Microsoft brings full Teams integration to HoloLens 2

Microsoft’s latest update for the HoloLens 2 makes it easier for users to collaborate with colleagues. One of the biggest additions is perhaps the full integration of Microsoft Teams, because users will no longer have to hop on a computer or a phone to attend meetings with the rest of their organization. While the headset has had the capability to make and receive Teams video calls for years, its collaborative features were still pretty limited. 

With this new update, Microsoft is giving HoloLens 2 users the capability to display an array of holographic windows with Teams calls, chats and calendars. Since the update also adds OneDrive integration, users will be able to access their cloud-based folders and see Word documents, PDFs and videos shared during calls. 

Microsoft has also combined its two Dynamics 365 Mixed Reality apps, namely the Dynamics 365 Guides app that provides step-by-step holographic instructions to users and the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist app that lets frontline workers show colleagues what they’re seeing in the field. The company said the combined application was a priority request from Toyota, which has been providing feedback for the headset since 2016. 

David Kleiner, who leads Toyota North America’s Applied Technology & Research Lab, explained that giving frontline workers laptops won’t work, because they don’t have desk jobs and that using a device they can wear with all the tools they need is much more practical. “Someone can grab a HoloLens, start a Guides session, and literally have a trainer in their head,” Kleiner said. “If they do need help, they can call an expert right from the app.”

In addition to discussing the headset’s new capabilities, Microsoft also said that it would release a successor to the current iteration. Reports earlier this year claimed that the tech giant scrapped its plans for the HoloLens 3 and that it was going to be the end for the device. Microsoft, however, denied that it was killing the HoloLens and called it “critical part of [the company’s] plans for emerging categories like mixed reality and the metaverse.” Now, Microsoft mixed reality VP Scott Evans said that the company is “just looking for the right design point to make it a meaningful update” because “[customers] want a successor device that’s going to enable an even higher return on investment.”

‘Hitman’ players can soon port their Stadia saves to other platforms

With Stadia set to be shut down next month, players have been understandably worried about losing game progress on the platform. Now, developer IO Interactive has announced that Stadia Hitman – World of Assassination players will be able to import save data into all other platforms including PC, Xbox and PlayStation. 

IOI said it will release a transfer tool a week before the Stadia shutdown, set for January 18th. If you play the game on Stadia, you can start to prepare in advance by linking your IOI account to your Stadia account. This needs to be done before the Stadia shutdown, or you’ll lose your save data. Once the accounts are linked, though, you’ll have an extra month (until February 17th) to complete the transfer. 

The developer said the “majority” of your Stadia achievements will be carried over, including your “player profile, XP, suits, items and mastery levels.” IOI noted that there are “compatibility issues” between Stadia and other achievement systems, so it’s focusing on achievements related to progression as a priority. Unfortunately, “your leaderboard positions, save games and created contracts will NOT be carried over during the Stadia progression carryover,” it added.

IOI joins other developers offering one-time progress transfers. Last month, CD Projekt Red wrote that Cyberpunk 2077 Stadia players could transfer game saves over to PC, and Bethesda announced something similar for Elder Scrolls Online. In September, Ubisoft said that Stadia users could transfer all their purchases to PC, but didn’t confirm if game progress would carry over. 

近半價入手 Samsung S61B Soundbar，直送到家無煩惱

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Tokyo will require new housing projects to install solar panels starting in 2025

Many new homes built in Tokyo will require solar panels to be installed starting in April 2025, Kyodo News has reported. The local assembly passed new regulations requiring major construction companies to equip homes smaller than 2,000 square meters (21,500 square feet) with solar panels or other renewable power sources. The measure is the first of its kind in Japan and aims to cut the city’s carbon emissions in half. 

The government estimates that the 980,000 yen ($7,200) price of a 4kW installation can be recouped in about six years based on utility bill savings and an existing 100,000 yen ($728) per kW grant. Leasing costs will also be reduced through other subsidies, according to an information-packed slide deck (PDF). 

The measure applies only to around 50 builders who supply over 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet) to the market, so it’s not clear what percentage of new homes will fall under the new rules. The measure should have a major effect, though, as the Tokyo government estimates that half of existing buildings (70 percent of which are homes) will be replaced with new construction by 2050. 

New construction starts in Japan averaged around 800,000-900,000 per year from 2012 to 2021, and a handful of major contractors called Super Zenecon dominate the construction sector, according to Statista. 

Japan is the world’s fifth largest producer of carbon emissions, but has promised to be carbon neutral by 2050. It’s not the only country mandating solar installations. In France, lawmakers recently approved a bill requiring parking lots with a minimum of 80 spaces to be covered by solar panels. The French government said the plan, aimed primarily at parking lots off freeways and major routes, could generate up to 11 gigawatts — the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors.

‘Death Stranding’ will get a movie adaptation

Kojima Productions is working with LA-based Hammerstone Studios to develop a movie adaptation of Death Stranding. The 2019 action game already provides quite a cinematic experience with lengthy cut scenes and dramatic expositions, which is probably part of the reason why they aren’t directly adapting its story into film. According to Variety, the movie will introduce new elements and characters into the Death Stranding world, so we will see something fresh at the very least, even if they don’t create a brand new story for the big screen. 

The game is set in an apocalyptic version of the United States, where invisible creatures called “Beached Things” showed up and triggered nuclear bomb-like explosions. Death Stranding was a star-studded production, since Kojima chose to get known actors to play its characters. Norman Reedus portrayed Sam Porter Bridges, the game’s protagonist that the player controls. The game also stars Mads Mikkelsen and Léa Seydoux and even uses the likeness of director Guillermo del Toro. It’s unclear if any of the actors in the game will also appear in the film. 

Hideo Kojima will serve as the film’s executive producer, along with Hammerstone co-founder Alex Lebovici. “We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation,” Lebovici said in a statement. “Unlike other big budget tentpole video game adaptations, this will be something far more intimate and grounded. Our goal is to redefine what a video game adaptation could be when you have creative and artistic freedom. This film will be an authentic ‘Hideo Kojima’ production.”

This announcement comes after Kojima announced Death Stranding 2 at The Game Awards. The upcoming sequel is just as star-studded as the first game, with Norman Reedus reprising his role, Léa Seydoux coming back and Elle Fanning playing a character that still remains a mystery. 

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目前停泊在國際太空站的聯盟號 MS-22 任務，於週三時被發現散熱器正在持續噴灑外洩的冷卻液。目前美方及俄方正在合力調查確切的成因及事故的嚴重性，並且已經取消了俄羅斯太空人本來要進行的太空漫步。…