Spider-Man Game is a character near and dear to my heart. I’ve written at length about my love for the character, largely due to his flawed nature. He’s not a perfect superhero, he struggles like all of us despite his extraordinary abilities. Spider-Man: Miles Morales captures that essence of Spider-Man perfectly and takes it multiple steps further.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales takes place about a year after the first game. After getting a basic grip on the superhero basics, Miles is tasked with keeping New York safe after Peter goes overseas. With a lot of the major villains locked up, it seems like a pretty easy task. That is until The Tinkerer shows up to wreak havoc, testing Miles as Spider-Man on a large scale.
While there isn’t some huge world ending event like in the first game, there are big stakes in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Miles feels immense pressure to prove himself and earn the Spider-Man name. Not just to Peter Parker but to the public and himself. This is all about Miles realizing what it really means to be Spider-Man.
He goes through all the trials and tribulations of being Spider-Man from loss to personal sacrifices. As he learns how to juggle his personal life and responsibilities as the city’s temporary sole protector, he realizes a lot. Miles ultimately has to realize it isn’t about copying Peter to be the best Spider-Man. It’s about defining himself as his own Spider-Man by being true to who he is as a person rather than his mental ideal of a superhero. Being Spider-Man isn’t necessarily about being able to shoot webs or punch really hard. It’s about the ability to persevere and never stop doing what’s right, no matter what’s in front of you.
Insomniac understands and showcases this idea of Spider-Man in a way no other developer ever has. Spider-Man is a character that’s better than the rest of us but can bring out the best in all of us. In Spider-Man: Miles Morales, we see the “friendly neighborhood” element to the nth degree. Since the game largely takes place in Harlem (you can explore the entire map from the first game still), there’s a large focus on the connection between Miles and the citizens.
While not everyone believes Miles is capable at first, the game is about unity. It’s about what Spider-Man can be as a symbol to the people. It echoes a lot of the best ideas from across the Spider-Man mythos from the city’s greater desire to protect the webhead when he’s at his weakest to protecting each other, even in the face of the greatest dangers.
Starting Spider-Man: Miles Morales for the first time was like revisiting an old friend. After an introductory cutscene, you’re thrust right back into the thick of it. Just like the first game, you start by free falling and releasing your first web to swing from. Once you grip on to that first web, everything just rushes back to you like real motor skills.
It is instantly familiar yet even more satisfying than ever before. As a die-hard Spider-Man fan, I couldn’t help but tear up as I shot my first web. Given Miles is far less experienced than Peter, he flops through the air. It often reminded me of the Scooby-Doo cliche of a character rapidly kicking their legs before gravity kicks in. Sometimes he’ll try to do a cool spin or twirl and awkwardly fail. Sometimes he won’t shift his weight properly and you’ll see him react accordingly to his rough movements. (Spider-Man Game)
There’s a lack of gracefulness to the way Miles moves, not just from swinging but to combat as well as he kicks more instead of punching. Speaking of punching and kicking, the combat in Spider-Man: Miles Morales is again, very familiar. There’s not a whole lot you can do to change the basic Spider-Man combat mechanics. He’s going to fight in the way you’d expect, just with new animations. That said, there are some new tricks here that provide that much needed innovation to keep it fresh.
Spider-Man Game
The new innovations are enough for me to flat out say that the combat in this game is better than the first. Despite having less gadgets than Peter, Miles makes up for it with his new Venom Powers. This is the sort of electric shock charge we’ve seen in the trailers and the Into the Spider-Verse movie. This allows you to do things Peter Parker can’t by stunning enemies, greater crowd control, and much more.
Miles can also get up close to enemies without being seen by using his invisibility power. This brings a whole new layer to stealth, making it easier for takedowns but also allow for escapes. In the heat of battle, you can go invisible and retreat to safety. This will allow you to take a moment to compose yourself but also gain the advantage by re-entering stealth.
Miles is both a brute with his Venom Powers but a worthwhile predator thanks to his stealth abilities. If Insomniac allows co-op or let’s players pick who they play as in the next game, there will be notably different playstyles.
The biggest problems I had with Spider-Man: Miles Morales are with performance. I played on PlayStation 4 as I did not have a PlayStation 5 but have heard it performs really well on PS5 from other critics. Many have been very impressed by how it runs on next-gen but I can’t speak to that myself.
What I will say is that there some of the stuff the PS5 version is boasting is here in the PS4 version. The game does load remarkably fast on PS4, specifically between deaths. The initial load-in from the menu to the game is about 20 seconds on a PS4 Slim. Respawns are 10 seconds or less, you can exit buildings with no load times as you see here, and more (Spider-Man Game).
There is a catch, though. Sometimes, you’ll be swinging through the city and the game will outright stop and load stuff in. Everything will come to a total halt for a few seconds and try to catch up with you. This happened a handful of times for me. There are also notable FPS drops both in key moments, such as the finale, and at other random times. Some items, such as a gift box Peter gives Miles at the start, also have low-resolution textures.
These are by no means deal breakers but they are quite noticable and show that the game is running on some old hardware. If you have the option, I highly recommend playing on PS5 but the PS4 will suffice. Sony will be issuing a day one patch that has some general fixes and polish as well. (Spider-Man Game)
The Verdict (Spider-Man Game)
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the end of one generation and the start of another. It serves as yet another defining title for PlayStation but also an essential story for Marvel’s greatest hero. With new innovations in Spidey gameplay as well as loads of refinement and a wildly impactful story, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the game we need right now.
Even as it chugs on some dated hardware with the PS4 version, you can’t go wrong with Miles Morales on PS4 or PS5. (Spider-Man Game)
Sony released the PS4 seven years ago. It gave us many great games, such as Spider-Man and God of War. They paved the way for many great features such as game capture, live console broadcasts, and even VR on consoles. It provided us with an undeniably enjoyable gaming experience for seven years. The PlayStation 5 looks to build on that by taking us even further into the future of video games.
The PlayStation 5 promises a bright and exciting future right out of the box. From a sleek design that resembles a spaceship ready to transport you to exciting new worlds to a gaming experience never before seen on a console. Even on the most powerful computers, it does things we’ve never seen before.
The Style
I was taken aback when I first took the PlayStation 5 out of the box. It’s large and, thanks to its eye-catching white paintjob, demands to be noticed. The majority of consoles and entertainment boxes are black and blend in with your entertainment center. The PlayStation 5 seeks to stand out and pop rather than blend in. It doesn’t want to be hidden; instead, it wants to be seen and flaunted like a trophy wife.
When the design was first revealed over the summer, I wasn’t overly impressed. I like it a lot after seeing it in person and thoroughly inspecting it. While it won’t fit in my entertainment center standing up, it looks great lying on its side. The slightly curved nature of it, the “floating” look due to its horizontal stand, and the lights all combine to make it something I can’t stop looking at. It’s even better because it’s customizable. Its white plates can be removed and customized with different colors, designs, and other elements.
This futuristic vibe pervades the user interface as well. When you first turn on the PlayStation 5, you see a one-of-a-kind video. A large blue sphere explodes in a dark space, scattering gold sparkles. It’s like the Big Bang, giving life to a new universe for gaming. Any time you turn the system on after that, you’re greeted with a flurry of sparkles and a chime that reminded me of the classic Windows boot up.
You then hear some ambient noises until you hover over a game, which have custom sounds. It’s quick and relatively quiet, reminding me a lot of the isolating feeling of PS2’s home screen. Once you sign in, the actual UI is simple, elegant, and sleek. It continues to try to minimize everything on the home screen.
It’s pretty much exclusively games and the store with a tab to go over to media apps. It’s familiar for those who have played PlayStation in the past but it’s still very new. It feels more like a cousin to previous interfaces than a brother or sister; it’s related, but different enough to feel fresh.
However, the newness of the PlayStation 5 UI can be detrimental at times. I’d gotten so used to knowing where to find certain things on PS4 that accessing regular features on PS5 has been a learning experience. On my first night with it, it took me several minutes just to figure out how to turn the damn thing off. Some of these things are simply a matter of getting used to, while others are vexing.
