Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Apple reportedly working on foldable iPad for 2024 launch

It looks like Apple could have plans to launch a foldable iPad by 2024.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the rumoured device “will boost shipments and improve the product mix.” Beyond the fact that the tech giant’s first foldable will likely be an iPad, Kuo doesn’t offer more details on the device, including how big its display will be

Rumours regarding Apple working on a foldable device have circulated for years, with most speculation pointing towards the screen tech coming to the iPhone first. Given Samsung’s Fold and Flip lines are now on their fourth generation and generally are solid but expensive devices, it’s not surprising to see Apple seriously considering launching its own take on foldable display tech.

It will be interesting to see if Apple finds a way to put its own unique spin on a foldable as it has with other tech products it’s released years after key competitors. Perhaps the tech giant will find a way to make the display crease disappear.

Kuo goes on to say that iPad shipments in 2023 will experience a year-over-year decline with no new iPad refreshes in the next 9-12 months. The analyst expects the next Apple tablet to get a refresh will be the iPad mini in the first quarter of 2024.

Source: @mingchikuo

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Mobile Syrup

Alpha footage of Horizon’s multiplayer leaks, revealing Fortnite-style character models

Early alpha footage and gameplay of Horizon’s multiplayer project have leaked online. Both videos and screenshots look fairly authentic in their design and are believed to be part of Guerrilla Games’ unannounced project, expanding the Horizon franchise.

In 2022, the Netherlands-based studio revealed its plans to launch a multiplayer-focused game set in the Horizon universe. Not much is known other than a “new internal team” is developing the project. It will also feature a “new cast of characters” and provide an experience for friends to “explore the majestic wilds of Horizon together.” Additionally, Guerrilla Games revealed that the project will offer a “unique stylized look.” It just so happens that this stylized look may have been revealed.

Across both Reddit and ResetEra, alpha footage and screenshots are available to see. Reddit user BirdonWheels, who posted the video, claims that the 12-minute-long alpha footage dates back to the summer of 2020. With this in mind, it’s understandable that the video depicts unpolished character models and environments. However, we’re able to glean that Horizon’s multiplayer project may be trying to replicate a more cartoony vibe. Much of what’s shown is similar to Fortnite’s art and environments. Some of the proportions of the characters draw comparisons to Rare’s Sea of Thieves.

Credit: u/BirdonWheels

The gameplay also suggests there may be some cross-platform performance between the PlayStation ecosystem and PC. In the video, “join PC” and “join PS4” options can be seen, though it remains to be seen how fluid the cross-platform performance may be upon launch.

It’s important to remember that since this is alpha footage dating back three years, a lot can change in the development pipeline. Given that Guerrilla Games has already announced its plans to create a unique look for the game, it’s probably safe to say that this style could be a taste of the final design. However, the interface shown and other aspects could shift and change prior the the project’s release.

Guerrilla Games is about to have one busy year ahead of it. On February 22nd, the studio is headlining the launch of PlayStation VR2 with Horizon Call of the Mountain, a VR-exclusive spinoff. On April 19th, the Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC is launching exclusively on PlayStation 5. Whether Guerrilla Games becomes a triple threat this year remains to be seen.

Image credit: Reddit

Source: Reddit via: Kotaku

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s Crash Detection feature makes false emergency calls in Japanese Alps

There’s no arguing Apple’s Crash Detection can be helpful in many serious situations, but the feature has its drawbacks.

That includes activating when emergency services aren’t needed, such as skiing. And now, it looks like the false positive has put a serious strain on at least one emergency response team.

The fire department located in Kita-Alps, Nagano, Japan, received 134 false alerts between December 16th and January 23rd. Most of these resulted from the Apple feature falsely signalling the system as device holders went down ski slopes.

Available on the iPhone 14 series, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2022), the feature starts a countdown when it thinks the user has been in a crash, resulting in an automated call to emergency services.

The feature has also been falsely activated on rollercoasters.

Apple has attempted to address the issue through its iOS 16.1.2 release that deals with “Crash Detection optimizations.” However, it remains unclear if the update has solved the matter.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: The Japan News Via: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s how to turn on Gmail’s new package tracking feature

If you need to track a lot of packages, a new Gmail feature might be right up your alley. Google’s popular email app now has a built-in package tracker, though for the moment, it seems you need to enable it manually.

