The Godot open source game engine just released version 3.2.2. While primarily a maintenance release, there are several great new features including:
C# support for the iOS platform
2D batching for the GLES2 renderer
re-architected Android plugin system
DTLS and ENET integration
Updated and localized documentation
Hundreds of bug fixes and improvements
You can read complete details of the update here, and you can download Godot 3.2.2 here (or on Steam). If you want to learn Godot, you can check out our tutorial series available here. You can learn more about the Godot 3.2.2 release in the video below.
That’s it! You should now be all set to use .NET 5 Preview 6.
What’s new?
Blazor WebAssembly template now included
The Blazor WebAssembly template is now included in the .NET 5 SDK along with the Blazor Server template. To create a Blazor WebAssembly project, simply run dotnet new blazorwasm.
JSON extension methods for HttpRequest and HttpResponse
You can now easily read and write JSON data from an HttpRequest and HttpResponse using the new ReadFromJsonAsync and WriteAsJsonAsync extension methods. These extension methods use the System.Text.Json serializer to handle the JSON data. You can also check if a request has a JSON content type using the new HasJsonContentType extension method.
The JSON extension methods can be combined with endpoint routing to create JSON APIs in a style of programming we call “route to code”. It is a new option for developers who want to create basic JSON APIs in a lightweight way. For example, a web app that has only a handful of endpoints might choose to use route to code rather than the full functionality of ASP.NET Core MVC.
endpoints.MapGet("/weather/{city:alpha}", async context =>
{ var city = (string)context.Request.RouteValues["city"]; var weather = GetFromDatabase(city); await context.Response.WriteAsJsonAsync(weather);
});
Custom handling of authorization failures is now easier with the new IAuthorizationMiddlewareResultHandler interface that is invoked by the AuthorizationMiddleware. The default implementation remains the same, but a custom handler can be be registered in DI which allows things like custom HTTP responses based on why authorization failed. A sample that demonstrates usage of the IAuthorizationMiddlewareResultHandler can be found here.
SignalR Hub filters
Hub filters, called Hub pipelines in ASP.NET SignalR, is a feature that allows you to run code before and after Hub methods are called, similar to how middleware lets you run code before and after an HTTP request. Common uses include logging, error handling, and argument validation.
You can read more about this Hub filters on the docs page.
Give feedback
We hope you enjoy this release of ASP.NET Core in .NET 5! We are eager to hear about your experiences with this latest .NET 5 release. Let us know what you think by filing issues on GitHub.
Testing Scribble on iPad with Apple Pencil in iPadOS 14
Scribble has made the jump from Apple Watch to iPad With iPadOS 14. This massive update allows you to easily enter text anywhere on the iPad using your Apple Pencil. Here’s how it works.
To use Scribble, you need your iPad on iPadOS 14 and your Apple Pencil. You can use Scribble almost anywhere, but we decided first to start with the Notes app.
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When in the Notes app and creating a new note, by default the keyboard appears. We minimized the keyboard and tapped the screen with our Apple Pencil to start using it instead.
If Apple Pencil is active, you will see the Apple Pencil toolbar appear on the screen. This revamped toolbar still has your different writing utensils, as well as buttons to open the keyboard, go to Settings, and to return a line in the text document.
Toggle Scribble on or off in Apple Pencil settings
Note: Be sure to head to the Apple Pencil settings to ensure Scribble is enabled.
We wrote out with Apple Pencil “this is scribble” in our below-average handwriting. Despite our poor penmanship skills, the iPad was still able to detect what we wrote and convert it to the header of the note almost instantly. We then used the return button in the toolbar to go to a new line and try out another sentence.
When writing, you can tap and hold between words to enter a space between them. This is useful if Scribble accidentally combines words you didn’t intend, which can happen if you write words too close together.
To get rid of something you wrote, you can just scratch it out and it disappears. To select a word — or a group of words — circle them to highlight them, then you can cut or copy as well as move them about.
Searching online with Apple Pencil using Scribble
This isn’t limited to just Notes, as it works throughout the OS. For example, pulling down on the Home screen to open universal search brings up a search box that you can just write on top of, and it is recognized automatically. The same goes for within apps whenever there is text to fill out.
In Safari, you can fill out boxes. We used it to search for “HomeKit” on AppleInsider.com as well as entering our contact info on the Apple Store.
