The Nintendo Switch features lots of excellent shooter games. In this list, we'll go through the very best.
from Digital Trends https://ift.tt/37rTQQb
from Digital Trends https://ift.tt/37rTQQb
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Much was made during the Republican Convention of the lack of a party platform. The media characterized this as a capitulation to the Cult of Trump phenomenon, but the questioned begged was: so what? If you’re running as a candidate to disrupt the status quo…. But beneath the media framing, an important question emerges. What exactly is the platform we need to emerge from the toxic situation we find ourselves in?
For months, if not years, the technology industry has been working on a new platform to succeed the previous one. Mobile would seem to be that fundamental shift from the desktop world of Windows and PCs. The twin dominance of powerful phones by Google and Apple has created a new language of notifications and streaming video perfectly timed for the devastating pandemic. Our devices are now the front lines for managing the struggle to stay alive for our loved ones, the economy, and our future.
Zoom is of course the poster child for all that it enables, and certainly what it doesn’t. The notion of work from home is more likely a question of what is home and what’s the difference with work? The routines of life are congealing around the interactions with phone, watch, iPad, laptop, and TV. When I wake up, the first dive is for the notification stream built up overnight from overseas and then the East Coast. The rhythm varies from day to day: intense on Monday as the weekend cobwebs dissipate, more issue oriented through the middle of the week, and finally a thank-god-it’s Friday feel. Email, text messages, media updates, and work calendar reminders.
And then there’s the outline of the new platform — live streaming notifications from what some call citizen media, or the influencer network, or the loyal opposition. That last one refers to the decline in trust of the mainstream media. Maybe it’s just me, but the cable model of host-driven cyclical repetition of the headlines, talking heads, and medical ads adds up to a trip first to the mute button and eventually the off switch. Which plugs me right back into the notification stream and a new contract with us based on whether we click on the link or even allow the notification in the first place.
And these new voices are networks of one or a few, broadcasting on a global reach pastiche of cloud services that begin with the ubiquity of Zoom and its click and you’re there ease of on boarding. Then there are the key networks of record as it were: Facebook Live, Twitter/Periscope, YouTube, and maybe LinkedIn if you’re Brent Leary and got an early invite. There’s a whole bunch of streaming accelerators like Restream and StreamYard and Just Streams (I made that up) to use software and a dash of hardware to do what it took many thousands of dollars and cables just a few years ago. Right now it’s early days, but soon you’ll be seeing something that looks like the media it’s replacing as the OG buys in.
Don’t believe me? Just look at how streaming has disrupted the television industry. Or the music business. Or the reemergence of podcasting and newsletters. Or how messaging is growing rapidly as a preferred digital commerce and marketing channel. The pandemic has certainly had a devastating effect with the loss of theaters, events, and travel that drive so much of our economy and the emotional underpinning of our lives. But as we learn to respect the power of the virus to force this digital wave of transformation, we fuel the winners that emerge from a new hybrid blend of evolution and adaptation.
Technology has often been seen as impersonal and cold to the touch. But now we should be making friends with robots for touchless shopping, At the beginning of this Gillmor Gang session, Frank Radice seemed stunned by the administration’s takeover of the symbols of our Washington monuments for political purposes. By the end, he seemed more hopeful of a different result. We have more ways now of making our voices heard, broadcasting our own names in fireworks above and beyond the fake news and suppression. Our platform: suppress the virus, not the vote.
__________________
The Gillmor Gang — Frank Radice, Michael Markman, Keith Teare, Denis Pombriant, Brent Leary, and Steve Gillmor. Recorded live Friday, August 28, 2020.
Produced and directed by Tina Chase Gillmor @tinagillmor
@fradice, @mickeleh, @denispombriant, @kteare, @brentleary, @stevegillmor, @gillmorgang
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Sony's imaging department is seemingly keeping very busy, if the latest reports are to be believed.
According to Sony Alpha Rumors – a reliable source for Sony camera news – the company has a brand-new range of full-frame mirrorless cameras in the pipeline, with the first in the new series potentially being announced in September.
The rumors site claims it has reliable information from two sources who have "confirmed" the imminent arrival of a "C" series of "super compact" E mount full-framers, starting with a model dubbed "A7C".
