• Microsoft Could Release Windows 12 as Early as 2024

    In a major change to its roadmap, Microsoft is returning to its three-year plan for new Windows upgrades. The new plan means we might see Windows 12 as early as 2024.

    According to a report by Windows Central, Microsoft's new roadmap means new versions of Windows will ship every three years.

    In the past, Microsoft has also taken its time with new versions of the operating system — Windows 10 was released in 2015, and Windows 11 wasn't released until six years after in 2021. During this time, Microsoft shifted away from its initial three-year plan and instead focused on delivering consistent updates to Windows 10.

    Its new plan also means that new features for existing Windows versions will ship more often. As detailed by Windows Central, starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft will begin rolling out major updates for Windows 11 up to four times a year through its "Moments" program. This means more frequent updates for Windows — typically, Microsoft has only shipped updates once per year.

    Windows 11, which released last year, introduced plenty of new features like Auto HDR gaming and snap layouts. IGN gave Windows 11 a 7/10 in our review of the operating system, praising its visual improvements but noting that there wasn't much more to push users to upgrade.

    Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.

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    Chris Pratt Shuts Down Rumors That He’ll Be the Next Indiana Jones

    It looks as though Chris Pratt won’t be the next Indiana Jones after all. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 43-year-old actor played down rumors that he would be taking over from Harrison Ford after the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones film.

    “I don’t even know who Steven Spielberg is,” he quipped. “Who? Steven Who? No, aren’t they doing Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford?”

    Indiana Jones 5 will see Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist return for another adventure. First announced back in 2016, the film has been in production ever since.

    But Pratt is somewhat mistaken about Spielberg’s involvement. Originally set to direct the Indy sequel, he since exited the project and was replaced by Logan director, James Mangold. Although Indiana Jones 5 will likely be Harrison Ford’s last outing as the iconic adventurer, there’s no official word on whether anyone will replace him.

    However, we do know that Phoebe Waller-Bridge has joined the cast, alongside Mads Mikkelsen.

    “All I know is I once saw a quote from Harrison Ford and I don’t even know if it was really him, but it was enough to scare me, that was like, ‘When I die, Indiana Jones dies.’ And I’m like, am I gonna get haunted by the ghost of Harrison Ford one day when he dies if I play…?”

    Admittedly, the thought of Harrison Ford appearing out of nowhere like a vengeful Ark of the Covenant spirit is somewhat amusing… but I can see why Pratt isn’t so keen.

    Still, Pratt has proven to be a popular choice for an eventual Indiana Jones reboot, despite the fact that Disney is yet to announce any further plans for the franchise beyond the upcoming sequel. That said, he was rumored for the role back in 2015… and many fans still think he’s the perfect choice to take over the role.

    Whether or not Indiana Jones will continue raiding tombs after Harrison Ford has hung up his fedora remains to be seen. But I can think of worse actors to play him.

    Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

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    Destiny 2: Where Is Xur Today? Location and Exotic Items for July 15-19

    The eldritch horror, Xur, is now live in Destiny 2 for the weekend until next week's reset. If you're looking to get your some shiny new Exotic armor or weapons for your Guardian, look no further.

    Each week, Xûr has a random assortment of Exotic armor, one for each Guardian class, as well as a random Exotic Weapon and an Exotic Engram available for purchase. In addition to his Exotic wares, he's got a random collection of Legendary weapons and armor to deck out your Guardians.

    We've rounded up all the info on Xûr for the week including where to find Xûr, which Exotic weapons and armor are available, as well as which Legendary weapons you should pick up, either for PvE or PvP.

    Where Is Xûr Today?

    Xûr's location can be found at The Tower on July 15 through July 19. To reach him, travel to the landing point at The Courtyard and make your way to the Hangar. You'll find ol' snake-face chilling near the stairs at the back of the Hangar area.

    What's Xûr Selling Today?

    Xûr has at least one good find this week. Check out this exotic gear!