Scribble shortcut palette
Whenever you use Scribble, you will notice the Scribble shortcut palette appear on the bottom of the display, one which differs from the large Apple Pencil toolbar found in apps like Notes. This smaller shortcut palette has undo and redo buttons, a keyboard shortcut, ellipses to get to additional settings, then some form of action button. When using universal search or search within Safari it will let you tap it to instantly run the query.
Useful, but not all the time
Scribble is a very cool new feature, one that adds a new layer of depth and usability to the iPad.
There are too many times where we get bogged down by having to switch between our Apple Pencil and the keyboard. We will be taking notes, editing a photo, or sketching and need to enter text and must change how we are using the tablet to better type on the keyboard. This fixes that issue completely.
That isn’t to say it is always useful. If you are already using the keyboard or are using the Magic Keyboard, swapping to the Apple Pencil to edit text just doesn’t make sense.
This does however demonstrate how the iPad is getting so much more powerful, by allowing it to adapt to exactly how you use it. Whether with a keyboard, a mouse, your finger, or the Apple Pencil, it simply works.
Scribble currently functions in English, but it is also capable of working in Chinese as well. It can even do both at the same time, allowing users to switch between the languages as they write and iPadOS distinguishes them apart as it translates the separate languages into typed text.
Apple Pencil gained many other skills with iPadOS, but we will save those for another deep dive.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-28-2020, 06:34 AM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
Virtual tastings and more: a new world of experiences for old-world wines
For three generations, the Bianchini family has been creating exceptional wines on their idyllic 5,000-acre Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate of rolling hills and lush forests in Montalcino, Tuscany. Following the passing of their father, Giuseppe, in February 2004, Paolo and Lucia Bianchini have run the winery, with Alex and Ester, Paolo’s children, also heavily involved in the day-to-day operations.
For the Bianchini family it’s been a balancing act to maintain the traditions of a historic estate while staying one step ahead of the latest developments in the world of wine. The recent COVID-19 pandemic put that ability to adapt to the test. With trade shows postponed and international travel impossible, the pandemic changed everything for small wine producers like Ciacci.
In a normal year, the release of a new vintage would be accompanied by international trips and face-to-face meetings with distributors and critics, as well as cellar tours at the estate. This year, facing an impending lockdown, Gabriele Gorelli, consultant and wine producer, and the rest of the Ciacci team, had to develop a new way to share their latest vintage with wine-lovers across the world and grow their business through the crisis. The Ciacci winery responded by turning to Microsoft Teams. The result was a perfect balance of tradition and technology.
Thanks to a pre-existing investment in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, Ciacci was able to act fast and develop a completely new way to share their wine with distributors, critics, and wine-lovers from around the world. Virtual wine tastings, held via Microsoft Teams, have changed how the winery does business, saving time, travel costs, and creating new and stronger connections with customers.
Our world is traditional, it’s all about human contact. Virtual tastings in Microsoft Teams helps us create a space to share even more aspects of our business with customers. When the pandemic hit, the tool did a fantastic job of helping us communicate with our distributors, critics, and even restaurants. Alex Bianchini, Head of Production, Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona
Using the communication hub in Microsoft 365, Ciacci employees moved quickly to replace in-person gatherings with virtual wine tastings using Teams meetings. The Bianchini family members also used Teams to work together and connect with partners and suppliers, to keep their business thriving.
Ciacci is also saving time and costs associated with travel by using Teams. A typical international sales trip would take at least a week, but with Teams, Ciacci simply ships its wine to the distributor and sets up a two-hour meeting in Teams to discuss it.
Although everyone is eagerly awaiting a return to normalcy in Italy, Ciacci is reimagining the future of its business. The ability to connect virtually with wine lovers across the world has opened up a wealth of possibilities to expand its customer base. Ciacci is already thinking about using virtual tours to invite fans from around the globe into the rarified world of the traditional Italian wine cellar.
The winery further plans on using Teams to create a direct line to customers, instead of relying so heavily on selling to distributors; something the winery is well-placed to do, thanks to its e-commerce site and the interactive potential of Teams.
With Teams we have the best of both worlds, you can stay connected with distributors and experts, but also create relationships with new customers, especially if you have your own platform for business to consumer. Gabriele Gorelli, Consultant and Wine Producer
The Ciacci winery may still age their wine in barrels in a historic cellar, but above ground, the business is embracing leading-edge technology to thrive through uncertain times. A previous investment in Microsoft 365, and Teams in particular, has meant this family-run business is able to adapt to a new reality. The result, a revolution in digital wine promotion and a new vision for the future.