As per the report, the A7C will have a body similar to Sony's compact APS-C mirrorless line – specifically the A6600 – but with the 24.2MP full-frame sensor of the A7 III under the hood, similar performance to the third-generation A7 camera, and will inherit the fully articulating rear LCD of the A7S III. It's also rumored to come with a pop-up electronic viewfinder found on some of Sony's compact Cyber-shot RX100 cameras.
Other leaked specifications for the rumored Sony A7C include a single SD card slot, USB-C in-camera battery charging, onboard Wi-Fi, and in-built mic and headphone jacks.
Sony is reportedly cashing in on the vlogging market with the new line-up, potentially providing its fans with alternatives to its recently launched ZV-1.
Unlike the ZV-1, which is an affordable camera at $749 (£699 / AU$1,299), Sony Alpha Rumors claims the A7C – supposedly an entry level model – will debut with a price tag of over $2,000 (possibly more than £1,500 / AU$2,700 in UK and Australia).
The report also claims a new line of compact lenses designated the "V" series is also being produced. Whether these are exclusively for the C series cameras is as yet unclear, but with an expected mid-September announcement, we'll find out soon enough.
The CDN provider Fastly has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Signal Sciences for $775m in cash and stock.
By acquiring the security monitoring and management company, Fastly will be able to bolster its existing security offerings to bring customers a unified edge security solution. At the same time though, the CDN provider will also combine its current solutions with Signal Sciences' technology to form its new security offering, Secure@Edge.
Secure@Edge will be a new modern, unified web application and API protection solution that will protect organizations that are looking to start or further their digital transformation efforts.
By combining content delivery and security, Fastly will ensure that businesses' websites don't go down and that browsers will be able to quickly download and deliver their content. Online companies often choose Fastly or even its competitor Cloudflare for this reason.
The Signal Sciences acquisition also supports Fastly's mission to provide simplified, secure and frictionless solutions at scale while providing organizations with a better alternative to the existing array of fragmented solutions needed to protect their web applications and APIs.
Co-founder and CEO of Signal Sciences, Andrew Peterson praised the deal in a press release, saying:
“Our mission has always been to secure web applications and APIs through a developer-first approach. Together with Fastly, we will be able to offer enhanced protection to a broader set of customers across multiple verticals and geographies. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Fastly, an ideal partner who shares our values, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to extending the DevOps movement into the realm of security.”
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Fastly will acquire Signal Sciences for $200m in cash and approximately $575m worth of Class A Common Stock. The CDN provider will also establish a retention pool of $50m worth of restricted stock units which will be given to Signal Sciences employees.
The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval but both companies expect it to close in 2020.
Via TechCrunch
Following its recent appearance in an FCC filing, Google's long-rumored Android TV dongle, is now closer than ever to an official reveal thanks to a listing found within US retailer Home Depot's internal systems. And, if the listing's pricing is to be believed, it will be surprisingly affordable.
As reported by 9to5Google, the Android TV-powered Chromecast Ultra successor will be priced at $49.99 (around £37 / AU$68), placing it right in the same ballpark as the Amazon TV Fire Stick 4K and the Roku Streaming Stick.
According to Home Depot's listing, which can still be viewed thanks to Google Cache, the streaming device will be called Sabrina as per previous rumors.
That said, it's worth noting that both the image and description included in Home Depot's now-removed Sabrina listing was that of the current Chromecast Ultra, and not of the expected Android TV-powered dongle with remote – this implies the listing is more of a placeholder than anything concrete.
Of course, there is some new information to be found within Home Depot's system, including the names of at least three expected colors for the device: Rock Candy, Como Blue and Summer Melon.
While Como Blue suggests a similar color to the Nest Mini's Sky variant, the other two color options could be just about anything. We won't know for sure until Google officially unveils its new streaming device, which should be sooner rather than later.
Ereaders have been exploding in popularity lately – this surge of demand quite possibly steams from people stuck indoors wanting to fill the extra hours in their days with something move constructive than just binge-watching Netflix.
Reading is a fantastic hobby that expands your mind, deepens your knowledge and takes the lid off your imagination. What's even better is that the best ereaders around are currently being discounted by major retailers so you can grab yours without making a dent in your back pocket.
At the moment, the best device available for quality and price is Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite. Currently on sale for AU$179 through Amazon, this ereader is one of the more affordable options in the Kindle series, and the latest iteration is thinner and lighter than ever before.
