In a blog post Wednesday, Sony revealed the new PlayStation Plus games for February, announcing its plans to begin slowing down the services PlayStation 4 offerings next year in the process.As we shift to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog starting January 2026, wrote Adam Michel, director of game services. We may still provide titles that can be playable on both PS4 and PS5 consoles after this date.This will not affect PlayStation 4 games users have already redeemed as long as they maintain their subscriptions, and existing PS4 games will remain in the Game Catalog (monthly refreshes notwithstanding).PlayStation Plus monthly PlayStation 5 games for February include Payday 3, High on Life, and Pac-Man World Re-Pac, the last two of which are also playable on PlayStation 4. While you may have some misgivings about High on Lifes connections to exiled Rick and Morty creator Justin Roiland, the game itself is a surprisingly fun adventure with a lot of great gags between Metroidvania-style set pieces.Januarys games Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe will remain available to download until Feb 3.

Using Generative AI to create a sequential color scheme with the Pantone 2025 COY.Continue reading on UX Collective

An animation tool for UX designers who dont have time for AfterEffectsCreating any kind of UX animation is a challenging process because there are sooo many moving partsthe design elements (color, shadows, etc.), the trigger (what activates the animation), the timing (what happens when), and soon.Not only that, theres a multitude of animation tools to select from, like Rive and Adobe AfterEffects.Dont get me wrong, you can do some cool animations in Rive and After Effects, but theyre pretty advanced (and pricey). I dont know about you, but my brain goes blank trying to figure out After Effectseach time I open the app, I quickly closeit.But I recently tried Phase to create a few micro-animations, and I didnt have my typical brain freeze when building the animations (as a side note, its alsofree!).Phase offers templates to use to help getstartedPhases interface kinda feels like Figma, so using its tools and navigating the site came naturally. Its tools are simplified so you dont need a lot of practice or learn hidden tricksjust go in and start animating.Build a micro-animation inPhaseTo get a better look at Phase, lets go over the process to create a micro-animation in Phase by demoing the Submit button animation below.Submit button animation, created inPhaseHere are the main steps wellreview:Design in Figma (or natively inPhase)Import designs toPhaseCreate the micro-animationExport the animationHandoff to developers1. Design in Figma (or natively inPhase)First things first, you need to build your UI element. I dont think I need to tell you how or where to designdo whats best foryou.Before we get into animating with Phase, there are some best practices to keep inmind:Create text layers natively in Phase: If exporting from Figma, the text will import as vectors (you can only scale it), so create your text in Phase if youll need to manipulate it.Create simple shapes in Phase: If youre only using simple shapes (circles or squares), create them in Phase so you have better control over properties, like scaling theradius.Name layers in Phase: I know, I knowthis one is painful. But you need to name your layers in Phase to keep better track of the design (this is especially crucial when selecting a layer to animate).Use Phases version history: Animating is hardif you make a big mistake that Command+Z cant fix, the version history can save the day (Phase autosaves every 30 minutes as you work, but you can manually create versions in the version history).Using Phases version historyfeature2. Import designs toPhaseTheres multiple ways to import designs to Phase (from Figma, Illustrator, or whichever design tool you use), so choose whichever import strategy works best for yourflow.I. Use the Figma to Phase ExportpluginThe Phase Export plugin helps bring design elements straight from your Figma file to a new file in Phases desktop site. This avoids having to download and upload files for a faster designflow.Note: Using the plugin creates a new file in Phase, but you can simply copy/paste the layers from one Phase file toanother.How tosteps:In Figma, search for the Phase Export plugin in the bottomtoolbarRun the Phase ExportpluginSelect an element in the canvas Select Export to PhasebuttonPhases Figma plugin allows you to export straight to a new PhasefileII. Import asSVGIf you use Illustrator or Sketch (or dont use Figma plugins), you can download your designs from the tool as a SVG, then import into Phase without losing quality orlayers.How tosteps:In your native tool, download the designs asSVGIn a Phase file, open the hamburger menuSelect Insert SVG Select correct SVGfileImport SVGs into Phase without losing quality orlayersIII. Import as image (PNG orJPEG)If you dont need to manipulate specific properties like fill or borders, then you can import an element as an image into Phase using the same process as above (except select Insert image in the Phasemenu).3. Create the micro-animationNow for the fun partanimating. Similar to Figmas dev mode, you can toggle the Animate mode on and off (or use keyboard shortcut, A).Ill demo animating the Submit button (shown above) that transitions from its default, hover, and loadingstates.I. Position all elements in their startingplaceAfter importing all needed elements, you need to position each in their starting places for the beginning of the animation.For the button animation, I have four main elements: a background for the button, a text layer, a loader symbol, and a mouse-pointer.Note: Even though the loader symbol will be hidden at the start of the animation, I have it visible so I know its initial position iscorrect.Position all design element in