It can be difficult to invite friends to parties or even games. Sony has altered the invite system to ensure that parties continue even after everyone has left. This is not only available on the PS5, but also on the PS4. I understand the concept on paper. It makes it so your friend group can just easily join a party when you are all ready to play without creating a new one. It seems to get in the way more than anything else.
Since the Xbox 360, throwing parties and inviting guests has been a breeze. There wasn’t a reason to convolute this, it worked just fine. It would be ideal if Sony simply returned to its previous state, but this is unlikely.
Trophies have also taken a hit, though in a smaller way. They’re still easy to find but the list displaying them is crowded. When you view an individual game, the trophies are displayed horizontally rather than vertically as big squares. This shows off the actual art of a trophy but at the risk of cramping everything up. It used to look nicer and felt easier to look at your trophies. You could easily see what you needed to do next for multiple trophies. Not so much anymore, especially as some text doesn’t fit the previewed description.
This isn’t some major criticism against the PlayStation 5, it just feels like some small steps back. On the bright side, the all of the UI is fast and smooth. Many of these menus and options would take a moment to load on PS4, now they open almost instantly on PS5. This is notably found in the PlayStation Store which is no longer a separate app. The PlayStation Store is now integrated into the dashboard, allowing you to quickly see what’s new and purchase games.
The DualSense controller
By far and away the PlayStation 5’s biggest leap isn’t through its SSD, its graphical power, or anything else. It’s within the DualSense controller. This is undoubtedly the best controller I have ever used in my life, it’s one of those “seeing is believing” things but more feeling.
Your controller has always been the bridge between reality and the virtual worlds on your screen. Sony has found a way to make that bridge all the more seamless. Being able to feel the crunch of snow, the coarseness of sand, the slickness of ice, and the rumble of a powerful gun in your hands is mindboggling. After several weeks of playing with it, it still hasn’t lost its magic.
And that’s exactly what the DualSense is: Magic. The roar of my gun is no longer just noise from a speaker, it’s reflected in the rapid rumble in my hands too. The bumpy terrain my car travels over isn’t just some generic vibration, it feels one to one with what’s happening on the screen and the actual environment in the game. The controller helps what is virtual become reality, starting to create a 4D experience. The name DualSense isn’t just a marketing gimmick, it’s very literal in that it is driven by your sense of touch.
It doesn’t stop at just the sense of touch either. It has a built-in speaker and microphone, which you can use to communicate with other players or hear game select game audio. Days Gone uses it to play audio recordings to you, like the PS4 controller. Perhaps the most interesting thing is that you can blow into it and the game will recognize it.
In Astro’s Playroom, if you blow into the controller, it will generate air and blow things like fans. I imagine this is a trick that’s picked up by the microphone rather than something else but it’s cool nonetheless.
Imagining the technology of DualSense paired with a virtual reality experience really helps paint a picture of Sony’s future. We want to feel closer to our games, we want to be immersed, and Sony is getting us there slowly but surely. Sony has their finger on the pulse of exciting new technologies but it’s a matter of realizing their potential.
Things like the vibration in a DualSense can be used in all games but other features, like blowing into it, can’t. Every button or function has to be mapped to an Xbox or PC controller as well. It seems like Sony is really betting on the rumble more than anything else while more interesting features will probably be used in PlayStation 5 exclusives. Hopefully third-party developers make use of features like the rumble but we’ll have to see.
Next-gen performance
The reason we buy new consoles aren’t for a controller or their look, though. It is because they are more powerful and welcome new kinds of games. Graphics get better, the new hardware allows for more ambitious games, and much more. It shows us how much better games can be right when we think they’ve peaked. PlayStation 5 is no exception to this.
Previous generations are notable for their graphical advancements. 2D to 3D conversion, fidelity levels, and all that good stuff. While games look undeniably stunning on PS5, the big leap isn’t quite there right away. It’s in the details, with techniques like ray-tracing allowing for more depth in things like reflections. Previously, games would simply apply a static image to windows or mirrors. It wasn’t accurate to the surroundings; it was as if you weren’t supposed to look at it. This is no longer the case, and it helps you truly immerse yourself in the worlds you’re in.
Games like Black Ops Cold War benefit from a buttery smooth 120hz mode as well. TVs capable of 120hz are somewhat limited right now, but this will be a game changer within the next year or two. Having a console where pretty much every game can run at 60 frames or higher, if you choose, sets the stage for an exciting generation.
Shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield will be more frenetic than ever. Racing games will look ungodly in either resolution or performance mode. And one can only imagine what something like Grand Theft Auto VI will look like.
Where PlayStation 5 doesn’t just shine with how games look, it’s how they run too. Going from games that had load times of multiple minutes to now playing Spider-Man in 11 seconds is a level of whiplash I’m not sure I can recover from. Playing games has never been faster, easier, or more seamless.
With the new SSD, PlayStation 5 does some unique things. Knowing it can load fast, Sony has implemented very specific features. From the home screen, you can go to activity cards that show you things going on within your selected game. For Spider-Man, this includes side missions, main missions, and collectibles. You can click on one and it’ll load the game to that specific activity.
Within 30 seconds or less, you’ll be at the start of the mission you want to do. You don’t need to swing anywhere or even press any buttons to move through menus, it skips all of that. You don’t even need to press the start button, it does all the work for you. This is, once again, something that’ll live or die by the support of the developers. Call of Duty allows for it but seemingly only if the game is already open. I’ve had troubles getting these cards to work when the game isn’t active but when they work, you can move through modes at a rapid pace.
If supported, it could be another game changer and allow for things that no other platform can.
On the flipside of things, I’d like to talk about something some people may really not give a damn about. I love physical movies. They’re different than physical games because movies can lose some depth when streamed. Digital games install every last piece of data. They, unless specifically specified, aren’t streamed. So I have all these UHD movies on my shelf and of course, I want to see them in all their glory.
While something that was on Xbox One X last generation, the PS5 is the first PlayStation to support UHD movies from a disc. For those looking for high-quality movie viewing, the PlayStation 5 is very capable. I booted up Interstellar from a UHD Blu-ray on my LG CX and it was truly captivating. Some will be disappointed to hear there is no Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos support on the console but even without it, films look gorgeous.
I did notice that the console wanted to stay in “Game mode” via my TV picture settings when it came to movies. It took a few minutes for me to realize this as the picture looked off. I ended up having to change it manually through my TV, which isn’t that big of a deal but something worth noting as the Series X automatically switches it.
Despite that, it’s a worthy 4K movie player that ensures it captures all the rich details. Deep blacks, expansive color pallets, the whole nine yards are on display. It helps Sony have a true all-in-one entertainment center to rival Xbox on all fronts, not just games.
The Games
PlayStation is well-known for their excellent first-party games. Uncharted, Spider-Man, God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, the list goes on and on. They have great exclusives and the PlayStation 5, while currently limited, reflects this. There is absolutely something for everyone here.
For children or families, there’s Astro’s Playroom, Sackboy, and Bugsnax. For the “casual” gamers, there’s Spider-Man. And for the most hardcore, there’s Demon’s Souls. That’s not even including the third-party offerings like Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and much more. The launch line-up is rich and I’ve had no shortage of things to play. I haven’t even played everything or invested as much time as I’d like into others simply because there’s so much.
Each game is varied and brings something unique to the table. Spider-Man allows me to live out my superhero fantasies. Call of Duty gives me a summer blockbuster-level story, a fast-paced multiplayer, and a chaotic zombies mode. Demon’s Souls offers a masochistic, yet very rewarding, experience. Perhaps the biggest star is Astro’s Playroom, which is comes with every console.
This Mario-esque platformer is both a tech demo but also a wickedly fun game. It does an incredible job of showcasing all the features of the DualSense controller and it celebrates the history of PlayStation. There are over 50 references to classic PlayStation titles from the last 26 years. On top of that, you can find various replicas of the consoles, accessories, and more.
For a free game, it packs a lot of value. Many of my friends on Twitter are still playing it and speedrunning levels. I personally enjoy using it to quickly showcase the console to people like my girlfriend and relatives.
Knowing I’ll have a wealth of games to keep me occupied throughout the coming months is excellent, especially after it was relatively dry at the start of the last generation. It also helps knowing I can look forward to games like a new God of War and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart in 2021.