The Paperwhite has a stunning 6-inch screen with a 300ppi resolution that makes the words sharp and clear, creating a better reading experience overall. It’s also packed with 8GB of storage and is Wi-Fi enabled so you can download books from the Kindle Store whenever you wish.
You’ll also be able to adjust the built-in light from white to warmer hues to reduce eye strain caused by blue light– a nifty feature, especially when you’re in the habit of reading before bed.
However, unlike the Oasis, the Paperwhites chassis hasn’t been designed for single-hand use, so that’s something to keep in mind when deciding what ereader to get.
That said, the Paperwhite does feature IPX8 waterproofing, and the battery will go weeks before you need to recharge – this combined with all of the above features, makes this ebook a perfect companion, whether at home or out-and-about.
If this sounds like the deal you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate to grab yours today through Amazon and save a handy AU$20.
Kindle Paperwhite | AU$179 (was AU$199; save AU$20)
Grab Amazon’s mid-range ereader and get lost in the immersive world of reading for only AU$179. This nifty ereader is waterproof (so it’s safe from accidental bath incidents), has a glamorous 6-inch screen and is Wi-Fi enabled – everything you need in an ereader. Head to Amazon to secure your very own portable library today. View Deal
Qualcomm announced the next generation of chipsets to power mid-range gaming phones: the Snapdragon 732G, which could power the Google Pixel 5a and Xiaomi Mi Note 11.
That’s because the new chipset is replacing the Snapdragon 730G, which was introduced in mid-2019 and powers the Google Pixel 4a, Xiaomi Mi Note 10 family, and other mid-range phones. At least one phonemaker – POCO – has already affirmed in Qualcomm’s press release it will use the 732G in one of its future phones.
The improvements aren’t too significant from the Snapdragon 730G to the new 732G, but that’s not surprising in a year-old chipset: the core clock speed is upped from 2.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz, while the Adreno 618 GPU has 15% improved graphical rendering, according to the official press release.
The Snapdragon 732G has an X15 LTE modem, which doesn’t have 5G connectivity. That sets a clear line between the cheaper mid-range phones powered by this chipset and (assumedly) each that’s numbered lower and the minimal 5G-capable chipset, the Snapdragon 765 and 765G.
It’s no surprise that we’ll continue to see 4G LTE-only phones as 5G infrastructure is built out, especially given the increase in price for 5G connectivity that we’ve seen in this year’s 5G phones. The question was: what’s the threshold dividing these two groups?
That answer seems to be the Snapdragon 765, and every chipset below it won’t be able to connect to 5G. That could change, of course, especially if the Qualcomm processors replacing the Snapdragon 675 (found in the TCL 10 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A70, and other phones) could offer 5G capability to budget and/or mid-range phones. But we’ll have to wait and see what Qualcomm offers.
Even large organizations often need help finding vulnerabilities in their software and services which is why many either start their own bug bounty programs or partner with the bug bounty platform HackerOne to do so.
Security researchers expect to be paid for their work and some have even become millionaires for finding critical vulnerabilities that could have serious repercussions for businesses if they were to be exposed online.
However, a security researcher who recently disclosed multiple vulnerabilities to Slack, which could have allowed an attacker to take over a user's computer, only received $1,750 from the company valued at close to $20bn.
Security engineer Oskars Vegeris from Evolution Gaming privately shared extensive details on the vulnerabilities he discovered in a detailed write-up to Slack back in January of this year. If exploited, these bugs would have allowed an attacker to upload a file and share it with another Slack user or channel to take over a victim's computer.
Vegeris provided further details on the vulnerabilities he discovered in a HackerOne report that was recently made public at his request, saying:
“With any in-app redirect - logic/open redirect, HTML or javascript injection it's possible to execute arbitrary code within Slack desktop apps. This report demonstrates a specifically crafted exploit consisting of an HTML injection, security control bypass and a RCE Javascript payload. This exploit was tested as working on the latest Slack for desktop (4.2, 4.3.2) versions (Mac/Windows/Linux).”
According to the report, Vegeris showed multiple ways in which Slack apps could be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution on a user's computer. He even went as far as to make a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) exploit video show just how easy it would be for a hacker to exploit these bugs if they were left unpatched.
Vegeris himself wasn't happy for receiving just $1,750 for disclosing multiple bugs and neither was the rest of the security community. However, the payments he received were in line with rewards detailed on Slack's HackerOne page.
