Quick Look: Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 – with Gameplay Video

Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is taking some bold steps this year: using an entirely new technological layer, the Fox Engine from Kojima Productions, and launching in North America at the same time as its main rival, FIFA 14 from EA Sports.

The team might be confident about the quality of their new experience, but time spent with it certainly rises a number of questions while also offering some truly wonderful moments.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is a somewhat slower game than FIFA 14 and focuses more on manual control and gamer decisions.
It’s more important to have a clear plan for the team and for how the ball can get to the other goal because defenses are solid and tend to quickly win back the ball when the rhythm of the game slows down.
At the same time, building up a good play is more rewarding because it’s clear that player decisions and solid work with the controller lead to a shot on goal.
The biggest problem I can see with Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 after a few matches is that it’s rather hard both for the player and for the computer controlled opponent to actually create good opportunities.
As said, defensives are very good, especially for top tier teams, and it seems almost impossible to have a solid through pass reach a forward in a good position.
Of course, things might be different in the full game, when more tactical options are available and there’s a wider range of player skills on display.
The new Fox Engine is promising when it comes to player and ball physics, but the graphics quality for the stadiums and the players is not great, even if the team has clearly tried to make them look as lifelike as possible.
Some slowdowns are also noticeable, but they might be solved before the full game is out on September 19 in Europe and September 24 in North America.
We also have a full Softpedia Quick Look for the demo version of FIFA 14.

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Grand Theft Auto V Online Multiplayer Gets Many New Details

A wide array of new details concerning Grand Theft Auto 5's Online mode has just been made available confirming the different things that can be done by players during the multiplayer experience in the open world of Los Santos.

Grand Theft Auto 5 is out on September 17 worldwide for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, but only on October 6 will owners of the game be able to access Grand Theft Auto Online, the multiplayer mode of the upcoming title, which will be delivered as a free update to all players.
A bunch of fresh details have appeared about the multiplayer mode, thanks to a preview from GameInformer, via CVG.

First up, the action of the online mode takes place after the story of GTA 5 concludes, as players will control a new character who just walks off the plane in the Los Santos airport. They can customize their family, looks, and background, choosing hobbies and favorite activities, which will in turn result in proficiencies for the character.
Progression in the online mode goes through a separate story and characters from the single-player campaign will make appearances from time to time. Sadly, there won't be a dramatic conclusion to the plot, so players shouldn't expect their story to end anytime soon.
Their characters will appear in cut scenes but, like in GTA 3, they won't say a word, and they can be either male or female.
Lots of different missions will be available for GTA Online players, with over 500 activities, from heists, to robberies, assaults, hijacking, or racing, not to mention tennis, golf, or base jumping.
The main goal is to accumulate money and assets, like cars or real estate, and once a home is bought, players can even set up heists like in the single-player campaign by hiring other players as lookouts, snipers, getaway drivers, or more.
After each mission, cash and reputation points are awarded but the crew leader decides who keeps the loot, as he can run away with the spoils, although other heist participants can exact their revenge by putting a bounty on his head.
Besides going on heists, players can even hang out with their friends at their home and drink, arrange for call girls to come over, or watch Rockstar's TV content.

GTA Online is set to drastically improve the world of GTA V in October on PS3 and Xbox 360.

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How to Remove Any Botched Windows Update Released by Microsoft – Guide

How to Remove Any Botched Windows Update Released by Microsoft – Guide

Unfortunately for many consumers out there, Microsoft doesn’t seem to spend so much time testing the updates it’s releasing on Patch Tuesday, so many users are in the end forced to deal with all kinds of errors caused by botched fixes.
This is the case of this month’s security updates, as some bulletins released today are said to be causing havoc on basically all Windows versions currently on the market, including XP, Vista, 7, 8, and even the new 8.1.
While some claim that the botched updates are breaking down a number of Office tools, others reveal that the same patches are trying to install over and over again, even if the initial setup seems to work just fine.
In most cases, Microsoft needs at least a couple of days to look into the issue, so users are basically left with no other option than to deal with this problem the hard way.
Basically, the easiest way to get rid of faulty updates, assuming they didn’t break down your computer, is to uninstall and hide them temporarily until a fix is released.
In case no restore point has been created and you need to do this manually, here are just a few steps to do this safely.
First of all, launch “Control Panel,” click on “Programs” and then on “Uninstall a program.”

