Legion Bulletin

Check what has been popular around Uncrowned Addiction lately and don't be afraid to jump into some conversations! The 'Free Today' Trap: How Online Sellers Dupe Unsuspecting Shoppers - The internet offers countless opportunities for genuine deals and discounts. However, not all that glitters is gold. Among the many legitimate deals online are schemes designed to lure in unsuspecting customers. One such deceptive practice is the "Free Today" scam, which promises high-value products for free but conceals the real costs elsewhere. Is That Facebook Account Hacked? Signs of Scam Activity to Watch For - Understanding how to spot compromised accounts can not only help protect your information but also helps prevent the spread of online scams. Always exercise caution and encourage others to do the same. Hypothetical Scenario - Should the West Retaliate if Russia Uses a Nuclear Strike on Ukraine? - What if Russia were to use a nuclear strike on Ukraine? Should the Western nations retaliate, potentially triggering a global nuclear conflict with catastrophic consequences? Social Platforms Move Towards Paid Subscription Models: Necessity or Cash Grab? - In a major shift for the social media landscape, major platforms including X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are exploring or rolling out paid subscription models. While Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok seem to be focusing on ad-free experiences, X has taken a bolder step by proposing a fully paid access plan. Behind these changes, some analysts point to the European Union's rigorous stance on user data rights, which has possibly made the traditional, data-driven, ad-supported model less tenable. But what does this mean for users worldwide? The Count Game (2023) - We already beat last year's total. Let's keep it growing! Unlocking Cosmic Mysteries: Bennu Sample Offers New Perspectives on the Solar System's Past - NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully retrieved a sample from asteroid Bennu, containing water and carbon, offering unprecedented insights into the solar system's origins and potentially the genesis of life on Earth. The sample's return marks the climax of a seven-year mission, with findings highlighting the crucial role of asteroids in seeding life's building blocks on our planet. Sustainability Win: Right to Repair Act Targets E-Waste Reduction in California - California enacts a transformative Right to Repair Act, set for implementation in 2024, demanding manufacturers provide essential repair resources for electronic devices. While it excludes certain items like game consoles, the move marks significant progress in consumer rights and environmental responsibility, potentially influencing national policy due to California's tech-centric economy. Endless Anime: Crunchyroll's Free Channel Brings Classics to the Forefront - Crunchyroll heightens anime accessibility in the U.S. by introducing a free, 24-hour channel, set to feature an array of classic anime shows in English. This initiative, distinct from its subscription service, marks a significant expansion in the anime sphere, supported by major platforms like LG Channels, the Roku Channel, Vizio WatchFree+, and Amazon’s Freevee. So come and check out our growing community!! -Uncrowned Guard Uncrowned Addiction - https://www.uncrownedaddiction.com/ Read on Uncrowned Empire

Check what has been popular around Uncrowned Gaming lately and don't be afraid to jump into some conversations! Will Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) Be on Xbox Game Pass? - As the gaming world buzzes with excitement about the acquisition of Activision by Xbox, many players are left wondering if this means they can expect the latest installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), to arrive on Xbox Game Pass on launch day. While the merger has opened up exciting possibilities, the current situation doesn't offer a definitive answer. Here's what we know so far. Counter-Strike 2: Can You Play CS2 on Console? - The highly anticipated release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has thrilled FPS enthusiasts worldwide. While PC players delve into the sequel, console gamers are left wondering if they can experience the legendary shooter on their PlayStation or Xbox. Here's everything you need to know about Counter-Strike 2's availability on consoles. Which game do you think will be game of the year? - Among the game's that's been released that you played, which one do you think would win the game of the year? Do you have a favourite retro video game? - What retro games are your favourite? Will there be a Gex 4? - What are your thoughts? Would you be open to a Gex 4 release? Do you believe there could be one in the works? Halo Rises Again: Championship Series Sets Stage for 2024 Season - The 2024 Halo Championship Series is confirmed, promising another exciting season with a $1 million prize pool. This announcement, made amidst the current Halo World Championship and following the launch of Halo Infinite's fifth season, marks the continued resurgence of Halo in the esports scene. Details about the upcoming season's structure are still forthcoming, but the community's enthusiasm is high, reflecting Halo's significant legacy and continued relevance in esports. FaZe Clan's Triumph: The Unbelievable Comeback at the Halo Infinite 2023 Championship - FaZe Clan staged a monumental comeback in the Halo Infinite 2023 Championship grand finals, overturning an early deficit to secure eight consecutive wins against OpTic Gaming. This impressive performance led to a bracket reset and a final 4-0 sweep, earning them the world champion title. New Gaming Era: Microsoft Finalizes Acquisition of Activision Blizzard King - After overcoming regulatory hurdles, Microsoft finalizes its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, marking a significant shift in the gaming industry. This move brings renowned franchises under Microsoft's wing, with plans to integrate these titles into Xbox Game Pass. Bobby Kotick will stay on through 2023 to ensure a smooth transition. So come and check out our growing community!! -Uncrowned Guard Uncrowned Gaming - https://www.uncrownedgaming.com/ Read on Uncrowned Empire