their correct places in the PhasefileII. Toggle Animate modeonWhen Animate mode is on, a timeline appears at the bottom of the interface which is used to manipulate the animation duration as well as create keyframes.On the left of the timeline, you can change the total duration of the animation, and the current time the time-picker is on (or use the picker itself to move throughout the sequence).Above the timeline, a small toolbar appears that you can toggle Animate mode off, play the animation, loop the animation, and change the playbackspeed.Phases interface shows a timeline when Animate mode is toggledonIII. Create keyframesOk, oknow we really start toanimate.What I want to animate: The mouse-pointer hovers over the Submitbutton.Select the mouse-pointer Go to the right properties panel Keyframe its current XY position at 0s time-mark (Select the diamond that appears in the propertys textfield)Move the time-picker to 0.3s time-mark Drag the mouse-pointer to the new position (this will automatically create a new keyframe)Move the mouse-pointer from its initial place to hover over the SubmitbuttonWhat I want to animate: The button transitions from its default to hoverstate.Move the time-picker to when the mouse pointer touches the button (about 0.15s) Keyframe the buttons background current fill and bordercolorsMove the time-picker to 0.3s Swap the button background fill and border colors (from purple toblack)Swap the fill and border colors to indicate the buttons hoverstateWhat I want to animate: The mouse pointer emulates a click so the button activates.Move the time-picker to 0.8s Keyframe the mouse pointers XY scale(100%)Move the time-picker to 0.95s Decrease the mouse pointers XY scale to65%Move the time-picker to 1.1s Increase the mouse pointers XY scale to100%Decrease and increase the mouse-pointers scale to emulate aclickWhat I want to animate: The button activates and shows the loadersymbol.Keyframe the width of the button background (102px) when the mouse pointers scale is increasing (at1.0s)Move the time-picker to 1.2s Increase the button background to 130px (to fit the loader next to thetext)*Move the time-picker to 1.0s Keyframe the loader symbols opacity(0%)Move the time-picker to 1.2s Increase the loader symbols opacity to100%*Note: You may also need to keyframe the layers XY position if you have unintended movement in the animation.Increase the buttons width so the loader symbol can appear next to thetextWhat I want to animate: The loader symbol rotates to indicate the request is processing.Move the time-picker to 1.0s Keyframe the rotation of the Active layer of the loader (the purple section) at 0degreesMove the time-picker to 3.0s Increase the rotation to 450degrees**Note: You may need to edit the layers origin so it rotates properly, shown in the nextstep.Rotate the loader symbol to give feedback that the request is processingEdit a layersorigin:Move the time-picker to 0s Select the element Select Edit origin under Transform in the right properties panelPosition the origin at the middle of the element (0,0) so it rotates about the center (the origins position depends on your animation needs)Use Edit origin mode to modify a layers origin so it animates asintendedWhat I want to animate: The button disappears (I.E., the webpage completed the submission).Move the time-picker to 2.7s Select all layers Keyframe the opacity(100%)Move the time-picker to 3.0s Change the opacity to0%Decrease all layers opacity at the end of the animation4. Export the animationOnce youre happy with the animation, its time to export it (yay!). Phase allows you to export in 4 file types: Lottie (.json), dotLottie (.lottie), MP4, orGIF.All you gotta do is select the bold, blue Export button at the top-right of the interface.Export your Phase animation in GIF, MP4, Lottie, or dotLottieI recommend exporting the animation as a Lottie (.json) since its vector-based and scales the animation without losing quality. But if you need to export as GIF or MP4, duplicate the file and increase the animation size for exporting purposes (and hand-over the original file to developers).5. Handoff to developersYou may not need to export and just need to hand-off the animation to developers so they can implement the animation (they need specs like timing, interpolation, etc.).I. Share the file to collaboratorsHow tosteps:Select Share at the top-right of the interfaceInvite collaborators by email Change the file privileges to Can view or CaneditOR copy the collaboration link at the bottom of the modal to send directly (this will only work with existing file collaborators)Invite collaborators to the Phase file through the SharebuttonII. Use the inspect feature to view the animations specsHow tosteps:In the animation file, select the Inspect mode toggle at the top-right of the interface (it looks like Figmas dev modetoggle)Select preferred color value (HEX, RBG, etc.) and time unit (seconds or percents) in the Inspect settings (under the 3-dot menu in the top-right corner)Select a layer from the left layerspanelReview each property specification on the rightpanel**Note: Each animation property tells you the initial value and the start and finish specs for time-marks, value, ease, and bezier. (This really helps close the gap by breaking down the animation for developers.)Use the Inspect feature to get the animation specs per eachlayerThat was a lot, but Phase makes creating animations and collaborating on fileseasy.If youve wanted to dive into micro-animations, but tools like Rive or After Effects felt hard to learn (or expensive), Phase is a great tool to put in your animation toolbox. Its interface is comfortable, and its quick to get the hang of creating any kind of animation.Let me know what you think of Phase in the comments!Happy (micro)animating!Level up your UX micro-animations with Phase was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

