Microsoft’s Project xCloud: Console gaming experience streamed to your phone

An image of a woman playing a handheld game via Project xCloud, a new game streaming service from Microsoft. Microsoft

  • Microsoft announced its own console-style game streaming service today called Project xCloud
  • Similar to Google’s Project Stream, Project xCloud will allow you to play pretty much any game on any device via streaming.
  • According to Microsoft, internal testing of Project xCloud is happening now, with public trials coming in 2019.

Last week, Google announced Project Stream, a streaming service which will allow you to play console-style games right in your web browser. Today, Microsoft launched its own game streaming service called Project xCloud, which promises to bring console games to every device you own.

Similar to Project Stream, Project xCloud will use internet streaming to enable gamers to play high-performance games on devices which might not have high-performance hardware. This means smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.

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The biggest problem preventing internet game streaming from becoming a full reality is latency — in this case, the time delay between a user hitting a button or key, that keypress registering on the server, and the resulting action happening on the user’s screen. Microsoft claims it has a grip on this latency issue and is confident that it can create a game streaming service which will allow users to play anything they want on any device they choose.

Check out the YouTube video below which describes Project xCloud:

According to Microsoft, the company has created a new type of blade server by assembling the components of several Xbox One systems. Although it’s likely more complicated than just mashing a bunch of Xboxes together, Microsoft is deploying these blade servers to data centers around the world which already house Microsoft’s Azure system. This means that Microsoft will be able to easily scale Project xCloud once it becomes a reality.

In the video above, a woman plays a console game on an Android phone (hard to be sure, but looks like a Samsung Galaxy S9) by connecting an Xbox controller via Bluetooth. According to the video caption, what we’re seeing in the example video is actual gameplay footage streamed to the Android phone via Project xCloud.

Editor’s Pick

Microsoft says its goal with Project xCloud is to bring the console gaming experience to everyone. Despite the popularity of console gaming, there are plenty of areas of the world where owning a console is an indulgent luxury or impractical due to various factors, and Microsoft wants those individuals to have access to console-style gaming even without the console.

For gamers who already own a console, Project xCloud will expand that console’s reach. If you are playing a game at home in your living room and have to start your train commute to work, you can simply restart the game on your phone right from where you left off.

While that all sounds wonderful, it does seem like it will be difficult to do in real-world mobile situations. There are times when its difficult to even play a YouTube video on a smartphone, let alone stream a game like Red Dead Redemption or Call of Duty. However, Microsoft seems fairly confident it has the solution.

Whatever the case, we will find out how it all works in 2019, when Microsoft will start public trials of Project xCloud.

What do you think? Does Microsoft have what it takes to make this a reality, or is this a pipe dream for now? Let us know in the comments!

NEXT: Google’s Project Stream will allow real-time 1080p, 60fps gaming via a browser

Source: Android Zone

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What to expect from Google’s Pixel 3 hardware event tomorrow

Google Pixel 3 launch event - what to expect

Google’s now annual hardware is almost here. In New York on Tuesday, October 9 at 11AM ET, the search giant will show off a new range of products dreamt up by the Made by Google team.

We already have a good idea of the main attraction — the Google Pixel 3 series — but there’s still room for surprises when the event begins tomorrow. Here’s what to expect from the Google Pixel 3 launch.

What we’ll definitely see

Leaked images of the Google Pixel 3 XL. Twitter

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

Following on from the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL last year, the third-generation Pixel phones are something of a known quantity.

Even if we hadn’t seen the Pixel 3 XL almost entirely laid bare in a seemingly endless parade of leaks, we’ve already settled into a tidy annual cycle of Pixel refreshes at Google’s October events.

Editor’s Pick

There’s also a fairly blatant sideways love heart on the official invite which is quite clearly meant to hint at the number three.

As for the phones themselves, you can check out our rumor roundup here for all the details.

The most significant upgrades over the Pixel 2 series are the expected jump to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor and two front-facing cameras on the Pixel 3 XL. Otherwise, there’s a good chance what we’re going to see is a case of iteration of innovation, with slightly bolstered specs, Android Pie-powered software improvements, and likely a whole host of AI trickery.

The fact that both devices are all-but-certain to look almost identical to their predecessors — bar that controversial (and enormous) Pixel 3 XL notch — is the biggest giveaway that you shouldn’t hold out hope for any wholesale changes for Google’s flagship phones.

The rumored Google Home Hub smart speaker in a leaked render. MySmartPrice

Google Home Hub

Announced at I/O 2018, Smart Displays are Google’s Assistant-powered answer to the Amazon Echo Show, but so far Google has left the new product range in the hands of third-party manufacturers.

The Lenovo Smart Display kicked off the party in July, but it wasn’t quite the ‘Google Home with a Display’ experience that many had hoped for.

