Author: Mobile Syrup

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Dyson Zone air-purifying, noise-cancelling headphones launching in 2023 at $949

Dyson has revealed more information about its upcoming headphones, the Dyson Zone. Yes, the company best known for its high-end air purifiers and vacuums is now moving into the audio industry. The Dyson Zone combines the company’s long-standing work of air purification while adding its own spin on audio.

Set to arrive in early 2023, the Dyson Zone will start at $949 USD (roughly $1,289 CAD). This is largely due to the array of technology built into the company’s first headphones.

For starters, the Dyson Zone headphones utilize a new air purification system, designed by Dyson. This purifier features fine strands of glass and uses electrostatic material with charged fibres. These materials are able to capture and filter particles as small as 0.1 microns. Nearly 99 percent of nearby particles can be captured, ensuring the wearer is breathing cleaner air.

Examples of such particles that can be captured are allergens, brake dust, construction debris, industrial emissions, and pollutants. These filters promise up to 12 months of use before a recommended replacement. Additionally, Dyson claims replacing the filter is a simple process.

The headphones include airflow compression units that are built in. These units spin at roughly 10,000 rpm and are used to draw air in. Using the Dyson Zone visor, the air is then purified from both ear cups and drawn to the user’s “breathing zone.”

From an audio feature stand point, the Dyson Zone offers Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring a wireless experience. Dyson is also prioritizing ultra-low distortion. This means the company is lowering the amount of distortion to render the intended recording audio quality. The company says that users will be able to accurately hear the intended base, lows, highs, and mid-highs.

Dyson is also leaning into its MyDyson app. Available on iOS and Android the app can be used to choose audio equalization modes the company calls Dyson EQ, Bass Boost, and Neutral. The Dyson Zone is also supporting SBC, AAC and LHDC audio codecs.

Lithium-ion batteries power the device and promise up to 50 hours of audio playback. However, to ensure that much battery life, the purification systems must be off. The Dyson Zone features high, medium, and low settings. When active, battery use is one and a half, three, and six hours respectively. The headphones can be charged via a built-in USB-C port.

The Dyson Zone is first launching in January in China. In March, the device is making its way to the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and the United Kingdom. ‘Ultra Blue/Prussian Blue and ‘Prussian Blue/Bright Copper colour variations will be available at launch. There’s no word on when we can expect a Canadian launch.

Image credit: Dyson

Source: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

Best Buy’s Happy Hour sale with customer-voted products live now

Best Buy Canada is holding a ‘Happy Hour’ sale with items that have been voted by shoppers on a limited-time discount.

The sale started today, Thursday, December 8th, at 3pm ET/12pm PT, and will end later today at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

Check out the winning offers below:

JBL Tune 500BT On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones – Black: $35.99 (save $44)

(Marketplace seller) HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds – In-Ears Headphones with Dual-Speaker & Noise Cancelling ANC – Water Resistant Earphones – HWA & Hi-Res Wireless Certified: $218.99 (save $50)

SWISSGEAR London 3-Piece Hard Side Expandable Luggage Set – Red: $239.99 (save $560)

(Marketplace seller) ViscoLogic NINJA-PRO | Professional Grade Series| Ergonomic | Supreme PU Leather | 4D Arm Rest | Recline, Tilt & Adjustable Lumbar Support | Home Office Computer Desk Gaming Chair: $149.97 (save $500)

Ember 414ml (14 oz.) Smart Temperature Control Mug 2 – Black: $164.99 (save $15)

LEGO Star Wars: The Justifier – 1022 Pieces (75323): $174.99 (save $35)

Miko 3 AI-Powered Smart Robot with Voice Control, Games & Apps – Pixie Blue – English: $219.99 (save $60)

LIFX 2m (6.5 ft.) Smart LED Light Strip – Colour Zones: $74.99 (save $45)

Check out the sale event page here.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Image credit: Best Buy

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Mobile Syrup

FTC opens suit against Microsoft’s deal to acquire Activision Blizzard

The Federal Trade Comission (FTC) has officially filed a suit in order to attempt and halt Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This raises new hurdles as Microsoft’s $68.7 billion USD (roughly $93 billion CAD) deal is already seeking approval from regulators.

