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Android 15, Google’s follow-up to Android 14, is now available to download for all you early testers.

The latest major OS update, with a focus on beefing up privacy and security, also allows creators to take better advantage of camera hardware and gives developers more ways to manage heat and processing power for more efficient app performance.

This early version of Android 15 is intended mostly for developers, to help them build apps tuned for the next release of the Android OS and for Google to get valuable feedback as it rolls out updates throughout 2024.

Read more: Best Android Phone of 2024

But just because the preview is meant for developers doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t download Android 15 right now. As long as you understand the limitations of a developer preview (which can include bugs, missing features and app incompatibility) and how to install it with manual flash (adding the OS to your phone’s flash memory storage), you can check out Android 15 right now.

If you don’t want to deal with software issues or installation, wait until April and May for Google to open enrollment for its Android beta program, or you could even wait until June and July for a more stable version to drop. The final version of Android 15, intended for all Android users, is expected to release sometime in the fall.

Unsure about what to do next? Well here’s everything you need to know about Android 15. For more, here’s how Google built its Immersive View for Maps and how to clear your browser’s cache in Android.

What’s new in the first Android 15 developer preview?

With this first developer preview, Google said the focus is on enhancing user privacy and file security. It’s also focused on giving creators greater access to tools and hardware — including in-app camera controls — as well as on heat and power management for improved app and game performance. The latest release uses the confectionery-theming code name Vanilla Ice Cream.

For privacy and security, Android 15 is using the latest version of Privacy Sandbox, which is a multiyear initiative to enhance user privacy on Android. Privacy Sandbox improves privacy around mobile advertising, by limiting what data third parties can access. Android 15 also allows users to screen share just part of their screen, rather than the entire screen.

Google will give developers and creators more precise control of camera hardware to help them take advantage of premium hardware features, including the Pixel camera, GPUs and AI processing. These expanded controls can boost the brightness of the camera preview, adjust flash strength, connect MIDI 2.0 devices via USB and more.

This first developer preview of Android 15 also includes heat and processing power management tools via an improved Android Dynamic Performance Framework to help developers optimize performance-heavy and graphic-intensive apps and games.

As more developer previews and beta releases drop, Google will continue to add and refine features based on the feedback from everyone using Android 15.

Which phones support the Android 15 developer preview?

Google typically releases early developer previews just on its own devices, and it’s the same with Android 15. Right now, you can download Android 15 on the following Google Pixel phones and tablet:

• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro

• Pixel Fold
• Pixel Tablet

If your device isn’t on the list, don’t fret just yet. As the year progresses, Android 15 will become available on other phones and tablets. You also have the option to use the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.

Before you install Android 15, back up your phone

Note that running prerelease software on your phone can make it unstable, and you may lose data. We recommend downloading and installing prerelease software on something other than your primary Pixel device, just in case Google’s new software causes issues.

The first thing you should do before you download the first Android 15 developer preview is to back up your supported device. Why? Developer previews are software in its early days, and so you can expect bugs, app crashes and other issues that can make it difficult to use your phone or tablet on a daily basis.

By default, your Pixel should back up automatically whenever you’re connected to Wi-Fi and your phone has been idle and charging for 2 hours, but you can also do it manually. Depending on the size of your phone backup and how much available space you have on Google Drive, you may need a Google One subscription for this to work.

To back up your Pixel phone, go to Settings > Google > Backup and tap Back up now. Depending on the last backup and how many apps and files need to be backed up, this process can be instantaneous or take up to several minutes. Once you’re backed up, you’re ready to begin the process of downloading and installing Android 15.

Next, enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking

To install Android 15 on your Pixel, connect the phone to your computer via USB. That requires that your Pixel be unlocked and have USB debugging enabled. Although unlocking your phone is easy enough, to enable USB debugging you’ll need to first unlock Developer options.

Note: If you’ve flashed a developer preview before, you may be able to simply update OTA to Android 15. If not, skip to the next section.

1. Unlock Developer options. In the Settings application, go to About phone and then tap Build number seven times. Enter your password when prompted, and a new Developer options menu will appear in your settings.
2. Next, you’ll need to enable USB debugging so your phone and your computer can transfer data between each other. Go to Settings > System > Developer options and toggle on USB debugging. In the notification that appears, which briefly describes what USB debugging is meant for, tap OK.
3. And finally, while you’re still in Developer options, toggle on OEM unlocking. This unlocks your device’s bootloader, which is what loads the operating system. Once unlocked, you’ll be able to choose a different operating system to boot up on your Pixel — in this case, Android 15.