Chief security officer at Slack, Larkin Ryder has since apologized to Vegeris on the company's HackerOne page after a blog post was published detailing his work without credit, which has since been fixed, saying:
“I am writing to convey very sincere apologies for any oversight in crediting your work. We very much appreciate the time and effort you've invested in making Slack safer. While the security team didn't author this blog post and the author has no visibility to your work in H1, we should make the extra steps to ensure all who contributed to improvement efforts in this area are recognized. I will investigate making appropriate updates to our blog post. Brandon will followup to ensure those updates are to your satisfaction and to coordinate your disclosure request. Again, I am very sorry for any misstep on our part.”
Via BleepingComputer
You're not alone if you're wondering where to buy a Nintendo Switch. With stock shortages hitting retailers across the world, plenty of Nintendo fans are still waiting to get their hands on either the fully fledged console, or its handheld-only Lite version. That said, we're seeing the Nintendo Switch in stock a little more often right now, and with rumors of production starting back up again things might be a little more stable soon.
The reason these consoles keep selling out is obvious: a lot of people have been in lockdown over the past few months, and this is the best console to buy right now, given that the Xbox One and PS4 will be replaced this year. See our Nintendo Switch bundles and deals page for an around-the-clock update on how the console's supplies are doing, but below we'll pick out stock across the internet for your convenience. If you're just after a handheld, you'll find the latest Nintendo Switch Lite deals and sales available as well. We're also bringing you the best cheap Pro Controller prices as well so you can get the full experience.
Nintendo Switch stock alert US, UK & AU:
If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch in stock in the US, you'll want to head to GameStop first. With their higher value bundles dissuading scalpers, any new stock that does come in seems to last a lot longer here. If there's nothing available at GameStop, however, you'll want to check Amazon and Newegg as well.
Nintendo Switch Neon | Animal Crossing | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Minecraft | Pro Controller: $519 at GameStop
This is a lot to pay for a Nintendo Switch in stock this weekend, but you're actually getting good value here. With three big name games and a Pro Controller included, GameStop is making sure only the fans are buying their new Switch stock to avoid scalpers here.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch Gray | Animal Crossing | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Minecraft | Pro Controller: $519 at GameStop
You'll also find the Gray Nintendo Switch in stock at GameStop this weekend as well. Offering up the same bundle as above, we'd move quickly on this one to avoid disappointment.
View Deal
Where to look for more Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch stock:
If you're looking for where to buy a Nintendo Switch in the UK, your best bet is to check Very and Argos first. These two retailers have been the first to post new stock when it has become available in the UK, so offer your best shot at grabbing a console as soon as it hits the shelf. Amazon has also offered up its own inventory over the past few weeks as well, however.
Nintendo Switch Neon Red & Blue: £279 at Currys
Currys currently has the Nintendo Switch in stock, with the standard £279 price on the Neon Red & Blue model. You'll have to move quickly, though, because these offers run out quick. You'll also find stock available at Amazon for this price as well.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Animal Crossing New Horizons: £319 at Currys
Or, bundle up and save some cash on this Animal Crossing: New Horizons bundle. Currys will only have a limited supply of these consoles, though, so don't leave it too long.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Paper Mario: The Origami King: £319.99 at Very
Paper Mario: The Origami King is the latest first party title to hit the Nintendo Switch system, which makes its inclusion in Very's selection of bundles all the more impressive this week.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: £319.99 at Very
There's no doubt about it, Mario Kart is a classic starter game for a new Nintendo system. Grab the latest version with your Nintendo Switch deal for £319.99 at Very.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Luigi's Mansion 3: £319.99 at Very
Luigi's Mansion 3 offers an excellent multiplayer and single player experience for kids and adults alike. It's a fan favourite when it comes to Nintendo Switch deals, so be quick to snap up this offer from Very.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Super Mario Maker 2: £319.99 at Very
Think you could do a better job? Prove it with Super Mario Maker 2 - this Nintendo Switch bundle offers up the DIY platforming creator for a fantastic £319 price at Very.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | Pokemon Sword / Shield: £319.99 at Very
The latest Pokemon games are also included in Very's Nintendo Switch deals. Linked here is Pokemon Sword, but you'll also find Shield for the same price.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch | The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: £319.99 at Very
If you're feeling nostalgic, the latest Nintendo Switch stock also includes this Link's Awakening bundle for the same £319.99 price.