    Exotic Engram

    Suros Regime – Exotic Auto Rifle

    The Bombardiers – Exotic Hunter Leg Armor

    • 17 Mobility
    • 12 Resilience
    • 2 Recovery
    • 2 Discipline
    • 23 Intellect
    • 7 Strength
    • Total: 63

    Ashen Wake – Exotic Titan Gauntlets

    • 10 Mobility
    • 13 Resilience
    • 9 Recovery
    • 19 Discipline
    • 2 Intellect
    • 10 Strength
    • Total: 63

    Crown of Tempests – Exotic Warlock Helmet

    • 3 Mobility
    • 30 Resilience
    • 3 Recovery
    • 16 Discipline
    • 2 Intellect
    • 16 Strength
    • Total: 70

    Hunters and Warlocks both have bad rolls for not-amazing exotics this week. Luckily the Warlock saves the day with one of the single greatest rolls for Crown of Tempests that I've ever seen. It's actually mezmorizingly good. Buy. That. Helmet.

    Exotic Weapons

    Hawkmoon – Exotic Hand Cannon

    • Paracausal Shot
    • Extended Barrel
    • Alloy Magazine
    • Rangefinder
    • Heavy Grip

    Dead Man's Tale – Exotic Scout Rifle

    • Cranial Spike
    • Corkscrew Rifling
    • Accurized Rounds
    • Moving Target
    • Composite Stock

    Neither of these exotic weapons has a particularly amazing roll this week. I'd skip them both!

    Legendary Weapons

    Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver – Hand Cannon

    • Hammer-Forged Rifling/Smallbore
    • Appended Mag/Extended Mag
    • Threat Detector
    • High-Impact Reserves
    • Reload Speed Masterwork

    Distant Stimulus – Sniper Rifle

    • Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
    • Appended Mag/Tactical Mag
    • Clown Catridge
    • Opening Shot
    • Handling Masterwork

    First In, Last Out – Shotgun

    • Extended Barrel/Full Bore
    • Steady Rounds/Accurized Rounds
    • Hip-Fire Grip
    • Opening Shot
    • Stability Masterwork

    Corsair's Wrath – Linear Fusion Rifle

    • Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
    • Liquid Coils/Projection Fuse
    • Killing Wind
    • Unrelenting
    • Blast Radius Masterwork

    Extraordinary Rendition – Submachine Gun

    • Extended Barrel/Hammer-Forged Rifling
    • Accurized Rounds/Alloy Magazine
    • Surplus
    • Tap The Trigger
    • Stability Masterwork

    The Keening – Sidearm

    • Extended Barrel/Polygonal Rifling
    • Extended Mag/Ricochet Rounds
    • Slideshot
    • Sympathetic Arsenal
    • One Quiet Moment
    • Reload Speed Masterwork

    Wolftone Draw – Combat Bow

    • Tactile String/Polymer String
    • Fiberglass Arrow Shaft/Straight Fletching
    • Sneak Bow
    • Harmony
    • Charge Time/Draw Time Masterwork

    The roll for Distant Stimulus is quite good for PvP or PvE with Opening Shot and Clown Cartridge and similarly the roll for First In, Last Out this week is desirable for PvP with the all-important Opening Shot perk on it. Aside from those two highlights, none of the other Legendary weapons jump out at me this week.

    Warlock Legendary Armor

    For Warlocks, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

    Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

    • 24 Mobility
    • 2 Resilience
    • 2 Recovery
    • 7 Discipline
    • 15 Intellect
    • 10 Strength
    • Total: 60

    Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

    • 8 Mobility
    • 2 Resilience
    • 19 Recovery
    • 12 Discipline
    • 12 Intellect
    • 6 Strength
    • Total: 59

    Seventh Seraph Helmet

    • 10 Mobility
    • 7 Resilience
    • 16 Recovery
    • 12 Discipline
    • 10 Intellect
    • 6 Strength
    • Total: 61

    Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

    • 8 Mobility
    • 16 Resilience
    • 8 Recovery
    • 2 Discipline
    • 11 Intellect
    • 18 Strength
    • Total: 63

    Seventh Seraph Bond

    The Warlock armor this week is pretty rubbish! The only semi-decent roll is the boots, which have 63 overall stats, but their stat placement is fairly uninspired. Sorry, Warlocks!

    Titan Legendary Armor

    For Titans, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

    Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

    • 9 Mobility
    • 12 Resilience
    • 8 Recovery
    • 9 Discipline
    • 14 Intellect
    • 8 Strength
    • Total: 60

    Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

    • 2 Mobility
    • 12 Resilience
    • 18 Recovery
    • 8 Discipline
    • 10 Intellect
    • 14 Strength
    • Total: 64

    Seventh Seraph Helmet

    • 2 Mobility
    • 2 Resilience
    • 22 Recovery
    • 2 Discipline
    • 11 Intellect
    • 16 Strength
    • Total: 55

    Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

    • 12 Mobility
    • 10 Resilience
    • 10 Recovery
    • 16 Discipline
    • 13 Intellect
    • 2 Strength
    • Total: 63

    Seventh Seraph Mark

    Titans did marginally better than Warlocks as they've got a decent chest piece with 64 overall stats in all the right places and some boots that would be good if they didn't have so much dang mobility. Aside from that, though. There's not a ton to love!