9to5Google detailed the new feature and noted that Gmail should show a ‘Track your packages in Gmail’ card at the top of users’ inboxes when the feature rolled out. However, that card isn’t showing up for everyone, but the feature is still available for a bunch of people.

To enable it on Gmail for Android, you can head into Settings > Select your email address > Scroll to General > Tap ‘Package tracking’ to enable it. The process differs slightly for iOS users, who need to first switch to the Gmail account they want to enable the feature for, then head into Settings > Scroll to General > Tap ‘Data privacy’ > Toggle on ‘Package tracking.’

In my own testing, I was able to turn on package tracking on Gmail on my Pixel 7, but only for my personal accounts — my work Gmail account didn’t have the feature. Moreover, the toggle for Package tracking wasn’t present on Gmail on iOS.

Gmail’s package tracking feature in action | Image credit: 9to5Google

Once enabled, users should see a few things change in their Gmail app. First up, when browsing the inbox, emails with package tracking information should show an estimated delivery date in green text with a truck icon. Then when you open the email, you’ll see a card with more details about the package, including stages like ‘Order placed,’ ‘Shipped,’ and ‘Delivered.’ There are shortcuts to track the package or view the order details as well.

9to5 also notes Google plans to enhance the feature with proactive labels for delays as well as bring the email to the top of the inbox so it’s easier to spot. The package tracking feature will also make its way to Gmail on the web, but these changes will only arrive in the “coming months.”

Of course, if you prefer using a third-party app for package tracking (or if you’re like me and primarily do all your package tracking in a work Gmail that doesn’t yet have the feature), you can keep on doing that.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Apple to launch a variety of software and features in 2023, including next-gen CarPlay

2023 has only just begun and before Apple launches iOS 17, there are a lot of in-development features yet to release by the company. Apple has been very transparent with its intentions to introduce new features for its core software, including CarPlay, HomeKit, Apple Music, and Apple Pay.

For instance, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2022, Apple revealed its next-generation CarPlay update. Providing a look at the new version of its infotainment system, CarPlay is due to introduce multiple support screens. In an ideal sense, CarPlay may provide an alternative to the UI of each manufacturer to highlight speed, fuel levels, temperature and more via the instrument cluster. Radio controls are also said to be provided. Additionally, personalization and widgets for Weather and Music will also be on the vehicle’s dashboard. Unfortunately, Apple has announced neither a release date nor which cars will support the new CarPlay system.

In 2021, Apple acquired the classical music streaming service Primephonic. As part of the acquisition, Apple planned to integrate the platform and its focus on classical music into its own app. The intended roadmap of launching an Apple Music Classical app in 2022 didn’t exactly pan out. For one reason or another, Apple has yet to provide an update on when this app may launch. This has led some to believe that it’s been scrapped. However, there’s not been any concrete evidence of this yet.

Upon the launch of iOS 16.2, Apple released the new architecture for HomeKit on an opt-in basis. The intended vision was to give users “improved performance and reliability of the accessories in your home.” However, Apple quickly has to delist the architecture in December due to an overwhelming amount of complaints and criticism. As such, many are waiting for Apple to re-release the software as the company stated that “A fix will be available soon.” Though, there’s no telling when this will be.

Safari on iOS and iPadOS is expected to receive support for web push notifications. Once again, Apple announced this feature at WWDC 2022. Once available, Safari will be able to push notifications from websites much like it’s able to on Mac. As of now, this feature has been absent in the recent iOS 16 beta. However, Apple claims that it will launch sometime in 2023.

iMessage Contact Key Verification is another feature on track for the year. This feature provides an extra layer of security for those who may need to verify who they are speaking with. For instance, government officials, journalists, etc. are able to note if an unauthorized device is associated with a recipient’s account. The company stated this feature is launching “globally” in 2023.

Finally, 2023 may hold a couple of Apple Pay software features. The first is Apple Pay Later, which enables users to split purchases into four equal payments with zero percent interest across six weeks. The second is the dedicated Apple Card Savings Account, which allows users to automatically deposit Daily Cash regards into the account. This feature heavily utilizes Apple Wallet and enables users to track their balance and account growth. Unfortunately, Apple Pay Later and the latter feature are exclusive to the U.S. There’s no telling if these will ever come to Canada down the road.

