Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Assassin's Creed 4 - Black Flag: Full speed ahead

"Black Flag" is "Assassin's Creed" finally the open-world game that it should always be. So big and beautiful has never fought an assassin!
4 Assassin's Creed © Ubisoft
Ship ahoy! In "Assassin's Creed 4 - Black Flag" They play the pirate Edward Kenway.
Ubisoft game designer Patrice Désilets once said to mark the release of "Assassin's Creed 2": "Finding your way as a developer of historical events, makes things much easier. One must not think of everything yourself, "This is remarkably honest -., And is not only on the historical setting of the series, but also on their 
Gameplay transferred. For years, Ubisoft copied his own game concept with only minimal changes. And the point: Much new makes "Assassin's Creed 4" not. The good news: "Black Flag" almost makes it all better!


At the cutting edge

Abstergo Industries Animus owner has discovered the economic potential of its virtual reality machine: He uses recently as a pure entertainment medium - not unlike a video game. You take the role of an employee who is virtually the beta testers. Ironic: Because Abstergo assess the pirate scenario as particularly entertaining (and profitable), this time you jump into the body of the buccaneer Edward Kenway. Assumes the identity of a dead Assassin - Duncan Walpole - and uses its achievements and contacts in order to build a new life as a pirate. His goal, of course, immense wealth. For that you travel with your ship Jackdaw the seven seas - which were of course compressed in the game to an appropriate size for the game.

In abundance
The traveling the world by ship and the associated battles are essential in "Assassin's Creed 4" - which is no surprise. With the "Assassin's Creed 3" element was introduced namely the players so well that Ubisoft Part 4 has quasi knit it. Fortunately, these sections are extremely successful. The Jackdaw beautifully animated slides over the waves, the service is impeccable: Ubisoft manages the feat that the ship is indeed weighty feel, but does not control sedate. To sail merrily straight on and explore the extensive island world in which there is certainly much to discover. For "Black Flag" is a feast for Sammelwütige. On the islands you browse for a bottle along with treasures and feel chests, sea shanties, Animus fragments, manuscripts and more. Later, you go even by diving bell on the seabed and search under constant threat Hai-wrecks. Then, "Assassin's Creed 4" on the mammoth task with a playing time of over 80 hours - according to developers statement. As in "Far Cry 3" They hunt animals and crafts from the skin a new holster for more ammunition or a cowl for a health upgrade.

4 Assassin's Creed © Ubisoft
The regular ship battles are nicely staged, the service is impeccable.
Water Damage

Regularly meet with the quiet times, sometimes stormy or foggy waters of Spanish or British ships, with which you can create yourself. And you have to make sooner or later your boat seaworthy. A large part of the resources - such as wood and metal - find namely on board enemy ships. The intense battles always run the same pattern: attack, weaken, board, plunder! Boring but the whole is not, because the battles are demanding more and more - and see just great from. So you do not drown yourself too often, you increase your ship regularly. You can do this on board or at the quartermasters on the islands. Does your crew growth, collect drowning, hiring privateers in taverns or save them from conflict with the colonial powers.

Nothing has changed

The country operations - which make up about half of the game - run exactly like that of the predecessor: In the very detailed villages and towns full of life, birds chirping in chapels sound gospel songs, laugh and privateers gamble cards. The game world feels authentic and beautiful especially. If you stand on top of the Nassau Citadel and look into the distance, you stay off the spit. Only some character models are animated and some strange detaillos. It's easy to get over the face of the chic trappings.

4 Assassin's Creed © Ubisoft
The bat-Counter battles are still not at the "Batman - Arkham" zoom range.
Stitch and Jump

The well-known already from the predecessors gameplay comes ashore to support: On your search for gold and when inserting diving in a global conspiracy to eavesdrop on enemies, perform numerous assassinations and advised at every corner in battles with Spanish and British. Here comes the - from the "Batman - Arkham" series inspired - Combat System. This works quite well in combat, with multiple counterparties it works but still confused and inaccurate. The reloading of pistols and shotguns is faster than the previous, but still felt lasts forever - this would Ubisoft can still whistle on authenticity. If you have no desire to skirmish, escape is an alternative: you throw a smoke bomb and looking over the rooftops run away, so the attackers lose your track. As usual, you climb buildings spurted by pressing the shoulder button. Edward erkraxelt obstacles automatically and then plunges by itself at enemies who go silently fail. However, the game is still not a perfect simulation course, too often interrupts the Hop River.
4 Assassin's Creed © Ubisoft
Beautiful: Sometimes you are in the jungle and in underground temples go.
Is again quiet again, make sure to remain incognito. This works thanks to optimized creep mechanics irregular. New on the stealth front is the blowpipe, with the stun enemies for a short time. Old but proven is the eagle eye, you put in many missions: mark so adversary in order not to lose it.

