Looks like the Friday update came early. Really nice video on what was one of my favorite things from my brief time in beta: the companions. I don't think I can really describe just how awesome I thought they were. It's something you've just got to see for yourself. They aren't quite as fully realized as, say, Mass Effect crewmates, but I thought they were so far beyond standard MMO pets that it wasn't even funny. As the video mentions, they do level up with you, and they do acquire new skills along the way. You can tell them exactly what skills you want them to use, and best of all, they have personality. They'll interject themselves into conversations, they'll occasionally make random comments as you move through the world. It's just...really cool. I was really impressed by them during the beta weekend, at least the two I was able to see (1 smuggler, 1 bounty hunter).