If you have T-Mobile, and either an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy device, you now have access to Starlinkpotentially. Here's the scoop: Back in December, T-Mobile announced a partnership between itself and SpaceX to bring Starlink service to customers. Then, earlier this month, the company started accepting users into the beta, but only those with specific, recent Samsung devices. However, that changed when Apple released iOS 18.3 this week. It seems the iPhone maker has been working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to roll out Starlink support to iPhones as wellthough none of this was announced from Apple as part of the update. T-Mobile isn't letting all iPhones customers into the beta just yet. If you get in, you'll receive a text message that reads: "You're in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3."How to join the T-Mobile Starlink betaIf you're interested in getting into T-Mobile's Starlink beta, you first need a compatible device. On the Samsung front, that includes the Galaxy S24 5G, Galaxy S24 Plus 5G, Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 6 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 5G. Any iPhone that can run iOS 18.3 is compatible. From here, you'll need to head to T-Mobile's official Starlink page, and choose "Register now," or scroll down to the registration section. You'll need to enter your first and last name, email address, and phone number. Don't worry if you can't get in yet: T-Mobile says it is expanding the plan soon, so expect more spots to open up imminently. What's the big deal with satellite connectivity?Being able to connect your smartphone to satellites is, quite literally, a game changer. It means you no longer need to worry about losing cell service or being able from a wifi connection. As long as you have a somewhat clear view to the sky, you're able to connect to the outside world.To be clear, this feature only works when you do not have available cellular service. At this point, your phone can then connect to the nearest satellites. You will not have the option to manually connect to satellites when you have a network connection. At this point in time, T-Mobile's Starlink beta only works for texting. But, according to Elon Musk, the current Starlink technology should support medium resolution images, and music and podcast streaming. But even if T-Mobile only supports texting at this time, you can imagine what a lifeline that is. If you have no cell service, and would otherwise not be able to reach out to emergency services or essential contacts, you can connect to a Starlink satellite and send text messages to either (or both). That said, this is not the first time iPhones have been able to connect to satellites. Apple has offered satellite connectivity since 2022, when it debuted "Emergency SOS via satellite" with the iPhone 14. The company expanded upon the feature with iOS 18: Before, you could only contact emergency services or roadside assistance via satellite, but since last year's big update, you've been able to send messages to anyone. For the past two and a half years, Apple has worked exclusively with Globalstar Inc. for satellite connectivity. Going forward, however, if you have an iPhone, and are enrolled in this T-Mobile beta, your phone will default to connecting to SpaceX's satellites. From here, you'll be able to manually connect to Apple's exclusive satellite services if you wish. Interestingly, while Apple's satellite feature makes you point your phone towards the sky to search for the closest satellite, Starlink's service should connect automatically.

