So, What Now?

The Pixel Tablet can now be a video intercom for your Nest doorbell. | Image: Google The Google Pixel Tablet is getting an update that will make it slightly more useful as a smart home device. In a blog post published today, Google said the $400 Pixel Tablet can now pull up a livestream from a Nest video doorbell to show who’s at the front door and give you the option to talk to them or send a quick response. The feature — which was first teased this summer — works with all Nest doorbells, including the first-gen and second-gen wired versions and the Nest Doorbell battery, and is part of the Google Home Public Preview. The tablet needs to be locked and docked on its charging speaker dock to show a full screen view. Considering Google Nest Hub smart displays have had the ability to announce visitors and pull up a live... Continue reading…

Image: Santa Monica Studio Ragnarök is nigh — that is, if you’ve got a PC capable of handling it. During its summer State of Play event, Sony announced that God of War Ragnarök is coming to PC on September 19th. The news was accompanied by a brand-new trailer including the info that the game is now available for preorder. It’s been just over a year since God of War Ragnarök released, adding another emotional beat to the story of Kratos, the god of war, and his son, Atreus. When we last left the pair in 2018’s God of War, the two had just returned from an epic journey to disperse Atreus’ mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the nine realms. In Ragnarök, Kratos and Atreus’ lives have been upended by the omens heralding the destruction of the realms, an event that... Continue reading…

Image: Capcom We finally have a few more details about the previously mysterious next Monster Hunter game. Capcom released a new gameplay trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds at Sony’s State of Play event, and it features some free-flowing combat, a pretty dark-looking world, and what appears to be some new monsters — including one that looks a lot like a Final Fantasy chocobo. Naturally, it serves as a mount. Capcom describes the new game as taking place in “a living world.” Wilds is a follow-up to 2018’s open-world title Monster Hunter World, which went on to become Capcom’s bestselling game ever, topping the likes of Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and Devil May Cry. It was first announced at The Game Awards last year and is coming to the PS5, Xbox... Continue reading…

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment Sony’s most adorable character (sorry, Sackboy) is getting another outing. At its State of Play showcase today, the company revealed the latest Astro Bot game, which was rumored earlier in the month. It appears to be a direct sequel to Astro’s Playroom, so it should make excellent use of the PS5’s controller and all of its various functions. The game features 50 worlds to explore — like its predecessor, it looks like those levels will explore PlayStation history to varying degrees — and launches on September 6th. It’ll be a PS5 exclusive when it does come out. This will be the first title in the series since Astro’s Playroom, a Wii Sports-style pack-in for the PlayStation 5, which was designed to show off the console’s then-new DualSense... Continue reading…

Illustration by Nick Barclay / The Verge According to a report published at CNBC, Twitch has decided to terminate the contracts of all the existing members of its Safety Advisory Council. The council received the news that Twitch would not be renewing their contracts earlier this month, and they will reportedly be terminated effective Friday, May 31st, without further pay. The advisory council was formed in May 2020 with the goal to “enhance Twitch’s approach to issues of trust and safety.” It was made up of nine members, including Twitch streamers, moderators, and outside experts with experience studying and combating online harassment. The group assisted Twitch on the development of new safety policies and products while also acting as a liaison, able to bring the Twitch... Continue reading…

In New York today, Jeep unveiled its first fully electric SUV for the North American market. And while all the focus was on the $71,995 Wagoneer S, the automaker had one more thing to show off: an off-road-capable Trailhawk concept of the same EV, sitting pretty on 31.5-inch tires. The forest green SUV sports several features that distinguish it from the standard Wagoneer S, including an intimidating laser-cut roof rack, 3D-printed tow hooks, lifted suspension, wheel caps, and a host of other goodies for gearheads and boulder lovers alike. Sitting pretty on 31.5-inch tires Trailhawk is the trim name usually applied to Jeep’s most rugged off-road vehicles, complete with more durable equipment and materials. In addition, Trailhawk... Continue reading…

Image: Jeep Spoiler alert. Continue reading…

The tranquil town of Villedieu-sur-Indre in central France has become the focus of significant archaeological interest as an Inrap team is uncovering some fascinating horse burial pits.  Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later 

​ Republican Rome, emerging from the ashes of monarchy, left a tangible legacy in the landscape of ancient Italy. With the expulsion of kings in 509 BC, Rome sought to carve its own identity. Temples like the Temple of Castor and the Temple of Saturn, dating back to the 5th century BC, stand as silent witnesses to this period of transition. The Campus Martius, notably the Villa Publica, serves as a testament to early Republican structures, showcasing the evolving civic architecture. The Seven Hills of Rome: Center Stage in Rome’s Eventful History The Seven Kings of Rome: Tumultuous Origins of the Roman Republic The conquest of neighboring cities, like Veii in 396 BC, marked Rome's territorial expansion. The tumultuous sacking by the Gauls in 390 BC prompted Rome to fortify its defenses, resulting in the construction of the Servian Wall. Made primarily of tufa from Veii, this defensive barrier symbolized Rome's resilience in the face of adversity. Read moreSection: VideosRead Later