Saturday, January 22, 2022

The Verge - Entertainments

The Verge - Entertainments

Dark Souls 3 exploit could let hackers take control of your entire computer

Posted: 22 Jan 2022 04:27 PM PST

Dark Souls 3 screenshots

A dangerous remote code execution (RCE) exploit found in Dark Souls 3 could let a bad actor take control of your computer, according to a report from Dexerto. The vulnerability only puts PC gamers who play online at risk and may potentially affect Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2, and the upcoming Elden Ring.

The exploit was seen in action during The__Grim__Sleeper's Twitch stream of Dark Souls 3 online. At the end of the stream (1:20:22), The__Grim__Sleeper's game crashes, and the robotic voice belonging to Microsoft's text-to-speech generator suddenly starts criticizing his gameplay. The__Grim__Sleeper then reports that Microsoft PowerShell opened by itself, a sign that a hacker used the program to run a script that triggered the text-to-speech feature.

However, this likely wasn't a malicious hacker — a screenshotted post on the SpeedSouls' Discord may reveal the "hacker's" actual intentions. According to the post, the "hacker" knew about the vulnerability and attempted to contact Dark Souls developer FromSoftware about the issue. He was reportedly ignored, so he started using the hack on streamers to draw attention to the problem.

But if a bad actor discovered this problem first, the outcome could've been much worse. RCE is one of the most dangerous vulnerabilities, as noted by Kaspersky. It allows hackers to run malicious code on their victim's computer, causing irreparable damage, and potentially stealing sensitive information while they're at it.

Blue Sentinel, a community-made anti-cheat mod for Dark Souls 3, has since been patched to protect against the RCE vulnerability. In a post on the r/darksouls3 subreddit, a user explains that (hopefully) only four people know how to execute the RCE hack — two of which are Blue Sentinel developers, and the other two are people "who worked on it," possibly referring to the individuals who helped uncover the issue.

For now, though, it's probably best to stay off Dark Souls online until an official fix has been released. A Bandai Namco representative commented on a Reddit post in response to the issue, stating: "Thanks very much for the ping, a report on this topic was submitted to the relevant internal teams earlier today, the information is much appreciated!" The Verge reached out to Bandai Namco with a request for comment but didn't immediately hear back.

YouTube TV is $10 off for your first three months

Posted: 22 Jan 2022 07:30 AM PST

New YouTube TV subscribers can pay YouTube TV $54.99 each month instead of $64.99. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Just in time for Super Bowl season, a three-month subscription to the YouTube TV streaming service is a little more affordable. Right now, new subscribers can pay $54.99 each month instead of $64.99 for your first three months. Normally, that would cost you around $195, so that means you'll pay $165 by the end of this discount period.

That's still expensive, but it's a welcome discount for a service that significantly gone up in price within the last few years. Nevertheless, it's a solid streaming app if you want many channels on-demand (with DVR capabilities available), presented in a familiar YouTube interface. For this price, you'll get access to over 85 major channels, covering live sports, news, entertainment, and more. It also includes unlimited recording for up to six accounts, and you can cancel whenever you'd like.

Apple's AirPods Max over-ear headphones sold for their lowest price ever during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In case you missed out on that deal, you have another chance at saving big today. For the first time since the holidays, you can buy the headphones in the sky blue colorway for $449 from Amazon, which is just $20 shy of their best price ever. That equates to a savings of $100 on some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now.

As we noted in our review, Apple's over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality, while boasting great spatial audio features so you can better immerse yourself in a movie or compatible music. The headphones are comfortable to wear for a long time as well thanks to their breathable knit mesh canopy. While $449 is still quite expensive, this could be a good deal for those deeply embedded within the Apple ecosystem given how seamlessly these headphones can also pair with other Apple devices.

When we first published our review of Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra one year ago, we called it the best Android phone on the market. We were impressed with the huge phone's excellent camera system, as well as its stunning 6.8-inch dynamic OLED screen that boasts a high refresh rate. We appreciated its lengthy battery life, too, as well as how fast the Snapdragon 888 processor-powered phone is.

Though, almost a full year out from its release, we wouldn't suggest paying $1,199.99 — its original price. However, if you can be swayed by a decent deal, Amazon is selling the phantom black, 128GB model for $1049.99 today, saving you $150. That's the lowest we've seen it sell for since the holidays.

Note, Samsung will soon release the Galaxy S22 series. It's unclear exactly when, but that means we'll likely see even more discounts on the Galaxy S21 lineup sooner rather than later. Still, if you can't wait, this is a good deal for now.

