Author - Jerry Paxton

DJI Unveils DJI FPV First-Person View Drone

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launched an entirely new type of drone with an intuitive, immersive flight experience never available until now. DJI FPV combines the first-person view and high-speed performance of racing drones, the cinematic camera sweep of traditional drones, the safety and transmission technology of DJI’s leading consumer drones, and an optional innovative single-handed motion controller that allows pilots to control the drone with just hand movements. DJI FPV creates a new drone category, and opens up new worlds of possibilities for content creators and drone fans from beginners to experts alike.

“DJI has been redefining what drones can do since our company began in 2006, and as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary this year, we honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “Right out of the box, DJI FPV combines the best available technology for a hybrid drone like no other. It can fly like a racer, hover like a traditional drone, accelerate like a homebuilt project and stop faster than any of them. DJI FPV lets the world experience the absolute thrill of immersive drone flight without being intimidated by the technology or spending hours building a system from scratch. We can’t wait for the world to try it.”

The DJI FPV ecosystem includes the drone, goggles, a dedicated remote controller, and a new intuitive motion controller option that steers the drone based on the movement of your hand. The drone features high-performance motors for incredible speeds, an intuitive user interface and the latest safety features for greater control. The new FPV system lets pilots see from the drone’s perspective in low-latency high definition thanks to O3, the third iteration of DJI’s proprietary OcuSync technology. Its unmatched reliability and transmission range help pilots capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with the assistance of RockSteady electronic image stabilization.

Amateur and professional pilots alike can explore the skies with confidence with the assistance of three distinct flight modes designed for all skill levels and to get pilots accustomed to the system. DJI FPV’s advanced safety features include a new Emergency Brake and Hover feature to help make flying safer and less intimidating for new users, as well as DJI’s suite of industry-leading safety solutions, including GPS-based geofencing to advise pilots of airspace restrictions and potential hazards, and an ADS-B receiver system to warn pilots when other manned aircraft are nearby. In many jurisdictions, drone pilots flying with FPV goggles must be accompanied by a visual observer to watch for airspace hazards. Always fly safely and responsibly, and be sure to understand and follow the legal requirements for flight.

A Flight Experience For Every Skill Level

DJI FPV is the first integrated FPV drone that allows pilots from beginners to professionals to choose from multiple flight modes to match their skill level:

  • Normal (N) Mode: During N mode operation, DJI FPV operates similar to other DJI drones, hovering in place with the use of GPS and/or visual positioning systems (VPS) on the bottom of the drone. The most approachable flight mode, N mode allows for obstacle detection sensors on the front to be activated to warn when obstacles are near and slow down. Pilots are tasked with maneuvering the drone away from any detected obstacles.
  • Manual (M) Mode: Take full control over the drone with M mode which is designed for more experienced users. While in M mode, all sensors and hovering features are disabled.
  • Sport (S) Mode: A new hybrid blend of M and N mode, S mode offers some of the dynamic movement capabilities that come with M mode along with some of the key safety features of N mode. S mode is the middle step between the three modes and developed to give pilots more room to explore their skills as they get accustomed to FPV flight.

While in the air, pilots can also use a suite of safety features that make flying not only a memorable experience, but a safe one as well. A dedicated Emergency Brake and Hover feature is available in all flying modes to make the drone stop and hover in place at any time during flight. Obstacle detection sensors can be activated while operating in N mode, which will alert pilots of any detected obstacles and automatically slow down the aircraft. Visual Positioning Sensors (VPS), along with an auxiliary light on the bottom of the aircraft are also available to assist in smooth takeoffs and landings. Failsafe Return to Home is another important feature that will bring the drone back to its home point automatically with a press of a button or in the event that transmission signal is lost. The ADS-B receiver system provides audio and visual notifications to the pilot via the FPV Goggles when traditional aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters equipped with ADS-B transmitters are in the vicinity.

