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Microsoft announces October 12 Surface event following leaks

Microsoft officially announced plans to host an event on October 12th to “talk about devices,” according to an invite sent out to media.

As noted by The Verge, the “Microsoft Fall 2022 Event” kicks off at 10am ET on October 12th just before the company’s Ignite conference starts. Moreover, the invite includes an image that looks a lot like the default Windows 11 wallpaper with an extra splash of colour. “Save the date” appears in what looks like handwriting — perhaps with a Surface Pen? — over the image.

Microsoft’s event invite | Via: The Verge

The official invitation comes just hours after details about upcoming Microsoft hardware emerged online. Per the rumours, Microsoft will likely unveil a Surface Pro 9 and a Surface Laptop 5 at the event with new colour options (including a ‘Forest’ green).

Interestingly, rumours suggest the Surface Pro 9 will sport an ARM processor, possibly a Microsoft SQ3 chip based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 platform. That could mean the Pro 9 will sport a redesign and that Microsoft could end the Surface Pro X, but it remains to be seen.

For those not interested in ARM-based Surfaces, the Pro 9, as well as the rumoured Surface Laptop 5, will reportedly sport 12th Gen Intel i5 and i7 chip options. There haven’t been any rumours about an AMD-powered Surface Laptop 5, but considering Surface chief Panos Panay recently tweeted a selfie with AMD CEO Lisa Su, I’d say it’s a safe bet that there’s some Surface with AMD device in the works.

Moreover, it seems this Surface event will be an online event, while the upcoming Ignite conference will be the company’s first big in-person event since the pandemic started.

For the latest on Microsoft’s new devices, keep your eyes on MobileSyrup.

Source: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld launching in October, will cost $400

Following a vague announcement earlier this year, Logitech and Tencent have formally unveiled the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld.

As the name suggests, the device leverages cloud streaming technology to bring high-quality gaming experiences to a portable system. The G Cloud sports an HD 7-inch touchscreen display that supports streams of up to 1080p/60fps, as well as haptics, gyroscope and remappable controls. Logitech also claims that the G Cloud has a 12-hour battery life.

At launch, Xbox Cloud Gaming (part of Xbox Game Pass) and Nvidia’s GeForce Now will be supported. OS-wise, the device runs Android 11 with the Google Play Store pre-installed, so you can download additional apps.

That said, the G Cloud is fairly pricey. In Canada, it’s priced at $400, which is $20 more than the base Nintendo Switch and $100 shy of the base Steam Deck. Further, part of the appeal of streaming is to allow high-end games to be playable on less powerful devices. Given that services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now are already available on mobile, it might be hard to justify paying $400 for a dedicated device for them.

If you’re interested, you can pre-order the G Cloud at retailers like Amazon Canada and Best Buy Canada. The handheld will launch on October 18th.

Image credit: Logitech/Microsoft

Source: Logitech

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Mobile Syrup

OnePlus rolls out stable OxygenOS 13 update

After launching the beta for OxygenOS 13 in August, the company is finally rolling out the official build.

This update has received criticisms for being a carbon copy of Oppo ColorOS, but it does bring some notable improvements to the OnePlus system. That said, anyone hoping OnePlus will return to its stock Android days should probably move on. Oppo released its Android 13 OS update to its flagship X5 Pro a week ago, suggesting these two operating systems will be tied together moving forward.

The update is rolling out to people who were part of the beta and will then filter down to other OnePlus 10 Pro owners in the coming weeks, according to OnePlus. There’s no word on when this will come to other OnePlus devices from the last few years.

What’s new

The biggest change includes the new ‘Aquamorphic’ design that looks significantly cleaner than OxygenOS 12 and 11. The new notification centre is well-spaced and offers more consistent iconography, plus you now have more control over matching the colours to your wallpaper with a ‘Material You’ influenced customization.

There’s even a new big folder option that’s quite cool but does bug out if you have your home screen orientation to anything other than 4×6 apps.

I’ve been using the beta since it came out, and while it has been a bit buggy, the full version does seem to solve some of the localization issues I noticed originally. You can read my first hands-on with the new software here.

You can find the full changelog and download files on OnePlus’ blog. The company also has an FAQ to go over some of the new features and changes in more detail.

Source: OnePlus

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Mobile Syrup

New on Netflix Canada: October 2022

In October 2022, Netflix Canada is set to stream several new TV shows, films and documentaries, including The School of Good and Evil, Wendell & Wild, The Good Nurse, Big Mouth: Season 6, and more.