Finally, flash Android 15 on your device using Android Flash Tool in Chrome

You have two ways to flash the Android 15 developer preview on your Pixel, but for the sake of simplicity, we’ll use the Android Flash Tool, which you can use directly from your web browser. It works best on Chrome or Edge. Also, your computer must have 10GB of available storage for this to work.

If everything is good to go, connect your Pixel to your computer via USB, unlock your device, go to https://flash.android.com/ in Chrome and do the following:

1. First, click Get Started and then hit Allow ADB access in the pop-up that appears (if there are any ad blockers, turn them off).
2. Next, click Add new device, choose your device from the list and hit Connect.
3. On your Pixel, check the box next to Always allow from this computer and then tap Allow to give Android Flash Tool access to your phone.
4. Back on your computer, click DP 1 under Android 15 Preview Releases.
5. Click Install build and then hit Confirm.

Now, you’ll need to interact with both your computer and phone to flash Android 15, which begins with unlocking your phone’s bootloader.

1. Click Start on your computer to begin the unlocking bootloader process.
2. Over on your phone, hit any volume button to choose “Unlock the bootloader” and then hit the power button to unlock the bootloader.

The Android 15 software will then begin to download from your computer to your phone. It’s nearly 2.5GB, so it may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speeds. Once the download is finished, you’ll need to lock your phone’s bootloader.

1. Click Start on your computer.
2. Go back to your phone, use the volume keys to choose “Lock the bootloader” and then hit the power button.

Your phone will then restart and the Android 15 Developer Preview should now be installed. You can safely disconnect your Pixel from the computer.

You can now use Android 15 on your Pixel

Once your Pixel boots back up, you’ll see a notification that says you’re now running the Android 15 developer preview. Hit OK and then set up your phone just as you would a brand-new phone. That means connecting to Wi-Fi, copying over apps and data from your latest backup via Google, agreeing to terms and conditions, setting up a password and so on.

How to remove Android 15 from your device

Developer previews aren’t meant for your primary phone, the one that you use every day. Bugs and other issues will interfere with your daily routine, and so you might get tired of having an early version of Android 15. If so, there’s an easy way to roll back to a stable version of Android 14.

Just like you installed Android 15, you can revert back to an older Android version. Connect your device to your computer and follow the first four steps in the flashing Android 15 section. You may need to unlock developer options and enable USB debugging once again.

Now, instead of choosing DP 1 in the Android Flash Tool, choose the Back to Public option and install it just like you did the developer preview. When your phone boots back up, you should be running a stable version of Android 14.

What’s the release schedule for Android 15?

Google said it expects to release several developer previews — this one in February and another date in March — to shake out new features and check compatibility.

Planned beta releases for early adopters in April and May should be more stable and will focus on quality and compatibility improvements. Finally, Platform Stability releases slated for June, July and August will center on Android 15 final testing before the first public release in the fall.

Have an older Android? Check out five tips to make your Android phone feel like new again.

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AT&T says it has fully recovered following a major outage on Thursday that disrupted connectivity for customers across the country.

“We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers,” the company said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We sincerely apologize to them. Keeping our customers connected remains our top priority, and we are taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future.”

It remains unclear what exactly caused the issue. AT&T didn’t immediately respond to a request for additional details. The Federal Communications Commission said on X that it was investigating the issue.

Read more: How to Use Your iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

Reports on social media suggested the outage was widespread, with Downdetector, a website where users can report issues with websites and services, showing a spike in problems with AT&T nationwide beginning at around 4 a.m. ET. The carrier recommended that customers use services like Wi-Fi to connect with others while the network was down.

When on Wi-Fi, you can still make calls and send messages through services like Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, and Meta’s WhatsApp. AT&T also offers Wi-Fi calling that lets you place calls over a Wi-Fi network using your regular number if you already have the feature enabled on your device.

As of 11 a.m. ET, the service did appear to be returning for some people. In an updated statement, the company said service had been restored to 75% of its network.

“Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning,” the company said. “Our network teams took immediate action and so far three-quarters of our network has been restored. We are working as quickly as possible to restore service to remaining customers.”

AT&T said that its first responder network, known as FirstNet, was operating during the outage.

“Early this morning, service was affected for some subscribers across the country. The team took immediate action, prioritizing restoration of public safety’s communications, and service is currently running normally across the FirstNet network,” the company said.

