Gadgets
The second-generation wired Nest Doorbell from Google is smaller and has better imagery
For those who don’t want to keep an eye on their device’s battery life or worry about patchy WiFi, Google has released Nest’s second-generation wired doorbell. The device could fit into more compact and limited locations because it is around 30% smaller than its battery-powered cousin.
It took a lot of work, according to Google, to fine-tune this model, testing it under various settings to make sure the pictures it generates are distinct and clear, and adding HDR capability to help it capture more information. Additionally, it was able to remove the distorted fish-eye look that is frequently seen in video captured by doorbell cameras. The device appears to be the best doorbell camera that DXOMark, a website recognized for rating smartphone lenses and cameras, has tested in terms of image quality. According to the website, doorbell images are highly detailed, making it simple to identify visitors even at night.
Like previous Nest camera systems, this one has the ability to identify what it sees, whether it be a human, a pet, or a passing vehicle, in order to give precise alerts. With its “speak and listen” option, users can converse with whoever is at the door. Alternatively, they can record responses to visitors in advance.
The model has an internal memory that can store an hour’s worth of noteworthy sounds, motion, and other activity that it notices. Additionally, Nest offers free storage of three hours’ worth of event video history, with clips lasting up to five minutes each. Event video history is available for 30 days to users who choose to upgrade and pay the $6 monthly cost of Nest Aware. A Nest Aware Plus subscription costs $12 and entitles users to 60 days of event video history as well as 10 days of nonstop 24/7 video recording.
The new wired Nest doorbell was also designed to integrate more naturally with the Google Home app, enabling customers to build up routines like configuring their porch lights to switch settings in response to the doorbell. The Home website will soon receive an update from Google that will allow customers to access all of their Nest doorbell and camera feeds online. The model costs $180 in the US and is currently offered in Snow, Linen, Ash, and Ivy. As of right now, the Snow and Ash color options are also available in Canada for CA$240.
Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, The Elder Scrolls 6 was not confirmed as an Xbox exclusive a few months ago. This happened because Xbox executive Phil Spencer indicated that target platforms hadn’t been selected yet, but it always felt like he was talking about the game being years away rather than the RPG being on PlayStation.
If you’re still holding out, Microsoft plans to release The Elder Scrolls 6 just on Xbox and PC. Documents from the company’s FTC lawsuit were recently released. In the document, Bethesda’s announced titles (both as a publisher and developer) are listed, and The Elder Scrolls 6 is listed for Xbox, PC, and nothing else.
We expected this, but The Elder Scrolls 6 was announced before Microsoft acquired its developer. The Elder Scrolls is a beloved franchise that’s been on various platforms for generations, so this isn’t Starfield.
However, the game isn’t due until 2026 at the earliest, according to the paper, and who knows what the gaming landscape will be like then.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer’s mid-2020 dystopian email suggests the business was interested in buying Warner Bros Interactive and Bethesda. Even more alarming, the CEO calls buying Nintendo a “career moment” and “good for both companies” — and there are even rumors that Microsoft was interested in Valve.
While Spencer warns that acquiring Nintendo would be “hostile action” but “playing the long game”, the unprecedented corporate convergence is shockingly casual. He added: “Nintendo is taking a long time to realize their future is off their hardware. A long time… He even ended the chat with a smiling emoji to make it look more evil.
Spencer claims that Warner Bros Interactive was “gettable” when Microsoft was rumored to acquire it. He adds that “we wouldn’t own any of the IP which hurts long-term flexibility”. Because most Warner Bros Interactive developers work on franchises like Batman, Harry Potter, and others, the studios are worth little without the brands.
The email is over three years old, but it reveals Microsoft’s blasé approach to acquisitions and its goals. While its eventual acquisition of Activision Blizzard may have changed its plans, this leaked exchange suggests that Microsoft will not stop until it has absorbed as much of the industry as possible, even targeting Nintendo.
Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor director Stig Asmussen is leaving Respawn Entertainment for unknown reasons. Asmussen had planned a trilogy for Cal Kestis, but it appears another author will need to write it.
Bloomberg reports that an EA spokesperson said: “Stig Asmussen has left Respawn to pursue other adventures, and we wish him the best. Veteran Respawn leaders will lead Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.”
This move is surprising, but Asmussen leaves on a high note. Jedi: Survivor is a great game despite its performance issues, which is rare for a Star Wars game. We’ll see where Asmussen goes, but we’re excited.
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