Editor’s Pick

That could all change with the launch of a Google-made Smart Display, as there’s mounting evidence to suggest that’s what we might get in New York.

The latest leaks suggest this would be called the Google Home Hub and that it would offer voice control features similar to the Google Home smart speaker. This means organizing schedules and appointments, as well as offering smart home control. Naturally, the Home Hub would offer a more visual approach to answering questions, too.

It’s reportedly available from October 22, so Google is likely to unveil it at the launch event on Tuesday.

9to5Google

Third-generation Chromecast

Best Buy has already sold an upgraded Chromecast to one customer, so we know it’s going to be officially announced at some point. Aside from a handful of aesthetic changes, we don’t know exactly what’s new just yet — the person who acquired the unit said they weren’t able to operate it until Google rolls out a software update.

Nevertheless, the new Chromecast will apparently go on sale tomorrow; if it does, Google is guaranteed to discuss it at the event.

What we might see

Leaked renders of the reported Google Pixel Slate. MySmartPrice

Google Pixelbook 2

It’s been a year since we first caught a glimpse of the successor to the ill-fated Chromebook Pixel and it’s fair to say that the Google Pixelbook has changed the way we look at Chromebooks.

The traditional, cheap, student-friendly Chromebook is as popular as ever, but with the Pixelbook, Google introduced an elite $999 flagship device that set a new benchmark for the Chrome OS family.

Some loved it, others questioned its mere existence, but there’s no denying it was an impressive, beautiful product with few undeniable flaws. That’s why it’s the perfect time for Google to release a refreshed Pixelbook this October, and based on recent rumblings, there’s every chance that’s exactly what will happen.

There’s no denying the original Pixelbook was an impressive, beautiful product that had a few undeniable flaws and missing features.

Feature-wise, the smart money is on the Pixelbook 2 being outfitted with a fingerprint sensor, thinner bezels, improved internals, and potentially a 4K display. If Google needs more inspiration it should maybe check out our suggestions here.

There’s also a chance we’ll actually see two Pixelbook hardware revisions — one with a traditional laptop design and the other a detachable.

Speculation regarding the latter device, purportedly called the Pixel Slate (seen above), has been mounting. This is tipped to be a Microsoft Surface-like tablet, coming with a 9- to 12-inch display and support for a stylus and keyboard. We should see Google reveal at least one Chrome OS product.

Google Pixel 3 XL earbuds leak Mobile-Review

Second-generation Pixel Buds

Speaking of first-generation Google products that enjoyed a mixed reception and felt sorely lacking in some areas, we could also reportedly see new Pixel Buds in New York.

We already know it’s very likely that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will come bundled with USB-C earphones featuring a Pixel Buds-style design (seen above), but what about a true second-generation pair of Google’s wireless earphones?

More: Best wireless earbuds of 2018

While the original Pixel Buds improved over time with updates, particularly with the addition of playback controls, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

Personally, I’d like to see a bump in audio quality, tweaks to the Google Translate functionality to more accurately reflect the Buds’ showcase last year, and potentially go fully wireless by ditching the wire that connects the two earbuds.

What we probably won’t see

Google Wear OS watch

Pixel Watch

The smartwatch sector may be in flux, but Google is still pressing forward undeterred with Wear OS. Following a comprehensive firmware update and tips from highly respected insiders, the time had seemed right for Google to release its own smartwatch, allegedly dubbed the Pixel Watch.

Unfortunately, Miles Barr, Google’s director of engineering for Wear OS, put paid to those hopes in a recent interview at IFA 2018, noting that “[Google’s] focus is on our partners for now.”

Previous reports had suggested that as many as three watches — codenamed Ling, Triton, and Sardine — would be released alongside the Pixel 3. The watches had been expected to run on the latest version of Wear OS and feature Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform.

There’s still a very good chance we’ll see at least one of these Google-made smartwatches at some point in the near future, but not tomorrow.


What would you like to see at Google’s 2018 hardware event? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Android Zone

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CSS Hero Review: WordPress Design Customization Made Easy

If you’re one of the many beginners who want to customize your WordPress site design without touching CSS, then you’re in luck. CSS Hero plugin for WordPress allows you to make design customization without touching a single line of code. In this updated CSS Hero review, we will show you how to use CSS Hero to customize your website, and why we believe it’s one of the plugins every WordPress beginner should try.

CSS Hero review

Our CSS Hero Review

CSS Hero is a premium WordPress plugin that allows you to design your own WordPress theme without writing a single line of code (No HTML or CSS required).

You have the ability to undo changes which is extremely helpful for beginners. All changes are saved as an additional stylesheet, which means you can upgrade your WordPress theme without worrying about losing the changes.

