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mercredi 3 novembre 2021

Niantic announces Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will close in January 2022

Niantic is the developer behind hit games like Pokémon GO and Ingress, but another game the company launched in 2017 was Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. The unique selling point of Wizards Unite was that it made use of the same augmented reality technology that the company’s other two games had implemented. However, it clearly wasn’t as popular as the spontaneous summer wonder that Pokémon GO was in 2016, as Niantic has announced that Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will shut down on January 31, 2022.

Niantic has also announced that the game will be taken off of the App Store, Google Play Store, and the Galaxy Store on December 6th, 2021, and players will no longer be able to make in-game purchases. In the meantime, however, the company has announced that there will be a number of gameplay changes that have taken effect from November 2nd, 2021, and will be in place over the coming months until its shutdown. These aim to increase the playability of the game before its shutdown.

  • All Daily Assignments will have their rewards increased
  • All Potion Brew times will be reduced by 50% with Master Notes
  • The daily cap on sending and opening Gifts will be removed
  • Barrufio’s Brain Elixir potion will now award 3× player XP
  • 1920s Portkey Portmanteaus will appear on the map more frequently and associated Fragment rewards will be doubled
  • Spell Energy and Ingredients will appear on the map more frequently

The following events will also be taking place in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite over the coming months.

  • November
    • Dolores Umbridge Lethal Adversaries Event
    • Half-Blood Prince Brilliant Event Part 1
    • Lucius Malfoy Lethal Adversaries Event
    • Half-Blood Prince Brilliant Event Part 2
  • December
    • Bellatrix Lethal Adversaries Event
    • Horcrux Hunt Part 2
    • Voldemort Lethal Adversaries Event
    • Deathly Hallows Brilliant Event Part 1
    • Holiday Event
    • Deathly Hallows Brilliant Event Part 2
  • January
    • We’ll share more details regarding additional game changes that’ll happen during the month of January.

At the end of the announcement, the Harry Potter: Wizards Unite team took the opportunity to give thanks to “every single person in our amazing community of witches and wizards for adventuring with us out in the real world.” 

The post Niantic announces Harry Potter: Wizards Unite will close in January 2022 appeared first on xda-developers.



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[Update: More free trials] Stadia now lets you try out select games for 30 minutes

Update 1 (11/03/2021 @ 09:14 ET): As promised, Google has expanded free Stadia trials to more titles. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on November 3, 2021, is preserved below.

Google’s latest attempt to get you hooked to its Stadia cloud gaming service is free game trials. While Google already offers a free trial of Stadia Pro to new users, the latest experiment allows users to try out select titles before purchasing.

As per various reports (via 9to5Google), Google is now offering a free 30-minute trial of Hello Engineer, a Stadia exclusive title. When you go to the game’s listing page, you’ll find a red Play 30 min free button just above the description. You can click on the button to start your free trial. A countdown is shown in the Stadia sidebar displaying how much time is left in the trial. Once it ends, you’ll see a prompt asking you whether you would like to purchase the game. You can buy the title for $20 or sign up for a Stadia Pro subscription to get it for free.

Listing page of Teen Engineer on Google Stadia Game trial countdown timer

Screenshots credit: 9to5Google

Google’s Stadia has every reason to be doing well, but its biggest problems may be out of its control

As of now, Google is only offering a free 30-minute trial on Hello Engineer. A Stadia representative told The Verge that Google would be running this experiment for the next couple of months, and there’s a plan to offer free trials on more titles. However, these trials won’t always be for 30 minutes, and users may not see the same titles as everyone else.

Over the past months, Google Stadia has tried out various ways to attract new gamers. In May, Google teamed up with OnePlus to offer a free Stadia Premier Edition bundle with a new OnePlus device. Then in June, Google and AT&T announced a new promotional deal that gave AT&T 5G unlimited wireless and fiber users six months of Stadia Pro for free.

Stadia is now also available on Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and select Android TV devices.


Update: Google expands free trials to more titles

Free Stadia trials are now available for two more titles: Control: Ultimate Edition and Ubisoft’s newly released Riders Republic. While the trial for Control: Ultimate Edition is limited to 30 minutes, Google is offering full two hours of free playtime on Riders Republic.

The post [Update: More free trials] Stadia now lets you try out select games for 30 minutes appeared first on xda-developers.