On the market for a budget-friendly tablet? Amazon is selling its 2020 Fire HD 8 tablets for half-off, with the ad-supported, 32GB base model starting at $44.99 instead of $89.99. If you want slightly more RAM and wireless charging, the Fire HD 8 Plus is also 50 percent off, selling for $54.99 instead of $109.99.

Regardless of which you buy, both offer a USB-C port for faster charging, and have a faster processor than their predecessors. While app selection is limited to Amazon's Appstore, that still gives you access to the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, Zoom, Outlook, and more. If you're leaning toward the Fire HD 8 Plus, The Verge's Dieter Bohn pointed out in his review that you can use the Plus as an Echo Show if you purchase Amazon's wireless charging dock alongside the tablet. Doing so costs $108, down from $163.

Here are some even more deals to treat yourself to this weekend:

Here’s where you can buy a Nintendo Switch

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 04:51 PM PST

The Nintendo Switch OLED model boasts a vibrant, 7-inch display and slate of minor upgrades. | Image: Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch was, like most consoles during the pandemic, once in short supply. Thankfully, retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart now routinely stock the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite in multiple color configurations and models, giving those who struck out ample opportunity to purchase Nintendo's versatile console.

We're keeping an eye across the web to find where you can buy a Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite (the portable-only version of the console), and the new Nintendo Switch OLED model, as well as any bundles that seem like good deals.

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch right now?

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch Lite right now?

The Nintendo Switch Lite has a lot in common with the standard Switch, aside from a few key differences. The Lite only functions as a handheld console — meaning you can't hook it up to your TV — and it's smaller, lighter, and sturdier than its dockable counterpart. It also features a D-pad and can play all the same games, except those that require detachable Joy-Con controllers (which are very few). Regardless, it's a great handheld system for those who prefer to game on the go.

Nintendo Switch with OLED screen Nintendo

Where can I buy a Nintendo Switch OLED right now?

The Nintendo Switch OLED officially went on sale in October for $349.99, and offers a slew of improvements, most notably a vibrant 7-inch OLED display and an improved kickstand that offers far greater stability. The speakers get a bit louder and offer a touch more clarity, too, and there's a wired ethernet port built directly into the dock.

While the supply is starting to catch up with demand, no major retailer is currently selling the Nintendo Switch OLED model at the time of this writing.

What accessories do I need to buy for the Nintendo Switch?

Frankly, the Switch comes with everything that you need to get started and have fun. However, a few extra purchases can help you get a little more out of your console, and in some cases, help it weather the wear and tear that it'll undoubtedly endure.

First off, a microSD card will help you extend your Switch's default 32GB of storage, especially with each game ranging in download size from 1GB to tens of gigabytes. At Amazon, a 400GB microSD card will currently cost you around $43.49, which is nearly 40 percent off the typical price retail price. SanDisk's microSD cards are also on sale in other size configurations, including a 200GB model for $24.99, which is still large enough that you should have little trouble storing several titles.

Let's talk quickly about controllers. The Switch Joy-Cons have a somewhat unconventional look. Nevertheless, the Pro Controller is a great alternative to play most Switch games, though some Super Mario Party titles require the Joy-Cons to play. If you are looking for a Switch Pro Controller, Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy all currently have the controller available for around $69, which is basically the full MSRP.

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The Switch doesn't include a screen protector, so make that one of the first things you buy.

Next up, get a tempered glass screen cover. The display on the Switch and Switch Lite is covered in plastic, and it's just asking to get scratched as soon as you take it out of the box. Save the heartbreak by getting an affordable, easy-to-apply glass cover at Amazon. Right now, for example, you can pick up two Orzly glass screen protectors for $9.61.

If you want to play online with friends, ensure your data is backed up to the cloud, and get access to a slate of on-demand games from the original Nintendo console and SNES console era, you'll want to get a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. It's $19.99 per year for a single user on a console or $34.99 a year for up to eight users on different consoles.

For those looking for more retro gaming, Nintendo recently introduced the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription tier, which provides access to classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games for an annual fee. An individual subscription will run you $49.99 a year, while a shared family plan will cost you $79.99 a year. The list of available games is continually growing, but it currently includes the likes of Golden Axe, Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and a host of other popular titles from the heyday of both consoles.

Picard’s first season 2 trailer has Guinan going for it

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 11:45 AM PST

Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan and Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard.
Paramount Plus

Just when it seemed like Patrick Stewart's Jean-Luc Picard might have been ready to bid the galaxy farewell, Star Trek: Picard gave the legendary space explorer a second shot at life that raised some questions about just who and what he is now. While first trailer for Picard's second season doesn't directly answer any of them, it brings back one of the few characters perfectly suited to help guide Picard and his allies through this next chapter of their journeys.