Indiana Kenway

So all familiar? Not all! Now and then Ubisoft dares times new: How to bounce along with Captain Kidd on the overgrown island Tulum by an underground temple and solve finally a head butt puzzles in order to reach a well hidden Templar artifact - "Tomb Raider" Greetings from ! Overall, the missions are exciting, as many surprises as in "GTA 5" but you do not experience. There are many more side missions than in the rock-star adventure. In addition to the Assassin's orders, where you eliminate a certain target as inconspicuously as possible, destroy the ship coastal forts, free hostages or intercept important courier. Have to do more PS3 (and upcoming PS4) owners. Ubisoft which donated three additional missions from the - Aveline de Grandpré known "Assassin's Creed 3 Liberation".

Conclusion: Assassin's Creed 4 - Black Flag

A huge open world, thrilling naval battles, an opulent major and minor story for "Assassin's Creed" fans who do not have the pirate theme weary, Part 4 is a must - especially since Ubisoft improves slightly messed up creep mechanism of the third part palpable. Only the overly simple sword fights in the long run still monotonous. Sammelwütige players who like "Far Cry 3" made happy. In the digital Caribbean, there is much to discover. Fascinating also the sense of space that arises when traveling by boat - is unequaled in gaming! The bottom line is: Even if "Black Flag" Innovation does not win a prize, it is the largest to date and best game in the series.

iPhone 5S: Apple admits battery problem

Trouble with the top device: Apple needs to replace some iPhone 5S, because the battery is broken: At a "very small number" devices he emptied too quickly.
© Apple iPhone 5SThe battery of the iPhone 5S makes problems. Now, Apple promises a free replacement.
The technology blog AllThingsD reported Apple has trouble with his best horse in the stable: Some iPhone 5S devices show abnormalities in electricity consumption. Like the blog reports , the battery load too slowly, or wear faster than they should. Apple spokeswoman Teresa Brewer commented: "We have recently discovered a manufacturing defect that affects a very small number of iPhone 5S. He has the consequence that it takes longer to charge the battery or the battery is empty faster. "Should you notice any similar problems with your phone, contact Apple Customer Service .

Free Replacement

Brewer further stated that Apple's customers, their phone is affected, contact and care for a free replacement. This approach suggested according AllThingsD out that the device is relatively small extent affected. With a higher number Apple would thus made ​​a website for the online problem.The faulty battery of some equipment is not the first problem that Apple has with the 5S. Only recently it became known that the motion sensor of the smartphone provides inaccurate information.

Android Games: Dungeons & Dragons "arena of war" - now on Google Play


The name "Dungeons & Dragons" arouses in many gamers have certain expectations: You want the D & D feel, which really only comes when the correct parameters are met.Whether this is the new, official Dungeons & Dragons Game "arena of war" actually managed to get divorced because the spirits: While the majority of users rated the game positively, some players are also extremely disappointed and complain that this implementation as well has almost nothing to do with the original D & D, except perhaps that they in Forgotten Realms plays. The site of action is probably also the friends of Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter familiar games. , the player is in a time that "The Sundering" is called and - as usual - by the person required prior to display on the side of good to fight, to preserve the balance of forces. It could be the Android implementation described as a mixture of D & D and the usual game mechanics. That may not sound quite as nice, but the result is quite fair. Meanwhile, you can select any character of its own free, but well styled his game character from a list of options. The game is designed in typical RPG style, there are maps, unlockable items, rewards - and, of course, in-app purchases. Those looking for a true Dungeons & Dragons experience, maybe you should wait for the next version. Who attaches its requirements are not quite as high, which may retest for the price of 0 $ once the thing itself. This is not quite expensive. To download you come here .

