Windows apps and Cortana voice search will arrive on Xbox with this huge free update.
The Xbox One Anniversary Update, a giant free software upgrade for your Microsoft game console, is nearly here. It's rolling out to Xbox Preview Program members this very week, and more widely over the next few months. Last year, we got a totally redesigned interface and the ability to play older Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One, plus a major speed boost. What's new for 2016? Cortana voice commands, Windows apps on your TV, and the ability to see what your friends are playing on their gaming PCs. Plus a whole lot of tweaks. (Missing in action: the promised ability to play your own music in the background. Microsoft says that'll arrive later this year.) Here's the rundown on the new features.
Cortana
Microsoft's Halo-inspired digital voice assistant is coming to Xbox at last. Whether you've got a Microsoft Kinect or just a simple headset, you'll be able to say "Hey Cortana" and ask her to take care of a variety of business. You can invite a friend to a party, launch a game or ask all sorts of knowledge-related queries such as, "Who are the Padres playing tonight?" or, "What's good to eat around here?" While the Xbox already supports some voice commands, it's only a short list of very specific prompts. "Today, talking to your Xbox is a little bit like talking to your dog," says Albert Penello, a senior director of product management on Xbox. "All the old Xbox commands will work, but there's a much more robust set of grammar that Cortana understands." Cortana comes to the Xbox One with this update. Microsoft Cortana's also smart enough to ask you when it doesn't know what you mean. If you say, "Hey Cortana, play Tomb Raider" and you have multiple Tomb Raider games installed, it'll ask which one you want to launch. But if you've only got one of Lara Croft's adventures, it'll immediately start. Cortana won't do everything its Windows counterparts do, though. You shouldn't expect to access your calendar, email or other such personal assistant tasks. You can ask how long it'll take to get to work if you've set your "work" and "home" locations on a Windows 10 PC, but it won't actually remind you to stop playing games so you can get to work on time. You should also know that one old Xbox voice command is going away: if you're used to saying "Xbox On" to turn on your game console from across the room, you'll need to say "Hey Cortana, Xbox On" once the Anniversary Update rolls out. Cortana is coming to the US and UK this summer, and will be in preview for France, Italy, Germany and Spain. There's no word on other countries, including Australia.
Technically, the Xbox One runs Windows 10. Later this summer, you'll finally be able to take advantage of that fact. The Anniversary Update unifies the Xbox and Windows app stores, allowing you to download a variety of Windows apps onto your Xbox and use them on your TV screen. Mind you, we're not talking about running full Adobe Photoshop or heavy-duty PC games on your game console. Here's a short list of caveats you should probably be aware of:
Only "modern" apps will be coming to Xbox -- the kind you already find in the Windows Store.
Even Windows Store apps won't automatically appear on Xbox: app developers need to proactively publish them there.
It's easy for developers to publish Windows Store apps on Xbox. "Just push it, and it'll show up," says Penello.
Don't expect to see many Windows games on Xbox, though. Microsoft won't let developers self-publish those. They need to go through the ID@Xbox program and jump through contractual hoops.
You probably won't see any of these apps if you get the update early through the Xbox Preview Program: they won't launch until later this summer.
If your friends use the Xbox app on their Windows 10 PC, you should be able to see what they're playing and communicate with them more easily. The Xbox app on Windows 10 should soon recognize when they're playing hundreds of different PC games (including League of Legends and XCOM 2), update their Xbox Live status accordingly, and let Windows and Xbox gamers engage in party chat no matter what they're playing. On Windows, you'll soon be able to add your Xbox Live contacts to the People app, and send messages directly to your friends' game consoles. Finally, a download progress bar. GIF by Sean Hollister/CNET
Other tweaks
Besides the big features, there are quite a few smaller changes as well. Here are the highlights:
Your game library now scrolls vertically instead of horizontally.
There's a progress meter now so you can see how quickly games are downloading.
You can decide whether or not to share achievements, screenshots and video clips to your Xbox activity feed.
