Author: Russell Kidson

I hail from the awe-inspiring beauty of South Africa. Born and raised in Pretoria, I've always had a deep interest in local history, particularly conflicts, architecture, and our country's rich past of being a plaything for European aristocracy. 'Tis an attempt at humor. My interest in history has since translated into hours at a time researching everything from the many reasons the Titanic sank (really, it's a wonder she ever left Belfast) to why Minecraft is such a feat of human technological accomplishment. I am an avid video gamer (Sims 4 definitely counts as video gaming, I checked) and particularly enjoy playing the part of a relatively benign overlord in Minecraft. I enjoy the diverse experiences gaming offers the player. Within the space of a few hours, a player can go from having a career as an interior decorator in Sims, to training as an archer under Niruin in Skyrim. I believe video games have so much more to teach humanity about community, kindness, and loyalty, and I enjoy the opportunity to bring concepts of the like into literary pieces.

Google Cloud launches team to expand blockchain efforts

Last week, an announcement by Google Cloud’s vice president of financial services, Yolande Piazza, confirmed that the firm has set up a digital assets team to help clients navigate the waters of blockchain-based operations. The team was set up to assist clients with the creation, trading, and storing of value, as well as aiding them in launching new products across blockchain-based platforms. 

Google Cloud furthermore promised to give clients access to infrastructure that is scalable, secure, and sustainable. A blog post highlighting the company’s efforts to make blockchain a more accessible platform also pointed to several organizations that have already implemented Google Cloud, such as Hedera, Dapper Labs, and Theta Labs. 

Piazza’s announcement also expressed the desire to develop systems that let Google Cloud clients make and receive payments through various cryptocurrencies. 

This isn’t the first time Google has dipped its toes into the world of cryptocurrencies. Recently, Google developed Google Pay with the help of a PayPal veteran to facilitate smoother and faster financial transactions. Google also entered a partnership with Coinbase in June last year, enabling Coinbase customers to make payments for goods and services using Google Pay. 

Ultimately, Google Cloud infrastructure will ensure that developers can deliver software and data faster on the blockchain and thus give users faster access to applications. Piazza hopes that this new innovation will go a long way in helping users understand and be a part of tomorrow’s blockchain ecosystems.

Warframe Players prepare for Angels of the Zariman expansion

Digital Extremes held a developer live stream a few days ago in which it outlined how it was going to make good on promises to make 2022 its best year yet. Part of this live stream was new updates on the next Warframe expansion, Angels of the Zariman. 

Warframe hasn’t seen an expansion or major update since The New War was released for the live-service phenomenon. While the expansion expanded on major storyline threads, fans are already clamoring for the next piece of the puzzle. Angels of the Zariman seeks to satiate this hunger for all things Warframe with no less than two new game modes, a new Warframe, a new quest, and a few notable reworks of Warframe’s quality of life. 

The dev team at Digital Extremes hasn’t elaborated much more on what else players could see in the upcoming update 31.5, but the dev stream in February will likely be a deep dive into what it will entail. @PlayWarframe has, in the meantime, taken to Twitter to release the first piece of concept art and a confirmation that Angels of the Zariman is coming ‘soon.’

We look forward to the next dev stream on Twitch, but in the meantime, we wait for February 9th, which will see the 31.1 Echoes of War update released globally. It will let players replay The New War and will also add ‘quality-of-life’ changes and the much-anticipated return of the annual Valentine’s Day event Star Days. 

The excitement for the next chapter of possibly the best ninja game on PC is palpable. While you wait for more information about the coming updates, check out our list of the best free-to-play games on Steam. Spoiler alert: Warframe is one of them. 

Spotify in hot water over Covid-19 misinformation

The Joe Rogan Experience is a popular podcast hosted on Spotify that is now synonymous with misinformation and public outcry, as well as the rapid decline of the leading music and podcast streaming service. Rogan’s podcast in which he reportedly spread misinformation surrounding Covid-19 vaccinations and government mandates has hit Spotify hard, even resulting in trending hashtags #DeleteSpotify #SpotifyDeleted.

Rogan has since addressed the controversy with a 10-minute video posted to Instagram. He has promised to ‘balance things out’ by including a more diverse range of guests on his Spotify podcast. This will be done in an attempt to furnish his podcast with a greater variety of opinions and points of view. Joe Rogan placed considerable emphasis on wanting to merely find out what the truth about the vaccines and government mandates is. 

The mass outrage sparked by Rogan’s latest podcasts prompted major musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to pull their music from Spotify. The leading music streaming platform now reports a loss of more than $2 Billion in market value. In not taking down The Joe Rogan Experience podcast as a result of Young ending his contract with Spotify, the music streaming service is seen as siding with Rogan, even though it has committed to adding content advisories to any podcast episodes relating to the pandemic and vaccines and linking those posts to more authoritative and scientific sources on the matter. 

