الوسم: Reels

  • Top Locations for Completing Film Reels in Arc Raiders

    The Flickering Flames event in Arc Raiders is now live, bringing cold, eerie weather to the topside. The update introduces a new map condition, new cosmetics, and lootable items, making it worth exploring, even for experienced Raiders.

    The main goal is to complete the Flickering Flames project, which involves six distinct steps. Each step requires a significant amount of materials donated. One of these materials is the Film Reel, needed specifically for completing step three of the project. Here’s everything you need to know about finding Film Reels and where to focus your search.

    Where To Find Film Reels

    Film Reels are a type of Trinket item categorized under Residential items. You’ll generally find them in locations marked with a person icon. Here are the best areas to search if you’re after Film Reels:

    • Village in The Blue Gate
    • Grandioso Apartments and Saint Maria Houses in Buried City
    • Ruby Residence and Pale Apartments in Dam Battlegrounds

    Among these, the Village is the top choice because it contains mostly Residential-focused loot and has a high density of lootable spots. The Village features many apartments, each with multiple floors that you can explore. This makes it easier to find valuables like Film Reels since you’ll have numerous places to search within a compact area.

    Pro tip: Focus on lockers, dressers, cabinets, and suitcases since these are most likely to contain valuables.

    It’s best to start your search on the northern side of the Village, which is mainly residential. The southern part has more businesses, so the north provides a better chance for looting Residential items without interference. Don’t forget to check the roofs and attics; some are accessible only through skylights.

    If you prefer exploring a different map, Buried City is another excellent option, especially the southern parts, which are full of Residential locations. Grandioso Apartments and Saint Maria Houses are particularly good—one with many individual apartments and the other with small buildings filled with loot containers.

    For players who want to avoid fighting, Pale Apartments and Ruby Residence in Dam Battlegrounds are good options. These areas are less prominent, usually overlooked by other players, and located away from main points of interest. They are broken into several buildings, each with a few apartments, making them a quiet spot to find Film Reels without fear of other Raiders.

    Note: Film Reels cannot be purchased or crafted; they must be looted from the environment or found on fallen enemies. You’ll need to find the two Reels through legitimate loot runs.

  • Where to Complete All Secret Theatre Film Reels in Metal Gear Solid Delta

    Where to Complete All Secret Theatre Film Reels in Metal Gear Solid Delta

    Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater offers plenty of activities beyond just playing through the main story. There are different difficulty settings that significantly alter gameplay, as well as various challenge runs that reward you with unique items and perks.

    In the game’s dense environments, you’ll find numerous collectibles, including frogs and ducks. A special group of guards carry film reels, which are tricky to obtain. Getting these reels isn’t as simple as just grabbing them—they require some strategic effort.

    ### How to Get a Film Reel from an Enemy

    Enemies holding film reels look slightly different; you’ll notice the reel sticking out from their uniform. These enemies cannot be damaged or else the reel will be destroyed, and you’ll lose that item for good (or until your next game).

    To retrieve a reel without damaging it, you need to hold them up. Sneak up behind them while holding the sneak button (L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox), then aim down your sights when you’re in close combat range. The enemy will surrender their weapons and hands and will give you items, including the film reel, once you’re in position.

    ### Locations of All Film Reels

    The game contains 15 film reels scattered across different areas. You’ll find them gradually as you progress, but it’s crucial to pay close attention so you don’t accidentally destroy one. If that happens, you’ll have to reload an earlier save to retrieve it.

    Here’s a list of the locations and their names:

    | Location | Reel Name |
    |————|————|
    | Dremuchij North | The Beginning Is The End |
    | Dolinovodno | Gotcha This Time |
    | Bolshaya Past South | Get Down |
    | Bolshaya Past Base | Payback |
    | Ponizovje West | Cat-Like Behavior |
    | Ponizovje Warehouse | The Quick Version |
    | Graniny Gorki Lab Exterior (knock and wait) | The Joy |
    | Svyatogornyj East | Metal Gear S… |
    | Krasnogorje Mountain Base | Diehard |
    | Krasnogorje Moutaintop (second visit) | The Ultimate Weapon |
    | Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab: West Wing | Made In The USA |
    | Groznyj Grad Torture Room | Basashi |
    | Groznyj Grad Northeast (second visit) | Close Call |
    | Groznyj Grad Weapons Lab: Main Wing (second visit) | He’s Still Got It |
    | Zaozyorje East | Metal Gear Raiden: Snake Eraser |

    Take your time exploring each site and planning your approach carefully. Rushing or making mistakes can be costly, often requiring you to reload an earlier save. Prioritize eliminating other enemies in the area who pose a threat before attempting to take the reel from your target.

  • Instagram Follows Spotify’s Lead With Blend For Reels

    Instagram Follows Spotify’s Lead With Blend For Reels

    Enjoying a wide array of Instagram Reels is now more convenient than ever with the introduction of a new feature called Blend. This allows you to curate personalized Reels feeds specifically for yourself and anyone you invite into a private group chat.

    Instagram, owned by Meta, announced this feature’s launch on a Thursday, taking inspiration from Spotify’s Blend playlists that merge your music preferences with those of a selected friend. With Blend on Instagram, you can set up a Reels feed either in a direct message conversation with one individual or within a group chat featuring friends or family.