PlayStation 5 also has the support of a rich back catalog thanks to PS4 backward compatibility. If you’re new to PlayStation or just have some games you want to catch up on, the PS5 allows for that. Even games like Cyberpunk 2077, which doesn’t have a native next-gen version, will support backward compatibility with some upgrades.
The console even boasts a very helpful PS Plus Collection which gives you access to some of PlayStation 4’s best titles if you have PS+. Games like The Last of Us, God of War, Batman: Arkham Knight, and many others fill the free library, ensuring you can have loads of high-quality freebies for a $10 one month subscription.
Playing a PS4 game is easy and seamless. Simply download it from your library or insert the disc, I did both and it was remarkably fast. The only somewhat annoying process is having to bring your PS4 saves over if you haven’t already. PS5 allows for a data transfer if you still have your PS4 or you can use the cloud. Once it’s on the PS5, you don’t have to do anything else unlike if you were to upgrade a PS4 save to a PS5 version of a game.
Once you have the PS4 game up and running, you’ll probably notice some big changes. Games like Days Gone look stunning with 4K60FPS, it’s a true feat and has given new life to old games. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Days Gone on release but I could see its potential and that potential was wonderful. PS5 helps it squeeze out some of that potential.
One of my biggest hurdles when reviewing that game in 2019 was its technical aspects. A fidgety frame-rate, low-quality textures, and more held back my enjoyment. The PS5 enhancements make this zombie game a stunner with vibrant visuals that really simulate Oregon’s natural beauty. This isn’t the case for every game, some PS4 titles are more subtle in their enhancements but it is nice to see how big of a leap it can be without buying a whole new game.
The Bugs
It wouldn’t be a new console launch without some bugs and PlayStation 5 is no stranger to this. I’ve encountered things from as basic as the console not detecting my WiFi signal to full-blown console crashes. With reports of some launch units bricking after turning off, I feared the worst and though it was dead. Luckily, it turned back on but a console turning itself all the way off mid-game isn’t exactly a feature I’d boast about to my friends.
Other players are also recommending to not leave the PS5 in rest mode as it could brick the console. Some have heard weird noises, including myself. None of this is enough that I’d tell someone not to buy one but it is enough for me to put heavy emphasis on keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t break.
There are also smaller, less fatal issues as well. Games like Black Ops Cold War will automatically try to get you to play the PS4 version of the game instead of the PS5 one. This can be incredibly problematic since it’ll install two 100+ GB versions of the same game on your system and possibly lead to you playing a lesser version. The console likes to prioritize last-gen versions, for whatever reason, and has caused headaches for some people.
If you do for whatever reason want to play the PS4 version of Black Ops Cold War, it’ll also lump in the alpha and the beta versions of the game if you played them. So, there are 4 versions of this game on PS5, technically. Not only is this an issue of storage and playing the right game but it also affects those with data caps. While reviewing both the Series X and PS5, I hit my 2000GB data cap from my ISP within a week or so of each release.
Another GameZone writer complained about their PS5 not granting them upgrades for Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Sackboy. He had both on PS4 but couldn’t upgrade to the PS5 version for whatever reason. Sony provided us with an extra set of codes for those two games, but not everyone has access to them.
Finally, you may notice that the UI screenshots in this review are a little dark. That’s because capturing screenshots with HDR on leads to that. I tried to turn it off on both my PlayStation 5 AND my TV but it still didn’t work. My screenshots from games don’t seem to look like this but they do on the UI, for some reason.
Thankfully, Sony can implement fixes through firmware updates for a lot of these issues. Sony has already patched a number of things and there will obviously be more.
The Verdict
With PlayStation 5, Sony has created something that already packs mind-blowing innovations but also seems ripe for even greater potential as years go on. While it’s not perfect and will need to iron out some flaws over time, it’s a major leap forward for the medium. With speedy fast performance, breathtaking visuals in games and films, a rich line-up of games, and a groundbreaking controller, Sony has made the PS5 a place I want to play all my games for the next decade or so.
The magic of video games grows more elusive with the PS5 but this magic isn’t an illusion. It’s real, it’s wonderful, and it’s pure. As the classic PlayStation ad once said: “Do not underestimate the power of PlayStation.”
The next generation of consoles has arrived. The PlayStation 5 has arrived, complete with a gleaming new controller, a slew of exclusives, and a brand-new user interface. This is to be expected from a new console. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, deviates from tradition in many ways, but it is far from sluggish.
Microsoft has chosen a more gradual transition to next-generation technology. Consider the transition from middle school to high school rather than high school to college. It’s not a drastic change, but it’s significant.
The Style
When I first saw it at last year’s unveiling, I thought it was the most bizarre design they could have chosen. I was surprised by how small and portable the Xbox Series X is after taking it out of the box. It is taller and wider than your average console but it’s not the fridge that many made it out to be. It’s pretty easy to move around, especially for its size.
It’s definitely meant to stand up vertically but it doesn’t fit that way in my entertainment center. On it’s side, it looks a little awkward. The Xbox logo is sideways, unlike when you lay down an Xbox One. If it’s in some bright lighting on its side, its matte black paint and thickness might still look a bit ugly. It’s not awful, just something I wish I could stand up properly but alas… it’s a big boy. If I attempted to stand it up in my entertainment center, it would just suffocate itself and probably explode due to lack of ventilation.
Speaking of which, the Xbox Series X is probably the quietest appliance in my home besides my actual TV. It’s actually silent, no hyperbole. You have to get up to it and press your ear against it to actually hear it and even then, it’s whisper quiet. No jet engines, no grinding, nothing. Just silence, you can fall asleep with this thing on and not notice.
The ventilation of the console is a big part of this, the fan isn’t in overdrive constantly. Thanks to a split motherboard and a fan working in partnership, the console stays consistently cool. There were early reports of the console producing a lot of hot air out of its vents (like it should) but I’ve never experienced anything too toasty. The Series X uses its tower-like design to move air from the bottom to the top, out of its green holes at the top.
Instead of moving a minimal amount of air out of some small vent in the back or on the side, it pushes everything out by sucking it up with the fan attached to the vent. You can even look down through the vent and see the fan right there, spinning around. You can see all of the pieces of hardware inside working their magic as well, like some high-tech museum exhibit. It’s a real feat of console engineering.
This is a quiet, cool console. With Xbox One X or PS4, I could feel them getting warm by touching them. Leaving even a disc or a case on top of it would cause it to get heated as well. With Xbox Series X, it’s like it’s barely even there. It blends in when the lights are off, it’s quiet, and it’s not causing a fire in my house.
Another thing I love is the lack of an audio optical port. That may sound odd as it’s usually used for stereo headsets. Microsoft has simplified it, my Astro A40s with the Mixamp just plugs in via USB to the front of the console. No more USB + optical port, leaving cords hanging out of every orifice of the console for one device. Just one simple solution for convenience and cord management.
Headsets aren’t the only backward compatible devices, though. Every controller from Xbox One works as well, including peripherals. I put in my disc for Rock Band 4, downloaded all my song packs, and synced up my guitar with zero issue. It was seamless and effortless.
On the topic of controllers, there are changes to the standard Xbox controller but they’re expectedly small. Microsoft has always made slight innovations on their controllers, perfecting a near perfect controller. When you’re so close to greatness like this, you don’t throw the whole idea away and do something totally radical.
In terms of function, there isn’t much new to the Xbox Series X controller. There is a new share button in the center but it’s just a quality of life improvement. It doesn’t always seem to work right for me (we’ll come back to this) but it seems to be system side and not the hardware. With an OS update, it’ll surely work flawlessly.
According to Microsoft, the Xbox Series X controller includes “Dynamic Latency Input”. Essentially, this is supposed to reduce latency and make it more responsive. I couldn’t personally tell the difference but this may be something that can be improved with firmware updates if they so desire. If not, it feels incredibly responsive already.
The overall feel of the controller feels much better thanks to textured grips. It has this almost sandpaper-like feel to it but only if sandpaper didn’t feel like the worst thing in the world. These are things that someone who is only casually familiar with Xbox won’t notice at all. Die hard fans, however, will. Xbox has been my primary console since Xbox 360 and the second I grabbed it, I felt the difference.