“As always, we take our responsibility for delivering effective communications for the public safety community seriously and are committed to network stability and transparency. An assessment of this event is underway, and we will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.”

Read more: Best Cellphone Plans of 2024

While reports suggested that issues were also affecting the networks of Verizon and T-Mobile, both carriers told CNET that their respective offerings were fine.

“We did not experience an outage. Our network is operating normally,” a T-Mobile spokesperson said. “Down Detector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks.”

“Verizon’s network is operating normally,” a Verizon spokesperson said. “Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

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Social media and news-sharing platform Reddit has made a $60 million deal with Google to use its user-generated content to help train the search giant’s generative AI models, according to a report from Reuters on Wednesday.

This news comes as Reddit, the 17th most visited website in the world, filed to go public earlier Thursday. Selling user-generated data to train AI could be another lucrative revenue stream for the platform, which largely relies on ad sales.

The deal will also allow Google to filter in more Reddit results in Search.

“Over the years, we’ve seen that people increasingly use Google to search for helpful content on Reddit to find product recommendations, travel advice and much more,” Rajan Patel, Google’s vice president of Search Experience, said in a blog post. Patel said the partnership will allow “more content-forward displays of Reddit information.” Reddit echoed similar sentiments in its own blog post.

Both Reddit and Google declined to comment, referring to their blog posts.

Google’s deal with Reddit highlights the value of user-generated content for generative AI platforms. AI engines like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are trained on mountains of text data from across the internet. The AI models take in this information and run it through to trillions of parameters to generate novel sentences. It’s been described as autocomplete on steroids.

Generally, more data, especially data from actual humans, means that the models can sound more human-like. How Reddit’s training data might affect future Google AI products remains to be seen. Considering that Reddit hosts voices both incisive and obnoxiously controversial, Google’s AI products might take in both the good and the bad, unless the company can effectively filter out the toxic elements. Trying to correct for human bias can sometimes lead to other errors. Recently, Google had to pause image generation on Gemini as it was generating images of white historical figures as people of color, instead.

Reactions on Reddit toward the news have largely been sardonic.

Reddit has also become an important part of Google Search results over the last few years. Given the influx of search engine optimized content flooding Google Search, it’s made it harder for people to find useful information. It doesn’t help that bland AI-generated content is already filling up the internet. One tactic some internet users employ is to enter a search query along with the word “Reddit.” This filters in Reddit results, which tend to show actual discussions between users.

When protests broke out on Reddit last year that saw many subreddits go private over the site’s decision to effectively kill off third-party Reddit apps, it affected Google’s search results. It shows how much Google is reliant on quality information to fill its results page to sell online ads against. Given Reddit’s reliance on its users, executives may have incentive to keep those users happy. Reddit may even sell stock to some of its most loyal users, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The unusual offering could be a way to appease fervent Reddit users, especially those that are willing to protest against or boycott the platform. Reddit was valued at $10 billion in 2021.

AT&T’s wireless network appears to be dealing with a major outage. The carrier on Thursday confirmed to CNET that it’s suffering from “wireless service interruptions.”

“Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning,” a spokesperson said. “We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored.”

Read more: How to Use Your iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

When on Wi-Fi, you can still make calls and send messages through services like Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, and Meta’s WhatsApp. AT&T also offers Wi-Fi calling that allows you to place calls over a Wi-Fi network using your regular number if you already have the feature enabled on your device.

As of 11 a.m. ET, the service did appear to be returning for some. In an updated statement, the company said that service has been restored to 75% of its network.

“Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning,” the company said. “Our network teams took immediate action and so far three-quarters of our network has been restored. We are working as quickly as possible to restore service to remaining customers.”

It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the outage, how widespread it was or when all services might return to normal. Reports on social media suggested the outage was widespread with Downdetector, a website where users can report issues with websites and services, showing a spike in problems with AT&T beginning around 4 a.m. ET across the country.

AT&T said that its first responder network, known as FirstNet, was operating during the outage.

“Early this morning, service was affected for some subscribers across the country. The team took immediate action, prioritizing restoration of public safety’s communications, and service is currently running normally across the FirstNet network,” the company said.

“As always, we take our responsibility for delivering effective communications for the public safety community seriously and are committed to network stability and transparency. An assessment of this event is underway, and we will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.”

Read more: Best Cellphone Plans of 2024

While reports suggested that issues were also affecting the networks of Verizon and T-Mobile, both carriers confirmed to CNET that their respective offerings were fine.

