An easier way to dial phone numbers on OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Continuity Keypad is something Apple should have built, but didn't.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
With the release of OS X 10.10 Yosemite, placing a phone call (using your iPhone) from the comfort of you Mac became a reality.
When OS X Yosemite launched, we walked you through placing and receiving calls on the new desktop operating system. Another thing mentioned in that story was how cumbersome the process for dialing a number is -- being hidden in the FaceTime app and all.
As often happens when a new OS is releases, developers find a void to fill and such is the case with placing calls from your Mac. MacStories pointed out last week, Continuity Keyboard brings an old-fashioned dialer to your desktop.
The app is currently available for download in beta form from a dedicated Continuity Keypad website. It comes with a dialer and a Today widget, both of which offer the ability to dial a number without needing to launch FaceTime.
Sometimes, publishers don't bother updating old games before putting them up on your favourite digital distribution system. Here's how to make them play more nicely with your new machine.
The usual caveat, folks: make sure your graphics and sound card drivers are up to date, and that you've installed the latest compatibility updates for Windows. These fixes have been tested onWindows 7 64-bit only, but may also work for other systems.
(Credit: GameSpot)
Like many great old games, Sacrifice is broken on modern systems.
The first thing you'll want to do is download the manual patch (direct link) and extract the files into your install directory, overwriting the existing files.
While you can increase your resolution to modern sizes, it's not suggested, as objects have a tendency of disappearing, making the game unplayable.
Nvidia owners only
The next step only applies to Nvidia graphics card owners. The first time you meet the peasants, you'll get graphical corruption and CPU hitting 100 per cent. To fix this, we need to create a custom profile with Nvidia Inspector, which will give us access to settings that are not usually in the Nvidia control panel.
Open the program and click the screwdriver and wrench icon to the right of the Driver Version entry. Now we can create a new profile for Sacrifice by clicking on the yellow star icon. Name it, then click OK. Two icons to the right of the yellow star is a square with a blue top and a green plus sign: click this, then browse to where Sacrifice is installed, select sacrifice.exe and hit OK — this associates the executable to the profile. If, somehow, the multiplayer servers are still running at sacrifice.kicks-ass.net, you'll want to add SacPro.exe to this as well.
Click the icon with the magnifying glass over the gears to show all available settings, then scroll down to the Unknown section and change the entry starting with PRE_D3D9_COMPATIBILITY_BITS to0x00000040 (it's the first entry in the drop-down menu). Hit the Apply Changes button at the top right.
The setting you need is hidden in the usual control panel, so you'll need Nvidia Inspector.(Screenshot by Craig Simms/CBSi)
Don't have access to an Internet connection? No need to worry, the PlayStation 4 can be updated with a USB flash drive.
A software update will be available for PlayStation 4owners as soon as they power on the system. While the update isn't required (single player games can still be played without an Internet connection), it is recommend that you install it to receive the full benefits of Sony's latest console.
There are two methods for installing the update: directly onto an Internet-connected PlayStation 4 or with a USB flash drive. The latter can be utilized for those who don't have an Internet connection readily available.
Here's how to do it:
Step one: Insert a USB drive with at least 1GB of free space into your computer.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Step two: Create a folder on the drive titled "PS4" -- no spaces.
Step three: Inside of the PS4 folder, create a folder named "UPDATE" in all caps.
Step four: Download the update from Sony's website and save it in the UPDATE folder on your USB drive. The latest update is version 1.50.
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET
Step five: If the power indicator on the PlayStation 4 is orange, hold the power button until the system beeps (approximately 7 seconds). Once the system is turned off, connect the USB drive.
Step six: Boot the PlayStation 4 in safe mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds.
Step seven: Plug the controller in, hit the PlayStation button, and select the "Update System Software" option. After a few minutes and a couple of restarts, your PlayStation 4 should be up to date.
Step eight: To ensure the update was properly installed, enter Settings, click on System Settings, and select System Information.
Sony's latest console is packed full of new and improved features. Here's what you need to know to get started.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The PlayStation 4will be available in the United States for $399 on November 15. Sony's latest system packs more power and features than ever before. The console is equipped with an 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, 8GB of GDDR5 memory, and AMD's next-generation Radeon GPU. It also includes a user-replaceable 500GB hard drive, a Blu-ray Disc drive, and a laundry list of new social features.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The PlayStation 4 box includes the system, an assortment of connection cables, a DualShock 4 controller, a basic mono headset, and a quick start guide. For a limited time, Sony will also be throwing in a network voucher, which includes a 30-day free trial to PlayStation Plus and Music Unlimited, along with a $10 credit to the PlayStation Store.