The Need for Speed
Where gamers will notice the difference for Xbox Series X is performance. Literally the moment I turned it on, I was blown away by how fast this machine was. Powering on, downloading games, load times, everything. Xbox Series X is a next-gen leap thanks to the speed packed by its SSD and other tech.
Unrelated to the SSD, the Xbox Series X is a beast at downloading games on wireless internet. As a reviewer, I get review codes for games on a weekly basis at least. During this time of year, I’m downloading a ton of games and previously, this would take quite a while. When I reviewed Red Dead Redemption 2, it took almost a day to just download the game on my PS4. Obviously, a lot of this does depend on your personal internet speeds but Xbox Series X does help unlock some of the potential of your speeds.
On my One X, I’d download games at mid-double digit Mbps, about 50 or 60 on a good day. Sometimes it would be a bit more, it would also go much lower on worse days. On Series X, I’m consistently downloading games at triple digits. Games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (nearly 50 GBs) download in half an hour. Grand Theft Auto V is 84.8 GBs, I downloaded it in about an hour and a half. It would’ve taken multiple hours on One X, which is why I never deleted it.
Now I feel like I have the freedom to delete games and redownload them when I need them because the Series X is so speedy. There is very little holding us back from enjoying games on Xbox Series X.
When it comes to actual load times, it’s near instant for many games. Grand Theft Auto V takes less than 10 seconds to load the single player. Star Wars: Republic Commando on original Xbox takes 18 seconds from cold boot to gameplay and supports Quick Resume. I was actually pleasantly surprised to boot up Republic Commando to run some last minute tests and see it had resumed where I left off over a week or two ago, no load screens or menus.
One of the most marketed features of Xbox Series X is “Quick Resume”. This allows you to basically leave a bunch of games and your Xbox will keep it safe. Think about how Netflix can mark the exact spot you left in a show or movie, you can come back to it and pick up right where you left off. Now apply to your games. A great feature that continues to help eliminate load times and also makes it so you lose no progress. You can do this for a handful of games at once but at a certain point, the console will stop keep tracking of certain games to make room for others.
While a great feature, there are some notable games that simply don’t use this feature. Out of the 16 games installed on my console, the following didn’t seem to support Quick Resume.
Dirt 5
Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
NBA 2K21
I tested a mix of titles from Xbox Series X to original Xbox. Many older titles utilized the feature so it seems the issue largely focuses on new games. There are exceptions like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which does utilize Quick Resume on Xbox Series X. GameSpot also reported titles like Borderlands 3, a 2019 game with a Series X patch, didn’t support the feature. The biggest problem with some games not supporting Quick Resume is that there isn’t a way to actually find out until you launch it again.
You may go to another game, assuming you won’t need to save or won’t lose progress because of Quick Resume. When you come back to it, it’ll reboot the whole game and that progress will be lost. There are badges in your game library that tell you what games make use of Series X upgrades, it would be nice if there was a Quick Resume badge as well on the tiles.
The Power of Next-gen
The first game I played on my Xbox Series X was Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. I had played a bit of it on my Xbox One before launch so I was interested to see the difference. Load times aside, the difference was immediate. Double the frame rate, a richer level of detail, the whole nine yards. Some games will benefit more than others but Valhalla really felt like a big jump visually.
Despite having an Xbox One and PS4 version, NBA 2K21 has an exclusive next-gen version. New modes, new features, and overhauled visuals dominate this new next-gen version. It’s clear to see why 2K Sports didn’t just do a patch. Some have mocked the series for just “adding more sweat” to new versions but it really is more than that. The animations feel more life-like, creating that more satisfying athletic performance that we expect without compromising control. It feels organic and it looks real.
The high volumes of sweat dripping off the sculpted bodies of apex players is just icing on the cake. There are a lot of factors that come together to help make this game feel alive and true to the NBA experience. All of the details of individual players from the level of fidelity on tattoos to player expressions can be found here in stunning 4K quality. It’s not just on the court either, if you look to the sidelines and the audience, you’ll feel like they’re not just in some static animations. They feel much more three dimensional. The power of Xbox Series X pushes us to a living, breathing game experience.
Performance wise, Valhalla also felt so unbelievably smooth on Xbox Series X. The camera glides and there’s a greater responsiveness compared to its last-gen counterpart. Games like Dirt 5, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition, and Black Ops Cold War also really stood out. The buttery smoothness of 120 FPS is clear to see in these games and really just enhances these fast-paced games.
You can really feel, once again, the smoothness in all of these games. All of these games are very different from each other yet share this rich level of performance. While not all TVs are capable of 120hz, those that have that luxury are in for a treat. Running the Series X on an LG CX can only be described in ways that sound hyperbolic. The best visual representation I have is the episode of Drake and Josh when they get the Game Sphere console.
One game I was incredibly curious to try out was Grand Theft Auto V. This is a game notorious for long load times and some performance issues. Keep in mind, Rockstar Games has not released any sort of official patch for an Xbox Series X upgrades as they’re creating a whole new version in 2021. Most games naturally do perform somewhat better just because they’re running on a better system, though.
On Xbox One, GTA Online really struggles. I would assume that it’s because the game just packs so much in and there’s virtually no load times once you’re in the game. You’ll see frame-rate dips, texture load-ins and pop-in, and a lot of other pretty unimpressive issues. On Xbox Series X, this is all *mostly* fixed. It still has some minor pop-in but outside of that, it’s a very stable game.
For the first time maybe ever, the game runs at a rock solid 30 FPS. That may sound odd to some, though. “30 FPS on a next-gen console? That’s awful! ” Well, the game runs at about 20 and often dips below that on Xbox One so yes, it’s a massive step up. It’s much more pleasant to look at on Series X. Hopefully the new version of the game will be 60 FPS in 2021.
The Games
This is going to be the most controversial side to the review. The Xbox Series X has a notable games problem. For the first time since 2001, Microsoft was going to launch a brand new Xbox with a Halo game. This changed after Halo Infinite got delayed to 2021, pretty much killing the launch line-up. Any way to compete with Spider-Man and Demon’s Souls was gone. This was a big bummer, leaving the console with no real killer apps.
There are definitely things to play, though. The value of Xbox Series X is that you can go buy a console with Game Pass for about $10 and have well over a hundred games right there. There’s stuff you may have never heard of, incredible masterpieces like The Witcher 3, and 2020 titles like Doom Eternal. On top of that, you have a wide array of Xbox exclusive games including the entire Halo series at your disposal. You don’t have to buy any games with your Series X, which is understandable if you just spent $500.
To be able to have a handful of 10/10 games for a $10 subscription amongst many other classics is truly unbeatable. Thanks to backward compatibility, you can also play all of your old Xbox One games and a good chunk of Xbox 360/OG Xbox titles as well. If you do have a bit of extra cash, the third-party line-up is also pretty killer. Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, NBA 2K21, and many more help cement a fine launch line-up.
In 2013 when Xbox One launched, I played Battlefield 4 for a year straight. I played some other games in that time but none of them stuck. Ryse: Son of Rome was pretty short, Dead Rising 3 didn’t grab me, Titanfall was fun but fell off quickly, and so on. It doesn’t feel like that year of dead air is going to happen again because you’re not isolated to one console. You have almost 20 years worth of games to play and all your Xbox One friends can play with you.
In 2013, it was lonely on Xbox One because 99% of my friends were still on Xbox 360. Now, it’s one connected experience. Next-gen isn’t just pretty graphics and exclusive games this time around. It’s about an ecosystem that is inclusive and ensures no one is left out. As someone who spent many nights playing Battlefield 4 by himself in middle school, it’s nice to be able to play Call of Duty with my friends on Xbox One without skipping a beat.
The Bugs
The Xbox Series X seems to have come in pretty hot. There’s a lot of bugs with the console, though nothing that can’t be fixed. I have yet to encounter anything that isn’t just an inconvenience as opposed to breaking something. There’s your standard stuff like crashes, Quick Resume crashing games upon launch, and other basic stuff.
Then there are bugs like the console automatically setting itself to 640p. Yes, the 4K powerhouse will lock itself to 640p and you won’t be able to change it unless you restart the console. This happened a few times and, strangely, once locked itself to an oddly pixilated 1080p. It’s easily fixed, but it’s strange and annoying.