Pics: DroidGamers / Widgets

BMW 4-Series Convertible: Less consumption, more space, smart sports seats

New BMW Convertible 4-Photo: BMW
New BMW Convertible 4-Photo: BMW
New standards in terms of dynamics, elegance and comfort to the new BMW set of 4 convertible. Spacious and economical at the same time, the open mid range model presented to the customers.

More space, more comfort

The new BMW 4-cabriolet has grown over the 3 already visible externally in width, wheelbase and track width. The sporty low seating position allows more front and rear headroom and legroom in the rear has grown significantly compared with the previous model. An optional sport seat is available for the first time with a neck warmer for driver and passenger. When the roof is open, the set temperature is automatically controlled depending on the outside temperature and speed. The roof structure has been improved to more effectively keep out noise from the interior. By pressing a button, it only takes about 20 seconds from the Coupe is a sporty and elegant convertible. For larger luggage are 370 liters of cargo space with the roof closed ready - 20 liters more than its predecessor, the 3 Series Convertible.
Spacious and economical: New BMW Convertible 4-Photo: BMW
Spacious and economical: New BMW Convertible 4-Photo: BMW

Efficient motors

For the launch of the BMW convertibles a 4- cylinder petrol engine(BMW 435i Convertible), a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (BMW 428i convertible) and a 4-cylinder diesel (BMW 420d Convertible) to choose from. These engines cover a power range from 135 kW/184 hp - 225 kW/306 hp and use the latest BMW Twin Power Turbo technology.The engines are in superior acceleration values ​​provide a reduced consumption and meet the Euro 6 standard consumption . As of spring 2014 is the all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive 428i in convertible available. The new BMW 428i Convertible accelerates in just 6.4 seconds from zero to 100 km / h and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km / h In the EU test cycle, the average consumption is still only 6.8 to 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers. Especially economical is the BMW 420 d Cabrio , with 235 km / h top speed and an average fuel consumption 5.1 to 5.3 liters per 100 Kilometer. In conjunction with the eight-speed automatic is also available in the BMW 4-Cabriolet, as in 4 Coupe, a sailing mode available which disconnects the drive train at speeds of 50-160 km / h when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Samsung increased its profits by 25% last quarter

Samsung have elapsed between 85 and 89 million smartphones in the third quarter. Despite the decline in margins in the mobile, it publishes new record results.

Samsung Electronics, the world leader in mobile phones, has generated new record profits in the third quarter despite a decline in performance in smartphones due to saturated market, partially offset by sales of memory cards. 

New record


The net profit for the period July to September emerged in up 25.6% to 8.24 trillion won (5.6 billion euros) against 6.56 trillion a year earlier, a slower growth rate of almost twice that 'the previous quarter. "Despite unfavorable exchange rates in emerging markets, increased competition on prices and economic uncertainty around the world, we were able to generate record profits", welcomed the Vice President Robert Group Yi, without commenting further slowing the growth of operational Samsung.
The turnover has increased by 13.2% to 59.000 trillion won (40.2 billion) and an operating profit of 10.160 billion, up 26% over one year when he was jumped 47.5% in the second quarter. These results are consistent with the predictions of group facing a saturated market of high-end smartphones.

Margins are shrinking in the mobile

The margins of his division are also growing more rapidly as a result of lower sales of its flagship device, the Galaxy S4 , while South Korea has spent a fortune on marketing to promote the latest range. "We expect an increase in demand in the next quarter due to favorable seasonal conditions (shopping season), but the persistence of macroeconomic instability and increased competition continue to weigh", warned, however, Robert Yi.
The Samsung share, which represents half of the market capitalization in Seoul, was unchanged at 1.449 million won.
The global leader in portable electronic chips and flat screens does not publish its reports sales but analysts said it sold between 85 and 89 million smartphones during the period under review. Samsung manages to maintain its number one spot in this sector because, unlike his great rival, the American Apple, its range of smartphones also includes medium-end devices at more affordable prices. The downside, these phones lessen the overall performance of the group and the mobile division whose operating margin is displayed down to 18.3% against 18.8% a year, yet up from the second quarter when it was established at 17.7%.