“We did not experience an outage. Our network is operating normally,” a T-Mobile spokesperson said. “Down Detector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks.”

“Verizon’s network is operating normally,” a Verizon spokesperson said. “Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

CNET will update as we learn more.

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When you’re choosing a new pair of wireless earbuds, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to spend AirPods-size money, but that just isn’t the case. The EarFun Free 2S wireless earbuds have been proving that for some time now, but right now you can ditch the already low $40 asking price and pay a fraction — just $23. But you’re going to be made to work for that discount, as you will have to use a combination of a coupon and discount code to score the deal.

The discount fun starts when you clip the 20% on-screen coupon, then continues when you enter the discount code EAFRE2SC during the checkout process. Do that and you’ll pay $23, which is an incredible price for a pair of wireless earbuds in 2024.

Such a low price might have you thinking that these earbuds will be pretty terrible, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Well-reviewed, these earbuds pack detailed sound and strong bass while sporting four microphones for clear calls when needed. Battery life runs to seven hours between charges, while a total of 30 hours of playtime is offered via the included charging case. Need a top-up? Ten minutes will give you an additional two hours of listening time when needed.

As far as wireless earbuds deals go, this is a real winner. But with a coupon and a discount code needed, we don’t expect this $23 price to last for long. Either component of this deal could go away at any time and without any warning, which means that placing your order as soon as possible is definitely the way to go if you want to lock this discount in.

Backing up your files regularly can help keep your data safe if your device fails, and cloud storage is one of the most reliable options, as it can be accessed from multiple devices. But despite its convenience, cloud storage can get expensive. That’s especially true if you pay a monthly fee and add up the cost over the lifetime of your account.

Prism Drive is making cloud storage more affordable. Right now when you get a subscription at StackSocial, you’ll get 20TB of cloud storage for life for just $90. That’s a one-time fee with no recurring charges, making it an ideal failsafe for your crucial data. This offer expires Feb. 26, so be sure to sign up before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

How does that compare to Prism Drive’s usual pricing? You’d regularly pay $249 per year for a 10TB account if you signed up directly via its site. There isn’t a 20TB option there right now, so not only are you getting twice the usual amount of storage but you’re paying less than half for it — and you pay that $90 fee only once, making this a pretty sweet deal. StackSocial is also offering deals on lifetime subscriptions to 1TB, 5TB and 10TB accounts if you don’t need as much space, but the 20TB remains the best value overall if your budget can stretch to $90.

Prism Drive lets you securely store your files and access them from practically anywhere using your computer, phone or tablet. You can upload just about any type of file, including MP4, JPEG and PPT files, and you can preview files in the cloud without having to download them first. Note that there is a file size upload limit of 10GB.

The service uses zero-knowledge encryption to keep your data secure, and deleted files can be recovered for up to 30 days. There’s no limit on the number of devices you can use to access your storage drive, and you can create sharable links to safely share files with friends and family.

Last year brought a crowd of superhero movies to the silver screen, and the heroics continued on popular streaming services. Now Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will join the ranks of superhero flicks from 2023.

The new Aquaman movie will hit Max next week, plunging Jason Momoa back into the underwater action. The sequel to 2018’s film sees Momoa’s Arthur Curry team with his nemesis/half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) and once again spar with Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), per a synopsis from Warner Bros. Other returning cast members include Amber Heard as Mera, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.

Aquaman 2 is directed by James Wan, who also directed the prior movie. (If you need a refresher, that flick is among the DC movies currently streaming on Max). Here’s exactly when you can watch Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in the US, plus how a VPN may be able to assist with streaming.

When to watch Aquaman 2 on Max

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom splashes onto Max in the early morning hours of Feb. 27 (12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET, to be exact).

Max has an ad-supported plan and two ad-free plans to choose from. In addition to removing ads, going for one of the latter plans gives you the ability to download titles. If you’d rather buy Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, it’s available at services including Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu for $20.

How to watch Aquaman 2 from anywhere with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Max while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming, too.

A VPN is the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and meets our security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose the United States, where Aquaman 2 will be streaming on Max. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Aquaman 2 on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you’re signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Max to stream.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services will restrict VPN access.

If you could change the story of your favorite childhood video game, would you? Or is it better to keep it just as you remembered? That’s the question at the center of Square Enix’s grand project to remake the classic 1997 roleplaying game Final Fantasy VII, and its latest chapter is about to begin.