Beyond getting the recently resurrected Jean-Luc and his fellow explorers back aboard La Sirena and in the depths of space they long for, Star Trek: Picard's second season is also about to send its heroes into the existential deep in as they embark upon a journey spanning across time and space, and seemingly multiple realities that have all been fractured somehow. As disorienting as Picard is when he wakes up in what appears to be the past, it's the sort of turn of events that Whoopi Goldberg's Guinan likely sees coming long before her old friend even thinks to come looking for her El-Aurian wisdom.

https://youtu.be/OyuddrlFajs

Along with Guinan, Picard's second season will also see John Delancie's Q and Annie Wersching as the Borg Queen in the mix, and the show's decision to lean heavily on familiar characters from Next Generation makes sense given how this arc's poised to focus on key moments from the franchise's history.

Star Trek: Picard's second season hits Paramount+ on March 3th, and premieres internationally on Prime Video from March 4th.

MSI’s 32-inch, curved gaming monitor is on sale at Walmart for $160 off

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 09:47 AM PST

The budget-friendly panel packs a 144Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution. | Image: MSI

Update January 21st, 5:03PM ET: Woot has sold through its available stock of the Xbox Series S.

If you're a PC gamer, one of MSI's best gaming monitors is now on sale at Walmart. The MSI Optix MAG321CQR normally retails $449.99 but is currently available for $289.99 at Walmart. This 32-inch curved gaming panel comes equipped with all the bells and whistles you need to elevate your gaming setup. The Optix lands in a sweet spot by combining a 144Hz refresh rate with 1440p resolution, striking a solid balance between performance and visual fidelity. In addition to the expected HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, the monitor also features a pair of USB-A ports for power and a single port for data. The included stand is height and tilt adjustable, too, and the monitor is compatible with VESA mounts.

While nabbing an Xbox Series S isn't as difficult as getting your hands on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X these days, Microsoft's pearly white console is still in high demand. Currently, Woot is hosting a deal on the Xbox Series S, reducing its regular $299.99 price tag to $279.99. This isn't a massive discount by any means but it matches the best price we've ever seen for this console. The Series S isn't quite as powerful as the Series X with some of the key distinctions being a lack of a physical disc drive, less storage space, and a less powerful processor. However, the console is still home to fantastic first-party titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite, and is compatible with a massive library of last-gen titles, many of which are currently on sale.

Amazon and Best Buy are currently offering a deep discount on Razer's original, tournament-style keyboard. The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is on sale right now for $79.99, a healthy $50 off the usual price tag. This isn't the lowest price we've seen, but it's a decent value for anyone in the market for a TKL model. Just like other TKL keyboards, the Tournament Edition ditches the number pad and dedicated media playback buttons for a slimmer design that presents you with the essentials you need for gaming, in addition to the handy function row and navigation keys. It also uses Razer's proprietary linear optical switches for smooth and rapid key presses, as well as a standardized keycap layout that allows you to swap out custom keycaps for a more personal touch.

Whether you need something to help keep your floors tidy or just a robotic chariot for your resident feline, the iRobot Roomba j7 is a solid option. Normally $649.99, Amazon has recently discounted this model to $399.99. One of the smartest automated cleaning solutions for your home, the j7 can clean on a schedule or handle messes immediately with the help of the Roomba app or Alexa and Google voice assistants. This model also features integrated obstacle avoidance, which allows it to easily navigate furniture and other large objects, but also ensures that it won't accidentally choke on an errant iPhone charger.

Perhaps most importantly, however, the j7 features good battery life and is capable of avoiding poop and other pet messes it can't handle effectively. One small caveat to this otherwise well-rounded robovac is that, unlike the more expensive iRobot Roomba j7 Plus, it lacks an auto-empty base, meaning you will need to empty the bin manually.

The Roccat Vulcan Pro keyboard represents one of the less conventional designs in the gaming keyboard space. Currently, you can grab this unique keyboard for $129.99 at Amazon, a substantial drop from its usual price of $199.99 and the lowest price we've seen for this keyboard to date. The Vulcan Pro features a full-size layout with dedicated media playback buttons and a remarkably slim chassis. The slim style extends to the keycap design, which rests on top of the switches rather than around them, giving the keyboard the aesthetic of a sci-fi typewriter and providing a more prominent display for the RGB backlighting. One final feature that makes this keyboard unique is the software. The Roccat Neon software (formerly swarm) allows you to add custom typing sounds to your keyboard if you're feeling nostalgic for that classic clicky sound.