You'll be able to download Game DVR clips from Xbox, edit the video with a PC and reupload them to share with other gamers.
You'll be able to share screenshots and game clips to Twitter from Xbox Live.
Facebook Friend Finder will let you find friends on Xbox based on your Facebook contacts.
On Xbox, the app store will stop suggesting you buy special bundles of games you already own.
On Windows, the app store will now offer preorders and DLC packs for games.
On Windows, you'll be able to record game clips at 60 frames per second.
Developers can use a retail Xbox One console as a developer kit to test and debug their apps and games.
All the new features will roll out in waves to Xbox Preview Program members, starting this week. Regular Xbox One users should see them over the next few months. Of course, a software update isn't the only thing that Xbox gamers should expect in the coming months: Click here for our guide to rumors about the next Xbox One.
Citizens of Middletown, New Jersey, get ready for a new kind of home Internet service. AT&T said on Monday that Middletown will join Austin, Texas, as the two locations for using 5G wireless technology as a home broadband service, scheduled for the end of summer. The nation's second largest wireless carrier said early tests with equipment partner Ericsson have yielded speeds of 10 gigabits a second, or 10 times faster than what Google Fiber offers. In comparison, CNET visited Verizon's headquarters and saw its 5G tests run at 3.77 gigabits a second, fast enough to download the entire "Simpsons" series -- nearly 600 high-definition episodes -- in about half an hour. The AT&T test is nearly three times faster. Wireless carriers are ramping up the hype for 5G, the next generation of wireless technology that promises to bring higher speeds, connect more devices and potentially revolutionize the industry. These trials are another reminder that companies such as AT&T are investing in your future. The reality, however, is that mass adoption of 5G as a wireless service is still years away, and many of these tests represent theoretical peak speeds that we may never see in the real world. In addition, the wireless industry still has to settle on standards for 5G, which likely won't happen until 2020. Until then, companies such as AT&T and Verizon are working on 5G-like technology that they believe will eventually get worked into the standards. They are also starting not with a true mobile service, but with a fixed version that acts more like a home Internet connection. AT&T also said it tapped Nokia alongside other vendors for its 5G work.
Picking the right hairstyle is a lot harder than it seems. Most people do not know which is the best haircut for them. This simple guide should help you find the right hairstyle that perfectly matches with your face shape.
1. OVAL FACE SHAPE
Characterized by broad forehead and rounded jaw and chin. The angle of the jaw is rounded rather than sharp. An oval head shape is probably the easiest one to suit to a haircut – allows variety of different shapes and hairstyles with lengths, because of the balance proportions.
Recommended haircuts:
Pushed back long | Side parted | Fringe up | Undercut
2. SQUARE FACE SHAPE
Square proportions with straight sides and wide jaw. The angle of the jaw is sharp rather than rounded. A large number of men fit into this category. Short, tight, sharp and masculine haircut goes well with this type.
Recommended haircuts:
Undercut | Slicked back side part | Crew cut | Faux hawk
3. OBLONG FACE SHAPE:
This type has a longer chin and gives an illusion of narrow face. Allow the hair to fall onto the face to reduce the appearance of a longer face. Keep the shape well balanced with neither too short on the sides nor too long the top.
Recommended haircuts:
Side parted | Buzz cut | Side fringe | Fringe up
4. ROUND FACE SHAPE:
This type of face has a rounder proportion with the face almost as wide as tall. The angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined. Round faces tend to be hard to choose hair styles for. Choose haircuts with a bit of length and volume on the top to add some height to the face. Try to avoid hair coming onto the face as this will only make it look rounder.
Recommended haircuts:
Undercut | Faux hauks having shorter sides | Quiff | Fringe up
5. TRIANGULAR FACE SHAPE
These faces have narrow forehead and wide jaw. Opt for haircuts that add volume and width to the forehead, avoid too short on the side.