Fans of the original Final Fantasy VII were curious how Square Enix would modernize it in 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, and discovered an exciting mix of nostalgia and novelty as the game ended by boldly promising to pivot away from the original plot. The new Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, out Feb. 29 on PS5, picks the story up from there, launching main characters Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and Barrett into another similar-yet-different adventure — but bigger than its predecessor in every way.

Read more: Best PlayStation Deals

After 50 hours of playtime so far (and still a ways from finishing), I’ve enjoyed nearly everything Rebirth has to offer. My chief frustration is that it’s short on answering the biggest questions that its predecessor teed up about how Cloud and company will change the story we know so well, leading me to wonder how much of the teased plot diversions are buried into the end stretch of the game. That is where one of the most infamous of Final Fantasy moments — Aerith’s fate — is expected to be.

But the game is bursting with charm and affection for the world Square Enix has built on the bones of its source material, and my pains are forgotten in a gleeful sea of cactuars and combat. I can patiently wait for the game to unfold, even if it’ll likely take another 20 or 30 hours for me to complete it.

Rebirth adapts the middle chunk of the original Final Fantasy VII. Now free of the industrial city of Midgar and diverging from their fated path, Cloud and friends set forth into the broader world. In meta-narrative terms, they’re free to change crucial elements of the classic FFVII story, but the game isn’t in a rush to get there. Like other second chapters of epic trilogies, Rebirth relaxes into a mix of joyous exploration, pensive backstories and goofy downtime games.

After a short prologue in which Cloud recalls the tragic fall of series villain Sephiroth from beloved war hero to mad killer, the group leaves the idyllic town of Kalm to explore the frontier beyond. Square Enix made a choice to gear big swathes of the game around the open-world model of the Far Cry and Horizon games — sprawling areas filled with enemies, resources, lore nodes and towers.

Much of this is optional, though you’ll miss out on helpful items and world background. It’s less advisable to skip the side quests; like in Remake, some of the most satisfying character moments are found in these brief jaunts. Also similar to Remake, there are many mini games and side quests both on and off the main story path, which are delightful on the whole and break up the repetitive list of ongoing open-world tasks.

What doesn’t change, at least in the initial stages of Rebirth, is variance from the plot of the original Final Fantasy VII. Whereas Remake ended with Aerith proclaiming the next part of the journey would be “boundless, terrifying freedom,” players are largely following the original game’s beats, visiting towns and plowing through bosses found in the original game. There are tantalizing hints that something has shifted — and though Square Enix would like reviewers not to spoil certain things, vignettes sprinkled through the first half of the game show characters who should be dead are instead alive and vice versa in what seems like a parallel reality.

What I found different from the original, and even from Remake, is the sheer scope of content — there’s just more to do. Now free of Midgar’s cramped slums, players have huge areas to explore, numerous side quests and optional activities that let you spend so much more time with your favorite spiky-haired protagonist and his friends.

What’s new in Rebirth?

At this point, eager players will likely have read early coverage and even gotten their hands on the free Rebirth demo for PS5 owners. But after dozens of hours in the game, I’ve got a better feel for how it revamps and re-energizes the Final Fantasy VII experience.

First, and what I spent the most time doing, is combat. Square Enix smoothed out some of the original’s rougher edges, giving you more options while fighting enemies. There are new combo attacks using multiple characters split between repeatable Synergy Skills and the more potent Synergy Abilities that briefly boost your capabilities, giving players more options in the heat of battle. While I haven’t found much use for the former, the latter bailed me out of several sticky situations when I was low on health and mana, so they’re worth investing in.

Read more: PS5 Is Entering the ‘Latter Stage of Its Life Cycle’: What That Means

Each character’s individual fighting style has been overhauled to make them unique and more fun to use, sometimes in simple ways — for instance, Cloud gets a standard distance attack that makes fighting aerial enemies far less annoying. A new block mechanic lets you negate damage if you block at the perfect time, while more materia types expand character build possibilities. Also, you’re now free to use your summon materia in essentially any battle after a period of time (not just the big bosses).

All these improvements soothed enough of my frustrations with Remake’s combat system to make fighting more bearable and interesting, so anyone else who struggled in the last game will find Rebirth’s fighting systems more flexible and forgiving.

You can switch party members on the fly in the open world (from three preset party compositions), and in combat, those not in the party will make occasional attacks from the sidelines — token efforts that charmingly reinforce the feeling that your whole motley group is there for each other.