Embattled US private citizens and prominently controversial members of the British Royal Family Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also on record as having expressed concerns to Spotify about its affiliation and support of Joe Rogan amidst the controversy. Spotify is yet to give in to mounting public pressure to remove the controversial podcast. 

While more musicians and notable podcast creators are rumored to be next in line to boycott Spotify, no concrete evidence exists to prove that Spotify is losing its strong foothold on the music streaming scene and remains one of the foremost music and podcast services in operation. 

iOS 15.4 lets you unlock your iPhone with a mask

Face ID has been a standard feature of Apple’s iPhone since the release of the iPhone X in 2017. Once the preferred method of unlocking your iPhone, Face ID has become a little less convenient since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the dawn of the age of masks in 2020. Luckily, Apple’s latest OS update released to developers circumvents the need to remove your face mask to use the Face ID utility.

Users can currently unlock their iPhones with a mask on if they have the Apple Watch, but the new iPhone 12 and up feature eliminates their need for the watch. The new Face ID With a Mask feature operates by recognizing the face area around the eyes when you’re wearing a mask. This feature is arguably not as secure as unlocking your phone without a mask, but it is more convenient when you’re out and about.

It is not clear why the feature isn’t available to Apple users with an iPhone 11 or earlier, but some users took to the comments section of MacRumors to debate the issue. A user named ‘Anshuvorty’ proposed that the machine learning chip on older iPhones isn’t powerful enough to run the new feature.

‘Alchemistmuffin’ agreed, attributing the issue to hardware limitations regarding the Neural Engine on the Ax Series chip and the fact that the newer iPhones have superior face-mapping sensors.

iOS 15.4 lets you unlock your iPhone with a Mask

Factoring in how technology often filters down into older or less powerful models as time progresses, we might see a similar feature release for iPhone 11 and earlier. If the compatibility of the new Face ID with a mask feature is to do with software, we might very well see it filter down to older models.

However, if the issue is hardware-related, older phones would need a complete hardware reconfiguration to run the new feature, which would be costly to implement and ultimately pointless. Studies find that users typically upgrade to newer devices every two years.

For now, it seems, if you have an iPhone 11 or earlier, you’re stuck with having to use your Apple Watch to unlock your phone with a mask on. While this isn’t exactly the biggest problem the modern world faces, it is inconvenient.

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel heads to Android and iOS

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel has already proven itself a post-launch success, having surpassed 262,333 players on Steam in its first week. This number doesn’t include duelists on console platforms like Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo, which would push the total players to far over 400,000. Now, the game has found a new home on both the AppStore and Google Play as Konami officially starts rolling out the game’s mobile port across the globe. 

Konami designed Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel to develop into its own platform for casual and competitive gaming within the Yu-Gi-Oh-verse. This latest port to mobile promises to open up a massive new market and introduce the platform to millions of new users. Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel is unavailable in many regions as Konami implements a staggered release to the different areas. The regions where Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel is currently available to play on Android and iOS are:

  • Algeria
  • Austria
  • Brazil
  • Egypt
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Portugal
  • Switzerland 
  • Turkey

There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason behind the countries chosen as the first choices, but the official Konami website states that the game will be ‘launching in other countries’ soon‘. 

While you wait for Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel to be released in your region, we’ve put together a short tutorial on what an APK is and how to install it in preparation for the game’s arrival. 

In summary, APK, or Android Package Kit, is the format in which Android apps are packaged, downloaded, and installed on mobile devices. This is typically used for leaked or modified versions of an Android app. To let your phone install APK’s you’ll need to allow it to install apps from unknown sources. This basically means anywhere that isn’t Google Play. 

Once you’ve changed your phone’s permissions, it’s as simple as heading to Softonic.com, finding the app you want, and clicking download. From there, you’ll be able to access the APK through a mobile file explorer and install it onto your phone. 

Google back-pedals on its G-Suite Legacy ultimatum

Last week, Google LLC made an announcement concerning their G Suite Legacy utility that shocked users. The tech conglomerate announced that G Suite accounts set up before the utility became a paid service would be shut down unless users started paying the per-user monthly fee. Previously, users who had signed up in the utility’s early days had been given legacy status and were exempt from monthly payments. The mass outcry from legacy users has now led Google to reconsider its harsh ultimatum. 

Although the matter is now under consideration after Google was apparently shocked by legacy users’ reaction to the news, this doesn’t necessarily mean the decision will change. Google LLC has essentially said it plans to launch a survey into affected G Suite users, but it hasn’t promised an agreeable outcome. In the meantime, Google has attempted to soften the heavy blow by promising a no-cost data transfer option before the shutdown takes effect. The data eligible for this transfer is outlined as ‘non-Google Workspace paid content.’ 