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[Update: More free trials] Stadia now lets you try out select games for 30 minutes

Update 1 (11/03/2021 @ 09:14 ET): As promised, Google has expanded free Stadia trials to more titles. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on November 3, 2021, is preserved below.

Google’s latest attempt to get you hooked to its Stadia cloud gaming service is free game trials. While Google already offers a free trial of Stadia Pro to new users, the latest experiment allows users to try out select titles before purchasing.

As per various reports (via 9to5Google), Google is now offering a free 30-minute trial of Hello Engineer, a Stadia exclusive title. When you go to the game’s listing page, you’ll find a red Play 30 min free button just above the description. You can click on the button to start your free trial. A countdown is shown in the Stadia sidebar displaying how much time is left in the trial. Once it ends, you’ll see a prompt asking you whether you would like to purchase the game. You can buy the title for $20 or sign up for a Stadia Pro subscription to get it for free.

Listing page of Teen Engineer on Google Stadia Game trial countdown timer

Screenshots credit: 9to5Google

Google’s Stadia has every reason to be doing well, but its biggest problems may be out of its control

As of now, Google is only offering a free 30-minute trial on Hello Engineer. A Stadia representative told The Verge that Google would be running this experiment for the next couple of months, and there’s a plan to offer free trials on more titles. However, these trials won’t always be for 30 minutes, and users may not see the same titles as everyone else.

Over the past months, Google Stadia has tried out various ways to attract new gamers. In May, Google teamed up with OnePlus to offer a free Stadia Premier Edition bundle with a new OnePlus device. Then in June, Google and AT&T announced a new promotional deal that gave AT&T 5G unlimited wireless and fiber users six months of Stadia Pro for free.

Stadia is now also available on Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and select Android TV devices.


Update: Google expands free trials to more titles

Free Stadia trials are now available for two more titles: Control: Ultimate Edition and Ubisoft’s newly released Riders Republic. While the trial for Control: Ultimate Edition is limited to 30 minutes, Google is offering full two hours of free playtime on Riders Republic.

The post [Update: More free trials] Stadia now lets you try out select games for 30 minutes appeared first on xda-developers.



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Dropbox adds Automated Folders and a new tagging system to let you easily organize files

Dropbox, the popular file hosting service, has announced new tools to make it easier to search and keep your files organized. The new features include automated folders, an automated dashboard, a new tagging system for files and folders, multi-file organize actions, and more.

Automated folders are folders that automatically organize themselves (via The Verge). The feature uses pre-defined rules to automatically perform tasks like naming, sorting, tagging, and so on every time a new file is added to the folder. Dropbox says it plans to bring more customization options so users can create their own custom rules for automation.

Automated folders in Dropbox

Dropbox is also adding a new automated dashboard to allow users to manage automated folders and their settings from one place. Then there’s a new tagging system that lets you, well.. tag files and folders so you can get to them quickly without having to remember file names.

  • Automated folders. Create folders that automatically perform specific tasks—such as naming, sorting, tagging, and converting—anytime a file is added to the folder.
  • Automated dashboard. Control and manage automated folders and their settings from a central dashboard.
  • Naming conventions. Create file naming standards based on categories that can be applied to individual folders. You can rename files or photos by the date they were taken and include a parent folder name.
  • Multi-file organize. Categorize and sort a folder’s files into subfolders based on dates, keywords, or level of activity. Preview and verify changes before files are moved.

Dropbox says these newly announced features will start rolling out to teams today and are “coming soon to individual plans and Dropbox Family.”

Finally, Dropbox has also released a redesigned HelloSign mobile app that lets you quickly sign documents on the go. You can also prepare and send new agreements to others, track the status of your signature request, and receive further updates right on the homescreen. The HelloSign app is currently only available on iOS, with the Android version “coming soon.”

The post Dropbox adds Automated Folders and a new tagging system to let you easily organize files appeared first on xda-developers.



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Dropbox adds Automated Folders and a new tagging system to let you easily organize files

Dropbox, the popular file hosting service, has announced new tools to make it easier to search and keep your files organized. The new features include automated folders, an automated dashboard, a new tagging system for files and folders, multi-file organize actions, and more.