The game introduces item crafting, too, allowing you to make potions and equipment while out in the field, and thankfully it isn’t much harder than picking up occasional resource materials on the ground as you go. Moving around is easier as you can hop fences and jump up ledges with a button press, as well as traverse areas easier with chocobos, vehicles and, at long last, fast travel.

But aside from the slight differences in combat and new systems, Rebirth has a markedly different feel to Remake in its use of space. No longer forced into the narrow corridors of Midgar, Remake beckons you to explore its vast grasslands, traverse its beautiful beaches and ascend its rocky cliffs above cerulean waters. Some secrets await you in the unexplored corners of maps, but you’ll just as often follow a path to find an achingly gorgeous vista — a reward in itself. I’m no stranger to the open worlds of Final Fantasy XII, XIV and XV, but there’s something different about doing it with Cloud and other classic characters, hearing a swelling rendition of Final Fantasy VII’s theme booming through my speakers and feeling that boundless freedom wandering around Rebirth’s wild lands on the back of a chocobo (chocoback?).

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Photo Mode Screenshots From the Frontier

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Early on, you’re instructed on how to use the game’s photo mode, which is a single button press away from the pause menu. It doesn’t take long before you start to recognize intentionally placed spurs of rock overlooking the valleys below and mountains beyond, or the crafting materials luring you to the lip of a cliff path — breadcrumbs getting you to not just take a ton of photos but take pauses, too.

While the original Final Fantasy VII had luscious prerendered backgrounds for players to gaze at as they wandered its polygonal areas, Square Enix not-so-subtly nudges players in Rebirth to enjoy the beautiful lands it has so carefully constructed. More than any other game I’ve played, Rebirth invites me to love a landscape, frame a shot and share in-game moments with friends. (And once the game launches, I’ll finally be able to open the floodgates and send all the screenshots I’ve been banking!)

Side quests and mini games: The soul of FFVII Rebirth

Remake had its work cut out for it developing a new real-time combat system, art style and plenty of extra story as it expanded the first third of Final Fantasy VII into a full-length modern game. But for players like me eager for fun character moments, the best parts were the mini games and side quests. Rebirth carries that spirit forward with even more of both, embracing the wacky weirdness at the heart of the original Final Fantasy VII and taking it up a notch.

When you’re fighting a megacorporation bent on sucking the planet dry while endeavoring to stop a murderous supersoldier, the silliness of the mini games and side quests feels human, communal and vivacious. I frequently got caught up in the intensity of a mini game sequence and laughed that I’d become a tryhard at riding a dolphin or playing Rocket-League-with-animals as Red XIII. A midgame side quest brings back Remake’s chill-to-the-max Johnny as you help him in his next scheme to make it big in the seaside resort town of Costa del Sol, which was a romp. And the less you know about Fort Condor before experiencing it yourself, the better.

Then there’s Queen’s Blood, the new card game sweeping the continents. While the complex rules and opaque flow of the game take some time to learn, lacking the elegance of the Final Fantasy series’ best card game Triple Triad and the best theme song, the novel three-lane approach of Queen’s Blood will become a pastime for players like me who need to pause their world-saving quest to throw down with NPCs who need a good humbling.

A legacy, a story remade, a not-so-final fantasy

The top question on any FFVII fan’s mind is: How much has it changed the original plot? And by far, Square Enix’s biggest opportunity is rewriting one of the biggest twists in gaming history (spoilers for a 27-year-old classic) and saving sweet Aerith from her cruel death at the hands of the villain Sephiroth.

I’ve only made it 50 hours into the game and can’t answer that yet. But even if I knew, I wouldn’t want the dilemma of that moment to overshadow everything Square Enix has done to make a joyful game that celebrates a motley group of flinty oddballs that defy heroic convention but grow to care about each other anyway.

Remake beat you over the head with the fact that This Time Would Be Different, throwing fate-conspiring Whisper ghosts at Cloud at every turn. In contrast, Rebirth spends its early and middle game letting the characters follow a path largely similar to the original’s plot, but rich with character heart-to-hearts, games to play and goofy but charming hijinks. Even without strongly diverging from the original Final Fantasy VII, Rebirth is different in letting these strangers grow closer together, moment by moment.

As the game trained me to find spots to pause for a screenshot, I climbed these vistas and sand berms, these mountain perches and jungle waterfalls, and think: Man, what a beautiful world Square Enix has created to bring this old story into a new reality. This is a planet I’ll fight Shinra for, right alongside the good friends I’ve grown with along the way.

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