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Evolution of the iPhone: from the iPhone to the iPhone 5S and the 5C

Evolution of the iPhone: from the iPhone to the iPhone 5S and the 5C

With the launch of the iPhone 5S and the 5C last night, here is a quick look at the evolution of the smartphone that has made headlines each time a new iteration has hit store shelves.

“Today we are introducing three revolutionary products of its class. The first is a wide screen iPod with touch controls. The second is a revolutionary mobile phone. And the third is a breakthrough Internet communications device. Three things - an iPod, a phone and an Internet communicator. Are you getting it? These are not three separate devices. This is one device and we are calling it – iPhone. Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone. And here it is.” –Steve Jobs

When Steve Jobs took the stage to unveil the first generation iPhone back in 2007, it was probably one of the biggest nerdgasms ever. The way in which the device was presented and unveiled was just phenomenal. It’s not that we didn't know what Apple would announce. It’s just that no one really knew what the device looked like. The anticipation and the lack of knowledge about the product made the grand unveil even more interesting and exciting.

Last night, Apple introduced the world to the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C. Just like the iPhone 5 before it and the iPhone 4S before the 5, we knew everything there is to know about the smartphone before it was unveiled. Sure it is a market trend to flood the Internet with leaks, which may or may not be done by the companies themselves but the fact that everything leaked turns out to be spot on is a bit bizarre and something that has disappointed us greatly.

Remember how Steve Jobs went all crazy when Gizmodo revealed what the iPhone 4 looks like? That’s the kind of secrecy we like when it comes to revealing “the best iPhone yet”. It's not that the product unveiled last night were bad; not at all. They showcase an array of interesting features and we’d like to see the devices in action  ....................[ READ FULL INFO ]

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Download Firefox 24 Beta 10 for Windows, Linux, or Mac

Download Firefox 24 Beta 10 for Windows, Linux, or Mac

Mozilla keeps improving the beta version of Firefox in anticipation of the stable release that’s expected to be announced anytime soon.
The company initially announced that Firefox 24 should arrive in mid-September, so beta 10 is most likely the last pre-release version of the browser that’ll ever see daylight.
As for this new build, the developing team hasn’t provided any specifics, but since it’s still in beta, expect it to address bugs and fix performance issues spotted in the previous releases.
Of course, Firefox 24 Beta 10 can be downloaded and installed on all platforms out there, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. As far as Windows is concerned, it continues to be compatible with all editions, including XP, Vista, 7, and 8.
Download Firefox 24 Beta 10 for Windows


Download Firefox 24 Beta 10 for Linux
Download Firefox 24 Beta 10 for Mac OS X

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Sony Xperia Z Ultra Coming to Canada in October

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Coming to Canada in October
Sony’s 6.4-inch phablet, Xperia Z Ultra is expected to arrive in Canada in the coming weeks. Although there are no details on the phone’s price data, customers will be able to choose from three color versions: black, white and purple.

Sony Canada has just confirmed via Twitter that it will bring the Xperia Z Ultra on shelves in October, though no exact release data has been unveiled yet.
We can expect most major carriers in the country to pick Sony’s phablet next month, but we’re still waiting for their confirmation.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra is aimed at Android fans who favor large screens over more pocket-sizable form factors. According to Sony, the phablet will arrive with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system out of the box.
However, it won’t come as a surprise if Sony brings the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrade to Xperia Z Ultra in the coming months. We’re still waiting for official word on this one though, so stay tuned.
The Xperia Z Ultra boasts one of the largest displays included onto a smartphone. The 6.4-inch capacitive touchscreen Triluminos display supports full HD (1080p) resolution and features scratch-resistant glass.
Just like the Xperia Z, the phablet is dust and water proof and can be emerged up to 1 meter under water and still be functional.
On the inside, the smartphone packs a powerful 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, which is complemented by an Adreno 330 graphics processing unit and 2GB of RAM.
There are 16GB of storage inside, which can be further expanded up to 64GB via microSD memory card. The 8-megapixel photo snapper on the back features autofocus and full HD (1080p@30fps) video recording, but lacks LED flash.
Last but not least, Sony’s phablet is powered by a non-removable 3050 mAh Li-Ion battery, which should provide up to 790 hours of standby time (820 hours in 3G mode) or up to 14 hours of talk time (16 hours in 3G mode).