    Hunter Legendary Armor

    For Hunters, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

    Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

    • 15 Mobility
    • 2 Resilience
    • 15 Recovery
    • 6 Discipline
    • 15 Intellect
    • 12 Strength
    • Total: 65

    Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

    • 2 Mobility
    • 7 Resilience
    • 21 Recovery
    • 9 Discipline
    • 14 Intellect
    • 8 Strength
    • Total: 61

    Seventh Seraph Helmet

    • 16 Mobility
    • 2 Resilience
    • 12 Recovery
    • 9 Discipline
    • 18 Intellect
    • 2 Strength
    • Total: 59

    Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

    • 9 Mobility
    • 17 Resilience
    • 2 Recovery
    • 6 Discipline
    • 23 Intellect
    • 2 Strength
    • Total: 59

    Seventh Seraph Cloak

    Hunters have a pretty great roll of their helmet this week, but everything else is underwhelming as heck! Grab that helmet if you need a great, well-rounded roll for your Hunter, though!

    That's a wrap on Xûr for this week, Guardians! Are you taking part in Saladin's Iron Banner competition this week? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! For more on Destiny, check out some of the new weapons and gear you can find in The Witch Queen and read about how Sony's purchase of Bungie fits into its larger plans.

    Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.

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    Severance’s Adam Scott Is Joining Spider-Man’s Madame Web Spinoff

    Severance star Adam Scott is joining the upcoming Spider-Man spin-off, Madame Web.

    According to Variety, the 41-year-old actor has landed a role in the upcoming superhero spin-off, but quite who he will be playing remains a mystery. Madame Web will star Dakota Johnson as the titular heroine, the film acting as an origin story for a clairvoyant who uses her psychic powers to feel the presence of other Spider heroes through the web of life and destiny.

    Originally appearing in the comic books as Cassandra Webb, the character is usually depicted with a variety of psychic abilities including telepathy, prescience, and the ability to detect psychic powers in others.

    Earlier this year, the film was confirmed to be heading to the big screen in July 2023.

    Madame Web’s connection to the web of life and destiny could prove to be a rather useful power with Marvel’s continued exploration of the multiverse – especially if they introduce Spider-themed characters from other realities…

    After all, we’ve already seen various Spider-Man villains cross over in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Not to mention an interesting cameo from Tom Hardy’s Venom.

    Meanwhile, Adam Scott is preparing for the second season of Severance, which was renewed earlier this year following the show’s impressive debut on Apple TV+.

    “My dream is that Mark is able to get a goat,” he told IndieWire about Season 2. “A baby goat of his very own, and live happily ever after somewhere super comfy.”

    Somehow, I don’t think Lumon Industries is going to let that happen. And as for who he’ll be playing in Madame Web, let’s hope he has a better time than poor old Mark. Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson alongside Adam Scott, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahir Rahim, and Mike Epps.

    S.J. Clarkson will direct the spinoff based on a script by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless.

    Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

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    The Rehearsal Season 1 Review: Episodes 1-5

    The Rehearsal premieres June 15 ​​at 11:00 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

    You’ve got to hand it to writer/director/producer Nathan Fielder for managing to carve such a specific space for himself at HBO as the guy behind such weird, existential, and intimate series like How To with John Wilson and his latest, The Rehearsal. For anyone who suffers anxiety, the series is like watching that feeling be given a budget and free rein to go work itself out. Structurally, that plays out as Fielder finds strangers who want to experience, or resolve, something critical in their lives and he then gives them the opportunity to run full dress rehearsals around their issue so they can eventually tackle it for real with certainty. The concept itself is fascinating but entirely ridiculous because no matter how meticulous anyone is about anticipating every outcome, there’s no planning for life. But Fielder attempts it anyway with a single-mindedness that’s weirdly compelling, often surprising, and unlike just about anything else out there.