The setup
The console connects to your television through the HDMI port, while an AC power cord will bring the system to life.
The first time you power on the system you will be asked connect the controller and configure things like language settings, Internet connection, and the date and time.
The new PlayStation Camera (an optional accessory priced at $59.99) connects to the back of the system and can be mounted on top of the TV or in front of it. After the setup process is complete, you must create a new user account.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Once the console is up and running, you will be prompted to install a system software update. This will enable Remote Play, voice chat, online multiplayer, support for Blu-ray movies, and various sharing features, among other things. The patch is approximately 300MB in size and can be installed over the air or with a USB drive.
Navigating the UI
Sony completely revamped the PlayStation 4's user interface, abandoning the PlayStation 3'sslow and dated interface for a more responsive and simpler approach. The design is similar to Microsoft's strategy with the Xbox-- large high-resolution images pinned to a horizontally scrolling home screen.
The interface includes five tabs: What's New, The Playroom, Live from PlayStation, Internet Browser, and Library.
The What's New tab displays information relating to your friends, such as status updates, recorded videos, screenshots, and more. The Playroom is a preloaded augmented reality game that utilizes the PlayStation Camera and DualShock 4 controller. Gamers can kick, swat, and shake small robotic creatures using their feet, hands, or the controller. It's a gimmicky feature that will surely entertain young kids.
Sarah Tew/CNET
A "share" button on the DualShock 4 allows gamers to share previously recorded and live gameplay with others from around the world. These broadcasts can be found in the Live from PlayStation tab on the console's home screen.
Hitting the up arrow reveals a secondary menu. From here you can access the PlayStation Store, along with Notifications, Friends, Messages, Parties (a voice and video chat feature), Profile options, Trophies, Settings, and Power.
Tips
A handful of useful (and some what unknown) features can offer an even better user experience. For example, you can double tap the PlayStation button on the controller to return to your last open app or program. This makes it easy to quickly switch between reading an online guide and trying to get to the next checkpoint in Killzone (or any other game).
The PlayStation 4 also supports a variety of voice commands for launching games and powering down the system. These commands can be launched by pressing the L2 button on the controller.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The PlayStation Camera brings even more functionality to the system, giving gamers the ability to automatically log in to the console using only their face. This can be done by selecting the "Login Settings" options from the system settings menu and enabling the "Face Recognition" option. Next, click on Face Recognition Management and select the "Add Face Data" option.
Sony is offering a special promotion and discounted prices for owners of select PlayStation 3 games. Here's what you need to know.
Josh Miller/CNET
The PlayStation 4is scheduled to be released on November 15. Sony's latest console is sure to be a hit this holiday season, despite having a few drawbacks that could deter potential buyers. The biggest complaint is the lack of backward-compatibility with PlayStation 2and PlayStation 3 games, a possible deal breaker for some.
In an effort to ease some early complaints, Sony previously announced that select PlayStation 3 games can actually be upgraded for use on the PlayStation 4. While the promotional offer isn't perfect, it may be the best option PlayStation 3 owners have.
Here's what you need to know:
The games
For a limited time, consumers who purchased a Blu-ray or digital version of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, or Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition can download a digital copy of the game that will be compatible with the PlayStation 4.
For a limited time select PlayStation 3 games can be upgraded for use on the PlayStation 4.Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET
The cost
Eligible PlayStation 3 games can be upgraded in the PlayStation Store for $9.99 each.
The method
Those of you who purchased a physical copy of the game will find a special code included in the box. From the PlayStation 3's main menu, enter the PlayStation Store, scroll to the bottom, select the "Redeem Codes" option, enter the voucher code, and agree to the Terms of Service.
With a PlayStation 4 console in hand, log in to your account, click on the Store icon, search for the game, and select the "Purchase" option. According to Sony, the discounted price will be "deducted from your network wallet."
Despite being a digital version, you will still be required to insert the PlayStation 3 game disc into the PlayStation 4 to play the new title.
The method is much easier if you've purchased a digital version of an eligible PlayStation 3 game. Simply enter the PlayStation Store, search for the game, and purchase or preorder it; the discounted price will automatically be applied. After your PlayStation 4 arrives, enter the store and download your new game.