Immerse Yourself In The Experience of Flying

DJI FPV lets you see the world in a new way using the absolute latest in HD transmission technology. Pilots can see a crystal-clear, long-range, low-latency feed from the DJI FPV aircraft while wearing the DJI FPV Goggles V2. State-of-the-art racing motors offer high-speed action during flights, and the O3 transmission system offers unmatched reliability. The new motors bring a heart-racing experience to the system with a max speed of 140 kph (87 mph) and a max acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds. O3 transmission is the next step in FPV transmission technology. It offers a 10km1 transmission range, auto-switching dual-frequencies, a high bitrate of 50 Mpbs, and state-of-the-art anti-interference methods to ensure a reliable feed. Announced in 2019, the DJI HD transmission system brought the world’s first low-latency, HD digital feed to the market. The new DJI FPV system uses that same technology to bring a crystal-clear image to the goggles with ultra-low latency. Pilots can choose from several different viewing options, including:

  • High-Quality Mode: See the world in 1440x810p in either 60 fps with a wider 142° Field of View (FOV), or 50 fps with 150° FOV. In this mode, latency is as low as ≤ 40 ms.
  • Low-Latency Mode: In this mode, pilots activate high frame rates for a more cinematic look to signal latency is decreased to ≤ 28 ms. Resolution is 1440×810p 120 fps with a 142° FOV or 100 fps at 150° FOV.
  • Audience Mode: Share the pilot’s perspective in audience mode, which connects up to eight additional goggle sets to the pilot’s view so even onlookers can experience the flight.

Incredible Flight Performance, Breathtaking Footage

Not only does DJI FPV offer incredible flight performance, it can also capture dynamic, cinematic footage you’ll want to share with the world. The integrated 4K/60fps 120 Mbps camera is on a single-axis gimbal, providing stability during intricate maneuvers while rotating vertically for unique angles. Additionally, RockSteady stabilization technology smooths shaky footage and eliminates the rolling shutter effect when filming fast-moving scenes. Advanced distortion correction software can remove the warped and unappealing fish-eye look common in FPV footage. Pilots can record footage in 4x Slow Motion in 1080p and 120 fps to relive epic moments in every detail. Footage can now be stored in H.265 or H.264 which uses less space on the memory card but preserves fine details during compression.

Educational Tools And An Updated DJI Fly App To Accelerate Learning

Supported by a wealth of interactive and realistic tools, pilots will be up in the air quickly with confidence. DJI FPV uses the latest version of the DJI Fly app, which now includes detailed tutorials on how to operate DJI FPV. The newly developed DJI Virtual Flight App is a free simulator app2 that familiarizes new pilots with drone flying movements in an easy, fun and risk-free environment. The simulator allows pilots to fly the DJI FPV drone in various settings using the dedicated controller.

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh is now available for DJI FPV. For an additional charge, DJI Care Refresh 1-Year Plan offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. The two-year plan provides three replacement units in two years and extends the original warranty period by one more year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes exclusive VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. DJI Flyaway Coverage is not available for this product. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh.

Price and Availability

DJI FPV is available for purchase today from store.dji.com and from authorized retail partners. DJI FPV can be purchased in several options. The standard DJI FPV Combo includes the FPV drone, remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables and one battery for the retail price of $1,299. The DJI FPV Fly More Kit is also available, which includes two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries and the dedicated charging hub for the retail price of $299. The optional Motion Controller is sold separately and can be purchased for the price of $199. Additional info here: https://store.dji.com/product/dji-fpv

Silent Night, Deadly Night Reboot Announced

Orwo Studios and Black Hanger Studios (JEEPERS CREEPERS: REBORN) announced today that they have acquired the remake rights to the seminal slasher film Silent Night, Deadly Night. The original film’s producers Scott Schneid and Dennis Whitehead of Wonderwheel Entertainment will join Orwo in bringing an exciting new vision of this cult classic to modern movie audiences in 2022.

The project was brought to Orwo by producer Anthony Masi of MasiMedia. Schneid, Whitehead, and Masi will produce along with Jake Seal, Terry Bird, and Jamie R. Thompson of Orwo Studios/Black Hangar. Orwo Studios is financing and representing the film for worldwide sales rights.

Declared as the most controversial film of the 80s – Silent Night, Deadly Night tells the story of a child who is traumatized after seeing his parents killed by a man dressed as Santa Claus. Years later, he dons a Santa suit himself and gets bloody revenge on the naughty list.

Wonderwheel says, “The continued desire for horror content and the ongoing success of the genre meant it was the perfect time to be able to offer up this chilling revival of the iconic title.” Masi adds, “We are thrilled to be working with the original producers as well as Orwo and Black Hangar and are committed to honoring nostalgia for the original while offering surprises for new audiences to discover and embrace.”

R.B.I. Baseball 21 Gameplay Trailer Released

As Major League Baseball teams open Spring Training camps this week, their virtual counterparts are simultaneously prepping for the March 16 launch of R.B.I. Baseball 21. Headlined this year by Chicago White Sox superstar shortstop Tim Anderson, R.B.I. Baseball 21 first gameplay trailer of the new season was unveiled today by MLB.

