Tech

The ‘Diablo 4’ Beta Is Basically Unplayable Thanks To Endless Login Queues

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2023

Harry Miller

Welcome to Diablo IV’s Early Access beta weekend! So far, I have to say I’m really enjoying the game—or at least I assume I would be if I could ever login and actually play it. So far, all I’ve been able to do is load it up and stare at the login queue. On my latest attempt I was greeted by the above message: 128 minutes left before I could join.

This is, to put it mildly, totally ridiculous and absolutely unacceptable on Blizzard’s part. Most players who are trying to play Diablo IV this weekend are doing so as part of the game’s pre-order bonus. The promise Activision-Blizzard made was simple: Pre-order the game and you get an extra weekend of beta play-time before the open beta the following weekend.

The other way to get in early is via this KFC collaboration, which you also have to spend money on (though at least you get some chicken!) Either way, you’ve spent money and now you can’t play. Since I’m press, I got a press key, but being unable to login to the game means I have no way to play it and write about it and make videos about it to share with my readers and instead have to write posts like this one—which aren’t nearly as fun!

A statement from Blizzard on the Battle.net launcher reads: “We are aware of the issues impacting Open Beta Early Access, leading to long queue times and server disconnections. The team is managing the rate of players entering the game until we have a full fix for the connection issues.”

This reminds me of Blizzard’s last game, Overwatch 2, which released to enormous, infuriating login queues and server issues. Dunkey dunked on that game’s launch the best, so here’s his video:

If we want to include Activision in this net, just look at the disastrous launch of Modern Warfare II, which crashed on me more times than any other game I’ve ever played on launch day. Activision-Blizzard is a massive video game publisher. There’s just no excuse for this kind of botched beta or the ridiculous launches we’ve seen lately. By now, this should be a cake walk.

It certainly doesn’t bode well for the game’s actual release this coming June. If the servers are struggling this much during a closed beta that isn’t even open to the general public, well, let’s just hope they can get it together by then. Hopefully next weekend isn’t as bad, but I’m not holding my breath.

Other issues the beta is currently experiencing (if you’re lucky enough to get in) include:

Graphical issues with the intro cut-scene.
In-game voice chat problems.
The ‘Play’ tab not working properly.
Localization shortcomings (it’s a beta, it’s not finished)
Couch co-op issues with heroes not loading.

Frankly, if this goes on any longer, Blizzard should extend the closed beta by a day or two. It’s not fair to promise customers this as part of a pre-order and then not deliver.

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Tech

Indian iQOO Z7 goes on sale – GSMArena.com news – GSMArena.com

Published

8 mins ago

March 21, 2023

Harry Miller

Last Friday, iQOO announced its India-exclusive Z7 5G smartphone with the Dimensity 920 chipset and 44W charging. Now, iQOO India and Amazon have the phone on open sale. The phone is available in Norway Blue and Pacific Night colors. The 6/128GB model is listed for INR 18,999 while the 8/128GB model is going for INR 19,999.

ICICI/HDFC CC&DC Full Swipe and CC EMI transactions are eligible for an INR 1,500 instant discount. The vivo E-Store is offering a free voucher worth INR1,000. Buyers are also eligible for a no-cost EMI up to 3 months.

iQOO India shop • Amazon India link

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Cane Creek Announces 3D-Printed Titanium eMTB Cranks – Pinkbike.com

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2023

Harry Miller

PRESS RELEASE: Cane Creek Cycling Components

Cane Creek introduces their next offering of titanium cranks, the Cane Creek Electric Wings, to join their iconic eeWings. A crankset designed specifically for the rigors eMTBs face, the innovative Electric Wings are 3D-printed from titanium, resulting in a product that is both incredibly durable and lightweight.

With the Electric Wings, riders can experience the benefit of carbon cranks, without the fear of damage from rock strikes. Electric Wings are as light as carbon, yet as durable as heavy aluminum cranks, making them the perfect choice for those looking to maximize their ride time with confidence.

Implementing advanced 3D-printing additive manufacturing techniques enable freedom in design, opening the door for Cane Creek to set a new benchmark for durability

A New Level of Durability

Break rocks – not cranks – with the Cane Creek Electric Wings. eMTBs are known for taking a beating on rough terrain, which can easily compromise the integrity of carbon cranksets. With the Electric Wings, riders can now enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their cranks are up to the challenge. Whether riders are climbing through a rock garden or hucking to flat, the Electric Wings will give riders the confidence needed to tackle any obstacle.

Compatible with electric bike drive units that use an ISIS motor spindle: The Cane Creek Electric Wings fit Bosch/Yamaha, Brose, Fazua, TQ, Bafang, Specialized motors and more, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of eMTB models.

Lightweight & Stiff

Weighing a mere 383grams – Electric Wings are as light as carbon eMTB cranks while still maintaining one of the best stiffness to weight ratios on the market – Constructed from 6/4 Titanium

3D-Printed Titanium

Implementing advanced additive manufacturing techniques enable freedom in design, opening the door for Cane Creek to set a new benchmark for durability with a titanium crankset designed for electric-assist mountain bikes.

Reduced Pedal “Overhang”

Electric Wings minimize the overall size and “overhang” of material located beyond the pedal insert. This revolutionary manufacturing technique and resulting design drastically reduce pedal strikes compared to standard eMTB cranks.

Rock strikes happen, and are even more common on ebikes, particularly while climbing due to the difference in crank cadence created by the electric assist… It’s not a matter of IF you will hit your cranks on the ground but WHEN. We have always believed that Titanium is a superior crank material, for more than just the bling factor. It truly does provide real rider benefits.—Sam Anderson, Cane Creek Brand Manager

WEIGHT
– 383g (Including All Hardware)
MATERIALS
– 3D-Printed 6/4 Titanium
LENGTHS
-165mm
SPINDLE INTERFACE
– ISIS
COMPATIBLE MOTORS
– Bafang
– Bosch
– Brose
– Fazua
– Panasonic
– TQ
– Yamaha
WARRANTY
– 5 Years

Availability
Cane Creek Electric Wings are now available at select Cane Creek dealers, distributors and factory direct at www.canecreek.com. These 3D-Printed Titanium eMTB Cranks are $1299.99 and shipments of 165mm length cranks are expected to begin in March

Cane Creek Cycling Components – Titanium Cranks

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City of Pointe-Claire signs a partnership agreement with Sport'Aide – Pointe-Claire

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2023

Harry Miller

At the March 14^th Council meeting, the City of Pointe-Claire signed a partnership agreement with Sport’Aide. The independent non-profit organization was created in 2014 by a team of 3 people concerned by the phenomenon of violence in sports.

The organization aims to offer support and guidance services to young athletes, as well as to the various actors in the Quebec sports world (parents, coaches, sports organizations, officials and volunteers) who may have witnessed violence against young athletes.

This agreement will allow the City and the para-municipal sport clubs, the Aquatic Club and the Canoe Kayak Club, to obtain personalized consulting services and to be assisted in the development and adaptation of sport safety policies and procedures.

“Pointe-Claire is the first city to sign an agreement with Sport’Aide, positioning it as a leader and further demonstrating our City’s commitment to maintaining a healthy, safe, harmonious and inclusive sports and recreation environment. I would like to thank our dynamic Sports and Recreation team and its director Mr. Gilles Girouard. This partnership demonstrates our proactivity and our concern for the quality of services offered to our community.” Said Tim Thomas, Mayor of Pointe-Claire

From left to right: Tim Thomas, Mayor of Pointe-Claire and Sylvain Croteau, Instigator and General Manager of Sport’Aide

Information : 514 630-1200, communications@pointe-claire.ca

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