No complete list of applicable data has been provided yet, so we can only assume that ‘non-Google Workspace paid content’ means everything from apps and games to movies and TV products purchased across the Google Play platform. 

A survey entry on an FAQ sheet pertaining to Google Legacy Free Edition may hint at the possibility of a free or low-cost option for users who don’t use Google Workspace for business. This survey is aimed at users whose accounts have 10 seats or less and who are interested in receiving future updates on ‘G Suite Legacy Free Edition special offers.’ 

Given that Google is offering a free transfer option to legacy users of G Suite, it’s unlikely that the decision to shut free accounts down will be overturned. Instead, Google LLC seems to be investigating a way to fill the gap that the free legacy G Suite utility will undoubtedly leave.

Rainbow Six Extraction exceeds 3 million players

@R6Extraction took to Twitter in the early hours of the morning to announce a major win; Rainbow Six Extraction has surpassed 3 million players worldwide in its first week on the market. This comes only a few days after Rainbow Six Extraction was released on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service making the game more readily available to a greater number of players. Ubisoft plans to celebrate this win with a special Buddy Pass launch, letting players invite up to two friends to play with them for free. 

Players across all platforms, including those who play the game via Xbox Game Pass, will receive two tokens to give to their friends so that they can try the game out. The tokens will function as a free trial and are valid for two weeks. Cross-play integration also means that players can squad up with their friends, no matter what platform they prefer. Should these trial players choose to purchase the game, any progress they made during the trial period will be transferred to their new gaming profiles. 

More exciting Rainbow Six Extraction news comes in the form of planned free post-release content. If you needed more incentive to keep playing R6E and leveling up your Operators, here it is. Rumour has it you’ll be needing all the REACT tech you can get your hands on for the upcoming free content in this jaw-dropping loot ‘n shoot. So keep making the Archaeans lives’ a living misery and gaining PvE and tactical co-op experience; you’ll thank us later. 

Rainbow Six Extraction is available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, and Ubisoft+. You can also play it with Xbox Game Pass and Windows 10/11 PCs with PC Game Pass. 

If you haven’t already, why not check out how you can redeem free limited edition loot with Amazon Prime and Rainbow Six Extraction.  

Leaks hint at upcoming content for Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel

Since Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel’s arrival on Jan 19, avid duelists have had a free-to-play platform for epic card battles. The game surprised fans by arriving on gaming marketplaces without much pre-launch publicity. One week after the game’s surprise arrival, hardcore duelists and data miners have uncovered proof of possible future content deep in the game’s core files. 

OzoneTCG, a prominent YouTube channel in the Yu-Gi-Oh-verse, gathered leaks using an Asset Studio GUI. The leaks show unreleased concept art and details of new upcoming solo mode archetypes and pictures of powerful cards that aren’t the game’s current build. One of Ozone TCG’s most controversial leaks is the powerful Synchro monster, Baronne de Fleur. Here is a list of the upcoming archetypes uncovered in the leak:

  • Mecha Phantom Beasts
  • The Weather
  • Lightsworn
  • Herald

A Reddit user named ‘Kr0Meister’ publicized the leaks by OzoneTCG and added to the leak list with their own discoveries. Among these new leaks are new sleeves, unused field parts, duel fields, profile icons and frames, and mate bases. It’s pertinent to mention that one of the duel fields seems to depict a Colosseum, and another seems like a strong reference to the Grand Spellbook Tower. 

Another Reddit user named ‘Nintendax’ added further leaks that hint at what might be the first event and tournaments coming to Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel. The data mine put specific emphasis on ‘A special pack that can only be bought with tickets from tournaments.’ The leaked background images and logos suggest packs for Xyz, Fusion, and Synchro tournaments are coming soon to Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel. 

Leaks are unsurprising as data miners delve into new games’ core files as soon as games are released. But these should also be taken with a grain of salt as until new packs and features are released, any concept art or architecture for planned features are simply that: planned features. Leaks do, however, serve an important role within the gaming community as they intensify interest in titles like Yu-Gi-Oh Master duel and the possibilities of a very exciting and hopefully tournament-driven future for the franchise. 

How to Claim Rewards with Prime Gaming and Rainbow Six Extraction

Amazon has done it again. Teaming up with Ubisoft once more, the multinational tech giant has committed to giving Amazon Prime subscribers amazing perks and exclusive offers for Rainbow Six Extraction. Expect to see the Rubicon Phase Bundle and its exclusive uniforms for all 18 operators included in this post-festive season flaunt of generosity. The Rubicon Phase Bundle is available on Amazon Luna, Google Stadia, PC, and consoles. 