If there words or phrases you want to remove from you vocabulary, but can't seem to shake, there's a helpful trick I have learned over the years: Set up your computer and phone to automatically replace the word when you type it.I've written about Mac computers for a long time, which among other things means I mention the menu barthat strip at the top of the screen with text menus and iconsmultiple times a week while writing. For a long time, I combined those two words, writing "menubar," even though that is technically incorrect. A former editor of mine hated that I did this. Like, really hated it. He got so sick of it that he told me to go into my Mac's settings and set up my computer to automatically replace the word "menubar" with the words "menu bar." From that point on, anytime I typed "menubar," my Mac would not only replace it but make a sound letting me know it replaced it. Eventually, I stopped typing it incorrectly.Now, my use case here is admittedly niche. But you can do so much more than annoy editors less with this technique. Maybe you're trying to swear lessyou could set up your device to replace curse words with cutesy alternatives, thus embarrassing yourself into re-writing your sentences. Maybe you'd like your word choices to be more gender inclusiveyou could set up your devices to replace words like "guys" with "everyone." Or maybe you're trying to use less wishy-washy language at workyou could set up your computer to change phrases like "kind of" with "I'm not sure."The specifics here don't matterthe idea is to think of the things that you, yourself, would like to change about the way you talk.How to set up text replacements on any deviceApple devices come with this feature built in. On a Mac, you just need to open System Settings and head to Keyboard. On an iPhone or iPad, you can open Settings and head to General > Keyboard, and you'll see the Text Replacements option. Here you can add as many words to replace with other words as you like.Android has a similar feature buried in the settings. Assuming you're using GBoard, the default keyboard app, open the settings for your keyboard and go to Dictionary. Open your current dictionary and hit the plus button to add a Text Shortcut. Add the word you want to replace as the "Shortcut" and the word you want to replace it with in the main text field. Credit: Justin Pot Windows, sadly, doesn't have a dedicated tool for this. The good news is that you've got options. Espanso is an open source text expansion tool I wrote about last yearit takes some time to set up but works great. If you'd prefer something made specifically for Windows, you can check out Beeftext, which is also free and open source.

NASA and its partners have published the first wave of information about the samples collected in the OSIRIS-REx mission. "The findings do not show evidence for life itself, but they do suggest the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds life could have formed on other planets and moons," NASA said in a press release.The OSIRIS-REx mission used some pretty fascinating tech to autonomously acquire rocks and dust from an asteroid called Bennu. Asteroids can act as time capsules, and Bennu reflects what was happening in the solar system roughly 4.5 billion years ago. After a total journey of 3.9 billion miles, the capsule returned safely to Earth on September 24, 2023.One paper about Bennu, appearing in the journal Nature Astronomy, revealed that the samples contained 14 amino acids and five nucleobases also found in life forms on Earth. They also uncovered high levels of ammonia in the Bennu samples, as well as formaldehyde; when those two combine in the proper conditions, they can form complex molecules such as amino acids.The second publication appeared in Nature, and it detailed the environment those molecules formed in. Their assessment found evidence of a "brine," identifying a set of minerals that could have been left behind as salt water evaporated."Data from OSIRIS-REx adds major brushstrokes to a picture of a solar system teeming with the potential for life," said Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA Goddard. "Why we, so far, only see life on Earth and not elsewhere, thats the truly tantalizing question."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasas-osiris-rex-mission-teases-new-insights-on-how-life-began-223527954.html?src=rss

NASA and its partners have published the first wave of information about the samples collected in the OSIRIS-REx mission. "The findings do not show evidence for life itself, but they do suggest the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds life could have formed on other planets and moons," NASA said in a press release.The OSIRIS-REx mission used some pretty fascinating tech to autonomously acquire rocks and dust from an asteroid called Bennu. Asteroids can act as time capsules, and Bennu reflects what was happening in the solar system roughly 4.5 billion years ago. After a total journey of 3.9 billion miles, the capsule returned safely to Earth on September 24, 2023.One paper about Bennu, appearing in the journal Nature Astronomy, revealed that the samples contained 14 amino acids and five nucleobases also found in life forms on Earth. They also uncovered high levels of ammonia in the Bennu samples, as well as formaldehyde; when those two combine in the proper conditions, they can form complex molecules such as amino acids.The second publication appeared in Nature, and it detailed the environment those molecules formed in. Their assessment found evidence of a "brine," identifying a set of minerals that could have been left behind as salt water evaporated."Data from OSIRIS-REx adds major brushstrokes to a picture of a solar system teeming with the potential for life," said Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA Goddard. "Why we, so far, only see life on Earth and not elsewhere, thats the truly tantalizing question."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/preview-nasas-osiris-rex-mission-teases-new-insights-on-how-life-began-223033717.html?src=rss

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