If you’re a designer or developer, then you will find CSS Hero equally as good. It works well with all popular WordPress themes and frameworks. You can quickly make changes to a child theme, and then export it to be used on a client’s website.

CSS Hero can save you a lot of time and frustration when it comes to making design customizations.

Usually, we’re very skeptical about point-and-click design customization plugins due to their bloated size. However, CSS Hero truly impressed us from the start.

If you were to ask us for an honest CSS Hero review, then we will give it a 5 out of 5 star.

How to Use CSS Hero to Customize Your WordPress Theme

First you need to install and activate the CSS Hero plugin. For more details, see our step by step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

It is a premium WordPress plugin with pricing starting from $29 for a single site (totally worth the investment considering the time and hassle it will save you).

Use the CSS Hero coupon code: WPBeginner to get a special discount of 34% Off. If you are buying the PRO plan, then the same code will get you a whopping 40% discount.

Upon activation, you will be redirected to obtain your CSS Hero License key. Simply follow the on-screen instructions, and you will be redirected back to your site in a few clicks.

The goal of CSS Hero is to provide you a WYSIWG (what you see is what you get) interface for editing your theme. Simply visit your website while logged in, and you will notice the CSS Hero button in the WordPress admin bar.

CSS Hero button

Clicking on the button will convert your site into the live preview. You will now be able to see the CSS Hero toolbar.

CSS Hero live editor

Next, simply click on any element on your website, and CSS Hero will show you the CSS properties used by your theme for that particular element.

Element properties

These will include common CSS properties for the selected element like the background, typography, borders, spacing, and more. You can click on any item to expand it and then edit the CSS properties using a simple user interface.

Editing properties

As you make changes, you will notice the custom CSS magically appear below. If you are learning CSS, then you will find it useful to see how different CSS changes are applied with the result in live preview.

Editing styles for different elements using CSS Hero

Having trouble finding royalty free images for your website? CSS Hero comes with built-in Unsplash integration which allows you to browse, search, and use beautiful photographs in your website’s design.

Using royalty free images in your website's design

CSS Hero also comes with some ready-made snippets that you can apply to different elements on your website. Simply switch to the Snippets tab in the left column.

CSS hero ready-made snippets

As you make changes to your website, CSS Hero will autosave those changes but not publish them. To apply these changes to your live website, you need to click on the Save and Publish button.

Save and publish your changes

How to Undo Changes in CSS Hero

One of the best features of CSS Hero is the ability to undo any changes you make at any time. CSS Hero keeps a history of all the changes you make to your theme. Simply click on the history button in the CSS Hero toolbar to see the list of changes.

CSS Hero history

You can click on a date and time to see what your site looked at that point. If you want to revert back to that state, then simply save or resume editing from that point.

This doesn’t mean that changes you made after that point would disappear. They would still be stored, and you can revert back to that time as well. It does not get any simpler than that.

But what if you only wanted to revert changes you made to a particular item?

In that case, you don’t need to use the history tool. Simply click on the element that you want to revert and then click on the reset button.

Reset a single element

This will change the item back to the default settings defined by your WordPress theme.

Customizing Your Site for Mobile Devices in CSS Hero

The most challenging aspect of web design is device compatibility. You need to make sure that your site looks equally dazzling on all devices and screen sizes. Web designers use a variety of tools to test for browser and device compatibility. Lucky for you, CSS Hero comes with a built-in preview tool.

Simply click on the desktop icon in the CSS Hero toolbar and then click on a device type. You can choose from mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. The Preview area will change into your selected device.

Editing in different device modes

You can now edit your site while previewing it for mobile devices. This tool is particularly useful to tweak your theme’s design for mobile and tablets.

CSS Hero Theme Compatibility

The official CSS Hero website has an ever growing list of compatible themes. This list includes many of the best free WordPress themes. It also has the most popular premium themes from shops like CSSIgniter, Themify, StudioPress, and more.

What About Themes not on Theme Compatibility List?

CSS Hero comes with a feature called Rocket Mode Auto-detection. If you are using a theme not included in theme compatibility list, then CSS Hero will automatically start using rocket mode.

Rocket Mode tries to guess the CSS selectors from your theme on its own. This works out perfectly most of the time. If your theme follows WordPress coding standards, then you would be able to edit almost everything.

You may also want to contact your theme developer and ask them to provide compatibility with CSS Hero.

Which Plugins Are Compatible with CSS Hero?

CSS Hero is regularly tested with top WordPress plugins for compatibility. This includes contact form plugins, popular page builders, WooCommerce, and others.

If you are using a WordPress plugin which generates an output not editable by CSS Hero, then you can request the plugin author to fix that. They really don’t need to do much to provide compatibility with CSS Hero.

We hope that you found our CSS Hero review useful. You may also want to see our ultimate guide on improving WordPress speed and performance for beginners.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Source: Wordpres

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