Automated folders are folders that automatically organize themselves (via The Verge). The feature uses pre-defined rules to automatically perform tasks like naming, sorting, tagging, and so on every time a new file is added to the folder. Dropbox says it plans to bring more customization options so users can create their own custom rules for automation.

Automated folders in Dropbox

Dropbox is also adding a new automated dashboard to allow users to manage automated folders and their settings from one place. Then there’s a new tagging system that lets you, well.. tag files and folders so you can get to them quickly without having to remember file names.

  • Automated folders. Create folders that automatically perform specific tasks—such as naming, sorting, tagging, and converting—anytime a file is added to the folder.
  • Automated dashboard. Control and manage automated folders and their settings from a central dashboard.
  • Naming conventions. Create file naming standards based on categories that can be applied to individual folders. You can rename files or photos by the date they were taken and include a parent folder name.
  • Multi-file organize. Categorize and sort a folder’s files into subfolders based on dates, keywords, or level of activity. Preview and verify changes before files are moved.

Dropbox says these newly announced features will start rolling out to teams today and are “coming soon to individual plans and Dropbox Family.”

Finally, Dropbox has also released a redesigned HelloSign mobile app that lets you quickly sign documents on the go. You can also prepare and send new agreements to others, track the status of your signature request, and receive further updates right on the homescreen. The HelloSign app is currently only available on iOS, with the Android version “coming soon.”

The post Dropbox adds Automated Folders and a new tagging system to let you easily organize files appeared first on xda-developers.



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These are the Best Deals on the new Apple AirPods 3

Apple has launched the third generation of one of the most popular pairs of wireless earbuds — the AirPods 3. The design of the AirPods 3 is similar to that of the AirPods Pro, except for the silicone ear tips that are present on the Pro. The AirPods 3, like its predecessors, has an open-ear design which also means it does not get support for ANC. However, it does get spatial audio and a new case that supports MagSafe charging. While the AirPods Pro is still the best pair of TWS earbuds Apple has to offer, the AirPods 3 is specifically meant for users who want an open-ear design. If you are one of those people, here are some of the best AirPods 3 deals that might help you save some money while purchasing the earbuds from your favorite retailers.
AirPods 3 design

Best AirPods 3 Deals in the US

If you’re in the US, you can purchase the AirPods 3 from various online retailers. Here are some of the best deals that we found on the AirPods 3 in the US. Pick the store you prefer and hit the Buy Now button!

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best online retailers since you get free returns and monthly payments with no interest if you have the Amazon Store Card. The AirPods 3 is also slightly cheaper on Amazon compared to the Apple Store and generally, the prices tend to go down as time goes by.

    Apple AirPods 3
    The AirPods 3 is selling on Amazon for slightly lesser than what it sells for on the Apple Store.

Best Buy

Best Buy is another popular retailer users like to buy from. You can choose to place the order online and collect it from a physical store nearby or get it delivered to your address directly. Best Buy also has extended returns right now so anything you buy currently can be returned until 16 January.

    Apple AirPods 3
    Best Buy is another popular retailer selling the AirPods 3 with an extended return window.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Best AirPods 3 Deals in the UK

Just like in the US, the AirPods 3 is available to purchase from various online retailers in the UK too. Here are a few of them.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best online retailers since you get free returns and you can also add Apple Care+ directly with the purchase if you want the added protection against accidental damage. The AirPods 3 costs the same on Amazon and the Apple Store but generally, the prices on Amazon tend to go down as time goes by.

    Apple AirPods 3
    The AirPods 3 is selling on Amazon for the same price as that on the Apple Store. You can also choose to add Apple Care+ with the purchase.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Best AirPods 3 Deals in India

If you’re looking to buy the AirPods 3 in India, the official Apple online store is the only place where you can find it ready to order. It should be made available on other platforms very soon though and as soon as it is, we will update this segment.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Flipkart

Flipkart has the AirPods 3 listed on the website but with a Coming Soon banner at the time of writing. If you’re reading this article a few days after it’s been published, you can head over to the product page and check if the AirPods 3 are available to order. We will keep an eye out too and update this section when Flipkart has the new pair of earbuds from Apple on sale.

    Apple AirPods 3
    Flipkart has the AirPods 3 listed but it's still 'Coming Soon'. You can wait to purchase the earbuds from Flipkart if you want additional card offers or no-cost EMI.