The FTC is filing its suit after months of investigations. The commission believes that the acquisition would “enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business.” Since Microsoft announced its plans to acquire the Call of Duty and Overwatch publisher, anticompetitive concerns have surfaced.

“Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals,” Holly Vedova, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, says in a statement. “Today we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets.”

Microsoft has been facing pushback throughout the year as it seeks approval from regional regulators. Sony, one of Microsoft’s biggest competitors, argues that the acquisition may unfairly tip the scales in the industry. With blockbuster IPs like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Candy Crush, and more laying in the balance, U.K. regulators have been investigating the deal. Pressure from the FTC only increases the hurdles presented currently.

We continue to believe that our deal to acquire Activision Blizzard will expand competition and create more opportunities for gamers and game developers,” Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president said in a statement. “We have been committed since Day One to addressing competition concerns, including by offering earlier this week proposed concessions to the FTC. While we believe in giving peace a chance, we have complete confidence in our case and welcome the opportunity to present it in court.”

Microsoft has shown a willingness to quell concerns over IP exclusivity. With Call of Duty’s presence on Sony’s PlayStation hardware in question, Microsoft has attempted to appeal to Sony and the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Most recently, Microsoft attempted to offer Sony a 10-year deal, securing access to Call of Duty on PlayStation hardware. Sony has not accepted the offer at this current point. This offer has also been agreed upon by both Nintendo and Valve.

Since publishing its statement, Activision Blizzard executive Lulu Cheng Meservey provided a statement. On Twitter, Meservey wrote, “This vote departs from precedent but the law hasn’t changed.” She continues, “Any claim the deal is anticompetitive ignores facts; the deal benefits gamers and the industry, especially given competition from abroad.”

Activision Blizzard is currently under investigation for reports of workplace harassment and “frat boy culture.” Likewise, CEO Bobby Kotick is also under investigation following allegations that he was aware of such acts and decided not to make meaningful changes.

Image credit: Microsoft

Source: @FTC Via: CNBC

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Mobile Syrup

Class action lawsuit, accusing Fortnite of being addictive, authorized by Quebec court

A class action lawsuit against Epic Games’ Fortnite is being authorized by Quebec Superior Court Justice Sylvain Lussier. The filing claims Fortnite is designed to be addictive and is having a negative effect on players.

The original lawsuit was first brought to Quebec courts in 2019. At the time, three Quebec parents issued a complaint that Fortnite was impacting the wellness of their children. The parents accused Epic Game’s hit battle royale of affecting the sleeping patterns, hygiene and social skills of their children.

In the filing, one parent claims that a child involved has been diagnosed with an addiction to Fortnite/video games. It’s said the diagnosis was determined by an on-call doctor at a clinic located in Lower St. Lawrence, Quebec. The filing also cites the 2018 acknowledgement of “gaming disorder” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On top of inciting supposed addictive tendencies, the class action lawsuit also notes the in-game purchases of Fortnite. The plaintiffs discuss the game’s Battle Pass system, various skins, and V-bucks, which are all available for purchase. Allegedly, one child spent $6,000 on skins. Another is said to have spent $600 on V-Bucks, the in-game currency of Fortnite. Superior Court Judge Sylvain Lussier describes both as items “without any tangible value.” In terms of in-game time spent, it’s said one child has spent more than 7,000 hours playing Fortnite over the past two years.

The class action lawsuit is being worked on in part by Jean-Philippe Caron, a CaLex Legal lawyer. Carson states Fortnite “has design patterns that make sure to always encourage player engagement.” He also encourages parents and others whose lives have been negatively affected by Fortnite to get in touch. The judge has modified the criteria for joining the class action. Now, those living in Quebec since September 1st, 2017 and have developed a “dependence” on the game may qualify.