View Deal
With things slowly getting back to normal in most of Australia's states and territories, Nintendo Switch stock has started return to store shelves and online retailers. That said, the highly sought-after console/handheld doesn't tend to stay in stock for very long, meaning it's best to act fast in order to secure a unit. Here are the best Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite deals in Australia at the moment.
Nintendo Switch console (2019 edition) | AU$448
It seems like every time Nintendo Switch consoles (with docking station and detachable Joy-Cons) are back in stock at Amazon Australia, they sell out incredibly fast! Thankfully, the console is back in stock once again, meaning you can pick up the Switch in both the Neon Blue/Red Joy-Cons or Grey Joy-Cons versions right now for AU$448 if you hurry! We don't expect this batch to last long, so grab yours today!View Deal
Nintendo Switch Lite: Amazon Australia – AU$294 - AU$299
In Australia, Amazon' has some stock back on hand for the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite in grey for AU$294, while turquoise and yellow are temporarily currently out of stock. Additionally,. the all-new coral edition Nintendo Switch Lite is back in stock, priced at AU$319.
View Deal
Nintendo Switch Lite: Kogan – AU$299
Kogan still has plenty of Nintendo Switch Lite units in stock, and for the first time since in several months, they've received a discount! You can now pick up the Nintendo Switch Lite from Kogan in yellow, grey and turquoise editions of the handheld for only AU$299 – that's a saving of AU$30 from Kogan's previous price.
View Deal
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only console, while the Nintendo Switch functions as a home console, too, plugging into your TV. That said, if you want a Nintendo Switch right now, the Switch Light is far easier to get hold of. Here's where it's in stock right now.
It's a combination of a few factors: the global pandemic has led to a rush of people buying the console to fill their hours indoors, which isn't surprising. At the same time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has released, a long-awaited game and a massive crossover hit that's captured the imaginations of a wider, mainstream audience. The Switch has been regularly selling out for a while now. This has just exacerbated the issue.
In addition, back in February, Bloomberg posted a report warning that a potential bottleneck with component supplies coming out of China (caused by coronavirus) would see stock dry up as soon as April. If the reasoning mentioned in that report was correct, it looks like they were pretty on the money with the timing, except stock looks like it'll be gone even faster than that.
"Nintendo Switch hardware is selling out at various retail locations in the US, but more systems are on the way. We apologize for any inconvenience," is what Nintendo told THR in a statement. So, more stock is on the way. But when will you you be able to buy a Nintendo Switch?
The situation is hard to predict given that Nintendo has reportedly faced supply line issues over the current health crisis, but Nintendo intends to make 10% more consoles than it did in 2019 to help meet the increase in demand (assuming its supply lines can keep up). A Nintendo representative told Nikkei, though, that it can't be sure how many Switch units will be supplied as it procures parts for the console.
Our prediction? The Switch will be hard to get hold of all year, but we'd be surprised if we see many more new units released as parts of the world are in lockdown. We're hopeful we'll see the Switch more readily available in the summer months.
Again, this is just our best guess, but you can be guaranteed that when the Switch does come back, folks will be rushing to claim the new consoles. It's very likely to sell out again.
In the meantime, our advice is to avoid being gouged by third-party sellers who are inflating the price. $299.99/£279.99/AU$469 is the MSRP/RRP for the regular Switch, while $199.99/£199.99/AU$329 is the price for the Switch Lite. Paying above that isn't worth it unless you're picking up a bundle with games and accessories.
As soon as those consoles hit that warehouse, retailers are going to want to get them on the shelves. And you can bet they'll be flying into delivery trucks just as quickly. If you hear word that the Nintendo Switch is back in stock in the US, Amazon and Walmart will be your best bet.
With massive warehouse inventories, speedy delivery, and quick checkout processes, these retailers are primed to pick up your Nintendo Switch order ahead of the queue. Plus, in all our time covering Nintendo Switch bundle deals, these stores have consistently won out in value, meaning you're more likely to grab some extras for your cash.
In the UK, Currys and Game are likely to offer the first bundles of the pack, though don't underestimate the power of Argos same day delivery if you want your console now. We'll likely see the best prices come out of Currys, who are normally reluctant to increase the cost of the console as demand reaches its peak, and if you're looking for the fastest checkout times to secure yours before everyone else, you'll want to keep an eye on Amazon as well.