From The Verge: TL;DR: Netflix has released the first trailer for its upcoming animated series "Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft." The series, based on the popular video game, will have a gritty tone similar to the recent games. It is set to premiere sometime in 2024. Amazon is also involved in a resurgence of the Tomb Raider franchise, with plans for a new game, a movie, and a TV series starring Lara Croft. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From IGN Articles: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The deal, which reportedly covers all key points, is expected to bring an end to the historic strike that began on May 2. The agreement will now be presented to the boards of both the WGA West and WGA East for approval, and subsequently ratified by the WGA's members. The exact details of the agreement will be released once the contract language is finalized. Read More: Full Article on IGN Articles

Check what has been popular around Uncrowned Gaming lately and don't be afraid to jump into some conversations! Starfield: How Often Do Vendor Credits Reset? - In the vast cosmos of Starfield, vendors play a pivotal role in supplying players with essential goods and resources. However, encountering a vendor with depleted credits can pose a challenge. This guide offers a simple solution to address this issue and ensure a steady supply of credits from vendors. Starfield: Quantum Essence - In Starfield's vast universe, players encounter many items, some of which may initially appear mysterious or overlooked. Quantum Essence is one such unique aid item, often obtained by defeating Starborn enemies. This guide unravels the secrets of Quantum Essence, explaining its function and significance within the game. Which game do you think will be game of the year? - Among the game's that's been released that you played, which one do you think would win the game of the year? Will you pre order GTA VI? - GTA V have been one of best games released by Rockstar Games and there's a lot of speculations that GTA VI is going to be better. Would you be pre ordering GTA VI or wait for it to be out? Which game you want a mobile version of? - Is there any game which you love playing on your PC, PS5 or any other console for which you would love to have a mobile version as well so that enjoy it being anywhere you want? A New Dawn for the Undead: Modern Warfare III's Zombies Mode Revealed - Activision unveiled a cinematic trailer for the new Zombies mode in "Modern Warfare III", marking its debut in the Modern Warfare series. The trailer showcases the origins of the outbreak linked to Victor Zakhaev and merges elements from both Black Ops and Modern Warfare universes. This Zombies iteration promises to be the most ambitious yet, with an open-world extraction shooter style, set to launch alongside the game on November 10th. Bethesda's Interstellar Triumph: Starfield Surpasses 10 Million Players - Starfield achieves record-breaking success, surpassing all previous Bethesda titles with 10 million players since its September 5th launch. Despite some criticisms, the game's overwhelming reception solidifies its status as a hit, with plans for future DLC already underway. Titanfall 2's Comeback: An Omen for Titanfall 3? - Respawn Entertainment has released a significant update for Titanfall 2, addressing longstanding connectivity issues and introducing a new game mode. The patch has boosted the game's player count on Steam and renewed fan speculation about a possible sequel, especially given a cryptic teaser included in the update. The game's revitalization has brought it back to the limelight, four years after its initial release. So come and check out our growing community!! -Uncrowned Guard Uncrowned Gaming - https://www.uncrownedgaming.com/ Read on Uncrowned Empire