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iPhone 5C Announced – $99 for 16GB / 199 for 32GB

Apple has just announced its much-hyped iPhone 5C confirming rumors that the phone will be priced more aggressively.

The iPhone 5C comes in multiple colors, features iPhone 5 hardware encased in polycarbonate plastic, and sells for $99 ($74.69) with 16GB, and $199 ($150.13) for the 32GB option with a two year contract.

In other words, the “budget” iPhone is really not that cheap. Jony Ive says, “It's simpler, more essential, more capable and more colorful. We believe the iPhone is an experience.”

Apple praises the unibody plastic case, says it feels wonderful to hold. “iPhone 5C is beautifully, unapologetically plastic,” according to the Cupertino giant.

iOS 7 is designed to complement the iPhone 5C perfectly, according to Apple. No word on the shipping date yet […] We took the same care with how the 5C feels in your hand.”

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iOS 7 Officially Available for Download on September 18

iOS 7 Officially Available for Download on September 18



Apple has just announced that iOS 7 will be available as a free download on September 18.

At its iPhone event hosted at 4 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California, Craig Federighi (Senior Vice President, Software Engineering) confirmed that iOS 7 would be available to compatible iDevices on September 18, one week from now.
“Downloading iOS 7 is like getting an all new phone that you already know how to use,” Federighi said.
Compatible devices include iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini, and iPod touch fifth-generation. Naturally, any new device that Apple announces today will be compatible, out-of-the-box.
iOS 7 will be available as an over-the-air download, or through Apple’s servers when you connect your iDevice to iTunes. The update procedure is the same on Windows as it is on Mac OS X.

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Download Now Free FIFA 14 Demo on PC via Origin, Soon on PS3, Xbox 360

Download Now Free FIFA 14 Demo on PC via Origin, Soon on PS3, Xbox 360

After a lengthy wait, the FIFA 14 demo is finally available for all football fans around the world on the PC platform, as it can be downloaded for free via the Origin service. PS3 and Xbox 360 owners will have to wait until later today, September 10, to get it.

FIFA 14 is out later this month and Electronic Arts has been hyping up the new simulator for some time, showing off different videos, screenshots, details, and more.
Now, in order to really highlight the game, a free demo has just been released on the PC platform via the Origin digital distribution service.
Those who want to access it need to open the Origin client, go to the Demos section, and get the free trial of FIFA 14.
The demo will go live on the Xbox 360, via the Xbox Games Store, and on the PlayStation 3, via the PlayStation Store, later today, September 10.

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What to expect from Apple's iPhone event

While there's still no official confirmation of what Apple plans to show off Tuesday, it's the worst kept secret in tech: we're getting new iPhones.

Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) keeps its lips pretty tight when it comes to future products. But Apple does have to rely on other companies to help make the iPhone, which means leaks are inevitable.

We may not know everything about the new iPhone, but we have a pretty decent idea of what to expect.

As usual, Apple will update its flagship iPhone model, which is expected to be called the iPhone 5S. It's not likely to be a radical redesign, but Apple still might have a few new things to brag about.

Related: Apple's sliding mobile market share

For starters, the iPhone 5S is expected to come in a gold - or champagne, depending on who you talk to - color. The first hint of this came from a leaked factory image of an iPhone part, and then another, and another. AllThingsD eventually found trusted sources to confirm the rumor.It's also possible the 5S will come in a lighter shade of grey, providing a fourth option for iPhone buyers.The iPhone is also expected to have upgraded hardware, which should come as no surprise. Many believe the iPhone 5S will feature Apple's A7 processor, a dual-core chip promising31% more computing power.

According to other leaks, the iPhone 5S will have an improved camera and an upgraded,dual-LED flash to make your night shots look less washed out.

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