Here’s how you can claim your rewards for Rainbow Six Extraction.

Claiming rewards with Rainbow Six Extraction

Rainbow Six Extraction has only been out for a short while, and already players are clamoring for more content. These rewards exclusive to Amazon Prime subscribers seek to rain down on the early game drought as we wait for new operators, modes, and enemies in future DLC. Game Director Patrik Méthé roughly outlined DLC bundle plans in a statement to Gfinity. We don’t know the how’s or when’s of these yet, though, so gifts from Amazon are a welcome addition to the game. 

How the rewards are worded suggests that this may not be a one-time thing and that players will be eligible for potentially regular content drops, with the Rubicon Phase Bundle being the first. In that case, It’s probably best to claim your rewards now before the next potential loot arrives. 

  1. Follow a quick link

    How to Claim Rewards with Prime Gaming and Rainbow Six Extraction

    You’ll need to start by following the link to the Rainbow Extraction Six reward page on Prime Gaming. You’ll immediately see a familiar face if you’re a fan of this latest shoot ‘n loot by Tom Clancy. Here you can read about the Rubicon Phase Bundle or sign up for Amazon Prime if you haven’t already. This subscription will cost you every month, but you’ll get free games and in-game loot each month, as well as full use of Amazon Prime’s video streaming service.

  2. Sign in

    How to Claim Rewards with Prime Gaming and Rainbow Six Extraction

    Next, you’ll want to sign in to your Amazon Prime account or sign up for one. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a gold banner with a blue button that says ‘try Prime’. Click here to sign up, and click on the person slightly to the right to sign in. You’ll see a drop-down menu and the sign-in option is the last on the list. Once you’re signed in, you’re ready to continue.

  3. Connect Amazon Prime to Ubisoft

    How to Claim Rewards with Prime Gaming and Rainbow Six Extraction

    Amazon has tried to make this as effortless as possible, so you only have to wait a few moments after signing in for a pop-up to appear asking you to sign in to Ubisoft. Click ‘go to Ubisoft’, you’ll be taken to a new page. Now click ‘Link’ and enter your Ubisoft credentials.

  4. Confirm and claim

    How to Claim Rewards with Prime Gaming and Rainbow Six Extraction

    Once you’ve signed in to Ubisoft, click ‘Confirm My Account’, and then you should be good to go. Now just click ‘Complete Claim’, and if the previous steps were all followed correctly, you’ll be greeted with a pop up alerting you that you can now claim the Rubicon Phase Bundle.

Free stuff with extra steps

Having to link accounts and log in to two different services to get free loot sounds like a hassle, but as we proved above, it’s quick and easy. Amazon and Ubisoft teaming up to bring us much-needed additional loot so soon after Rainbow Six Extraction’s release is the ultimate Tom Clancy-themed blessing.

Between these exclusive drops and future DLC confirmed, we’ll be drowning in RSE loot soon enough. So sign in, suit up, and reap the unexpected benefits of having an Amazon Prime account.

Netflix shares plummet after catastrophic forecast

Netflix has long been a titan in the television streaming war, occupying 25% of the US streaming market and 19% globally. But analysts predict a much slower start this year than 2021’s first-quarter statistics. Originally, they predicted 8.4 million new customers would be added to the global streaming giant’s viewer list between January and March of this year. That number has now gone to 5.9 million new viewers, with Netflix projecting only 2.5 million. This notable decrease for the first quarter of 2022 has had a catastrophic effect on Netflix’s shares, sinking them by nearly 20%.

Losing almost 20% on its shares also strips Netflix of any gains during the COVID-19 pandemic, this hot on the heels of a decision to raise its prices by up to $2 monthly. Netflix attributes these weak early 2022 subscriber predictions to the late arrival of highly-anticipated content, such as Season 2 of the period-classic drama Bridgerton and Shawn Levy’s science fiction film The Adam Project. 

Netflix closed at $397.50 and is currently trading at $387.15 with a loss of 2.60% ($10.35) since closing. This near-fatal blow comes shortly after the company rode a 52 week high of $700.99. Netflix saw a spike of 8.3 million new subscribers between October and December last year, attributed to the release of star-studded cinematic titles like Red Notice and serial sensation The Witcher’s new season. 

As we see the emergence of more streaming services, like the rising star AppleTV+, it’s understandable that the market leader would experience a cooling-off period as the subscription base begins to level out. However, after years of dominating the industry with massive margins, this leveling out is certainly not good for business. 

If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating world of Netflix or read how you can play Stranger Things: 1984 on your phone, read our guide to Netflix Games and how it’s revolutionizing mobile gaming.