As part of the run-up to launch, Topps, the Exclusive Trading Card of MLB, created an exclusive run of Tim Anderson Foil Cards which come free for players who pre-order the game from Target and Walmart. The game is also available for pre-order from GameStop.

This is the eighth installment of the R.B.I. Baseball franchise developed by Major League Baseball. The new edition continues its legacy of offering arcade baseball entertainment with an increasing array of new features and enhancements, many of which were implemented at the request of the R.B.I. Baseball player community.

This year, R.B.I. Baseball 21 – as developed by the MLB Games & VR team – offers new in-demand features including:

  • Play-by-play commentary by MLB Network’s Fran Charles;
  • Create-a-player mode in which a player builds the ultimate five-tool player;
  • Individual Statcast data for every pitcher, modeling his real-life form and pitches, such as Dustin May’s sinker and Sixto Sanchez’ changeup;
  • Progressive time of day scenarios, presenting realistic environmental factors, such as afternoon games transitioning to twilight and evening play;
  • Increased customization options ranging from batting controls to camera angles;
  • For Nintendo Switch players, R.B.I. Baseball 21 now features online play to match up head-to-head.

R.B.I. Baseball 21 is officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA. It will be available for the Xbox family of devices (smart delivery), PS4, the Nintendo Switch system and mobile devices. For more information visit www.RBIGame.com, follow @RBIGame on Twitter, @RBIGame on Instagram or on Facebook.

Knott’s Announces Huge Hiring Plans for 2021

Knott’s Berry Farm, one of the region’s top theme parks, today announced plans to hire approximately 1,700 associates for the 2021 season. As part of its ramp-up to reopening, Knott’s Berry Farm will be hosting a virtual National Hiring Day event on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Candidates can register online at https://bit.ly/2YXOGJF.

Job opportunities are available in all park operating areas, including Food and Beverage Associates, Cooks, Ride Operators, Merchandise, Lifeguards, Housekeeping, Parks Services, and more. The virtual hiring day will offer information about available jobs and individual interviews with hiring teams. The park is also offering contact-free onboarding and virtual orientation to help hires prepare to start work.

“As our community slowly reopens we’re excited to introduce a virtual hiring day which offers a safe and informative way to connect new prospects with our hiring teams now,” said Jon Storbeck, Knott’s Berry Farm General Manager.

Knott’s Berry Farm offers flexible schedules and many perks for its associates, including discounts, reward and recognition programs, and exclusive events.

Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. Cedar Fair anticipates hiring approximately 45,000 seasonal associates across its U.S. parks during 2021.

1971: Indian Naval Front Coming to Steam

Independent game development studio Neosphere Interactive in collaboration with Design Media & Edutainment Solutions announces the release of 1971: Indian Naval Front on Steam in Q2 2021.

In 1971: Indian Naval Front you can revive history and experience the clashes in the Indian Ocean between India and Pakistan during their war in the seventies.

“1971: Indian Naval Front will enable you to take part in pretty much all the Indian Navy operations executed during the 1971 War including transmission of intel through morse codes”, says Hitesh Ramchandani, co-founder at Neosphere Interactive.

The Campaign Mode (Single player) is played from the perspective of Indian Navy, where the player engages in different combat missions like Maritime Interdiction Operations, Naval Air Squadron Sorties, Search and Rescue and others. All the missions are based on actual incidents which took place during the war.

Multiplayer version which will come out as an update later this year, comprising 3 Game modes, the multiplayer gameplay promises to have fast-paced and engaging air and sea battles. All the Game modes have been designed with competitive gaming in mind.

Features

  • Play with iconic ships of the Indian Navy like INS Vikrant, INS Rajput, INS Brahmaputra, INS Veer, etc.
  • Experience real world missions in the form of a campaign like Operation Trident, taking out PNS Ghazi, destruction of airfields, etc.
  • Wreak havoc from the air using the Hawker Seahawk Breguet Alize jets of Indian Navy.
  • Fly the classic Westland Sea King helicopter for recon and search and rescue missions.
  • 15 levels of naval and air combat missions.
  • Transmit Morse Codes to deliver intel as part of the Military Intelligence team.

Truck Driver on Nintendo Switch Gets Free DLC

Today SOEDESCO® delivered their free ‘Hidden Places & Damage System’ DLC for Truck Driver® on Nintendo Switch™. The trucking experience launched on Nintendo Switch in November of last year and has since gotten numerous updates. Just last week a big patch released for the Nintendo Switch version of the game, which introduced 15 new unlockable paint color options, button mapping and road blocks among others. The free ‘Hidden Places & Damage System’ DLC further expands the game and is available for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One as well.