Inti Creates Announces Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 For Nintendo Switch
Today, during the BitSummit Gaiden online event, Inti Creates announced it would be bringing back its flagship 2D side-scrolling series Azure Striker Gunvolt for a third outing. Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is described as a “true blue sequel” to Azure Striker Gunvolt.
Like the previous two games, the action supervisor Keiji Inafune (Level-5 Comcept CCO) will be working closely with the series’ director Yoshihisa Tsuda. Together they’ll craft new systems and ideas that take the action to the next level. One new character making their debut in the third game is the “incredibly charming” Kirin. Of course, Gunvolt will also be returning.
Here’s a bit extra from Inafune:
Did you know that I was involved in the Gunvolt series? Since the beginning, I have worked on the series with Inti Creates as the series’ action supervisor. I will be continuing that role with this new title as well. As action supervisor, it is my job to help shape the gameplay together with director Tsuda. We want to craft an exciting game filled with ultra-refined action and deliver something we believe players will enjoy.
Above is a first look at the game. Keep in mind, this is very early footage and there’s no release date just yet. Inti Creates President Takuya Aizu says development has only just begun on the game and more details about it will be shared in future updates.
With all of that out of the way, it’s time for us to sit and chat about our weekend gaming plans. Members of Team Nintendo Life have discussed just that below, and we’d love for you to join in via our poll and comment sections. Enjoy!
Gavin Lane, features editor
I’ve had Velocity 2X on my Switch SD card for ages now, but never got around to actually playing it. In his review, Mitch used the classic line “all killer, no filler”, and that’s something I look for with absolutely every game I play these days. Can’t be doing with bloat.
I’ve got plenty of other gems I could be getting on with too, although Star Wars Episode I: Racer is mighty fine and I’m eyeing it on the eShop. As I write, the N64 cart is sitting ready-to-go in the console’s slot, but the convenience of having it on Switch—not to mention that HD sheen on my modern telly—will probably prove too much to resist. Another one for the backlog. It is podracing, after all.
Ryan Craddock, news editor
I’ve got just a small handful of things left to do in Pokémon Sword and Shield‘s Isle of Armor DLC, so I’ll be attempting to get that all wrapped up this weekend. I’m just a handful of Pokémon away from completing the Pokédex – although I need to get my hands on a couple of version exclusives – and I’ve finally tracked down every last Diglett. Hoorah!
Elsewhere, my copy of The Last of Us Part II just showed up and I’ve been looking forward to playing it for ages now. Having said that, I keep hearing that it’s a particularly tough, depressing experience at times, so I’ll have to see if I’m emotionally ready to jump in! Have a good one, folks.
PJ O’Reilly, reviewer
This weekend I am diving deep into Ninjala! I’m absolutely loving what I’ve seen of the art style so far and have my fingers crossed the action can live up to the excellent world-building that GungHo Online have delivered with this one. Elsewhere I’m still blasting through Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia with a few of the different factions available, I’ve completed two runs so far – my review should be up soon – and overall I’ve been enjoying the slow and almost relaxing nature of the tactical battles that are the main meat of the gameplay here.
If I’ve got any gaming time left over, I’ll be trying – in vain most likely – to make some progress with my very slow playthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition. Too many games! Have a good weekend and stay safe out there.
Austin Voigt, contributing writer
I was beginning to lose interest in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – which is saying something, considering there is literally nothing else to do in life right now – however, with news of a bug-off this weekend and an impending diving/swimming update the next, I have magically regained my interest in the game, like a true AC addict!
I have also yet to dive into the Pokemon Shield expansion pass – which I purchased on release, but simply haven’t wanted to jump back into quite yet – so that will likely take up the rest of my weekend. Naturally, I would find reasons to continue playing the games I’ve already played to death, rather than delve into any part of my backlog. Because I’m lazy.
Liam Doolan, news reporter
The newly released free-to-play title Ninjala is probably what I’ll be playing the most this weekend on my Switch. I’ve waited for it – like many others – for at least a few years now, and have been eager to properly sink my teeth into it since participating in the beta. So over the next few days, I’ll be doing exactly that. I’ve also purchased the first chapter of the story mode with some spare eShop credit, so I’m looking forward to checking that out on the side in between online battles.
Apart from GungHo’s new release, I’m keen to dig into Mr. Driller: DrillLand and return to both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Animal Crossing: New Horizons ahead of the next big updates. Oh, and I can’t leave out Star Wars Racer. I can’t believe we can now replay this classic on a modern Nintendo platform – how good is that!