If stock has already been wiped clean at these retailers by the time you get there, you'll still be left wondering where to buy a Nintendo Switch. Luckily, plenty of non-tech retailers stock the Nintendo Switch as well, so you'll have luck with John Lewis, Jacamo and Studio among others.
In Australia, Amazon is likely your best bet, though it's worth keeping an eye on other online stores, such as Kogan and eBay. While it might take a while, big retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and Big W are also likely to receive new stock, and game retailers such as EB Games and The Gamesmen are also expected to get more units soon.
Don't leave yourself wondering where to buy a Nintendo Switch on the day, get prepped now and you have every chance of bagging one when the masses flock to the shelves.
Right now, you're more likely to find a Switch Lite than you are a regular Switch, but stock is still selling out fast. Here's a quick price comparison chart for the Switch Lite:
The tech that comes in the iPhone 12 box might be completely different to what you expect, if various leaks and rumors are to be believed.
iPhones generally come with four things in the box - the phone, EarPods with a Lightning connector, a USB to Lightning cable, and a USB power connector.
Well, the iPhone 12 might only come with one of those things, according to some rumors (that 'one thing' is the phone, obviously), as people are speculating that Apple might stop bundling in as much tech alongside the handset.
Different leaks have pointed towards Apple dropping the EarPods, or the charger, or maybe both, and maybe there will be a wildcard thrown in there too. To help you understand the different possible items in the box, we're going to run you through the possible accessories and what we've heard about them so far.
We've heard lots of leaks saying the iPhone 12 won't come with an in-box charger, with Apple potentially skipping the wall plug and maybe even the USB cable that goes with it.
An analyst has stated as much, an Apple survey hinted towards it, and a recent report backed those up, which if true would suggest wired charging is less of a priority for the company.
The logic goes that many people don't need a new charger when they get a new phone, as if you're buying an iPhone 12 you're probably upgrading from an older iPhone which uses the same Lightning connector.
The phone would likely be a little cheaper to make up for the lack of an in-box charger, letting people who actually do need one buy it themselves. In addition, this would cut down on e-waste as there would be fewer superfluous chargers that go unused.
This lack of a charger isn't a sure thing though - since hearing the rumors that the iPhone 12 will come without a charger, we've heard more that dispute that. One leak showed what the cable apparently looks like, and another apparently shows what the USB power connector (that you plug into the wall) will look like. This leak says the phone will have 20W wired charging, which is faster than the iPhone 11.
Most of the leaks about the charging tech came after the rumors saying there would be no charger, and came from different sources - this could be an attempt for some leakers to prove others wrong, or just to correct errant information. We can't be sure for now.
But there are enough sources disputing the lack of an in-box charger for us to think it's pretty likely that the iPhone 12 will come with one.
While EarPods are a staple of iPhones, coming in the boxes with the new phones, a leaker says the iPhone 12 might not have them. Instead, apparently the company will ditch them to bolster sales of its AirPods, which people would presumably want to buy instead.
Presumably, dropping the EarPods will also let Apple drop the price of the iPhone a little bit, and reduce e-waste for people who want to use their own headphones.
A recent report backed up this idea, so it's not coming from a lone voice.
There haven't been as many rumors pointing to the EarPods being dropped as the charger, but if something is being lost from the box, the EarPods make more sense - people are more likely to buy headphones separately than a phone charger.
With so many great true wireless earbuds on the market, now is the perfect time for Apple to drop the EarPods too.
Consider this one possible - we can't call it likely, but it would make sense.
If Apple strips stuff out of the iPhone 12 box, could it throw anything else in instead?
We've been expecting Apple AirTags for a while now, and they're said to be Apple's take on Tile trackers - little devices you attach to things, which you can then use an app to find wherever in the world they are.
If Apple introduced the technology at its iPhone 12 launch, a great way to get people to start using them would be to bundle the tech with the new iPhone. But since we've been hearing about AirTags for ages now, and they still haven't materialized, there's no guarantee they'll be coming along any time soon.
Another possible thing to include in the box is a cheap wireless charging pad. Apple is purportedly gearing up to launch a portless iPhone in the next few years, which would rely on wireless charging to power up.