    To initiate a Blend, simply tap the Blend icon located next to the call icon in the upper right corner of your chat. From there, you can invite others from the same chat to join you. The Blend takes shape only after someone accepts the invitation. Additionally, you can join an existing Blend if invited from another chat. This setup enables you to explore Reels shared by others, offering a refreshing selection of content that differs from the suggestions you typically see in your main feed, with new updates arriving daily.

    This release follows Instagram’s previous introduction of a dedicated Reels tab earlier this year, which allows users to view Reels that their friends and followers have engaged with. However, while that feature is more public in nature, Blend offers a more private setting for sharing the Reels your friends and family enjoy. Both features aim to enhance the discovery of unique content and creators you might not encounter in your typical feed, suggesting that if your friends appreciate a particular Reel, you likely will too.

    As of now, Instagram Blend may not be accessible to all users yet. Updating your Instagram app via the App Store or Google Play should reveal the Blend icon in your chats, though it may still remain inactive for some users.

  • Fast-Forward Feature Now Available on Instagram Reels

    Fast-Forward Feature Now Available on Instagram Reels

    With its continuous evolution, Instagram is making strides to mirror the TikTok experience. The platform, owned by Meta, has introduced a feature that allows users to watch Instagram Reels at double speed.

    In a recent announcement, Meta shared that Instagram users can now enjoy Reels at twice the normal playback speed, particularly beneficial for longer videos. This new 2x speed option was created in response to user demand, enabling them to consume content at a quicker pace, similar to what TikTok offers.

    To activate the 2x speed setting, users simply need to press down on the left or right edge of the screen. This allows them to fast forward until they reach their desired moment in the video. Releasing their finger will return the playback to normal speed.

    Screenshots of the same Instagram Reel playing at 2x speed.
    Meta

    Instagram first launched Reels as a direct competitor to TikTok, which gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, Reels had a time limit of just 15 seconds, but now they can extend up to three minutes long. However, if a user uploads a longer video, it will be treated as a regular Instagram post. Importantly, the 2x playback feature is only applicable to Reels.

    Additionally, it’s worth noting that TikTok introduced a similar 2x speed feature in 2023, coinciding with the platform’s ability to host videos up to 10 minutes long. Users can also create even longer videos by incorporating movies or TV episodes, which can then be viewed at double speed using an easy toggle option.

    This 2x speed feature is particularly appealing for those with limited time or shorter attention spans, allowing viewers to skip through lengthy content and quickly gather the information they need amidst their busy lives filled with work and family responsibilities.

  • Instagram May Change Reels Access To Compete With TikTok

    Instagram May Change Reels Access To Compete With TikTok


    The rise of short-form video content and the uncertainty surrounding a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. seem to have prompted Meta to explore the possibility of launching Instagram Reels as its own dedicated app.

    Instagram’s feature for vertically scrolling videos could evolve into a separate application focused solely on short-form content, distinct from its photo-sharing capabilities. According to reports, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has shared this development with employees, as noted by the Information.

    It's still uncertain whether this Reels app will merely offer a streamlined interface with video feeds and discovery options, or if it might incorporate separate messaging capabilities as well. In contrast, if you’re on the lookout for a photo-sharing alternative that doesn't encourage mindless scrolling through endless videos, consider trying Foto—a newly launched app that aims to eliminate such distractions.

    Where TikTok Stands in the U.S.

    TikTok access block message in the U.S.
    Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

    This development comes in the wake of the executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, granting TikTok a temporary reprieve from a proposed ban by the Biden administration. At that time, Trump suggested a deal that would involve a 50-50 partnership, allowing an American company to share ownership with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.

    Following Trump's inauguration, TikTok briefly went offline, resulting in the app's removal from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Services were restored within hours, but the apps remained inaccessible until mid-February.

    ByteDance has received various acquisition offers, including bids from Microsoft, Elon Musk, and a consortium of independent investors including YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast. Since TikTok's ban lift, Trump has remained positive about the possibility of TikTok being sold, either partially or entirely, to a U.S.-based company.

    However, ByteDance has not issued any official commentary beyond a message from Shou Zi Chew, TikTok's CEO, who expressed gratitude towards Trump for assisting in their efforts to uphold the “constitutional right of free speech” for over 170 million users. Therefore, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains ambiguous, prompting Meta to compete for users, particularly in regions like India where TikTok has been prohibited.

    Another Standalone App by Meta

    Instagram on the Samsung Galaxy A54.
    Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

    In addition, Meta recently introduced another standalone app called Edits, designed specifically for creators who primarily produce videos on their mobile devices. Beyond video editing and sharing capabilities, Edits features additional tools not available in the Instagram app, such as an enhanced camera for the iPhone and an Inspiration tab to help creators stay current with trends.

    With these functionalities, Edits presents itself as a rival to CapCut, a ByteDance app aimed at TikTok video creation. In 2023, Meta also unveiled Threads, a separate app linked to Instagram that functions independently, providing a feed similar to that of X.

    For a large corporation like Meta, managing different applications within specific portfolios may enhance operational efficiency. However, the dual-app approach could potentially confuse users and might lead them to abandon one of the applications altogether.