The most difficult problem is game capture. If a game has HDR enabled, it will cause any clips or pictures captured to become incredibly dim. Games that don’t have HDR support are seemingly unaffected by this but supported titles suffer extremely. It makes these clips borderline unusable and the pictures are definitely useless. For a console that comes with a dedicated share button on its controller, it’s frustrating that the capture system doesn’t work properly.
Another video issue I had was a loss of signal when switching games too quickly. When I was testing Quick Resume, my TV stopped detecting a signal after switching between a bunch of games. Most people will probably never encounter this unless you just want to see how the feature works, though. I did lose video signal while watching Hellboy off a 4K UHD Blu-ray, though.
This only happened after starting the movie, sitting through a few disclaimers, and then pure black. I could hear the sound of the movie but had no video. A quick restart fixed the issue and I had no other problems with this on other movies. These issues would probably be far more annoying if the Xbox Series X didn’t restart so quickly.
The Decision (Xbox Series X)
Despite the lack of significant exclusive games and some notable but patchable flaws, Series X offers excellent value. Microsoft’s new console has a premium yet inclusive feel thanks to Game Pass, backward compatibility, and a quiet, powerful machine.
With Xbox Series X, Microsoft isn’t trying to sell gamers on the “next big thing,” but rather on a machine that does everything the previous generation did better. That’s not a bad thing. This is a machine that brings a next-gen performance to 20 years worth of games with even greater power just waiting to be harnessed in the years to come. It looks to the future of gaming and social experiences, but it also serves as a repository for decades of gaming history.
The Xbox Series X is the next-generation of gaming, not the next-generation of Xbox.
Technology Supports E-Commerce Business. E-commerce relies heavily on technology. On mobile and web platforms, it connects sellers and customers. It makes it simple to manage customer orders, deliveries, returns, and payments. Learn about the five emerging technologies that will have the greatest impact on e-commerce.
E-commerce relies heavily on technology. On mobile and web platforms, it connects sellers and customers. It makes it simple to manage customer orders, Guest Posting delivery, returns, and payments. Overall, technology plays an important role in marketing, advertising, and other aspects of the e-commerce value chain. eCommerce technology enables greater search, customization, and personalization. (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Advanced technologies are now making life easier for eCommerce players and propelling them to critical levels of prominence in the e-commerce value chain. According to eMarketer research, global e-commerce sales will reach 4.1 trillion and 4.5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The same trend is expected to continue, with a $5 trillion increase in 2022. Learn about the five emerging technologies that will have the greatest impact on e-commerce.
E-Commerce Technology
The retail industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. The potential for e-commerce is undeniable. It benefits many businesses and boosts global economies. The crucial arrival of advanced technologies has digitally bolstered e-commerce businesses. The expansion of digital commerce is an essential part of modern life. With more people adopting digital technologies, eCommerce companies rely on cutting-edge technologies to attract customers and provide memorable online experiences.
This blog emphasizes how emerging technologies vigorously promote e-commerce business growth. Examine a few new eCommerce technologies that are likely to accelerate growth and connect more people with higher consumer interest.
E-commerce and Artificial Intelligence
AI is a 21st-century buzzword. It plays an important role in e-commerce because it provides valuable marketing insights into customer preferences. It directs them to develop better business marketing programs. To improve eCommerce performance, e-commerce technology provides an automated platform. Leading e-commerce companies use AI to develop various unique business aspects.
Cloud computing in eCommerce
The cloud technology is self-explanatory. eCommerce industries, like other industries, use cloud technology to make business decisions and serve their target audience. Cloud data processing and management allow eCommerce players and consumers alike to gain quick and secure access to valuable data.
When it comes to understanding how cloud technology can improve eCommerce, a cloud ERP stands out as a one-of-a-kind tool for increasing product delivery speeds, adding flexibility to operations, and successfully growing businesses.
Customer Recommendations Technology
Customer behavior patterns are intelligently predicted by artificial intelligence (AI). That is why eCommerce players see AI as a unique tool for directing consumers in the right direction and recommending accurate information on various products, products, and more. With the help of customers’ search history, the technology’s algorithms can efficiently forecast valuable information. Furthermore, third-party data provides valuable data and information on consumer behavior.
Modern technology also assists eCommerce businesses in understanding their customers’ needs and providing unique information for selling products and services. (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Bots for eCommerce (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Chatbots are another useful modern technology that can drastically alter how eCommerce companies serve their customers. Chatbots are well-known for their high customer satisfaction rates and broad availability. They function similarly to a virtual call center agent or a client communication executive. Chatbots are now built into every e-commerce app and website.
According to eCommerce chatbot statistics, by 2023, approximately 70% of e-commerce merchants would like to incorporate a chatbot into their website. It will assist them in interacting with their audience and answering all of their questions. When you don’t have enough staff to provide accurate information to customers over the phone, a chatbot can help. So, give chatbots more space on your e-commerce website to get the best quality solutions. (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Personalized Technology User Experience (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Approximately 74% of businesses acknowledge that user experience (UX) is critical for increasing sales and conversions. Approximately 59% of customers say emerging technologies have influenced their purchasing decisions and supported their personal preferences. When we discuss the role of technology in fostering e-commerce business growth, we are referring to the direct impact of advanced technologies on consumer purchasing behavior.
From big data to machine learning (ML) to artificial intelligence (AI), all trending technologies provide analytics and insight into customer behavior. Technology can improve advertising campaigns, automate communication, boost engagement, and provide support and services.
Conclusion (Technology Supports E-Commerce)
Technology’s role in the eCommerce industry is seamless and unavoidable. Because the combination of technology and innovation affects the entire eCommerce industry, the eCommerce industry will continue to thrive with technological transformations.
Adoption of the aforementioned technologies and trends is critical for the success of e-commerce in the competitive digital world. When it comes to better eCommerce solutions, top software development companies use advanced technologies and tools to solve complex problems and run a successful e-commerce business.
What is the relationship between law and technology? We will tell you about four sections in this article.
Amazing Connections between Law and Technology
1. Technology can sometimes become an inseparable part of the law. In extreme cases, Guest Posting technology becomes the law itself. The use of polygraphs, faxes, telephones, video, audio, and computers is a built-in part of many laws. It is not a fictitious cohabitation: the technology is clearly defined in the law and constitutes a CONDITION within it. In other words, if a specific technology is not used or is not used correctly, the spirit and letter of the law are violated (the law is broken). Consider police laboratories, the O.J. Simpson case, and the significance of DNA prints in everything from determining fatherhood to identifying murderers.
Consider the legality of polygraph tests in a few countries.
Consider polling members of boards of directors by phone or fax (explicitly required by law in many countries).
Consider assisting suicide by administering painkillers (medicines are by far the most sizeable technology in terms of money).
Consider security screening using advanced technology (retina imprints, voice recognition).
In all of these cases, the use of a specific, well-defined technology is not left to the discretion of law enforcement officers and courts. It is not a set of options or a menu from which to choose. It is an INTEGRAL, critical component of the law, and in many cases, it IS the law. (law and technology)
2. Laws of all kinds are embedded in technology. Think about internet protocols. These are laws that are an integral part of the internet’s decentralized data exchange process. Even the technicians’ language implies the legal origins of these protocols: “handshake,” “negotiating,” “protocol,” and “agreement” are all legal terms. Standards, protocols, and behavioral codes, whether voluntary or not, are all forms of law. As a result, internet addresses are assigned by a central authority. Netiquette is universally enforced.
Certain content is rendered inaccessible due to special chips and software. Every technological advancement includes the scientific method (a codex). Microchips incorporate standardization agreements into silicone. The law is incorporated into technology and can be deduced simply by studying it in a process known as “reverse engineering.” In saying this, I distinguish between lex naturalis and lex populi. All technologies follow natural laws, but I believe we want to focus on human laws in this discussion. (law and technology)
3. Technology drives the law, spawns it, and gives it life. The reverse process (inventing technology to accommodate or facilitate the implementation of a law) is more uncommon. There are many examples. The invention of modern cryptography resulted in the establishment of numerous governmental institutions and the passage of numerous relevant laws. Recently, proposed legislation was prompted by microchips that censor certain web content (to forcibly embed them in all computing appliances).