Apple could use the iPhone 12 to 'soft launch' that idea, not by dropping wired charging tech but by nudging people in the direction of wireless. It could get iPhone fans on board with the cordless powering, so the future portless iPhone isn't so much of a leap.
A wireless charging pad would also contribute less to e-waste than a wired charger, since it's far less likely people will have their own wireless charging pads compared to normal chargers.
We'll have to see what comes with the iPhone 12 when it launches later in the year - maybe it'll have a surprisingly futuristic array of accessories, or maybe it'll be the same four things we always see.
Towards the end of last year, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi K30 series in China, which went on to have many more members in the eventual months. A new tip suggests that the popular mid-ranger might be on its way to India.
The Redmi K30 and K30 5G were announced in December of last year. The non-5G variant made it to India as the Poco X2, but the rest of the family members were nowhere to be seen. Almost nine months later, the Redmi K30 5G might finally launch in India. Considering that the Redmi K20 series is more than a year old at this point, a refresh does make sense.
According to Ishan Agarwal, the Redmi K30 5G will launch in India in the near future, in the Frost White and Mist Purple colours. He expects only three configurations to be initially available — 6GB + 64GB, 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 128GB. Information around expected pricing was not shared.
Exclusive for @Pricebaba: #Xiaomi *may* launch the Redmi K30 5G soon in India. Yes, with the K30 5G name.-First #Redmi 5G phone to launch in India (possibly with SD765G)-Frost White & Mist Purple with upto 8+128GB ConfigurationFor more, link: https://t.co/rHZfzWuyfZ pic.twitter.com/AvwoOVqaeDAugust 30, 2020
The Redmi K30 5G was one of the first smartphones to be powered by the Snapdragon 765G chipset, and also held the crown for the cheapest 5G phone for a short while. Built on a 7nm EUV+ node, it is an octa-core chipset that has an integrated model along with Adreno 620 graphics.
The other big upgrade comes with the display, as the Redmi K30 5G sports a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The selfie cameras are housed in a punch-hole cutout on the top left. There’s a 20MP primary shooter along with a 2MP depth sensor for portraits.
On the back is a quad-camera setup consisting of a 64MP (Sony IMX686) primary camera, followed by an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. The Redmi K30 5G runs off a 4,500mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging over USB Type-C.
In China, the phone starts at CNY 1,999 (~Rs 20,500) for the base variant with 6GB of RAM and 64GB storage. The 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at CNY 2,299 while the 8GB + 128GB model is priced at CNY 2,599. The delay in it arriving to India could have an impact on the pricing as well.
Source: Pricebaba
Google is reportedly bringing the NFC powered Tap & Pay feature to its widely used Google Pay application in India. While the flagship phones like Samsung Galaxy phones or the iPhones already have this feature inbuilt, however, thanks to Google Pay, it will be soon available to all smartphone users who have an NFC enabled phone.
To explain, Tap and Pay is an intuitive payment method that allows you to make a payment without needing to pull out your card from the wallet. Yes, it does make use of the smartphone, however, unlike the regular scan the QR code method all you need to do is just tap your smartphone on the POS machine. The only limitation here is that both the smartphone and the POS machine need to be NFC enabled.
Announced last year, the contactless payment system on Google Pay is now available to some users in the country and is being rolled out in a staggered manner. As of now Google Pay Tap & Pay feature is limited to Visa cards issues by Axis and SBI bank cards. There is no clarity on the support for Rupay and Master Cards as of now.
Adding a debit or credit card to Google Pay is fairly easy and you can follow the below-mentioned process to easily add your bank cards in case the feature is available on your phone already. Additional details around how to manage and unlink your card can be found on the support page set up by Google.
Once done, you’ll be able to use Google Pay to make contactless payments at the NFC enabled terminals. In a related piece of News, even Jio along with NPCI is looking to bring a similar feature to its ultra-affordable JioPhone.
Via: AndroidPolice
With so many shows and movies to choose from on Australia's major streaming services, it can often be difficult to finding the best new stuff that's been added each week.
In an effort to make things easier, every Monday we'll be hand-picking the best new shows and movies that are added to Aussie streaming platforms each week, covering the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Binge, Stan and Amazon Prime Video.
Below, you'll find a list of this weekend's highlights, separated by streaming service, with binge-worthy new shows sitting alongside some great big-budget new movie arrivals – and a couple of oddball dark horse entries, just for some variety.
