Valve has launched Steam Families in the Steam Beta Client, offering new family sharing options and parental controls. The feature allows up to six family members to share games, with adults able to set limits on children's playtime and approve game purchases. The new system aims to streamline the process of buying and sharing games within a family, providing a single location to manage games and offering more control over playtime and purchases.
The closed beta for Escape From Tarkov Arena, a competitive multiplayer spin-off of the main Tarkov game, will launch on December 17. Invites will be sent out in waves, with the first wave going out after the final matches of the tournament at DreamHack Hannover. The game has received positive feedback from players who have had the chance to play it. The beta release coincides with the first major esports event for Escape From Tarkov Arena, featuring a €100k prize pool. More invites will be sent out as the development team ensures stability, and a new wipe and map are expected to be released soon.
Disney has launched a beta version of "Hulu on Disney+" for subscribers of its Hulu and Disney+ bundle, allowing users to access Hulu content through the Disney+ app. The beta is currently available to bundle subscribers, with Disney planning to test the combined service before its official launch in spring. The integration aims to keep Hulu content separate from Disney+ content, providing a more streamlined experience for users. Both standalone Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions will continue to be available.
Disney is rolling out the beta version of Hulu on Disney+ to Bundle subscribers, allowing them to access Hulu's extensive library of movies and series within the Disney+ app. The beta phase will help Disney understand consumer needs and preferences before the official launch in spring 2024. The integration aims to provide a seamless viewing experience and drive deeper engagement for subscribers. Both Disney+ and Hulu will still be available as standalone apps, and the integration is part of Disney's strategy to optimize content, marketing, and user experience while increasing profitability in the streaming business.
Adobe Firefly, a text-to-image generator integrated with Adobe programs, has surpassed 1 billion generated images in just three and a half months since its launch. The tool allows users to edit and manipulate images by using simple text prompts, including erasing unwanted objects, adding scenery, changing expressions, and altering lighting. Firefly now supports over 100 languages and is considered one of Adobe's most successful beta launches.
Samsung has launched a beta version of its news app, Samsung News, for Galaxy smartphone and tablet users in the US. The app replaces Samsung Free, which offered live content from Samsung TV Plus, minigames, podcasts, and news articles. Samsung News will provide access to news content from major digital publishers, including Bloomberg Media, CNN, Fortune, Fox News, Glamour, GQ, HuffPost, Money, Newsweek, New York Post, POLITICO, Refinery29, Reuters, Salon, Slate, Sports Illustrated, The Daily Beast, TheStreet, USA TODAY, and Vice. The app will offer news feeds from supported publishers, two Daily Briefings (morning and evening), as well as podcasts.