Demand for memory cards


For Oh Young-Bo, an analyst at Securities Hanmag, results are generally "positive" and herald a new record quarter for the period from October to December with an operating profit that could cross the 11,000 billion won.
In total, the group has limited costs through price increases and sales of memory chips and semiconductors . The turnover of the division increased by 12% to 9.74 trillion won and an operating profit multiplied by two, or more than 20% of total operating income.
Most of the revenues from this segment comes from memory cards which represent two-thirds. "The demand for memory cards will remain strong with the release of several smartphones low and high-end approach the holiday season" year-end, according to Samsung. Oh Young-Bo said that "the price of memory cards will also remain high and sales of graphics cards will increase when released the new Sony Playstation ".
The division of consumer electronics, the second group in terms of revenue, is struggling with margins at half (2.9% in the third quarter) and a market very active screen TV. Robert Yi said during a conference call that Samsung should receive 1.5 trillion won from the sale of the participation of its subsidiary Samsung Display (screens) in a joint venture with the U.S. company Corning Inc.


Personal data and telecommunications: the new European legal framework planned for 2015


At the EU summit, member states have agreed on the reform agenda. The telecoms package and directive protecting the privacy of advantages are given to 2015.
At the EU summit, which brought together the heads of member states Thursday, October 24, in Brussels, the Council agreed on a timetable for the digital projects of the Union.
The Telecoms Package and the draft revision of the directive on personal data will curly was in 2015 . More broadly, 2015 was also the time horizon for achieving harmonization and coordination of educational efforts in digital and training for careers in computer science, computer security or investment in the cloud.
The completion of the copyright in the digital age is itself scheduled for spring 2014 .

Twitter is valued at $ 11 billion Exchange


Twitter finally encrypted Thursday its draft IPO , which in the most optimistic scenario would allow him to raise $ 1.61 billion and would value totaling 11 billion . In an updated version of the project published on the website of the U.S. stock gendarme (SEC), Twitter announced that it intends to market 70 million shares for a price range between 17 and 20 dollars .
As usual in this kind of operation, the final price will be set on the eve of the operation itself, after a roadshow ("roadshow") to potential investors.

Between 9.3 and 11.1 billion valuation


Twitter still does not say what date he plans to take his first steps on the market, but the Wall Street Journal talks about the Nov. 7 on the basis of sources familiar with the matter.
Twitter expected if significant demand over-allotment option on 10.5 million additional shares, bringing the total number of ordinary shares outstanding after the operation about 555 million if one includes actions that are not placed on the market. On this basis, it is therefore estimated to total between 9.3 and 11.1 billion dollars, a relatively low level compared to the figures circulating in the media, and sometimes amounted to 15 or 20 billion.
For Michael Pachter, "the company intends to create a lot of demand, and they intentionally keep the volume low to ensure that the demand will exceed supply. This should happen at that price."
"This initial range leaves the possibility of raising the eventual IPO price, which would reinforce the idea that the market demand is high, and still leaves room for a nice progression on the first day of trading," Judge as Lou Kerner, founder of Internet investment fund Social Fund.

1.2 to 1.6 billion raised


The IPO of Twitter is one of the most anticipated of the year. The company plans to list its shares, which carry the symbol "TWTR" on another marketplace that Facebook , the New York Stock Exchange. He also chose a more modest entry into Exchange as his rival where Facebook had raised $ 16 billion last year, Twitter does not provide, on the basis of figures Thursday between 1.19 billion revenue if the lowest price is accepted, and 1.61 billion if it is fixed in the upper range and the over-allotment option is exercised.
Twitter says in its paper stock that will use the proceeds to fund its operating and investment activities, but said that the operation is primarily intended to "increase our capitalization and financial flexibility, create a public market for our securities and give us access to equity markets. "
Even if the two networks are often opposed, Twitter has not at all the same scale as Facebook. He claimed 231.7 million users in late September, against 1.15 billion for its rival. Twitter is also deficient , with a net loss of $ 134 million in the first nine months of 2013, despite a strong growth in revenue, more than doubled over the same period to 422 million.
His ability to become profitable is uncertain, although it has increased in recent months efforts to increase its advertising revenue, inter alia with the offers for the TV networks . Twitter has also announced earlier Thursday recruitment activities responsible for digital television group NBC News, Vivian Schiller, to handle its media partnerships.