ninja Theory and Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment. 

So, without further ado, we've put together a list of everything we're hoping to see from Microsoft at the Xbox E3 2019 conference later today.

  • Keep up to date with all the latest E3 2019 news

Next-generation Xbox console (or consoles)

Xbox One X

Xbox One X (Image credit: TechRadar)

Could E3 2019 finally be the year Microsoft unveil the next generation of Xbox consoles? We think so. For a long time a new Xbox seemed like a dream, but now Microsoft has confirmed a next-generation Xbox is in development – and rumors suggest there's more than one console in the works. 

The official story started last year when Xbox Chief Phil Spencer told the thousands of attendees at E3 2018 that the console (or perhaps series of consoles) is in development: "our hardware team is deep into developing the next generation of Xbox consoles, where we will once again deliver on our commitment to set the benchmark for console gaming." 

Since Spencer's announcement details have slowly bubbled up all around the net on the purported system. First we got a codename for the collection – Xbox Scarlett – and now we've heard rumblings of the first games to be designed for the next-gen Xbox: The Elder Scrolls 6, Cyberpunk 2077 and Halo Infinite.

There's even been a leak of the alleged specs of two upcoming next-generation consoles (codenamed Anaconda and Lockhart). What's more, this same report claims these consoles will be announced at E3 2019, with a release date rumored for 2020. 

While we are taking these rumors with a pinch of salt, we do expect Microsoft will unveil at least one next-generation Xbox console at E3 2019 – and we can't wait.

Project xCloud

Project xCloud

Project xCloud (Image credit: Microsoft)

It's likely we'll hear more about Microsoft's Project xCloud streaming service. Project xCloud was announced by Microsoft at E3 2018 but we haven't heard much about the streaming service since. 

What we do know is that Project xCloud promises to let you play big-name games on whatever device you want, whenever you want.

Project xCloud will leverage Microsoft’s existing data centers across the globe, literally loading up servers with the component parts of multiple Xbox One consoles, and using these to run the games streamed directly to your mobile device of choice.

The end result will be that gamers will be able to play the likes of Halo, Forza and other classic console and PC big hitters on their phones or tablets.

You’ll be able to use an Xbox controller hooked up to your mobile via Bluetooth, or if you want to dispense with that, Microsoft is promising touch controls that will work just fine as an alternative.

E3 2019 would be a great time for Microsoft to reveal more details on Project xCloud, including when we can expect a release, especially given that Google has announced the Stadia and Sony's cloud gaming plans have leaked. 

George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware's unannounced title

Darks Souls Remastered (Image credit: FromSoftware)

According to a report by Gematsu, FromSoftware is working on a new project in collaboration with George R.R. Martin – the author behind the fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was the basis of the hugely-popular Game of Thrones TV series.

Gematsu's source claims the open-world title (known internally as “GR”) has been in development for the past three years and will be published by Bandai Namco. But when will this new title officially be revealed? According to Gematsu's source, the game will be officially announced at Microsoft’s E3 2019 press conference. 

According to an investigative report from Spawn Wave and Liam Robertson (via GamesRadar), George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware are working on an open-world RPG title (rumored to be called "Great Rune") which will explore Norse mythology and see the player on horseback.

Gematsu's report echoes these rumors and, in addition, Martin has confirmed in a blog post that he has "consulted on a videogame out of Japan".

While we don't expect the title to be a Microsoft exclusive (unless it's timed), we're hoping the rumors will come true and we'll get an official announcement during the Xbox E3 2019 keynote.

Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft finally announced the the next entry in the Master Chief saga at last year's E3. While we didn't get any solid details about Halo Infinite (apart from the teaser trailer) it looks like it'll be the sixth main entry in the Halo series. Well, we're hoping that's the case... 

We're also hoping that Microsoft will give us all the juicy details at E3 2019 - maybe alongside the next generation Xbox announcement? Halo Infinite looks likely to be a launch title for the next Xbox, so we aren't expecting a release until, at least next year.

Gears 5

Gears 5

Gears 5 (Image credit: Microsoft)

We waited with bated breath during Microsoft's E3 2018 Xbox conference for the announcement of Gears of War 5 - and Microsoft didn't disappoint. The company revealed that Gears 5 is in the works and even dropped an enticing announcement trailer. 

Gears 5 sees the series having its first female protagonist, Kait. Marcus Phoenix will still appear, but Kait will take the starring role as she takes her team on a personal mission which will continue on from the emotional ending of Gears of War 4. 

While we garnered quite a few details about the game's story, we didn't get much in the way of solid details about when we can expect to get our hands on Gears 5, what gameplay will look like or what new features we can expect.