Check what has been popular around Uncrowned Addiction lately and don't be afraid to jump into some conversations! Is That Facebook Account Hacked? Signs of Scam Activity to Watch For - Understanding how to spot compromised accounts can not only help protect your information but also helps prevent the spread of online scams. Always exercise caution and encourage others to do the same. PassKeys - PassKeys are security credentials, similar to passwords, used for authenticating users in a secure network or system. They are typically stronger than passwords and are generated by algorithms, making them more difficult to guess or crack. They can take the form of a series of letters, numbers, and symbols. If money didn't exist - If money did not exist and you could have any job in the world, what would you do? Hypothetical Scenario - Should the West Retaliate if Russia Uses a Nuclear Strike on Ukraine? - What if Russia were to use a nuclear strike on Ukraine? Should the Western nations retaliate, potentially triggering a global nuclear conflict with catastrophic consequences? What is your phone battery at? - A classic forum game has been a popular topic as of late, check it out! Enhancing Brand Visibility: Meta’s New Verified Business Feature - Meta is expanding its "Meta Verified" subscription service to businesses on Instagram, Facebook, and eventually WhatsApp, allowing them to stand out and build customer confidence through a verified badge and enhanced visibility features. The service includes proactive impersonation monitoring, account support, and unique discovery features. It's available for a monthly subscription starting at $21.99 USD per app or $34.99 USD for both Instagram and Facebook, with testing for WhatsApp to follow. The service is designed to validate business authenticity and protect brand identity through a multi-step verification process. Nest Hub Max Gets a Downgrade: Google Meet and Zoom to be Removed - Google has announced that its Nest Hub Max smart display will no longer support Google Meet and Zoom video conferencing starting at the end of September 2023. While the device will still support 1:1 and group video calls through Google Meet, the decision marks a significant feature rollback for a device originally promoted for its video conferencing capabilities. The future of the Nest Hub Max is now in question as Google continues to distance itself from smart displays. Enhanced iCloud+ Plans Unveiled: More Space, More Features - Apple has introduced two new iCloud+ plans offering 6TB and 12TB of storage for $29.99 and $59.99 per month, respectively. These plans are designed to complement the high-resolution capabilities of the iPhone 15 series. iCloud+ now comes with premium features like Private Relay for secure browsing, Hide My Email, HomeKit Secure Video, custom email domains, and Family Sharing for up to six people. So come and check out our growing community!! -Uncrowned Guard Uncrowned Addiction - https://www.uncrownedaddiction.com/ Read on Uncrowned Empire

From The Verge: TL;DR: The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro have new battery information and control features in iOS 17. The "About" screen shows charge cycle count, manufacturing date, and first use date. The Battery Health & Charging menu has an option to limit charging to about 80%, but it doesn't seem to work effectively. These changes may address complaints about the iPhone 14's battery health decline. Third-party options like CoconutBattery are still available for older iPhone models. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: TL;DR: The FTC has amended its lawsuit against Amazon, claiming that executives were aware and okay with customers being secretly signed up for Amazon Prime. The lawsuit provides internal messages and the names of senior leaders who allegedly played a key role in the scheme. Amazon is accused of using deceptive tactics and making it difficult to cancel Prime memberships. The FTC aims to fight the use of dark patterns and has previously taken action against companies like Epic Games for similar practices. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From Otaku USA Magazine: TL;DR: McDonald's in the United States is currently offering Pokémon Happy Meals, which include a special Pikachu box, a 4-card Pokémon TCG booster pack, a game coin featuring Pikachu or other fan-favorite Pokémon, and a digital activity accessible through a QR code. McDonald's has previously collaborated with Pokémon and offered otaku-themed food in Japan. Happy Meals may be aimed at kids, but adults are also excited about the Pokémon cards and goods. Read More: Full Article on Otaku USA Magazine