The debate over video game addiction is nearly as old as the medium itself. Much like the WHO, some believe video games can impair a player’s daily life due to how much priority one puts into a game. The use of microtransactions and in-game rewards have also been scrutinized as it often mirrors gambling and associated addictions.

However, this discussion often brings up whether the onus belongs to the developers and publishers, especially when dealing with minors. When it comes to players under the age, many argue that parents should have a better understanding of how their child is spending their time and the ways real-world money can be spent on consoles and PC.

The plaintiffs hope to see “restitution” from Epic Games for all V-Bucks purchases made by Quebec players under the age of 18.

Epic Games has yet to make a statement regarding the lawsuit.

Image credit: Epic Games

Source: CBC

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Mobile Syrup

Twitter Blue will reportedly cost more on iOS when it returns

When Twitter CEO Elon Musk’s revamped Blue subscription finally returns, it might come with different pricing depending on the platform you purchase it from. On iOS, users can expect a higher fee.

Per a report from The Information (via The Verge), Twitter will charge $11/mo USD on iOS and $7/mo USD for people who subscribe to Blue from the web. That converts to roughly $14.93 and $9.50 in CAD, although that doesn’t mean Blue will cost that much in Canada. Previously, Twitter Blue cost $9.99 in Canada and $7.99 in the United States.

As for why Twitter Blue will cost more on iOS, well, one need look no further than Musk’s recent Twitter tirade for a clue. Alongside accusations that Apple hates free speech and threatened to remove Twitter from the App Store, Musk posted about Apple’s 30 percent cut of App Store revenue and tweeted-then-deleted a meme about going to war with the company over the 30 percent fee. (Musk later met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and admitted Apple “never considered” removing Twitter.)

While we don’t know for sure whether the price difference is because of Apple’s App Store fees, it’d be the safe bet. Plus, previous reports indicated Musk delayed the relaunch of Twitter Blue to avoid the App Store fees.

The Information didn’t include any details about pricing for Blue on Android, but it would likely follow a similar pattern to iOS pricing since Google similarly takes a cut of Play Store purchases.

You can keep up with the ongoing Musk and Twitter saga here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: The Information Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Reddit Recap 2022 tells you how much you’ve scrolled on the app

Following Spotify’s Wrapped recap of users’ music tastes, Reddit is now offering its own personalized recap presented as trading cards.

The recap provides insight into 2022’s most memorable moments, highlights the website’s most active communities, and reveals the biggest conversation drivers on Reddit and beyond. The website is home to over 100,000 active communities globally, with Redditors creating more than 430 million posts in 2022, a 14 percent increase when compared to 2021.

“As of November 20, we’ve seen 2.5+ billion total comments, a 7 percent increase YoY, and 24+ billion upvotes,” reads Reddit’s blog post about the recap.

Check out some of the 2022 Reddit stats below:

The Most Upvoted Posts:

  1. r/place: Full screenshot of r/place 2022 (434,300 upvotes)
  2. r/interestingasfuck: In 1996 Ukraine handed over nuclear weapons to Russia “in exchange for a guarantee never to be threatened or invaded” (403,500 upvotes)
  3. r/mademesmile: he finally got his acorn 🥺 (379,800 upvotes)
  4. r/aww: Man stops to rescue kitten, gets ambushed by platoon (357,200 upvotes)
  5. r/place: Place has ended. (353,700 upvotes)

The Most Upvoted AMAs:

  1. r/movies Hello, I’m Nicolas Cage and welcome to Ask Me Anything (238,500 upvotes)
  2. r/iama I am Jon Stewart, host of The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+, and I’m here to talk with you about the stock market. AMA! (72,800 upvotes)
  3. r/iama I’m Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and author of “How to Prevent the Next Pandemic.” Ask Me Anything. (48,900 upvotes)
  4. r/iama I’m LeVar Burton, host of LeVar Burton Reads. AMA! (48,700 upvotes)
  5. r/comics Hello, my name is Zach Stafford, I make extra fabulous, deogie, and Pervis comics. I have been making comics for ten years and I’m finally making a book! AMA (48,600 upvotes)

Notably, the recap blog post also notes the top animal communities, most-viewed TV-related subreddits, most-viewed subreddits in Men’s and Women’s Fashion Interest Group, gaming and sports-related stats and more.

Check out the full report here.

Individuals can also find their personalized year-end recap with things like their most upvoted comment, whether you’re team Cat or team Dog, your Avatar outfit changes, r/place tiles placed and see how you compare with other users with ‘Rare,’ ‘Epic,’ and ‘Legendary’ superpower status, which is based on how much Karma you’ve earned.

“Users can download and share this unique card on and off Reddit to highlight their Reddit Recaps with others. To help protect privacy, users can decide if they do or don’t want to display their username and Avatars when sharing their Recaps,” reads Reddit’s blog about personalized recaps.

Learn more here.

 

Image credit: Reddit

Source: Reddit

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Mobile Syrup

Google Camera app update adds macro mode to Pixel 7 Pro

Google Camera is receiving a software update that introduces new settings for the Pixel 7 Pro’s ultra-wide camera. Users can now toggle whether they want to use its macro mode automatically or not.

When the Pixel 7 Pro launched, users found the camera array’s macro setting to be a bit unintuitive. Google is now hoping to mitigate that with a new Macro Focus setting, giving user’s more control of their device. Google Camera ‘version 8.7.250’ adds Macro Focus to the app’s quick settings. Delving into this option, users can swap between three available preferences: ‘On,’ ‘Auto’ and ‘Off.’

Previously, Google Camera’s use of the macro mode was automatic. This means that if a user tried to get a close-up shot of a subject and moved too close, it would automatically initiate the mode. The only way around this was to swap to Google Camera’s regular mode setting manually. The Auto option closely resembles the previously mentioned method of using the macro mode.

However, a dedicated On/Off option gives users way more agency when they are taking photos. Before, users could only toggle the automatic mode off and on within the Camera app’s settings. However, to lock the use of Pixel 7 Pro’s macro mode, users had to hit the icon that appears in the middle of the viewfinder. Overall, it made for a very unintuitive process.

Google Camera Version 8.7.250 also removes the ability to double tap the viewfinder to zoom in or out for 2x. This gesture is slowly being removed from other Pixel devices. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Google is removing it from the Pixel 7 series as well. Instead, users can do a pinch-to-zoom gesture or hit the on-screen button near the shutter to replicate this feature.

The update is steadily rolling out across the Play Store for users. Double-check that it’s available and see if you have access to the new Auto settings for macro mode.

Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Bell Media and Crave secure long-term streaming deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment

Bell Media and its Crave streaming service are set to become the exclusive streaming home for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s theatrical films. As part of a Pay-One window licensing agreement, the two companies have entered a long-term deal, kickstarting April 2023.

The agreement sees Crave becoming the exclusive Canadian service to receive all new Sony Pictures Entertainment films. Upcoming films will transition over to Crave following their “theatrical and home entertainment window.” Of the announced films, the deal will include upcoming Spider-Man spin-off films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Kraven the Hunter, and Madame Web.

Additionally, the deal will include the Canadian streaming rights to No Hard Feelings, Gran Turismo, the latter of which is based on PlayStation’s hit racing franchise. It’s also confirmed that new installments of Insidious and The Equalizer will also land on Crave following their theatrical releases.

“We are happy to extend our relationship with Bell Media and make Sony Pictures’ robust library of premium content available to more viewers across Canada,” said Stephanie Shinkoda, Vice President, Distribution and Co-Country Manager, Sony Pictures Television and Home Entertainment Canada, in a statement.