These are all details we're hoping Microsoft will reveal during its E3 2019 keynote, including whether we will see Gears 5 as a launch title on the next Xbox.

Xbox VR

Xbox VR

Image credit: TechRadar

This is mainly optimistic thinking on our part, but Microsoft seems to really be dragging its feet when it comes to VR, instead putting a lot of effort into the HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset.

The PlayStation VR continues to grow in strength, so we expect Microsoft will be much more active about developing and progressing VR technology for the next-generation Xbox. 

At E3 2018, we asked Xbox’s corporate vice president, Mike Ybarra, about Xbox's future VR plans.

“For us, we’re going to continue to invest on the Windows side where people are engaging," Ybarra told TechRadar, at the time. "Our MR devices work with Steam games now – I love what’s happening there – and in the living room there are still, in my opinion, challenges to be solved. But we’re looking at that and we’re listening to customers and fans, but our investment profile will remain on Windows for now.”

When asked for any details about who Microsoft might be talking with to bring VR to its consoles, Ybarra said that he couldn’t comment on that at this time but at no point was there an outright no to VR on consoles.

We're hoping Microsoft will unveil further VR plans at this year's E3 keynote, maybe to coincide with the announcement of the next Xbox? 

New exclusive

New exclusive

Image credit: Microsoft

Alongside the games we already know about, we're expecting Microsoft to have some brand new exclusives up its sleeve. This seems pretty likely, particularly because the company has been acquiring studios left, right and center, including Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games and Compulsion Games (to name just a few). 

We're hoping this will result in some killer Xbox exclusives, especially as the collection on the Xbox One has been pretty sparse. Whether these titles will be current-generation, next-generation or cross-generation will likely be tailored by whether or not we see the next Xbox. 

  • E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor. 

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Best calendar app 2019: top apps for scheduling meetings

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:53 AM PDT

Having the best calendar app installed on your smartphone, tablet or PC can make a world of difference to your time management. Not only do the best calendar apps tell you the date, but they can keep you posted about upcoming events and meetings.

They can also give you directions to where the meetings are, invite other people or tell them if you're running late.

In this guide to the best calendar apps of 2019, we take a look at a range of calendar apps for mobile devices and computers.

Image credit: Any.do

Any.do is our pick of the best all-round calendar app. It is available on mobile and desktop platforms, but it really shines on mobile thanks to an easy-to-use interface that gives you all the tools and information you need on smaller touchscreens. 

It easily connects to existing calendar apps to import events, and it color codes various calendars and events to help keep everything in order. 

It's not as in-depth as some specialized business calendar apps, but for most people this is a brilliant way of keeping your meetings and appointments in order. 

Best of all, there's a free version you can try.

Image credit: Flexibits

If you've got a wide range of Apple devices, from MacBooks to iPhones and even an Apple Watch, then Fantastical 2 is the best calendar app for you. 

It has an app for pretty much every Apple product, and has been built from the ground up to support macOS. 

Best of all, it all syncs seamlessly between your devices, making this a powerful and useful calendar apps for Apple fanatics. 

You can quickly and easily set up meetings and events, and it can also check to make sure your coworkers are available for a proposed meeting using Google Apps or Exchange, making it a more powerful app than Apple's default calendar.

Image credit: Appgenix Software

Android users are a bit spoiled, as the default Google Calendar app is so good, however, the best calendar app for Android devices is Business Calendar 2. 

Don't be put off by its name, as although this is an app that's geared towards business use, it is an attractive and easy-to-use calendar app that is perfect for home users as well. 

It comes with a number of themes and widgets that lets you customise the look and feel of your calendars. It does an excellent job of handling multiple calendars and displaying them in an easy-to-understand layout and it comes as a free download. 

There's also a pro version that removes ads and includes a few extra features, all for a reasonable price.

Image credit: Microsoft

If you're a Windows 10 user, then Microsoft's very own Outlook Calendar is arguably the best calendar app for you. 

It integrates closely into Windows 10 and uses the same Microsoft account you use to log into Windows, which means your contacts, events and calendars should all be waiting there for you. 

It's free, but if you subscribe to Microsoft's Office 365 service then you get premium features that makes it an essential business calendar app as well. You can even connect your LinkedIn account. 

Despite it being made by Microsoft, the Outlook Calendar is available on a huge range of platforms, including Android and iOS, and you can view your calendar online as well.

Image credit: Mozilla

There are a number of open source calendar apps for Linux, but in our view the Lightning add-on for Mozilla's Thunderbird email client is the best. 

It has an easy to use (if slightly dated) interface, and as an add-on it integrates easily with Thunderbird, allowing you to turn emails into events, as well as respond to meeting invitations. 