Recommended haircuts:
Fringe up | Side parted | side fringe
6. DIAMOND FACE SHAPE
These type of faces have narrow chin and forehead but noticeable cheekbones. The chin is pointed. Longer hair generally goes well with face type. Alternatively you can add volume by going for a fringe or layered cut. Avoid getting sides too tight. Long hair pushed back | Quiff| Faux hawk | Side fringe
7. HEART FACE SHAPE
Forehead measures greater than the cheekbones and jawline. The chin is pointed. Generally longer hairstyle is well suited as short hair will only accentuate the wider forehead. Pushed back | Side parted long | Long fringes | Undercut
You tend to be extra careful when you go out with a girl for the first time. As they say, first impression is the last impression. You just don’t need to put on your best clothes, you have to be at your best behaviour as well. If you fail to make a good impression and give a good account of yourself in the first date, just know that there is not going to be another date. Being careful does not mean being conscious about everything. Be yourself. If you try to put up a pretence, she will figure out soon. Cast a spell on your date with your charm so that she would want more of you and plan another date with you. Wheedling the girl for a second date is tougher than making her say ‘yes’ for the first one. Make her feel that you are someone she can trust and hold on to for some time before she decided whether she wants to get into a serious relationship with you or not.
Here are the 16 First Date Tips for you to charm your date
Be chivalrous
The one quality that a girl expects to find in a guy is chivalry. She would not like you if you do not show any courtesy towards her. You must pull the chair for her, offer her the first morsel of food and give her a change to speak before you talk. Gift her a bouquet of flowers when you ask her out on a date. All these gestures go a long way in ensuring her that you are someone who respects women and know how to be courteous towards them.
There should be a plan
After she agrees to come on a date with you, don’t waste any time and start planning everything immediately. Do not leave any stone in turned to make it a memorable date for her. Of course, you have to keep a check on your budget and not overspend but that does not mean you will cut costs unnecessarily. Do not leave anything for the last moment and prepare everything on time.
Pick a good place
The location where you intend to take her out on a date is very important. The place could be a restaurant, club or even an outdoor location. Just make sure she likes it. The place should be such that it should give you both a lot of privacy and ample scope to enjoy each other’s company. You could go for a desolate location but make sure the place does not make her feel uncomfortable.
Be punctual
If you have promised to pick her up, then reach her place on time. If she prefers to come on her own, you must arrive at the location before she does. Waiting your girl on the first date is the biggest blunder you can make. She will appreciate you for your punctuality.
Pick her up
As mentioned earlier, she could either prefer coming with you or drop by her own. Having said that, you should insist on picking her up from her place. If she says a yes, then you must know that she trusts you. Do not push her if she says no. Respect her choice and do not get disheartened.
Dress up well
There is no specific dress code for a date. Wear something that you are comfortable in and do not wear anything just to impress. Just make sure that what you wear is something that she would like to see you in. Your style should be understated and classy. Wear something that fits you well and dress appropriately.
Wear a perfume
We do get attracted by the smell of a person. So, wear a perfume the fragrance of which would drive her crazy. Body odour is a big turn off for women and you must ensure that you smell good. The better you smell, the more she will be attracted towards you. .
Be modest
Talk about your achievements but brag. She would not like you bragging about yourself without giving her a chance to speak. Talk to her and congratulate her on her achievements. There should not be an iota of ego in the way in which you speak.
Be confident
Whether you keep quiet or talk incessantly, your actions should depict a confident persona. Your body language should be that of a confident person. Speak with a firm voice and wear a confident smile. Even if you are a bit under confident, do not let it show.
Do not argue
While you both discuss a few things, a difference of opinion might crop up between the two of you. You do not have to agree with her on everything but do not break into an argument. If you have a point which contradicts her thought, then bring it across in a polite manner.
Be a good listener
What’s the point of bringing her out on a date if you speak incessantly without giving her a chance to speak her mind? You have to be a good listener and listen to all that she says. Then, you could speak to which would result in a healthy conversation.