From The Verge: TL;DR: In the ongoing US v. Google antitrust trial, the Department of Justice claims that Google raises ad prices for advertisers due to its search dominance. Google ads executive Jerry Dischler testified that Google tweaks its auction process, potentially raising prices by 5-10% for advertisers. Dischler also mentioned that raising ad prices was a way for Google to boost search revenue during slow periods. Google generated over $100 billion from search ads in 2020, with most of the growth coming from mobile search. The Justice Department argues that Google's ability to increase prices with little competition supports its claim of an unlawful monopoly. The trial is expected to continue until November with a verdict anticipated next year. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen has reportedly made a $10 billion offer to acquire the ABC TV network, FX and National Geographic cable channels, and local stations from Walt Disney. The offer is preliminary and may change, and Allen would work with banks and private equity firms to finance the deal. Disney has not publicly acknowledged the offer yet. Allen may sell off the non-ABC affiliated local TV stations he already owns to avoid tensions with other networks. Disney CEO Bob Iger has been implementing cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and restructuring, and considering selling some linear TV assets. Allen has previously invested in media properties but has also accumulated debt in the process. More details may be revealed at the upcoming Code conference. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: TL;DR: The United Auto Workers (UAW) is preparing to strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (Chrysler's parent company) if their demands for pay increases, shorter working hours, and stronger pensions are not met. The strike, which could impact the US economy and raise car prices, is a response to concerns about the auto industry's shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and the cost gap between unionized and nonunionized factories. The automakers argue that the cost gap puts them at a competitive disadvantage compared to foreign automakers, while the UAW believes record profits should result in better contracts for workers. The UAW also wants equal pay and benefits for workers involved in EV production. A strike could affect the automakers' EV plans and lead to higher car prices. While the cost of a strike would be significant, the UAW believes the cost of doing nothing is even higher. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: Google currently does not offer repairs for broken Pixel Watches. If the screen cracks, Google does not have any repair centers or service centers for the device. Owners are directed to contact customer support for replacement options. The limited warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, and there is no option for an extended warranty. While a repair technically would be possible, Google does not offer repair options, leaving owners to deal with damage on their own. This is troubling considering the easily crackable design of the Pixel Watch. Apple Watch repairs have historically been expensive and difficult as well. However, a recent right-to-repair bill in California may change the situation in the future. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: TL;DR: Apple will release a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to address concerns raised by regulators about the device breaching radiation exposure limits. French regulators ordered a ban on iPhone 12 models after tests found that they exceeded European radiation limits. Apple disputes the claims and states that it is related to a specific testing protocol. Other countries, including Belgium, Germany, and Italy, are also monitoring the situation. The sales ban emerged on the same day Apple announced its new iPhone 15 models. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From IGN Articles: TL;DR: The visual effects (VFX) workers at Marvel Studios have voted unanimously to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This is the first time an in-house unit of solely VFX workers has ever unionized with IATSE. The workers demanded fair pay, healthcare, a safe working environment, and respect for their work. The decision comes after years of reported crunch, low pay, and unsustainable working conditions. This vote aligns with ongoing strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA for better pay and working conditions in Hollywood. Read More: Full Article on IGN Articles

From The Verge: TL;DR: Google is set to face a 10-week trial brought by the US Department of Justice and a coalition of states over allegations of anticompetitive behavior related to its dominance in search. The case centers around Google's deals with browser and phone makers, particularly Apple, which is said to have received billions of dollars for default placement of Google in Safari. The trial could have significant implications for Google's future and may signal a new era of tougher antitrust enforcement against Big Tech companies. The outcome could also impact the balance of power in the AI arms race. The trial is expected to feature testimony from Google's senior leadership and potentially Apple executives as well. The result of the trial could range from a possible breakup of Google to restrictions on the company's ability to make exclusive deals for default search placement. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: The Internet Archive has appealed its loss in a copyright case regarding its Open Library program. The appeal comes after a settlement that restricted access to some scanned books and a separate lawsuit filed by music publishers. Four publishers, including Hachette, sued the Internet Archive in 2020 over its National Emergency Library program, claiming it constituted digital piracy. A New York judge ruled in March that the Archive's scanning and lending of books did not fall under fair use, and a settlement required the removal of public access to commercially available books under copyright. The appeal will continue to fight for library collections in the digital age. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: TL;DR: Meta is working on a new chatbot that aims to rival OpenAI's GPT-4. The company is investing in AI training chips and building data centers to train the chatbot without relying on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. Meta's goal is to create AI tools that can emulate human expressions. They have also been working on generative AI features, including Instagram chatbots and AI "personas." However, Meta faces competition from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon in the generative AI space. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From IGN Articles: TL;DR: Hulu and Disney+ have announced price increases for certain plans, leading to backlash from subscribers. Starting in October, Disney+ ad-free will increase to $13.99/month, and Hulu ad-free will increase to $17.99/month. Hulu Live TV plans will also see price increases. Subscribers are expressing frustration, especially amidst ongoing strikes in the industry. This is not the first time these platforms have raised prices, with Hulu increasing in 2022 and Disney+ raising prices twice in the past year. Other streaming services have also experienced price hikes. The rising costs of streaming services have led some consumers to reconsider cord-cutting. Read More: Full Article on IGN Articles

From The Guardian - Media: TL;DR: Elon Musk is threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) after accusing them of trying to shut down his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). Musk claims that the ADL is falsely accusing him and X of being antisemitic. He also blames the ADL for a significant drop in advertising sales for X. Musk recently sued another anti-hate speech group, the Center for Countering Digital Hate, and now plans to file a defamation lawsuit against the ADL. The ADL alleges that antisemitic posts on X increased after Musk acquired the platform. X has faced criticism and lost advertising partners over concerns about its content and handling of certain users. Read More: Full Article on The Guardian - Media