About ‘Hidden Places & Damage System’ DLC

Get ready to hit the road and discover hidden places and new vehicles. Drive safe though, since a new damage system shows visual damage on your truck and other vehicles at the point of impact. With three hidden places, you can search for unknown roads that are not shown on the map. You can also spot five brand-new vehicles in traffic, including a tow truck and minibus. So drive responsibly and go exploring!

Features:

  • Get visual 3D damage with dents and scratches on your truck and other vehicles
  • Find three hidden places that are not shown on the map
  • Spot five new vehicles: a minibus, classic muscle car, tow truck, box truck and pick-up truck
  • Discover your clients’ new look with revamped character art

Star Wars Pinball VR Announcement Trailer

As seen today on The Pinball Show, Zen Studios has announced that Star Wars™ Pinball tables are finally coming to virtual reality for the first time ever. Star Wars™ Pinball VR will release on the original Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Steam VR, and PlayStation® VR on April 29, 2021. The game’s reveal trailer is a heartfelt homage to the classic theatrical preview for the 1997 Star Wars Special Editions.

Star Wars Pinball VR will launch with eight amazing tables. The Mandalorian and Star Wars Classic Collectibles – two tables never before released – will be joined by six remastered favorites, including Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars Rebels, and Masters of the Force.

Beyond the incredible realism added by VR, Star Wars Pinball VR upgrades the core Star Wars Pinball experience with new features exclusive to this release. The “Fan Cave” is the new home for both your pinball table and the customizable array of Star Wars lightsabers, blasters, helmets and more you’ll earn while playing. Place an action figure on the pinball table and the room comes to life – not only with a new table to play, but with life-sized characters and vehicles joining you on either side. Total Immersion mode lets you experience everything at table level, standing you side-by-side with your favorite characters. And full 360-degree mini-games surround you with iconic Star Wars set pieces like the speeder bike chase on Endor, the Bespin carbon-freezing chamber duel, and more.

In addition, players will have access to classic Star Wars Pinball features like Career mode, Force powers, competitive game modes, haptic controller feedback, your own personal cantina jukebox and more.

“Zen Studios has had great success bringing Pinball FX digital tables to VR, and we couldn’t be happier to finally have Star Wars enter the mix,” says Mel Kirk, Chief Operating Officer at Zen Studios. “It really does feel like you’re playing an actual pinball machine right in front of you! Star Wars Pinball VR is built to be expanded upon, too – no announcements just yet, but we’re hoping to keep the blast doors open for new DLC in the future.”

Star Wars Pinball VR was revealed on The Pinball Show – Zen Studios’ new monthly YouTube program featuring news, interviews and more. For more information on Star Wars Pinball VR, as well as the rest of Zen’s library of digital titles, visit StarWarsPinball.com and ZenStudios.com.

Subnautica: Below Zero Release Date Trailer

Today, independent developer and publisher Unknown Worlds Entertainment announced that Subnautica: Below Zero will launch on May 14, 2021 for PC and Mac via STEAMⓇ and Epic Game Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in both physical and digital editions for $29.99. Unknown Worlds Entertainment has also partnered with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. to distribute physical editions in the Americas, EMEA, and Japan.

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Subnautica, Subnautica: Below Zero invites players to explore the treacherous waters below the icy surface of Planet 4546B, an alien world where mysterious aquatic creatures and other watery wonders test the limits of how far they’re willing to go to survive. With an all-new story, a massive open world to explore, new technology to craft, and strange mysteries to uncover; Subnautica: Below Zero promises an adventure that’s out of this world.

The Subnautica series tests the limits of how far players are willing to go in wonder and peril of its alien ocean worlds. Since its full release in 2018, Subnautica has captivated both press and players for its massive open world and immersive gameplay, winning multiple industry awards and nominations.

For the first time, Subnautica will be available on the Nintendo Switch on May 14 with a physical bundle offering both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero for $59.99.

“Subnautica: Below Zero has grown and evolved based on community feedback in Early Access and we’re excited to finally launch the full-blown sequel to Subnautica,” says Ted Gill, President of Unknown Worlds. “After two years of implementing player feedback and adding new features and content, we’re excited to welcome players back to the depths of Planet 4546B to find an all new experience on PC and console.”