Gonçalo Lopes, contributing writer
Fond memories of Star Wars Episode I Racer came rushing in with the release of the remaster. Despite some very poor audio mixing, it remains a truly wonderful experience, one that gave me an insight into Episode I quite some time before it premiered at the cinema. Nostalgia keeps kicking in with the mighty boot of Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour. Jon St. John one-liners are still stealing the whole show over two decades later.
My game of the week is Railway Empire! More nostalgia-induced fun due to all the stellar memories I still have as a child assembling HO train sets with my dad. Still have them lying about too! I’ve been told they are worth a small fortune nowadays…
As always, thanks for reading! Make sure to leave a vote in the poll above and a comment below with your gaming choices over the next few days…
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-28-2020, 06:33 AM - Forum: Lounge
- No Replies
Oh Look, A New Game Is Coming To Wii And Wii U
Given the year is now 2020, you likely don't expect to see a lot of new games coming for Wii or Wii U, save for perhaps the obligatory ports of the latest entry in Ubisoft's Just Dance series. However, in news that will have you checking to make sure it's not April 1, a new, non-Just Dance game is on the way for the two Nintendo consoles that preceded the Switch, and it's releasing quite soon.
The game is Shakedown: Hawaii, a retro-style open-world action game in the vein of the early Grand Theft Auto entries. It originally released on a number of platforms last year--notably including PlayStation Vita--but is now coming to Wii and Wii U seemingly due to a random impulse on the part of the developer.
"Like most of my ports, Shakedown: Hawaii on Wii began one Friday night on a whim of curiosity," wrote developer Vblank. "Perhaps a jolt of Wii nostalgia rushed through me that evening, but I suddenly wondered... how long would it actually take to port? How would it feel to play with a Wii Remote? How would it look in 4:3? Would it hit 60 FPS right off the bat, or need optimization? I had many questions, but as soon as I held that Wii Remote and started playing, I knew I wanted to take it to the finish line."
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A new Metal Slug game called Code: J has just been revealed
A new Metal Slug game dubbed Metal Slug Code: J has been revealed at the annual Tencent Games Conference. The game is currently being developed by TiMi Studios, the subsidiary of Tencent Games, in close association with SNK. During the presentation, we got to see a trailer and some gameplay showing the series’ classic run-and-gun formula.
We’ve known for a while that new Metal Slug Games were coming, and that one of those games was being developed by TiMi Studios, but we didn’t know its title or much else about it. Metal Slug Code: J is initially launching in China, and during the presentation, a Code J website was linked with details on how to pre-register, meaning launch shouldn’t be too far off. Hopefully after that, we might hear some details about it launching in the west.
For those that don’t know, Metal Slug is a classic series of bullet-toting run-and-gun games that originally launched in the 90s, but have since moved onto console and mobile, and spawned a good number of sequels and spin-offs.
You can see the trailer for Metal Slug Code: J below:
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The gameplay for Metal Slug Code: J seems to channel the classic experience of the original series, but with a few fun little additions, like the ability to freeze enemies, and some cool looking 3D sections. It also shows off some pretty fancy mechanised bosses – such as that giant armoured tank-crab.
That’s all we know for now, however! We’ll be sure to update the story if we find out anything else. In the meantime, why not check out some of the best Android games, or best iOS games to tide you over?
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-27-2020, 09:35 PM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
3 tips for using new image-based product search in Bing Shopping
Since the last month’s update on “4 ways to save money”, we continue to see more shoppers search for products on our platform to get the best price, across sellers. In this update, we are excited to introduce new image-based search experiences on Bing Shopping.
Below are 3 tips that will significantly improve the product search experience of our shoppers. And the improved product discovery better enables the businesses on our platform.
Tip #1: Like a look? Find where you can buy it!
It’s so often that we like a look but have trouble thinking of a search term to find it. Welcome to visual search on Bing Shopping! With one click you can now discover products that match the visual design across all sellers in our platform. We’ve currently launched this for clothing and shoe departments, with plans to extend this to home décor soon. Give it a try: search for shoes right away!
Tip #2 Saw something on the web or have an image on your camera? Shop it!
Bing Shopping search box now comes with a camera icon. It allows you to upload or capture any product image to find the best price across all sellers in our platform. Try visual search now!
Tip #3: This goes well with that!
Bing Shopping now suggests what “goes well with” the dress you are searching on our platform. Don’t forget to check out Goes Well With the next time you plan to buy clothing online.
Thanks for using Bing Shopping. We will continue to help our shoppers with better product discovery and savings, from the larger array of stores in our platform.