This week is rather jam-packed in terms of new releases, with some extremely high-profile shows and movies to look forward to. Here are our streaming picks for week of August 31 to September 6, 2020.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (Movie – available September 4)
From the creative mind of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Enternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) comes I'm Thinking of Ending Things, a film that's takes the filmmaker's unmistakable mind-bending style into darker territory. Based on Iain Reid’s acclaimed novel, the film sees a young woman (Jessie Buckley) accompany her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to meet his family for the first time. Right from the outset, something feels very off about these people...
Chef's Table: BBQ (TV series - all episodes available September 2)
Does the thought of slow-cooked ribs and brisket make your mouth water like Mark Zuckerberg when he's near a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's? You're going to love the latest instalment of Netflix's fantastic Chef's Table series, which is dedicated entirely to different types of BBQ from around the world. Better get your bib ready...
The Boys: Season 2 (TV Series – all episodes available September 4)
Arguably the best superhero show on television, The Boys returns for its highly anticipated second season, and early word has it that it's even better than the first. Following on from last season's bombshell reveal regarding the wife of Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), the boys ramp up their war on the 'supes'. Unfortunately for them, they have a new (and extremely volatile) supe to deal with in Stormfront (Aya Cash).
Disney's Mulan (Movie – available to purchase from September 4)
It's official – the live-action Mulan is skipping theatres entirely to debut on Disney Plus, but it'll cost a hefty premium of AU$34.99 on top of your monthly subscription fee to watch it. Thankfully, this purchase, which Disney is calling Premiere Access to Mulan, will be permanently tied to your Disney Plus account, meaning you'll be able to watch it as many times as you like (so long as you're still subscribed to the service).
Doom Patrol (TV series – all episodes available September 2)
The surprise hit of DC's original television lineup, Doom Patrol is a quirky superhero show about a team of outcasts who brought together under the guidance of a mad scientist (Timothy Dalton). A hilarious comic book series for adults, Doom Patrol's second season looks even crazier than the first (in a good way).
Power Book II: Ghost (TV Series – Season 1, Episode 1 available September 6)
Picking up after the shock ending of Power's sixth season, Power Book II: Ghost takes the story in an entirely new direction, acting almost as an entire new series that's set in the same universe. In Ghost, we follow Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.) as he navigates his new life while trying to shed his father's legacy. That said, he'll stop at nothing to protect his family.
The Indian e-commerce space, which has been showing incipient signs of recovery, is hoping to further improve its showing in the oncoming festival season.
For this festival season --- typically from before the Dusshera time and running till New Year or oven Pongal in the Southern States --- the e-commerce platforms are expecting a 30% increase from their last year's figure in sales.
The surge in sales is based on the increase in online shopping ever since the social distancing norms came into place. A slew of new launches across diverse products is also seen as a positive cause.
Hope is further buoyed by the fact that two of the biggest online players in India, Amazon and Flipkart, recorded a combined sales in the range of Rs 5,600 crore -Rs 6,000 crore during their Prime Day and Big Savings Days sale events in August.
According to a report in the Economic Times, which quoted executives at online marketplaces, "new models of smartphones, work-from-home and study-from-home enablers are expected to drive sales, while apparel and fashion sales will still remain a little weak".
Home, appliance, sports, fitness and health are the other categories that look to make impressive recovery.
If the wedding season kicks in even apparel and fashion market would get a bump in sales.
As we said, the festival season is a long, over-two-months window in India. Usually, Amazon has its Great Indian Festival sale and Flipkart holds its The Big Billion Day sale around this time. Last year, the two platforms, according to the Economic Times report, recorded about $3.5-3.7 billion in sales in the highest-selling six days, a rise of 33% over 2018. In the overall 2019 festive sale period, these platforms clocked $4.8 billion in sales.
Amazon and Flipkart have said that they would help their sellers make a comeback in what has been a tough season due to the economic lockdown.
Even though the number of Covid-19 cases in India are far from subsiding, the curbs are being lifted across States and mobility is expected to improve since September 1. This should help e-commerce companies to straighten out their logistical chain.
Also, e-commerce portals are expecting tier-2 cities to lead the charge for fresh demand.
In general, India’s e-commerce sector has been on a constant growth, the e-commerce order volume saw a growth of 20% while the GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) witnessed a surge of 23% with an average order size of Rs 1100.
Source: Economic Times
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