Author: Trafficblast

The Google Pixel 4 has to be the world’s worst kept secret. However, despite months upon months of rumors, early hands-on videos, and leaks by Google itself, it has been the Android phone I’ve been desperately waiting to get my mitts on.

This new flagship handset is the most substantial reinvention of the Pixel phone since its inception. Among the things Google has changed here, this device features a new design, a new telephoto camera, and a built-in radar.

But before we get too into the weeds, let’s talk about how this new phone looks and feels. With the Pixel 4, Google has gone away from the two-tone smooth glossy and textured matte design. In its place, the phone now has a prominent black bumper that wraps around the edges.

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Any update released for Fortnite is typically accompanied by a set of patch notes from developer Epic Games. And yet, despite releasing what’s arguably the biggest update ever for Fortnite: Battle Royale–hence the game now being dubbed Fortnite: Chapter 2–there have been no patch notes whatsoever.

Instead, Epic has released a comically short “what’s new” blog post on its website, which seems deliberately brief. It simply states, “Added: Chapter 2. Take your #FirstDrop and discover everything new.”

What’s new in Chapter 2 is a whole lot. The most significant addition is precisely what leaks and datamines have suggested for some time now: Fortnite finally has a new map. But with it come boats, the ability to go fishing and swim in rivers, a system for upgrading weapons, a new means for leveling up the Battle Pass, and a whole lot else that we’re going to have to continue finding out for ourselves due to the lack of patch notes.

The last few days have marked a notable shift from Epic, which usually communicates a great deal. The End event on Sunday, which saw a black hole effectively delete the game and render it unplayable for more than a day, was not detailed or explained by Epic. And now, it’s seemingly made the choice not to release patch notes. Whether this is a short-term strategy or not remains to be seen. One Redditor suggested it’s Epic treating this as a new game launch–you don’t necessarily have patch notes when first releasing a game.

Whatever the case, it’s yet another way in which Fortnite: Chapter 2 feels different from what we’ve become accustomed to over the last two years.

Fortnite: Chapter 2 is finally here. Rather than take the form of Season 11, which would have followed the game’s established pattern, Epic recently took Forntite: Battle Royale offline entirely for more than a day. Now, servers are back up and there’s a major new update out on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. Among other things, the big highlight is that Epic has finally introduced a brand-new Fortnite map, rather than continuing to evolve the initial island.

Epic Games has yet to issue full patch notes but it states the game has an “all-new island featuring 13 new locations.” Water will seemingly be a big factor this time round, with new mechanics such as swimming, fishing, and motorboats added. You can also carry fallen teammates to safety or revive them using the bandage bazooka.

Additionally, Epic has revealed a new battle pass for Chapter 2: Season 1. It will of course include new skins, emotes, and weapon wraps, but it also offers more chances to earn XP and medals. You’ll contribute just by searching chests, for example, or eliminating opponents or completing challenges.

Fortnite: Chapter 2 has been highly anticipated since the game went dark over the weekend. However, while people were expecting Season 11, Epic has instead followed up with Chapter 2: Season 1, indicating a fresh start for the game.

It’s a whole new world!

Google held its 2019 Made by Google event and revealed the release date of Google Stadia alongside a ton of new products, including the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel Buds, and the Pixelbook Go.

We’ve gathered everything announced today at Google’s big event below. Enjoy!

Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL

Google announced the Google Pixel 4 and the Google Pixel 4 XL and they both are the first smartphones to feature radar capabilities with Google’s Motion Sense. This allows users to use their phones “without touching” them by sensing through materials and improving the gesture experience.

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday are closer than you think, and these sales present a great opportunity to pick up deals on the Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.

This is the perfect time of year to find a bargain on all things gaming, with new consoles expected to land prior to Black Friday next year. This sale season could be the last chance for retailers to sell current systems, and as a result, Microsoft and Sony are expected to push console sales as much as possible this year.

Why Should You Buy Now?

We can confidently say that current-gen consoles will receive significant discounts come Black Friday. They’ve received discounts every year, so it would be unexpected if this didn’t happen again. Why should you consider a purchase now though, six years after the initial launch? It’s a fair question to ask, considering the PS5 and Xbox’s “Project Scarlett” aren’t that far away, but there are a few different reasons, with one of the biggest contributing factors being cost.

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After numerous leaks and a big world-ending event, Fortnite‘s Chapter 2 update has finally arrived on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, bringing the game back online following an extended blackout. Not only does the update introduce a wealth of new skins and an entirely new map to battle on, it marks the start of a new Season–and its Battle Pass works a little differently than before.

Instead of Season 11, this is the first season of Chapter 2. As usual, the Battle Pass costs 950 V-Bucks–roughly $10 USD–to purchase, and it gives you access to 100 tiers of rewards to unlock over the course of the season, including skins, wraps, back bling, loading screens, and more. In previous seasons, you could level the Battle Pass up by completing weekly challenges, and while that will still presumably be the case this season, Epic has introduced a few new ways to level up.

This time around, you’ll be able to earn season XP and new medals by completing in-game activities, such as looting chests, eliminating opponents, harvesting materials, and other actions. These medals will be upgraded the more you complete their associated tasks. Moreover, you’ll be able to increase your level beyond 100 now, although it’s still unclear what the new level cap is and if there are any extra rewards for getting that far.

Chapter 2, Season 1 runs until December 12, according to Epic’s website, which seems to be a little shorter than a typical season. If you want to get a head start on the rewards, you can purchase a Battle Pass bundle for 2,800 V-Bucks, which unlocks the first 25 tiers immediately. Those who spring for a Battle Pass can also earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks by playing Fortnite this season, which is more than enough to cover the cost of next season’s Battle Pass.

As previously mentioned, Fortnite Chapter 2 introduces a new map, which features 13 new locations to explore, along with a handful of returning areas such as Pleasant Park and Retail Row. Water is a bigger factor this time around; not only have speed boats been added to the game, you can also now swim and fish. Keep checking back at GameSpot for more Fortnite Chapter 2 coverage.