Want a bigger hard drive in the PlayStation 4? How about a faster one? Not a problem, it's relatively simple to swap out drives in Sony's latest console. Here's how to do it.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are both equipped with a 2.5-inch 500GB hard drive that spins at 5,400 revolutions per minute. Only the PlayStation 4's hard drive, however, can be replaced or upgraded.
Sony previously allowed gamers to upgrade their hard drives in the PlayStation 3 , and with some games taking up more than 50GB of space, we are thankful the company kept the same philosophy with the PlayStation 4.
The process is relatively simple and should only take you a couple of minutes to complete.
Here's what you need to know:
The tools
The hard drive must be a 2.5-inch drive, which is the size of a normal laptop drive, have at least 160GB of space, and be no thicker than 9.5 millimeters. You will also need a USB flash drive with at least 1GB of space, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a computer with Internet access.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The process
With the console laying flat (and unplugged), apply pressure to the glossy black cover and slide it down; it should snap right off. Locate the screw with the traditional PlayStation shapes -- circle, square, triangle, X -- and remove it.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Pull the hard-drive tray out, remove the four screws that keep it in place, and replace the drive with the new one (it should be facing down with the SATA ports facing toward the opening). Secure your new drive into the tray, insert it back into the system, and replace the PlayStation screw.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Getting the cover back on can be a little tricky. Instead of sliding it in from the bottom, come from the top and snap it back into place.
The update
From your computer, go to Sony's site and download the latest software update for the PlayStation 4. Connect the USB flash drive to the computer and format it to FAT32, which will erase all the data on the drive and allow it to be recognized by the console. This can be done on Windows by right-clicking the drive, selecting Format, choosing the "FAT32" option from the pull-down menu, and clicking the Start button.
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET
Once complete, open the drive and create a folder titled "PS4"; inside of that folder create another one titled "UPDATE" in all caps, and place the update file inside of it.
Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET
The console
Connect the power cord to the back of the console and plug in the HDMI port. You will also need to connect both the controller and the USB flash drive. Next, turn the console on in Safe mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds.
Click the PlayStation button on the controller when prompted to do so and scroll down to the "Initialize PS4" option. The system will then copy the update file from your drive to the console and install it.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Once installation is complete, the PlayStation 4 will restart and boot as if it were the first time you powered it on, requiring you to create an account, sign in to the PlayStation Network, and download your content.
How to get notified when BioShock for iOS has a price drop
Not keen to spend $15 on the mobile version of the desktop classic? Wait for it to go on sale. Here's how to keep tabs on BioShock's price.
The real shock is the price!Photo by Rick Broida/CNET
In case you missed the news, BioShock just arrived in the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
Actually, that's the good news. The bad news is that it's priced at $14.99 (AU$18.99 and £10.49), making it one of the most expensive iOS games around.
Is it worth it? As a longtime fan of the game, I definitely think BioShock is worth playing. However, the desktop version sells for just $5 more, and routinely goes on sale for under $10. (I've seen it as low as $4.99.) So $15 for the mobile version feels a little steep.
But I guarantee you it won't be that steep forever -- and maybe not even for long. Historically speaking, other "premium" iOS games that have debuted with higher-than-average prices have gone on sale -- or seen outright price drops -- within a couple months. Dragon Quest VIII, for example, debuted in May with a $19.99 price tag, but it's currently on sale for $14.99. Once the dust settles on BioShock, I'm sure it'll come down.
OK, but short of visiting the App Store every day, how will you know when that happens? As it happens, there are a couple ways to let bots do the work for you.
For starters, check out Jason Cipriani's recent tutorial on discovering when apps go on sale. It relies on two services, AppZapp and If This Then That (IFTTT), to deliver alerts when top App Store apps go free or on sale.
Use AppShopper to track BioShock price drops.Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET
That's a handy option, to be sure, but it's not specific to BioShock. For that, head to AppShopper, sign up for an account, then search for BioShock. (Needless to say, you could do this for any other game or app as well.) In the search results (making sure to zero in on the "iOS Universal" version), click Want It to add the game to your wish list.
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET
Now, click the Wish List tab up top and then look for the Price Drop Notifications box on the right. Enable "Notify me of price drops via e-mail" and you're all done! Now, as soon as BioShock's price drops, you'll know about it.
That leads to the following question: How low does the price need to go before you'll pull the trigger?
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