From The Verge: TL:DR: "Godzilla Minus One" will take Godzilla back to his original theme of nuclear devastation, set in post-WWII Japan. The movie explores the turmoil and chaos caused by Godzilla's awakening. With limited resources and a depleted military, Japan is left to battle the creature alone. The trailer highlights the iconic imagery of nuclear destruction, with mushroom clouds and gruesome shots of Godzilla's mutilated flesh. The movie is set to be chilling and memorable, releasing in Japanese theaters on November 3rd and US theaters on December 1st. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

Check out our most recent changes! Update of Season of the Founders At Uncrowned Empire, our mission has always been to provide our community with free, easily accessible content. After much consideration, we have decided not to implement a seasonal-based content model for the foreseeable future. The reason is simple: we don't want to withhold content releases and updates just to ensure a seasonal package is filled with content. Our commitment is to timely, ongoing updates that serve our community's needs right when they arise. Waiting to release valuable content goes against this commitment and does not align with our ethos of free and open access to all our resources. As a result, we regret to announce that the planned 'Season of the Founders' will not be moving forward. However, this doesn't mean that we don't have exciting updates to share. In fact, we have several enhancements and new features that we'll be rolling out soon. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We're excited about the future, and we hope you are too. Light mode is now the default theme, dark mode is still available. Clubs are now located under the Forums menu. Support Ticket System removed from the menu. Clubs feature enabled. Currently, we will only be hosting "official" clubs to prevent the overuse of this feature with our small user base. Clubs can be found under the forum menu. Say hello to the Forums Addict Club! Promote your forum and find forums that you love! This is a group for both forum owners and forum users who just want more forums! Light mode is now the default theme, dark mode is still available. We would also like to introduce the new Uncrowned Community Partners program that is aimed at building bridges and working together with other communities. Say tuned for more info. We're excited to announce some changes coming to Uncrowned Gaming that we believe will greatly enhance your user experience. We've been listening to your feedback, and it's clear that our gaming-focused clubs hold a special place in the community. To better serve you, we're re-integrating these gaming clubs back into our main forum through our new 'Combined Forum List' feature. What this means is that you can now effortlessly navigate a consolidated series forum with topics from various games of each series, or if you prefer, dive into individual games through their sub-forums. But that's not all; this new feature will also include filtering options. If you're only interested in specific games, you can easily exclude others from your feed. This way, we hope to drive more traffic to these dedicated game forums while still maintaining a platform for detailed and tailored discussions. We're confident that these changes will contribute to a more engaging and streamlined experience on Uncrowned Gaming. As always, your feedback is invaluable to us, so please let us know what you think of the new updates! Clubs feature enabled. Currently, we will only be hosting "official" clubs to prevent the overuse of this feature with our small user base. Clubs can be found under the forum menu and at the bottom of our forums via the link. Individual games being listed as clubs has been undone and they will return as forums. Light mode is now the default theme, dark mode is still available. Forum was revamped into a more general gaming forum. Too many changes to list! Check it out here: Uncrowned Gaming Forum Gaming partners are coming! Keep up with our forums for more information as we strive to aide growing content creators. Read on Uncrowned Empire

From The Verge: TL;DR: Heavy rainfall at Burning Man has caused the desert floor to become impassible mud, trapping attendees at the festival. As many as 70,000 people have been asked to shelter in place as more rain is expected. Videos posted on social media show the muddy conditions, but attendees are remaining in good spirits. The festival has been closed and driving on the grounds is not expected to be possible. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: Google is increasing the prices of its Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscriptions, which are required to access more footage history from Nest security cameras. The monthly price for Nest Aware has gone up to $8, while Nest Aware Plus is now $15 per month. The price hike is effective from September 1st for new customers and November 6th for existing users in the US, with other countries being informed in advance. The increase is attributed to market shifts like inflation and tax increases. Nest Aware users through Google's partnership with ADT will not be affected by the price change. Read More: Full Article on The Verge

From The Verge: Microsoft has released a feature called Crop and Lock for its PowerToys utility suite. This feature allows you to crop app windows to show only specific details. It is available for Windows 11 and Windows 10 v2004 or newer. There are two modes available: Thumbnail crop, which provides a live feed of the selected area, and Reparent mode, which is more interactive but may have compatibility issues with some apps. Keyboard shortcuts are provided for each mode. There are some known issues with certain types of windows and apps. Crop and Lock was added in PowerToys version 0.73.0. Read More: Full Article on The Verge