For additional details on Subnautica: Below Zero, please visit the official site at: https://unknownworlds.com/subnautica/subnautica-below-zero/.

For more information regarding BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com/

System Shock Demo Coming Today

A brand new, feature-complete demo of Nightdive Studios’ upcoming FPS/RPG hybrid, the System Shock remake, will be available for download today via the major digital services, offering players the most complete look yet of the opening chapter to Nightdive’s highly anticipated title. Nightdive Studios is also pleased to announce that pre-orders will go live today ahead of the game’s global Windows PC release in summer of 2021 on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store. When System Shock launches later this year, it will also be available on Amazon Luna, the new cloud gaming service from Amazon.

As a System Shock pre-order incentive, Nightdive Studios’ upcoming updated classic System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition will be free for all early buyers.

To celebrate this momentous event, in cooperation with Alienware, the Nightdive team will also show off the latest System Shock remake build in an exclusive developer playthrough on Alienware Arena today at 11am EST.

Be among the first to glimpse at what awaits you in the enhanced cyber-horror remake. Make sure to tune in as Nightdive CEO Stephen Kick and Lead Artist Evelyn Mansell showcase the remake’s stunning new visuals and modernized gameplay, as well as go behind-the-scenes on the game’s development. Starting later today, Nightdive and Alienware will also offer Alienware Arena members a chance to obtain one of 10,000 Steam keys of System Shock: Enhanced Edition — the classic game that launched the sci-fi horror series, expertly refreshed by Nightdive to take advantage of today’s gaming hardware.

The new System Shock is a complete remake of the groundbreaking immersive sim, first released in 1994. Players, in the space-boots of an unnamed hacker who awakes after a six-month snooze, finds Citadel Station in quite the state. Murderous robots, killer cyborgs, and malicious mutants have run amok. And the station’s AI, SHODAN, seems to have developed quite the God complex.

Nightdive has given the entirely remade System Shock the full treatment, recreating the fan-favorite title for modern players with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, revamped hacking, and a renovated Citadel Station with all sorts of new areas and secrets to uncover.

System Shock features include:

  • The Return of SHODAN: The talented Terri Brosius returns to bring her unique vocal venom to the villainous AI SHODAN
  • Hackers Gonna Hack: System Shock features a totally revamped hacking system featuring new 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) gameplay, providing new enemies and challenges
  • Familiar but… Different: Citadel Station is bigger and more terrifying than ever with all-new areas, traps, puzzles, and of course, plenty of secrets to uncover
  • The Sound of Terror: Re-recorded audio logs provide players with a drip-feed of horrifying lore as they piece together exactly what went wrong for the dwellers of Citadel Station
  • Robots and Zombies and Lasers… Oh My: Blast, smash, and occasionally flee from re-imagined enemies like angry Repair-Bots, “Hopper” Mobile Lasers, mutants, cyborgs, and all kinds of bloodthirsty monsters and aggressive automatons

System Shock is available to pre-order today for PC and Linux via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store for $44.95. The new playable demo can also be found on each of the respective storefronts.

Horror Story: Hallowseed Now in Early Access

1C Entertainment is proud to announce Horror Story: Hallowseed, their new addition to the company’s line-up! Horror Story: Hallowseed is a story-driven psychological horror game currently available via Steam Early Access. The full release of the game is planned for this Summer for PC via Steam and other digital stores.

The Early Access version that is currently available to the players is an introduction to the game’s story. While the full version that is planned to launch this Summer, will include a bigger map, more levels to explore, plenty of new in-game events / micro-scares and puzzles to solve, and overall will provide around 6 hours of gameplay.

Horror Story: Hallowseed is a single-player story-driven psychological horror game that takes place in a fictional location, forgotten by time, all wrapped in a mysterious demonic terror! Three friends were camping in the woods, when an obscure event takes them away, causing two of them to disappear. Left alone in an unknown place, Michael seeks answers about what happened, while trying to find his friends.

Key Features:
  • Story-rich – The player is driven by the story of a village that used to follow God’s way, but an obscure power seduced some of them and condemned them to the darkness. While seeking to save his friends, Michael will uncover what role he plays in all this tragedy.
  • Micro-scares system – a random system of… scary events that are activated based on how the player interacts with the environment and will make you jump from your chair (or couch)!
  • Atmospheric – Immersive sounding and stunning visuals
  • Inspired by Horror Movie Classics: Insidious, The Conjuring and The Exorcism of Emily Rose
  • Hallowseed is the first chapter in the Horror Story series by Jeff Winner