Source: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

PlayStation says it’s ‘much easier’ now to buy a PS5 globally

At CES 2023, PlayStation said the long-running PS5 shortages had come to an end, and now, the company is reiterating that supply has improved considerably.

“To all our fans: thank you for your patience as we navigated unprecedented demand for the PS5 console amid global challenges,” wrote the company on its blog. “If you’re looking to purchase a PS5 console, you should now have a much easier time finding one at retailers globally.”

Worldwide chip shortages coupled with strong demand made the PS5 difficult to purchase for many months following its November 2020 launch. These supply constraints affected not only production of the PS5, but also the manufacturing of Xbox Series X/S, smartphones, cars and more.

It should be noted that many markets, including the U.S. and U.K., Sony has a dedicated ‘PlayStation Direct’ website through which people can purchase the PS5. However, this site doesn’t service Canada, so you’ll have to check retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart if interested.

Elsewhere in the blog post, PlayStation detailed a new live-action PS5 ad campaign called “Live from PS5.” In it, PS5 games are seen in the real world through the lens of fictional news broadcasts. In one clip, Peter Parker and Miles Morales can be seen swinging through New York (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), while another shows giant ‘Eikon’ creatures fighting in Japan (Final Fantasy XVI).

With the PS5’s added momentum and this new marketing campaign, it remains when PlayStation will hold another actual games showcase. Its last ‘State of Play’ event was in September and offered the last big look at God of War Ragnarök prior to its release. Currently, all eyes are on the aforementioned Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which is confirmed to release in the fall, although actual gameplay has yet to be revealed. That said, PlayStation also has the PS VR2 coming on February 22nd.

Source: PlayStation

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Mobile Syrup

HomePod (2nd-Gen) won’t start shipping until late February, according to Apple

Apple’s new second-generation HomePod is launching this week on February 3rd. Preorders are already available. However, the Cupertino company says that shipments won’t be arriving until late February, even if you order now.

The announcement of the HomePod (2nd-Gen) came in fairly unexpectedly. Revealed earlier this month via a press release, Apple aims to revitalize its smart speaker system. Unfortunately, it appears that even though the launch is imminent, it may take users a few extra weeks to receive their online orders.

The Apple website states that orders placed for the $399 HomePod (2nd-Gen) in ‘Midnight’ won’t arrive until February 22nd through March 1st. The ‘White’ colour option has a slightly better window of February 20th to February 22nd. However, this is all based on orders being placed today. This timeline could very well shift further past March 1st on orders placed between now and the February 3rd launch.

The arrival of a new HomePod is a bit surprising. The first model launched in 2018. However, upon the introduction of its entry-level counterpart, the HomePod mini, in 2020, Apple discontinued the original. Many believed that the HomePod’s legacy would continue as the mini. However, that does not appear to be the case.

The 2nd-Gen HomePod is said to feature rich deep bass and high frequencies. Apple is using a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, built-in bass EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters to provide an elevated listening experience. The device also supports Apple’s S7 chipset, the same as Apple Watch Series 7.

HomePod can integrate into an entertainment space, compatible with Apple TV 4K. This can help create a hands-free home theatre experience, where users can control playback and device navigation with voice commands. Additionally, HomePod features Find My support. Siri can provide the location of a user’s Apple device or the location of family members. Plus, Siri can also control music apps by searching artists, songs, genres, and playback.

It’s worth noting that the Apple website currently states that in-store pick-up is unavailable. However, there’s no telling whether select Apple Stores will have the HomePod in stock between launch and March.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Apple

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Mobile Syrup

Google Chrome Saftey Check feature provides new ways to securely browse the internet

Google Chrome is providing new ways for users to browse the internet, ensuring safety and protection are maintained. Through a recent expansion, Chrome’s Saftey Check suite is adding a variety of tools to better help those surfing the web.

Google has a Privacy Guide available, which it highlights as part of the recent Data Privacy Day. New features and those users may not know of are being showcased. For instance, users can take a look through the guide and find a wide variety of privacy options all available to curate to their preference. This includes the ability to enable history sync and enable Enhanced Safe Browsing. The latter of which provides tools to protect users against malicious sites, downloads, extensions, etc.