    The six-episode season starts out relatively self-contained in the premiere episode, "Orange Juice, No Pulp," as Nathan introduces his first subject, Corr, a man who once lied about having a Master’s degree to impress his new trivia night friends. Now he wants to come clean to his closest and most mercurial friend about what has turned into an escalating fib. It seems a simple enough situation to overcome, but the lengths to which Fielder has to go to navigate and enable the peculiarities of Corr and the friend he’s afraid to tell the truth to is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

    There are full scale replicas of apartments and bars, an orchestrated trip to upstate New York, and practically a small repertory of actors hired and trained to facilitate the various levels of rehearsals and deception needed to make Fielder’s experiment work. Fielder, meanwhile, has to meticulously plan and execute essentially a Russian nesting doll of experiments within experiments to keep the playing field as “pure” as possible for Corr to play out all potential outcomes so he’s prepared for whichever one actually comes to fruition with his actual friend.

    Fielder then gets even more ambitious with Angela, a deeply Christian 30-something who wants to “rehearse” what it might be like to raise a child. She doesn’t have a candidate for a husband yet, but Fielder agrees to try and facilitate her perfect scenario for a dry run at motherhood by setting her up in a gorgeous rural home in Portland where she can experience parenting in an accelerated fashion. Fielder appoints the home to Angela’s exacting standards for homesteading and gets a small army of parents to agree to lend their children for swap outs in a 24/7 simulation where Angela can “parent” a child who will age up three years every week until the age of 18. With her buy-in, Angela will get a concentrated experience so she can determine if she is ready to parent, and how she’ll be at it.

    The scenario becomes so all-encompassing that it plays out for the rest of the season as Fielder then runs two other rehearsals with two other subjects at the same time. Adding to the logistical nightmare, Fielder eventually folds himself into the parenting rehearsal by offering to become Angela’s nonsexual co-parent so he can also partake in the “what if” of childrearing while trying to fashion an experience for Angela that is as revealing and potentially accurate as possible.

    Suffice it to say, Fielder’s ability to keep the logistical plates spinning is mind boggling and can only be achieved by the hefty budget that funds Angela’s house, more reproduction sets to rehearse within, and that growing stable of actors who are trained to be as naturalistic and accurate to the situation as possible to make sure the rehearsals feel entirely natural and grounded. In fact, Episode 4, "The Fielder Method,” is all about Fielder going to North Hollywood to train new recruits in an acting class that he ends up joining himself so he can observe the effectiveness of his techniques. It's Fielder basically Inception-ing himself in his own experiment in ways that are simultaneously hilarious and ridiculous.

    The comedy writes itself as Fielder keeps getting trapped in the lies he has to construct.

    It takes an exceptionally peculiar and anxious brain to even want to put yourself through what Fielder does to try and help other humans bypass all of the messiness and uncertainty of life. Unlike other reality shows that aim to capture big personalities and their excesses, The Rehearsal is laser focused on the averagely odd. And they prove to Fielder that even the most seemingly mundane people attract an outsized amount of complicated drama in their day-to-day life that is impossible to anticipate with any kind of accuracy. Even when people say they want to committedly resolve issues that have plagued them, Fielder’s experiences reinforce that one can never really plan for the mercurial nature of a spectrum of emotions that don’t operate with any rhyme or reason.

    Ultimately, watching Fielding get vexed continuously by the unexpected strangeness of individuals and their choices, as well as the unintended circumstances that come from the hubris of thinking that exceptional planning can solve anything, is a big part of the charm of the series. The comedy writes itself as Fielder keeps getting trapped in the lies he has to construct to help ensure that his rehearsals have any chance of being successful. And then we get to watch the bizarre lengths he’ll go to keep any of the rehearsals going, like making it winter outside of Angela’s house to keep up the guise of time passing quickly, or faking deaths to get a more realistic reaction from one of his subjects. All of it frankly nuts, and matches the absurdity of Fielder’s thesis/quest to control and contain every day uncertainty. But his relentless questioning of himself along the way, and his willingness to make himself a subject of his experiments means even if no one else is learning something about themselves, at least Fielder is and that is kinda fun to watch too.

    With only five of six episodes provided by HBO, what Fielder is able to distill out of his various rehearsals remains to be seen in the season finale. Regardless, The Rehearsal reiterates 1) that even the most fastidious human beings have no control over anything and chaos is going to creep into the best laid plans; 2) humans are some strange creatures and Fielder sure did find some doozies for this show; and 3) HBO should keep giving this guy money to continue unleashing his mad brain into the medium.

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