Steam's latest 'Game Festival' event offers up 59 free indie game demos

In brief: In December, Valve offered its Steam users a taste of the gaming trade show experience via the "Game Festival," a three-day digital event that corresponded with the real-world Game Awards. It allowed users at home to test out several in-development games through timed demos. Now, Steam is trying this event format out again (but on a bigger scale) with the Game Festival's "Spring Edition."

Overall, the Spring Edition Game Festival isn't much different than

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Google launches "Works with Chromebook" badge for accessories

Why it matters: Google's new Works with Chromebook program should give customers greater confidence in the accessories they buy for their Chromebook. Similar to other certification programs, Google has partnered with third-party accessory manufacturers to ensure their products work well with Chromebooks to avoid compatibility problems.

Google is launching an initiative called "Works with Chromebook" in order to certify accessories to work with Chromebooks.

"You’ll begin to see the Works with Chromebook badge on certified accessories in the U.S., Canada and Japan

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Activision adds a much needed 'Solos' mode to 'Call of Duty: Warzone'

In a nutshell: If you have been playing Call of Duty: Warzone and have found it a bit difficult to get used to, the latest patch adds a solo Battle Royale to the game. It should work well as a testbed for newer players to get accustomed to the gameplay, load-outs, and maps. Lord knows I need the practice.

Raven and Infinity Ward released an update for Call of Duty: Warzone that adds a solo mode. Instead of playing on a team, it’s your more

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Google halts Chrome browser and Chrome OS releases due to coronavirus outbreak

In a nutshell: Google’s decision is proof positive that working remotely isn’t ideal in all circumstances. While still technically possible thanks to the Internet and numerous collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack, there is undoubtedly some efficiency that gets lost in the process. Worse yet, imagine the headache Google would face if unanticipated bugs cropped up.

Google on Wednesday announced it is pausing all upcoming Chrome browser and Chrome OS releases due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The tech titan specifically cited adjusted work schedules as the reason

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Ransomware deployments largely take place when IT staffers are off the clock

In brief: The overwhelming majority of ransomware deployments take place after traditional hours, during holidays or on the weekends according to a recent report from cybersecurity company FireEye.

In the incidents FireEye reviewed , 76 percent of deployments were executed on weekends or outside the hours of 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. during weekdays.

The reason for this, FireEye said, is that response times are likely to be slower during these times thanks to fewer IT staffers being on the clock. In some cases, companies

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Samsung remains top soundbar company for sixth consecutive year

In a nutshell: There is a slew of products that fall under Samsung’s brand, from phones, to home appliances, to computer hardware. The Korean giant also produces soundbars, a market where it has dominated for six years in a row.

Samsung notes that its TVs have ranked number one globally for 14 consecutive years, and its soundbars have held the top spot in the global industry ever since international research firm Futuresource Consulting started officially recording in 2014.

According to Futuresource, Samsung is also

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Apple Silicon

Apple updates MacBook Air with improved internals for $999, new iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard

What just happened? Apple has revealed refreshed versions of the MacBook Air and the Mac mini, both of which now come with more storage as standard. The iPad Pro has also received a full revamp, now powered by an updated A12Z Bionic SoC alongside a new Magic Keyboard accessory that features a built-in trackpad.

Users disappointed with Apple's butterfly keyboards on the MacBook Air will

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Half-Life: Alyx pre-loading starts Friday, here's how to score a free copy

Bottom line: Virtual reality hasn't exactly caught on as rapidly as some anticipated. A quality game from a flagship franchise like Half-Life, however, could go a long way to help further the movement. The first official Half-Life game in well over a decade is set to arrive early next week and in a matter of days, you’ll be able to start pre-loading it.

Half-Life: Alyx is set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2 and


You can play Assassin's Creed Odyssey for free this weekend

Something to look forward to: If you’re one of the millions stuck indoors this weekend, Ubisoft has a way of passing the time that costs nothing. The French gaming giant is making Assassin’s Creed Odyssey free-to-play from tomorrow—Thursday, March 19—until Sunday, March 22.

Odyssey is arguable the best Assassin’s Creed game to date. Set in Greece in 431 BC, it has much more of an RPG focus than previous AC titles, containing dialogue

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Slack unveils a new simpler and customizable design

What just happened? Slack is receiving a major update with new features to make it easier to organize messages and channels. With more people relying on team collaboration tools than ever, Slack is trying to take steps to keep up with fierce competition from Microsoft and Google.

The popular communication service is rolling out a big update that includes additions such as a new navigation bar, improved shortcuts, and folder-type drop down sections. The update will become available today for desktop users with updated iOS and Android apps coming soon.

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