You can easily manage multiple calendars and to-do lists, and it's easily configurable as well. The downside is that it's not a standalone app, so you need to use it with Thunderbird (and install it from the Thunderbird add-ons website). 

However, Thunderbird is also one of the best email clients, so we'd recommend installing it anyway. It also works with Windows PCs.

Google Calendar

Image credit: Google

Google Calendar may not seem like a first choice for Android users compared to some of the more feature-packed rivals, but it does the job it needs to do.

Better still, it works nicely with Gmail and other software in the G Suite of apps, with notifications sent by default to your Gmail account. 

Additionally, for those with larger screens, Google Calendar will run alongside the emails in your Gmail account, making it easier to see upcoming events and notifications, even before you've been sent them.

It also allows reminders to be set according to birthdays, tasks, or general reminders.

While Google Calendar is relatively simple and straightforward, that can be as much of a strength as anything, and as it's free to use, it's hard to go wrong with it.



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Portugal vs Netherlands live stream: how to watch today's 2019 Nations League final from anywhere

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:07 AM PDT

With both teams having run out as 3-1 victors in their respective semi-finals matches, Portugal are set to face the Netherlands in the inaugural UEFA Nations League final on Sunday night. Can Ronaldo add a new honour to his CV or will Ronald Koeman's young side upset the party in Porto? Read on to find out how you can catch a Portugal vs Netherlands live stream from anywhere around the world with our instructions below.

With Ronaldo in seemingly unstoppable form following his match-winning hat-trick against Switzerland on Wednesday, and Portugal's past form against their opponents hard to ignore (they've only lost one of their last 11 encounters with Holland), the smart money (according to Betfair, at least) would appear to be on the hosts to win the first ever Nations League title.

However, while detractors (and bitter England fans) may argue that the Oranje men only made it to the final because of Gareth Southgate's side's defensive gaffes, they'd be ignoring the fact that the Dutch were the better side for much of the match.

Those backing Holland for glory on Sunday night will also point to the fact that the last time Portugal lost to the Dutch was in their previous meeting - an emphatic 3-0 humbling in March last year during a friendly in Switzerland.

Which team will be crowned the first ever Nations League champions tonight? Find out by following the instructions below and grabbing a live stream of Portugal vs Netherlands wherever you are in the world. 

Use a VPN to live stream Portugal vs Netherlandsfrom outside your country

For those looking to watch the game in the UK, US and Australia, we've got your viewing options listed out below. And if you're out of the country for tonight's semi-final and are worried that you'll miss the game, relax. With the option of using a VPN service, you can tune into the match no matter where you are in the world. And best of all, it's really simple to set up.

How to live stream Portugal vs Netherlands in the UK

Live stream Portugal vs Netherlands in the US

How to watch Portugal vs Netherlands: Australia live stream

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England vs Scotland live stream: how to watch today's Women's World Cup 2019 match from anywhere

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:05 AM PDT

Neighbours England and Scotland face off in their 2019 Women's World Cup opener today in Group D. How will the two teams fair, in this, their Women's World Cup 2019 Group D opening match? Read on to find out how you can catch an England vs Scotland live stream from anywhere around the world with our instructions below -as well as our analysis on who will win this World Cup opener.

Having won the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, and currently ranked No.3 in the world rankings, England have all the pressure on them today, with Phil Neville's side entering the tournament as one of the favourites to win with the bookies.

Appearing in their first ever Women's World Cup match, Scotland, will be hoping to put behind the memory of their last encounter with England. Their previous meeting was a humbling Euro 2017 group match, with the Lionesses running out as comfortable 6-0 victors. There's been a lot of water under the bridge since that game, however, with Scotland making history by qualifying for France and new coach Shelley Kerr taking over as manager.

The two rival nations are joined in the group by Argentina and 2011 champion Japan.

It's all shaping up to be a fascinating World Cup encounter. Don't miss any of the action by following the instructions below and grabbing a live stream of England vs Scotland wherever you are in the world.

Watch a FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country

If you're in UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we've got your viewing options listed below. If you're out of the country for today's match, you may find that geo-blocking will prevent you from watching your regular domestic coverage from abroad. You don't have to risk watching the match on a dodgy stream, however.

With the option of using a VPN service, you can tune into the match no matter where you are in the world, and its super easy to set up.

How to stream England vs Scotland live in the UK 

Live stream England vs Scotland in the US

- Discover our pick of all the US's best sports streaming sites

As well as opening up your viewing options for the Women's World Cup, using a VPN allows you to watch all your domestic sports coverage from abroad.