Control your excitement
The fact that she has agreed to come out on a date with you, should not put wrong ideas in your head. The kiss need not happen on the first date. The intimacy part could happen later. Do not push your luck beyond a point or else you will end up ruining your date.
Table manners
You should come across as someone who knows table manners. Serve the food on her plate before you help yourself, chew your food properly and eat like a gentleman. Even if you are dying with hunger, go easy on the food.
Make her feel comfortable
Make sure that she is comfortable in your presence. Do not do anything that could intimidate her. Talk to her like a friend and do not put any kind of pressure on her. Do not let her feel that you are expecting anything out of the date. Let her enjoy the outing.
Compliment her
Compliment her on her looks or the way she has been dressed up. She must have put some effort to look special on the date. Appreciate her effort and let her know that you noticed her appearance.
Drop her home
Insist on dropping her at her place. Apart from showing your chivalrous side, it would also help you buy some more time with her. And yes, after you drop her ask her whether she would like to join you on another date.
Follow these simple tips and you are bound to win her heart on the first date itself. If she agrees to go on another date, then you must know that you played your cards well and managed to have a successful first date.
We always want to come across as attractive to the opposite sex. We always try to figure out ways to impress them and want to register an effect on them. Most men think it is difficult to understand women and hence, one can never know what would help us command their attention towards us. The fact is that, no matter how complicated a woman tries to portray herself to be, she is simple at heart and looks for a few basic qualities in a man.
Here are a few things men can do make themselves more attractive:
Groom yourself
Most men are considered to unruly and undisciplined in nature. They are not known to take good care of themselves. You should never let that perception haunt you. You must make some time everyday to groom yourself and come across as presentable. There should be no trace of shabbiness in you. Long nails, shabby hair and untrimmed beard are a strict no-no.
Look good
The fact is that your looks help in making that first impression. Whenever a woman sees you for the first time, the first thing she notices in you is the way you look. Even if you feel you are not a conventionally good looking person, you must groom yourself well so that you look classy. You need not look like a movie star but must come across as presentable.
What you wear
Women take a long time to choose what they wish to wear for a particular occasion. Guess what? You need to do the same. A lot of guys pay no attention to what they wear and that is a major blunder they commit. If you are going out on a date, you surely cannot be wearing a pair of sorts and flip flops, right? You need to know what one needs to wear for an occasion and dress accordingly. If you feel clueless about it, ask a friend for help.
Smell good
A woman remembers a man by the perfume he wears. You must wear a nice perfume and smell good. If you smell good she would like to stay close to you. If you wear a perfume which does not seem to please her, then you opt for a different one. Once she shows liking for a particular smell, stick to it.
Listen carefully
Women like their men to be good listeners and respond to what they say. You must not stop yourself from expressing you views or ideas but you must listen to her first. Sometimes, if you feel that saying something could hurt her or cause a rift between the two of you, do not say that. Even if you lose your attention for a second, it could result in major fight as she would not know that you are not being attentive enough.
Being chivalrous
Chivalry is one quality that every woman looks for in a man. You must be courteous towards women and treat them with a lot of respect. You must pull out the door for them, let them lead you while you follow them and always give them more importance than yourself.
Speaking eloquently
You must be an eloquent speaker, that is, you must speak clearly with the right pronunciations, intonations etc. You should express yourself effectively and communicate properly with your partner. Not being able to speak properly is a huge turn off. You might be speaking with good intentions but if do not have the gift of gab, then chances are that what you say will go unheard and unnoticed.
Smile
A smile is the most beautiful thing you can wear. You must always wear a subtle and warm smile on your face when you meet your partner. Your smile should be honest. You do not need a reason to smile but you must remember to keep it subtle and simple or else you might end up looking weird. The smile should come from the heart and reflect the happiness within you.