Because of sophisticated eavesdropping, wiring, and tapping technologies, laws governing these activities were enacted. Distance learning is changing the laws governing academic institution accreditation. Air travel compelled health officials all over the world to revise their quarantine and epidemiological policies (not to mention the laws related to air travel and aviation). The list goes on and on. (law and technology)
When a law is passed that reflects cutting-edge technology, the roles are reversed, and the law benefits technology. Seat belts and airbags were the first inventions. Seat belts (and, in some countries, airbags) became mandatory only much later. However, once the law was passed, it aided in the formation of entire industries and technological advancements. The Law, it appears, legitimizes technologies, transforming them into “mainstream” concerns of capitalism and capitalists (big business).
Again, the list is dizzying: antibiotics, rocket technology, the internet itself (first developed by the Pentagon), telecommunications, medical computerized scanning – and a slew of other technologies – all came into being as a result of a run-in with the law. I use the term “interaction” with caution because there are four kinds of encounters between technology and the law:
(a) A positive law that emerges as a result of a technological advancement (a law regarding seat belts after seat belts were invented). Such positive laws are intended to either disseminate or stifle technology.
(b) A deliberate legal gap designed to promote a specific technology (for instance, very little legislation pertains to the internet with the express aim of “letting it be”). Another example is the deregulation of the airline industries. (law and technology)
(c) Legal (or law enforcement) structural interventions in a technology or its implementation. The best examples are the 1984 breakup of AT&T and Microsoft’s current anti-trust case. Such structural transformations of monopolists make previously monopolized information (for example, software source codes) available to the public, increasing competition – the mother of invention.
(d) The deliberate legal encouragement of technological research (research and development). This can be accomplished directly through government grants and consortia, with Japan’s MITI serving as the best example. It can also be done indirectly, such as by liberalizing capital and labor markets, which often leads to the formation of risk or venture capital invested in new technologies. The United States is the most visible (and now emulated) example of this path. (law and technology)
4. A law that is not made known to the public or is not effectively enforced is a “dead letter” – it is not a law in the vitalist, dynamic sense of the term. For example, the Laws of Hammurabi (his codex) are still available to all (via the internet). But do we regard them as THE or even A Law?
We don’t because Hammurabi’s codex is both unknown and inapplicable to the general public. The Laws of Hammurabi are inapplicable not because they are out of date. Islamic law is as antiquated as Hammurabi’s code, but it is still applicable and practiced in many countries. ENFORCEMENT results in applicability. Laws are manifestations of power imbalances between the state and its subjects. Laws are the codification of violence used for the “common good” (whatever that is – it is a shifting, relative concept).
Technology is critical in both the dissemination of information and the enforcement of laws. In other words, technology assists citizens in learning about the laws and how they are likely to be applied (for instance, through the courts, their decisions and precedents). More importantly, technology improves the effectiveness of law enforcement, making the law more applicable.
Police cars, court tape recorders, DNA imprints, fingerprinting, phone tapping, electronic surveillance, and satellites are all tools to help law enforcement be more effective. In a broader sense, this or that law has access to ALL technology. Consider defibrillators. They are used to resuscitate patients who are experiencing severe cardiac arrhythmias. However, such resuscitation is required by law. As a result, the defibrillator, a technological medical instrument, is also a law enforcement device. (law and technology)
Bird tours in the UK allow avid birdwatchers to interact with over 600 species that live in a variety of habitats. More than three million Brits go birdwatching each year, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and with an estimated 166 million nesting birds across approximately 600 species, dedicated bird tours to the UK’s most wildlife-rich habitats offer a highly satisfying experience. These are just three of the many rewarding destinations for birdwatchers.
Devon (Bird Tours)
Devon is a delight for birdwatchers at any time of year, but in spring, when migration is in full swing, the number of species that can be seen in the diverse habitats of South Devon is simply astounding.
Resident and migratory species abound across heathlands and moors, coastal headlands, and the beautiful lakes. Nightjars, Dartford Warblers, Great Crested Grebes, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Dipper, Cetti’s Warbler, and Cirl Bunting are among the many species that can be seen here.
The Scilly Isles (Bird Tours)
The Isles of Scilly, located off the coast of Cornwall at the UK’s southernmost point, are a renowned avian paradise, home to a plethora of resident and migratory waders, passerines, and seabirds. The islands have a temperate Oceanic climate that is much warmer than the rest of the UK, and inhabited islands such as St Agnes, St Martin’s, Tresco, and Bryher have a plethora of wildlife and a fascinating natural history.
Visitors on bird tours to the Scilly Isles can expect to see any of the 400 other species that either make the islands their permanent home or stop off on their way from Southern Europe, Siberia, and North America, in addition to the delicate Song Thrush and colonies of Manx Shearwater, Shag, and Storm Petrel. These may include the Black-necked Grebe, Brent Goose, Wryneck, Spoonbill, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters, Little Crake, Blue-winged Teal, Squacco Heron, and Syke’s Warbler depending on the season.
Norfolk (Bird Tours)
Cley Marshes, located on the northern Norfolk coast, is The Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest nature reserve. Its model as a protected breeding sanctuary for birds, which has been in operation since 1926, has set the standard for many others across the UK. Along with a resident breeding population, birdwatchers can expect to see a variety of migrant passerines, wildfowl, and waders in the marshes, reedbeds, lagoons, and shingle beach.
Among the species are the sought-after Bearded Tit and Bittern, as well as the Spotted Redshank, Avocet, and Little Gull. Wayland Wood in Breckland is another excellent birdwatching location, with Nightingale, Stone Curlew, Tree Pipit, Crossbill, Golden Pheasant, and Woodlark sightings possible.
Investigate the United Kingdom (Bird Tours)
These three locations only scratch the surface of the incredible opportunities available to enthusiastic amateur birdwatchers in the United Kingdom. The scope and beauty of the magnificent avian life can be experienced in Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset, the Isle of Man, Northumberland, Suffolk, Pembrokeshire, Yorkshire, and many other places.
Understanding how flowers benefit the environment can make flower tours even more interesting for those going on them. Flowers benefit our environment in a variety of ways, despite the fact that it may appear that they were placed on the Earth solely for our viewing pleasure. From the most meticulously tended garden roses to wildflower meadows blooming with abandon, every bloom, every bud, every root, and every seed – no matter how small – plays an important role in the world’s eco-system.
Here is a brief overview of how flowers benefit the environment for amateur botanists, those going on organized flower tours, or anyone with an interest in the natural world.
Nature’s Environment (Bird Tours)
Clean air: The most important function of flowering plants (like all plants) is to absorb carbon dioxide and harmful toxins from the atmosphere and produce the vital oxygen needed to support all life on Earth.
Pollination: Their attractive appearance and vibrant colors attract pollinators such as bees and other insects. And, while pollination may be self-serving for that particular plant species, every species is critical to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Water and soil: The anatomy of flowering species helps to purify soil and water (aquatic and subaquatic species) by absorbing CO2 and nutrients through their foliage (and releasing O2) and preventing erosion through their roots.
Mulch: Flowers, like all living things, are part of the great cycle of life, which includes death. When the blooms wither and fall off the plant, they decompose and become nutrient-rich mulch for other plants.
The Natural Environment (Bird Tours)
Aesthetics and health: The most obvious benefit to humans is the visual beauty that flowers add, which can be as simple as looking and smelling wonderful. According to research, there is more to “flower power” than we may have thought when the phrase was coined. Flowers have been linked to the promotion of positive mental health, blood pressure maintenance, anxiety reduction, relaxation, and general well-being, and have even been shown to induce feelings of compassion.
Maintaining food sources: Birds, bees, and insects drawn to flowering plants contribute to the human food chain. The greater the amount of pollination and plant reproduction, the more stable our food sources (fruits, vegetables, grain crops). Furthermore, the presence of bees and birds reduces the number of potentially damaging insects that destroy crops.
Flowers have been used for medicinal purposes by many cultures throughout history. They have long been recognized for their medicinal properties and are used in dried form, tonics, and essential oils. These remedies are entirely natural and have little to no side effects, as well as being far less expensive than synthetically produced drugs. Edward Bach is the most well-known modern homeopath, having developed his Bach Flower Remedies in the 1930s, which are still widely used today.