Additionally, Safety Check’s latest update reminds users of the permissions granted on a previously visited website. This then allows users to revoke said permissions if they wish to do so. Google Chrome already allows users to revoke permissions through its Privacy and security tab. However, the update merely adds a clearer overview. Now, when navigating to this tab, users will see a broad message near the top. This now gives an overview of the websites that may be providing spam or abusing said permissions. Beneath this message, users can select the ‘Review’ option to sift through sites that have sent a lot of notifications through Chrome.

In addition to providing further protective features, Chrome is adding a faster way of deleting browsing history. Rather than navigate to the three-dot menu and into the History tab, users can take advantage of the shortcut. By typing “clear browsing history” into the address bar, users can pull up the ‘Clear Browsing Data’ tab and select a time range of what they’d like to delete.

Finally, Android users are able to lock their incognito sessions within Chrome behind biometric authorization. Much like on iOS, Android users can select this option by going to Chrome’s settings, selecting ‘Privacy & Security’ and turning the ‘Lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome’ option on.

Source: Google via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers-Shaw merger deadline extended to Feb. 17

Rogers, Shaw, and Québecor have extended their proposed transactions deadline to February 17th.

January 31st was previously set as the suggested deadline, but the companies are still waiting on Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne to approve the transfer of Shaw’s wireless licenses to Québecor subsidiary Vidéotron.

In a recent interview with the Toronto Star, Champagne said he’s in no hurry to provide his stamp of approval. “As the regulator, I am not bound by any deadline,” Champagne told the publication.

In its joint statement, Rogers, Shaw, and Québecor say they continue working with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The transactions recently cleared two major hurdles, both of which stem from the Competition Bureau’s opposition to the mergers. The bureau argued the transactions won’t benefit Canadians and took its case to the Competition Tribunal, which backed the telecoms. The bureau appealed the decision but did not succeed.

“All parties remain committed to the pro-competitive transactions, which will deliver significant benefits to Canada and Canadian consumers,” Rogers, Shaw, and Québecor said in the statement.

Source: Rogers, Shaw, and Québecor

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Mobile Syrup

Former Twitter employees sitting on abandoned company laptops: report

Several former Twitter employees are sitting on valuable hardware, like company laptops, that Twitter has seemingly abandoned.

As detailed by Wired, while Twitter’s new owner Elon Musk scrambles to make the company profitable to pay back some $13 billion USD (roughly $17.35 billion CAD) owed to lenders for financing his takeover, some more obvious ways to make a quick buck appear abandoned. Namely, after Musk rapidly laid off significant chunks of Twitter staff, the company has put little effort into collecting company hardware.

One software engineer fired in November told Wired that he hadn’t heard anything about returning a company-issued Apple MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro chip. The laptop was sitting in the engineer’s closet, digitally locked by Twitter after the engineer was fired. Wired notes that refurbished versions of the laptop can fetch around $1,000 (about $1,334.49 CAD). While the M1 Pro variant is no longer listed on Apple’s website, the base-level MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip retails for $2,599 in Canada.

While some of the ex-Twitter employees are content to let their useless hardware sit in a closet, others are worried it could cause problems down the line. For example, some former employees who spoke with Wired were still owed severance and were worried having the laptops could lead to delays in their compensation or even legal problems. In chat groups of former employees, some discussed trying to crack their laptop’s lock code or wiping and resetting the device.

Meanwhile, some former employees were able to send their devices back, while others got generic emails from the company asking them to fill out a ‘Twitter Device Collection Survey.’ Wired says most of the employees it spoke with hadn’t received the email.

Wired obtained a copy of the survey, which mentions authentication tokens, corporate credit cards, company-issued smartphones and laptop chargers as items that can be returned. The form also noted that monitors, keyboards, mice, display cables and stands don’t need to be collected. It doesn’t clarify what former employees should do with laptops.

The survey also asks for an address to send a shipping box for ex-Twitter people to load up with returnable equipment, noting the box would arrive within 30 days of filling it out. There’s an option for dropping equipment off at some of Twitter’s offices.

However, Wired says that, generally, ex-employees aren’t rushing to return the equipment, with one telling the publication that “Elon can wait.”

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Wired