These were some of the best AirPods 3 deals that you can get depending on where you’re located. Since the product has just been launched recently, the availability is currently limited in some regions. However, we’ll update this list as and when the AirPods 3 becomes available in more places. If you’re looking to buy the AirPods 3 in India specifically, we urge you to wait for it to come to other e-commerce platforms like Amazon wherein you will be able to make use of card offers to avail more discount.

The post These are the Best Deals on the new Apple AirPods 3 appeared first on xda-developers.



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via IFTTT

These are the Best Deals on the new Apple AirPods 3

Apple has launched the third generation of one of the most popular pairs of wireless earbuds — the AirPods 3. The design of the AirPods 3 is similar to that of the AirPods Pro, except for the silicone ear tips that are present on the Pro. The AirPods 3, like its predecessors, has an open-ear design which also means it does not get support for ANC. However, it does get spatial audio and a new case that supports MagSafe charging. While the AirPods Pro is still the best pair of TWS earbuds Apple has to offer, the AirPods 3 is specifically meant for users who want an open-ear design. If you are one of those people, here are some of the best AirPods 3 deals that might help you save some money while purchasing the earbuds from your favorite retailers.
AirPods 3 design

Best AirPods 3 Deals in the US

If you’re in the US, you can purchase the AirPods 3 from various online retailers. Here are some of the best deals that we found on the AirPods 3 in the US. Pick the store you prefer and hit the Buy Now button!

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best online retailers since you get free returns and monthly payments with no interest if you have the Amazon Store Card. The AirPods 3 is also slightly cheaper on Amazon compared to the Apple Store and generally, the prices tend to go down as time goes by.

    Apple AirPods 3
    The AirPods 3 is selling on Amazon for slightly lesser than what it sells for on the Apple Store.

Best Buy

Best Buy is another popular retailer users like to buy from. You can choose to place the order online and collect it from a physical store nearby or get it delivered to your address directly. Best Buy also has extended returns right now so anything you buy currently can be returned until 16 January.

    Apple AirPods 3
    Best Buy is another popular retailer selling the AirPods 3 with an extended return window.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Best AirPods 3 Deals in the UK

Just like in the US, the AirPods 3 is available to purchase from various online retailers in the UK too. Here are a few of them.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best online retailers since you get free returns and you can also add Apple Care+ directly with the purchase if you want the added protection against accidental damage. The AirPods 3 costs the same on Amazon and the Apple Store but generally, the prices on Amazon tend to go down as time goes by.

    Apple AirPods 3
    The AirPods 3 is selling on Amazon for the same price as that on the Apple Store. You can also choose to add Apple Care+ with the purchase.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Best AirPods 3 Deals in India

If you’re looking to buy the AirPods 3 in India, the official Apple online store is the only place where you can find it ready to order. It should be made available on other platforms very soon though and as soon as it is, we will update this segment.

Apple Store

If you don’t want to get the AirPods from a third-party store or retailer, you can grab it straight from Apple’s online store. If you choose to do so, you can also add an engraving on the AirPods case to add a personalized touch to your AirPods.

    Apple AirPods 3
    You can choose to purchase the AirPods 3 directly from Apple if you want a customized engraving on the case.

Flipkart

Flipkart has the AirPods 3 listed on the website but with a Coming Soon banner at the time of writing. If you’re reading this article a few days after it’s been published, you can head over to the product page and check if the AirPods 3 are available to order. We will keep an eye out too and update this section when Flipkart has the new pair of earbuds from Apple on sale.

    Apple AirPods 3
    Flipkart has the AirPods 3 listed but it's still 'Coming Soon'. You can wait to purchase the earbuds from Flipkart if you want additional card offers or no-cost EMI.

These were some of the best AirPods 3 deals that you can get depending on where you’re located. Since the product has just been launched recently, the availability is currently limited in some regions. However, we’ll update this list as and when the AirPods 3 becomes available in more places. If you’re looking to buy the AirPods 3 in India specifically, we urge you to wait for it to come to other e-commerce platforms like Amazon wherein you will be able to make use of card offers to avail more discount.

The post These are the Best Deals on the new Apple AirPods 3 appeared first on xda-developers.



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