To satisfy Crave subscribers before April 2023, Sony Pictures Entertainment is bringing a ton of its backlog to the streaming service. Films like Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Spider-Man: Homecoming are available for streaming now. Jumanji and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle are also primed to make their debut later this month.

Bell Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment confirm that additional films will be added at a later date.

Crave will be supporting Sony Picture Entertainment films in both English and French for subscribers. A Crave subscription is available starting at $9.99/month. For more on what’s coming to Crave this month, we’ve compiled a rundown.

Image credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Source: Bell Media

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Mobile Syrup

Google to merge Waze and Maps teams to cut costs

Community-powered navigation app Waze, which was acquired by Google back in 2013, is now being merged with the team responsible for Google Maps in an attempt to “streamline operations and cut costs,” according to a report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Waze’s 500+ employees would merge with Google’s Maps, Earth and Street View products, beginning on Friday, December 9th, according to a Google spokeswoman.

The merger, however, will not affect Waze in any way, and the navigation application will retain its exclusivity and stand-alone service. According to WSJ, no layoffs will take place at Waze as part of the reorganization, though its CEO Neha Parikh will exit her role following a transition period.

“Google remains deeply committed to Waze’s unique brand, its beloved app and its thriving community of volunteers and users,” the spokeswoman said in a statement given to WSJ.

The two teams work on similar products with overlapping technology, and the restructuring is an effort for Google to reduce overlapping mapmaking work. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has stated in the past that the Search giant is looking to improve its efficiency in response to a slowdown in advertising growth, with the company aiming to become 20 percent more productive, and merge other teams that are working on overlapping products.

As of December, Waze has 151 million monthly active users.

Elsewhere, Waze released its ‘2022 trends,’ where it reported the most popular destinations for Canadians over the past year. Along with being on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Waze is available on Android and iOS.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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Mobile Syrup

CRTC rejects Telus credit card fee, but you’ll still pay it

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says it rejected Telus’ request to add a credit card processing fee to customers’ bills when they choose to pay by credit card while also admitting it can’t really stop Telus from doing it.

In a news release published on December 8th, the CRTC confirmed it rejected the processing fee request but that it only applied to services regulated by the CRTC, “which are generally home telephone services in certain smaller communities.”

“While Telus didn’t need the CRTC’s approval to add the surcharge to its unregulated services, the CRTC is very concerned about this practice as it goes against affordability and consumer interest. In addition, this practice impacts the most vulnerable consumers who rely on credit cards to pay their everyday bills, especially when prices for essential goods and services are rising due to inflation.”

The CRTC said it was sending a “clear message” to Telus and other telecom companies and said it would “explore all available regulatory options” if the practice continues.

Moreover, CRTC chair Ian Scott said the commission expects “the telecommunications industry to treat Canadians with respect and do better.”

Telus filed the credit card fee request with the CRTC in August, which sparked an influx of angry responses from Canadians frustrated with the telecom for adding another fee to already expensive bills. In September, Telus customers received emails from the company warning about the incoming fee, which would apply starting in October. The fee added a 1.5 percent (plus tax) processing fee to customers’ bills if they chose to pay with a credit card. Telus also filed a response with the CRTC defending the plan as interventions from Canadians passed 4,000.

Telus opted to add a credit card processing fee following the results of a lawsuit that, starting on October 6th, 2022, allowed Canadian businesses to apply processing fees for credit card transactions. However, Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act prohibits these kinds of charges, which means Telus customers in Quebec don’t have to worry about the fee (at least, they won’t until Telus manages to change the act through lobbying).

Meanwhile, Rogers confirmed to MobileSyrup in October that it had “no plans to move ahead with a fee like this at this time.” Bell didn’t respond to MobileSyrup’s requests for comment on the matter.

Source: CRTC