Single Trips and Walking Your Way Around the World. Take on the challenge of some of the world’s best walks by booking into any of the hostels for groups around the world. Walking journeys are profoundly spiritual; our historical literature is filled with stories about great journeys on foot, from Moses and the Israelites during the Exodus to Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring books. Furthermore, many great cultures include spiritual walks as part of their mythology, history, or traditions.
Perhaps it’s the challenge to oneself—calling forth the willpower and determination to put one foot in front of the other until you arrive; or perhaps it’s the awe of opening your senses to the sheer majesty of nature. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that nature hikes are a favorite activity of many travelers and a hugely popular attraction all over the world.
The hostel experience is a big part of what draws people to travel by foot, and meeting other like-minded people along the way can help you form long-lasting friendships. Even if you’re traveling with a large group of friends, any of the excellent hostels for groups can accommodate you. If you’re planning a great trek, whether it’s the Inca Trail in Peru or Kala Pattar on Mount Everest, here are a few tips on how to have a fun and safe experience and where you might want to go.
Stay Well-Rested
A fantastic trek will be physically demanding, so getting plenty of rest is essential. Because you will most likely be traveling to your destination country before beginning your trek, you will require a comfortable and secure home base when you arrive. Fortunately, even if you plan to visit some off-the-beaten-path locations, there are likely to be comfortable hostels for groups that provide excellent accommodation.
If you’re a beginner hiker looking for a short but challenging trek, the Narrows in Zion National Park in the Southwest USA is a great place to start. The Narrows trail is 26 kilometers long and follows the Virgin River. You’ll have to wade or swim through canyons carved by river water over centuries in some places – it’s an incredible adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Pack Lightly and Properly
Longer and more difficult hikes, such as those that will take several days in difficult conditions, are all about planning. Pack appropriately; travel light but with everything you need to survive, such as weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water (a water bottle with a built-in purifier is a great investment), camping supplies, food, and whatever else you may require. If you’re not sure what to bring, make friends with the other guests or staff at any of the group hostels and you’ll often pick up some useful information about the area.
If you’re up for a challenge, you might consider visiting New Zealand. Mount Aspiring National Park, near Wanaka, is famous for its picturesque glaciers and invigorating hiking trails.
Never go hiking alone (Single Trips)
It may sound cliched, and you may have an image of yourself battling Mother Nature on your own, but it will be a far safer and more enjoyable experience if you have someone to share the experience with and help you through the rough patches. After all, who’s going to hold the camera and photograph you on top of that glacier? If you’ve come all the way alone, any of the group hostels are a great place to meet other adventurers and find a companion for your great trek.
Here are three scenarios in which having single trip holiday insurance is absolutely essential.
Many people believe that Guest Posting an overseas vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they plan for years, often saving every penny they can spare and making difficult decisions on what they can splurge or economize on. The cost of travel insurance is frequently brought up during such financial debates (with ourselves or others). There are numerous benefits to purchasing single trip holiday insurance, and there is no doubt about its usefulness, but is it necessary?
We agree. For one thing, unlike other types of policies that may provide limited coverage, good single trip holiday insurance can be tailored to your specific circumstances and needs. We’ve listed a few specific situations where having the right kind of coverage can mean the difference between a great vacation and a disastrous trip.
You’re Taking Children With You
Every parent understands that their children are unpredictable. They not only have a tendency to misplace things and become disoriented, but they can also become ill or injured. A health or medical emergency can be frightening even in the best of circumstances, but it can be especially harrowing when you are on foreign soil and have no access to your usual avenues of care. In an emergency, time is of the essence, and with the medical coverage provided by a good single trip holiday insurance policy, you’ll have immediate and comprehensive emergency and medical services, whether for in-patient or outpatient care.
You Are Visiting An Unstable Environment
You may wonder why anyone would choose to spend their vacation in a politically unstable or environmentally hazardous location. Traveling entails some risk in and of itself, and many incredible places, while not necessarily dangerous, may present their own set of risks. Some of the most beautiful areas in the Mediterranean.
For example, frequently have active volcanoes, and the most beautiful tropical islands are frequently subject to monsoons. It’s also possible that you’re visiting relatives in less stable countries. Whatever the risks, having single trip vacation insurance with evacuation coverage can help keep you safe in the event of a worst-case scenario, including medical and emergency care if necessary.
You’re a junkie for adrenaline.
One of the best reasons to travel is to see amazing places that push us to be the best we can be – to ‘find ourselves’ and push our boundaries. For many, this may simply entail getting out of their comfort zone and trying new things, such as trying unfamiliar cuisine, meeting new people, or learning about a new culture. Many people, on the other hand, prefer to push themselves to participate in exciting, sometimes even dangerous, activities or sports.
Being cautious and prepared for any eventuality is essential for such activities, and this includes planning for things going wrong. If you want to swim with whales in Tonga or hang glide in Rio de Janeiro, for example, you’ll need to buy single trip holiday insurance extreme sports or adventure coverage, because injury from these activities is not covered by your regular life or health insurance.
Flitpay’s advanced security and solid foundations never allow ships to pass through at night. Filtpay is the most secure crypto exchange in India due to its impenetrable security for both new and old traders.
When people begin to ask,Guest Posting ‘where do I sign up,’ the dollar-sign eye begins to look for loopholes. The rise of Bitcoin in 2020 represents the modern world’s zeitgeist. That is the point at which it switches sides and signs. For many traders, the Bitcoin surge represented a new opportunity to enter the cryptocurrency market. However, the other side of the coin is to secure crypto exchange, as sticky fingers come out to profit without investing during such times. It is possible that it will happen on the platform where you are trading cryptocurrency, but what is surprisingly amazing is that you are safe on Flitpay.
Following the statement you just read, you appeared perplexed and confused. But, in the end, it is correct. There are ‘n’ loopholes (flaws) that must be addressed immediately. But the problem is that a few loopholes are uncertain, and the others that remain are ignored. This is not the case with Flitpay. A cryptocurrency exchange in India is not risk-free due to unresolved regulations regarding digital currencies.
So, you’ve probably heard the phrase “prevention is better than cure,” and guess what? It’s true. As of now, some of you are curious about what kind of transaction protocols or security Flitpay provides, but we are not disclosing the foundation of our platform. But, yes, we can put you in our shoes to learn how to protect yourself from cryptocurrency scams.
How to Protect Your Cryptocurrency Exchange from Dollar-sign Eye People
Cryptocurrency is a new currency with obvious advantages. From peer-to-peer transactions to crypto-to-crypto market trades, there are numerous opportunities for everyone in the modern era. Because trader interest is at an all-time high due to increased awareness, nefarious activities have also reached an all-time high. However, it is nearly impossible to be overly cautious about a situation that could result in financial losses. As a result, it is critical to be aware of malpractices and use the proper methodologies to protect against them.
Now it’s time to look at the points to protect crypto exchanges from dollar-sign eyeballs.
Conduct research
It is necessary to obtain the details behind any cryptocurrency project while conducting research. Do not invest your money unless you have all of the necessary information about the project; otherwise, you can kiss your money goodbye. When someone approaches you about Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), be extra cautious and sneak a peek into the scheme to see if real people are backing it with good intentions.
Such incidents have occurred in the past. For example, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shut down the PlexCoin in 2017 after it raised $15 million in fraudulent claims. As a result, extra caution is required, and Flitpay recommends thoroughly analyzing the whitepapers. In the meantime, if the party is concealing potential information from the investors, they may be caught red-handed.
Keep an eye out for imposters.
The method we’re discussing now is the most popular among those with dollar signs in their eyes. They usually create and upload apps to the App Store or PlayStore, then promote them as if they were genuine. The most fascinating fact is that ‘there is no fool like an old fool,’ which means that age does not bring wisdom, and they take advantage of this. The sooner they achieve a large number of downloads, the sooner they vanish.
Have a Bird’s-Eye View of Their Appealing Scams
Spam is a favorite tool of scammers, so be extra cautious when dealing with such bogus emails. If you paid attention to the heading of this point, you’ll notice that we used the word eye-pleasing, which means “don’t get attracted to enticing offers that these emails bring for you.” As a result, do not click the link to reveal the offers.