I had to see these Hello Kitty gaming accessories, so now you do, too

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 09:47 AM PST

Razer's Hello Kitty headset on a pink table with a pink keyboard, mousepad, and monitor in the background.
There are cat ears on the headset. I wish I was joking. | Image: Razer

Razer is known for making some of the best, flashiest gaming gear on the market, from the category-topping Basilisk V3 to the mind-blowingly powerful and portable Razer Blade 14. Today, it's announcing something, well, slightly different. The company has partnered with Sanrio to release a line of Hello Kitty-themed gaming accessories.

You may think I'm making this up, but alas, I am not. Take a look:

Razer's Hello Kitty chair in front of a black background. On the chair are the Hello Kitty lumbar cushion, headset, mousepad and mouse. Image: Razer
The gang is all here.

There's a lot to unpack here. As you can see, we've got a mouse, a mousepad, Bluetooth headphones, a chair, and a lumbar cushion. It's not just the kitty herself featured throughout — other franchise characters, including two who, I'm told, are named Badtz-maru and Keroppi, also make appearances.

You know what? I was prepared to roll my eyes at these, but they're kind of adorable. If you have one of the various hot pink laptops that Razer has released over the years, I think these should go great with it. Just make sure you don't wear bright red anywhere near this setup because it's going to hurt my eyes.

If you want to purchase any of these (they're sold separately, so you don't need to buy everything), you can get the chair for $499, the mouse and pad for $64.99, the headphones for $119.99, and the lumbar cushion for $59.99. If you care about boring stuff like specs, the chair is an Iskur X with a synthetic leather cover, the mouse is a DeathAdder Essential with a 6,400 DPI optical sensor, and the headphones are from the Razer Kraken BT line (there's a regular "Kitty Edition," sans Hello, as well).

These are all a bit more expensive than their non-Hello Kitty counterparts, so certainly aren't the best value for your money — but can you really put a price on the meme potential of filling your gaming setup with anthropomorphic cats? Now, excuse me while I try to convince my employer to let me expense a kitty-themed home office.

Employees at Activision studio Raven Software formally organize union

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 09:14 AM PST

Call of Duty Warzone
Image: Activision

After five weeks of striking, the QA testers at Raven Software, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, have formed one of the first unions in a AAA game publisher. The union, known as the Game Workers Alliance, was formed in association with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), a labor union that represents telecommunications and digital media workers.

Back in December, 12 QA workers were laid off, sparking a walkout at the Call of Duty support studio. Since then, some members of the QA department engaged in a sustained strike at Raven Software, prompting the creation of a GoFundMe to support the striking members.

"We formed the Game Workers Alliance (CWA) because my colleagues and I want to have our voices heard," said Brent Reel, a QA lead at Raven, in a CWA press release. The union is asking for formal recognition from parent company Activision Blizzard, who, in recent SEC filings related to the company's pending acquisition by Microsoft, failed to acknowledge that a strike was taking place.

Activision Blizzard has also been engaged in alleged union-busting activities, with executives imploring workers to "consider the consequences" of signing union authorization cards. Elsewhere in Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty developer Treyarch recently converted all contract employees to full-time positions, prompting questions as to why Raven Software could not do similarly. The formation of the union comes a week before the formal termination of the laid-off workers was to take place on January 28th.

Rich George, senior director of game communications at Activision Blizzard, told The Verge in an email:

"Activision Blizzard is carefully reviewing the request for voluntary recognition from the CWA, which seeks to organize around three dozen of the company's nearly 10,000 employees. While we believe that a direct relationship between the company and its team members delivers the strongest workforce opportunities, we deeply respect the rights of all employees under the law to make their own decisions about whether or not to join a union."

A Better ABK, an Activision Blizzard employee advocacy group, tweeted, "We are so incredibly excited for our allies at @WeAreGWA. It has taken months of meticulous planning and careful work to get where we are today, but we couldn't have done it without each other. Thank you to everyone who has publicly supported us and stay tuned. We're not done yet."

Vergecast: Microsoft to acquire Activision, Google building a headset, and the 5G battle with airlines

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 08:03 AM PST

Image: Blizzard

Every Friday, The Verge publishes our flagship podcast, The Vergecast, where we discuss the week in tech news with the reporters and editors covering the biggest stories.

The biggest news in tech this week was Microsoft acquiring game publisher Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. On today's Vergecast, Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel talks with games reporter Ash Parrish and senior reporter Alex Heath about the acquisition, the issues behind the culture at Activision Blizzard, and what this means for the gaming space in the future.

The crew also discusses Alex's scoop this week that Google is building an AR headset, internally codenamed Project Iris, that it hopes to ship in 2024.

Later in the show, Verge policy editor Russell Brandom joins to discuss the ongoing battle between the FAA, AT&T, Verizon, and airlines over activating 5G towers around airports, as well as the tech antitrust bills developing in Congress this week.

You can listen to the show here or in your preferred podcast player for the full discussion.

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