How to watch England vs Scotland: live stream in Australia

How to watch FIFA Women's World Cup: Canada live stream 

How to watch an England vs Scotland live stream in New Zealand 

England vs Scotland: who will win?

England's pre-tournament good form at the start of the year was checked by laboured wins over Spain and Denmark, followed by a shock 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in their final warm-up game. Confidence nevertheless appears to still be brimming among the team, with England coach and former Manchester United star Phil Neville maintaining that his side are right to be considered among the favourites to win the tournament when talking to the press in the build-up.

England have reached at least the quarter-final stage in each of their previous four Women's World Cup tournaments, with their best ever finish coming in the 2015  in Canada, where a 1-0 against Germany in the play-off earned them third place.

Much of England's hopes will be resting on striker Nikita Parris maintaining her sharp-shooting form. The Manchester City star was England's top goal scorer in qualifying with 6 goals, with England scoring a total of 29 to top their group, conceding just one goal in securing their place in France.

Barcelona forward Toni Duggan is considered a doubt for England today with a thigh problem, but recent injury concerns over Demi Stokes and Jade Moore have subsided and both are expected to be available for today's game.

England's attacking options should be enough to see off their opponents, but Scotland will point to the fact that unlike their last meeting, they'll be able to call upon two crucial players in Jenny Beattie and Kim Little, who missed the Euro 2017 encounter through injury. The emergence of talented 20-year-old midfielder Erin Cuthbert, plus the reliably dependable West Ham striker Jane Ross means Scotland have plenty of attacking threat of their own.

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Nadal vs Thiem live stream: watch 2019 French Open men's final at Roland-Garros | 2-1

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 08:33 AM PDT

Well this one looks like it could go all the way. Rafa Nadal vs Dominic Thiem in the 2019 French Open final at Roland-Garros is a direct repeat of last year's, but this time the Austrian wunderkind is really testing the best tennis player ever to walk on to a clay court. And, as ever, we've got all the information you need to live stream today's men's French Open final - no matter where on Earth you are. 

So it's the 11-time French Open champion taking on a man in only his second ever Grand Slam final, with the bookies unsurprisingly making Nadal the overwhelming favorite. Rafa has made Roland-Garros his second home over last decade or so and he's only dropped one set on his way to the 2019 final -and that included a straight sets semi-final victory against old foe Roger Federer.

We hope Thiem hasn't been watching too many videos of last year's encounter - it was a straight sets stroll for the Spaniard. But Thiem has come back stronger this year, culminating in that epic five-setter against Novak Djokovic. Can he do the unthinkable and inflict only a third career French Open loss on Nadal?

We're in for a fantastic last day day of tennis action in Paris and here's how you can live stream all the French Open 2019 tennis excitement provided by Nadal against Thiem from wherever you are in the world. 

Live stream the French Open tennis 2019 from outside your country

For your watching options in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, we have more details below - just scroll down the page.

But if you try to watch your domestic coverage from somewhere outside your home country, you'll soon find a problem...geo-blocking. That's where the broadcaster prevents you from watching the feed overseas.

How to live stream French Open tennis in the UK free

How to watch the French Open 2019: US live stream

How to live stream Nadal vs Thiem for free in Australia

The best way to stream Nadal vs Thiem in Canada

Live stream Nadal vs Thiem in New Zealand

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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now available

Posted: 09 Jun 2019 07:28 AM PDT

Ahead of its E3 2019 press conference Microsoft is revealing details around its upcoming expansions of Xbox Game Pass by opening subscription pages.

First up is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which is now available to everyone after a period of limited availability to some Xbox Insiders. 

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate essentially rolls together an Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold subscriptions for £10.99/$14.99 a month, although if you sign up on the Microsoft store now you can take advantage of an introductory offer which will get you the first month for £1/$1.

Fun for all

It's worth noting that when we say Game Pass Ultimate is available to everyone, we really mean everyone as it includes both the console game plan and the PC game plan on top of the Live subscription. This means Ultimate subscribers can play on Xbox One or Windows 10. 

For PC players who just want access to Game Pass on its own, Microsoft has also now confirmed details and pricing for Xbox Game Pass on PC. When the beta goes live, the service will cost £4/$5 per month and will include a library of over 100 games.

The library will include titles such as Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves and We Happy Few while Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Halo: The Master Chief Collection appear to be “Coming Soon”. 

Game Pass on PC will also offer similar discounts to the console service for those looking to purchase their games. Those interested will be able to take advantage of an introductory offer which gives a month of the subscription for £1/$1.

It's expected that we'll hear even more Game Pass news, among other things, from Microsoft at its E3 conference later today. Keep an eye on TechRadar for the latest.

  •  E3 2019 is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.  

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