Never Engage in Communication That Discusses Your Cryptocurrency Assets.
You should never put your foot in your mouth. Scammers eagerly anticipate such individuals. When scammers find someone who is over-smart with their cryptocurrency assets, they try to lure them in with enticing offers, and eventually, over-smartness causes you to lose everything you have.
After reading the preceding points, you can quickly assess how attentive these dollar-sign eye people are. They will go to any length to complete their mission of looting you. As a result, Flitpay advises you to keep these points in mind even if you purchase Bitcoin or Tether.
What Makes Flitpay India’s Safest Cryptocurrency Exchange?
You lose the game if you lose the king. Similarly, once you lose the cryptocurrency, it will be nearly impossible to recover it. To protect you from such incidents, Flitpay’s advanced security and solid foundations never allow ships to pass in the night. Filtpay is the most secure crypto exchange in India due to its impenetrable security for both new and old traders. Cold storage, which has the potential to prevent online hacks through 2-factor authentication and withdrawal confirmation, makes it a trustworthy platform for cryptocurrency trading in India.
If you are new, don’t wait any longer to sign up and start making money right away.
In this article, we will talk about Incredible Ways Technology is Transforming Finance. Not long ago, if you wanted to do any banking or investing, you had to either go to a brick-and-mortar location or pick up the phone and speak to another person. You can now deposit a check with your phone, pay bills with your laptop or tablet, and buy stocks with an app. Fintech, or financial technology, has made it much easier and faster to act on your financial decisions.
Putting Sticks and Bricks Together with Convenience
Can you still pay your bills on paper? Without a doubt! Those who avoid using online banking tools like bill pay because they are afraid of a data breach, on the other hand, may be mistaken. The internet has greatly reduced the security risk associated with money transmission. If someone tries to access your bank account online, the bank will most likely immediately lock it down and send you a fraud alert. If someone steals your utility payment check from your mailbox, they have a lot of your information, including your signature, and can cause a lot of trouble that you may not be aware of until the utility sends you a notice of non-payment.
The Credit Boom
Many of us use credit cards to finance a large portion of our lives. Simple apps like Square enable you to turn your phone into a monetary collection center. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to quickly collect payment for your services and products or a fundraiser at a special event, having a Square reader and account puts you at the forefront of the fintech revolution.
Slowly expanding is acceptable
If you’re not sure about all of this convenience, there are many sources of intech news that can help. It is important to remember, however, that electronic money exchange is merely an extension of paper money exchange. It’s novel and distinctive, but it’s not revolutionary. The revolution occurred when we stopped bartering goods and began exchanging agreed-upon values on paper generations ago.
The Influence of Group Funding
There was a time when banks were the only place to get a loan unless you knew someone who had the cash and was willing to lend it to you directly. However, the bank lending method; that is
to pool many people’s savings and
lend it to someone else, and
collect interest, which can help to increase the balance of the initial savings accounts
has gone live on the internet. While there are ways to donate to people working on important causes, such as Patreon, there are also excellent ways to connect with investors looking to lend to startups. Crowdfunding is successfully bypassing traditional lenders.
Fintech as a Money Management Method
The right fintech app can help you save money in addition to making payments, investments, and donations. Budgeting apps are becoming increasingly popular, allowing people who have struggled to create a pen and paper budget to better manage their expenses exactly where they are.
Previously, budgeting required you to track your spending, plan your expenses, and record your successes and failures at home, using either an expense log or the envelope system. You can manage your spending on the go with budgeting apps that live on your phone. Your account balances are easily accessible for making quick decisions about your next purchase.
Fintech’s Truly Revolutionary Aspect
The cryptocurrency world is the ultimate evolution of mobile financial technology. The ability to trade on exchanges such as Coinbase allows those interested in cryptocurrency to learn more about this exciting way to grow your money. You don’t have to be a miner to trade cryptocurrency and profit from its lucrative run-ups. However, it is a new and decentralized method of exchange. As you gain more knowledge, you may feel more comfortable investing more money in the exchanges. Reduce your investment stress by adhering to your own risk tolerance.
The world of money is expanding all the time, and fintech is making it easier to trade, save, spend, and invest your money. However, with the increased use of credit, it is possible to quickly become in over your head. Tracking where your money is going, just like tracking paper dollars, is critical to protecting your financial future.
In this article, we will talk about Video Converter Answer and Question. Multimedia content has become an essential part of our daily lives in today’s dynamic digital landscape. We use videos to capture moments, express ourselves artistically, and share our experiences. These videos are saved in a variety of file formats. However, the variety of formats frequently causes compatibility issues, preventing video playback and distribution across multiple devices and platforms. This is where video converters come in as versatile tools that bridge the gap between different formats, allowing us to maximize the potential of our multimedia content.
A video converter is a piece of software that converts videos from one format to another, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, media players, and editing tools. Whether it’s converting a high-definition movie for optimal smartphone playback, adapting a video for a specific social media platform, or preparing content for professional video editing, video converters enable users to fully exploit the flexibility of digital content.
As the demand for multimedia content grows, the importance of video converters becomes more apparent. This tool not only provides convenience, but it also improves video accessibility and longevity. Video converters help to preserve cherished memories and valuable information that would otherwise be lost due to technological advancements by converting videos from older, less supported formats to modern ones.
In this video converter investigation, we will delve into the complexities of how these tools work, their essential features, and the numerous benefits they provide. This guide aims to provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about selecting, using, and optimizing video converters to meet your specific multimedia needs, from understanding the technical aspects of different video formats to discovering the user-friendly interfaces of popular video converter software.
Video converters are the unsung heroes of the digital media landscape, facilitating seamless format transitions, breaking down compatibility barriers, and ensuring that your multimedia content remains accessible and vibrant across multiple platforms. So come along with us as we explore the transformative capabilities of video converters, allowing you to navigate the world of multimedia with ease and confidence.
What video fromats does samsung support?
Samsung supports 3GP, FLV, WMV, MP4, AVI, MKV, Xvid, DivX, etc. While these formats may not be compatible with different Samsung smart phone devices when you play those files for Samsung phones, you may still encounter issues. Also, we don’t support MOV, MPG, AVCHD, DV, SWF, ASF and MOV formats made by Samsung.
A video converter comes to your rescue, for you, there is a right one, this is Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate . Let’s understand what it is and how it can help you.
Samsung Video Converter – Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate
The Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate is a complete list of things that you can also capture and watch your favorite video, in fact, you can convert, enhance, modify, download, compile, and burn because it is much more than other video converters for 159 formats.
It is a must-have for Samsung users as it supports almost all the latest smart phone devices from brands such as Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S, i7500, Moment, Samsung’s Galaxy Spica, interestingly, Epic 4G, Mesmerize, intercept, legend, focus i917 etc
How to use Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate to convert videos from Samsung phones
Step 1: First, download and install Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate on your computer using the link given above. Once it has successfully installed then open it on your computer.
Step 2: Go to the main interface. , click the Add Files button. The next window should allow you to select the video you want to convert. Once you have appointed them, double click on your choice on the video to open the import.
Step 3: Now it’s time to select the output format according to your Samsung device. Go to the Output Format section on the right side of the main interface and click the format image given there. On the next screen, select Device > Samsung to view the list of supported Samsung phones and select your specific device.
Step 4: At the same time, you simply click the Converter button from the bottom right corner of the main interface to start converting the video you have done with all the above steps. After the conversion is over, you can go to the location where the converted video is saved and click the Open Folder button to transfer it to your Samsung phone.
How to transfer videos from Samsung phones to PC/Mac?
We recommend that you use Wondershare MobileGo for transferring videos from your Samsung phone to PC/Mac because it supports a wide variety of smart phone devices and works easily with just a few clicks.
Step 1: Click here to download and install the application for Windows/Mac. Once successfully installed, open Wondershare MobileGo on your computer.
Step 2: Now connect your Samsung smart phone device to the computer using Wi-Fi or USB cable. The application should be able to detect and display your device automatically once connected.
Step 3: Click on the button / option on videos in the sidebar given on the left side of the main screen. From the next screen, select “Add” to locate and add the videos you want to transfer from your computer to your Samsung smartphone. Then click “Open” to start transferring the selected videos.