Physical contact
To do or not to do? That is a question that must be invariably popping up in your head. You might find it difficult to gauge whether she wants you to make physical contact with her or not. You do not want to o anything that would upset you. You must observe her carefully and try to figure out whether she is comfortable with you touching her or not. You must observe this over a period of time and should not rush with the decision.
Show your interest
You must not come across as a dull person. You must show your interest in her and do all that you can to suggest the same. If you are interested in her, you must express it or else how will she know? It is important to express your feelings without any inhibitions. You should not come across as desperate but should not hold yourself back completely either.
Women do not expect you to being the moon for them. It is not hard to decode as to what will get them attracted towards you. You just have to follow these basic steps to come across as an attractive person. You also need to be observant enough to know whether she is interested in you or not. Do not go overboard with anything. Just keep it simple and things will work in your favor.
You don’t have to be an overweight person to have a double chin. A little weight gain can give you a double chin. If you want to know how to lose double chin, these simple exercises can help reduce its size and improve its appearance.
1. Head lift workout
Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
Tuck your chin and raise your head off the floor towards your chest while keeping your shoulders flat.
Stay in this position for 10 seconds then rest for another 10 seconds.
Repeat 5 times.
2. KISS THE CEILING
Sit upright in your chair and tilt your head up till you are looking up at the ceiling.
Then try to kiss the ceiling by puckering your lips and extending them as far away from your face as possible. You should feel a tightening throughout your neck and chin.
Hold for 10 seconds then come back to the original position.
Repeat 10 times.
3. Clockwise and Anticlockwise Head Rotation
This is a very simple, effective when it comes to fighting off double chin.
Rotate your head so it moves in a full circle from your shoulder to chest to shoulder to back.
Rotate your head slowly, 5 times clockwise and then 5 times anticlockwise.
You will feel the stretch of your facial muscles in the chin, jawline and neck.
4. PLATYSMA EXERCISE
Platysma is the muscle that allows us to create and control our lower face expressions. Double chin appears when fat deposits accumulate in the platysma muscle area, causing the chin region to sag.
Sit or stand with an erect spine. Pull your lips back against your teeth.
Open your mouth slightly, and activate the muscles of your jaw. Keep your lips pressed firmly against your teeth. The tendons on your neck should stand out.
Wiggle your lower jaw up and down 5 to 10 times.
5. Chin Slap
While facing forward, carefully slap your lower jaw with the back of your hand, not too hard or too soft. Start gently, then increase speed and pressure. Continue for two minutes at a time.
We all know that sleep is very important for maintaining our physical and mental health. But have you ever considered the importance of your sleeping position? You may or may not have a preference, but your sleeping position can directly affect your health. Experts advise that the best position to sleep is on the left side. Read on to know why.
1. Better Elimination of Waste Products
The body eliminates waste products through the intestines. When we sleep on the left side, the food waste will have an easier time moving from your large intestine down to the descending colon. This can help you to have easier bowel movements earlier in your day.
2. Improves Digestion
Stomach and pancreas make digestive enzymes in the body. When we sleep on the left side, these organs lie comfortably and help to carry out the digestive process effectively.
3. Heartburn Reduction
Sleeping on the left side reduces the acid reflux in the body. This is because our stomach lies on the left side. Sleeping in the right side can cause the stomach acid to enter the oesophagus pathway, which thereby causes heartburn and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. If you’re struggling with heartburn after a meal, try taking a 10-minute lie-down on your left side.
4. Better Sleep During Pregnancy, Improves Blood Flow To The Fetus
In pregnant women, a left-sided sleeping position can prevent the liver from applying pressure on the uterus and promote blood circulation to it, along with improved blood flow to the fetus.
5. Relief From Back Pain
People who suffer from chronic back pain cannot sleep comfortably on their backs. They will experience relief by sleeping on their left sides. It releases the pressure from the spine and therefore reduces back pain.
6. Better Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic system is a web of tissues and organs that carry a fluid called lymph. Lymph helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. Lymphatic system is located towards the left. Therefore, sleeping on the left results in the proper functioning of the lymphatic system.
