2024 Game Awards Nominees Revealed, with Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Leading the Pack with 7 Nominations

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The Game Awards 2024 has officially unveiled its list of nominees, spotlighting the best video games of the year across various categories. Leading the charge are Astro Bot, a PS5-exclusive, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth from Square Enix, both of which garnered seven nominations each, including the prestigious Game of the Year honor. These two titles have set the stage for an exciting competition, with other strong contenders also vying for the top spot, including action-RPG Black Myth: Wukong, indie hit Balatro, the breakthrough RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Elden Ring’s expansive DLC Shadow of the Erdtree—marking the first time a DLC has ever been nominated for Game of the Year.

Metaphor: ReFantazio stands out with six nominations, receiving recognition in several categories, including Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best RPG. Meanwhile, indie favorite Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder with a poker-inspired twist, earned five nominations, securing it a prominent spot among the year’s most lauded titles. Black Myth: Wukong and Shadow of the Erdtree are also prominent in the nomination race, each with four nods, underscoring the varied range of games celebrated at this year’s awards.

One of the more controversial moments of the announcement revolves around Shadow of the Erdtree’s Game of the Year nomination. Fans have expressed frustration, as the DLC expansion is not a standalone title but rather an addition to the original Elden Ring. The inclusion of DLCs, remakes, and remasters in the Game of the Year category has sparked debate, particularly because it led to the exclusion of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth from the prestigious nomination list. The Game Awards’ jury is tasked with determining whether new creative and technical contributions justify a nomination, a rule that has raised questions in this instance.

Despite the debate, the 2024 Game Awards nominations showcase an impressive and diverse selection of titles, reflecting the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. From expansive RPGs to innovative indie gems, the list highlights the variety of experiences that have captured players’ imaginations over the past year. As the awards ceremony draws near, all eyes will be on which of these contenders ultimately takes home the top honors.

Google Aims to Transform ChromeOS into Android for Stronger Competition with iPad

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Google has long maintained separate operating systems (OS) for its various devices. Android powers smartphones, while ChromeOS is the go-to for Chromebooks. However, the intersection of these two OSs occurs in the tablet space, where both systems have been utilized. According to recent reports, this overlap may soon come to an end. Google is said to be planning a bold move to transform ChromeOS into Android, aiming to create a more competitive product that can rival Apple’s iPad and its iPadOS.

The project, according to sources close to the matter, is a multi-year initiative designed to merge the strengths of Android and ChromeOS into a single hybrid platform. This move is seen as an effort to streamline Google’s approach and improve resource management across its engineering teams. By combining the best features of both operating systems, Google aims to create a more cohesive and powerful solution for tablet users, taking a direct shot at the dominance of iPadOS in the tablet market.

One of the key motivations behind this shift is to increase the app ecosystem available on tablets running Google’s OS. Android is home to a massive library of apps, and by fully integrating ChromeOS into this ecosystem, Google hopes to offer a more robust platform that attracts both developers and consumers. With a unified OS, developers will have a larger pool of users to tap into, which could lead to greater opportunities for monetization and app growth.

The move is also designed to better compete with the iPad in terms of both performance and usability. Apple’s iPad has become a dominant force in the tablet market, largely due to its refined OS and rich app ecosystem. Google’s plan to migrate ChromeOS into Android is seen as a way to catch up, offering a more seamless experience for users who want the flexibility of Android while using their devices in tablet form. As more details about the project emerge, it’s clear that Google is committed to making a significant play in the tablet space.

Vivo S20 Series Now Open for Pre-Reservations, With Vivo S20 Featuring Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Appearing on Geekbench

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The Vivo S20 series is gearing up for an imminent launch in China, although an official release date is still pending. In the meantime, Vivo has begun offering pre-reservations for the highly anticipated series through its official online store in China. This marks the first opportunity for eager customers to secure their place in line ahead of the official unveiling. Early reservations give a closer look at the design and features of the new models, with the Vivo S20 expected to come in both a base variant and a more advanced S20 Pro version, successors to the Vivo S19 and Vivo S19 Pro, respectively.

Pre-order incentives are part of Vivo’s strategy to build excitement around the release. Customers who pre-book the Vivo S20 series will have the chance to enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, valued at CNY 278 (roughly Rs. 3,000). These perks are available to a limited number of 2,500 customers, ensuring that only early adopters can take advantage of these promotions. Some of the rewards include a 44W charger and a one-year extended warranty, enhancing the overall value of the purchase. Additionally, select customers may receive complimentary items like the Vivo TWS 4 earbuds, the Vivo Pad 3, or even credit points that can be redeemed for future purchases.

The first teaser for the Vivo S20 series has also been shared, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect in terms of design. The rear camera layout of the new devices has been revealed, featuring a vertical arrangement surrounded by a distinctive ring flash. This design choice hints at the brand’s intention to combine sleek aesthetics with functional photography enhancements. The camera housing on one of the models is highlighted with a glossy finish, adding a premium touch to its appearance.

On the performance front, the Vivo S20 has already made an appearance on Geekbench, with hints pointing to the inclusion of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, promising an upgraded experience over its predecessors. As the launch draws near, more details about the specs, pricing, and availability will likely emerge, further piquing the interest of tech enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest offering from Vivo.