Coming Soon

  • 20th Century Girl — Netflix Film 
  • Inside Man — Netflix Series 

October 1st

  • Barbie: It Takes Two: Season 2
  • Buddy Games
  • Home Again
  • Hostel
  • Johnny English Reborn
  • Jurassic Park III
  • Jurassic World
  • The Lost World: Jurassic Park
  • Premium Rush
  • The Reader
  • Saw
  • Saw II
  • Saw IV
  • Saw V
  • Saw: The Final Chapter
  • Sing
  • Spell
  • Split
  • Spontaneous
  • Vicky Cristina Barcelona

October 2nd

  • The Conjuring
  • Forever Queens — Netflix Series
  • Seven
  • The Shawshank Redemption
  • The Witches (1990)

October 4th

  • Hasan Minaj: The King’s Jester — Netflix Comedy 

October 5th

  • Bling Empire: Season 3 — Netflix Series
  • High Water — Netflix Series
  • Jumping from High Places — Netflix Film 
  • Mr. Harrigan’s Phone — Netflix Film 
  • Nailed It!: Season 7 — Netflix Series
  • The Fight for Justice: Paolo Guerrero — Netflix Series
  • The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave — Netflix Documentary 
  • Togo — Netflix Film 

October 6th

  • Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake — Netflix Documentary 
  • Grey’s Anatomy: Season 18
  • The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo — Netflix Documentary 

October 7th

  • Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes — Netflix Documentary 
  • The Coroner: Season 4
  • Derry Girls: Season 3 — Netflix Series
  • Doll House — Netflix Film 
  • Glitch — Netflix Series
  • Kev Adams: The Real Me — Netflix Comedy 
  • Luckiest Girl Alive — Netflix Film 
  • Man on Pause — Netflix Series
  • The Midnight Club — Netflix Series
  • The Mole — Netflix Series 
  • Oddballs — Netflix Family 
  • Old People — Netflix Film 
  • The Redeem Team — Netflix Documentary 
  • Tiger & Bunny 2 Part 2 — Netflix Anime 

October 10th

  • Spirit Rangers — Netflix Family 

October 11th

  • The Cage — Netflix Series
  • DEAW#13 Udom Taephanich Stand Up Comedy Show — Netflix Comedy 
  • Iliza Shlesinger: Hot Forever — Netflix Comedy 
  • Island of the Sea Wolves — Netflix Documentary 
  • Murdoch Mysteries: Season 15

October 12th

  • Belascoarán, Pi — Netflix Series 
  • Blackout
  • Easy-Bake Battle — Netflix Series
  • Forsaken
  • The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
  • The Nutty Boy — Netflix Family 
  • Wild Croc Territory — Netflix Series
  • Zero Dark Thirty

October 13th

  • Dead End: Paranormal Park: Season 2 — Netflix Family 
  • Exception — Netflix Anime 
  • The Playlist — Netflix Series
  • The Siege: Season 1
  • The Sinner: Season 4: Percy
  • Someone Burrowed — Netflix Film 
  • Sue Perkins: Perfectly Legal — Netflix Series

October 14th

  • Black Butterflies — Netflix Series 
  • The Curse of the Bridge Hollow — Netflix Film 
  • Everything Calls for Salvation — Netflix Series 
  • Holy Family — Netflix Series
  • Mismatched: Season 2 — Netflix Series
  • Take 1 — Netflix Series

October 15th

  • Blippi’s Spooky Spell Halloween
  • Despicable Me
  • Despicable Me 2
  • Identity Thief
  • Knocked Up
  • Les Misérables
  • Minions
  • The Girl on the Train
  • Tom and Jerry
  • Under the Queen’s Umbrella — Netflix Series

October 16th

  • Blade
  • Blade II
  • Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

October 17th

  • Waffles + Mochi’s Restaurant — Netflix Family 

October 18th

  • Gabriel Iglesias: Stadium Fluffy Live From Los Angeles — Netflix Documentary 
  • LiSA Another Great Day — Netflix Documentary 
  • Somebody Feed Phil: Season 6 — Netflix Series
  • Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 3 — Netflix Series
  • Workin’ Moms: Season 6

October 19th

  • The Green Glove Gang — Netflix Series 
  • Love is Blind: Season 3 — Netflix Series
  • Notre-Dame — Netflix Series
  • The School for Good and Evil — Netflix Film 
  • The Stranger — Netflix Film 
  • Toys of Terror

October 20th

  • Yellow Rose

October 21st

  • 28 Days Haunted — Netflix Series
  • Barbarians II — Netflix Series
  • Descendant — Netflix Documentary 
  • From Scratch — Netflix Series
  • High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule — Netflix Series
  • ONI: Thunder God’s Tale — Netflix Family 

October 22nd

  • LOL Surprise! Winter Fashion Show

October 23rd

  • Franco Escamilla: Eavesdropping — Netflix Comedy 

October 24th

  • The Chalk Line — Netflix Family 

October 25th

  • Barbie Epic Road Trip — Netflix Family 
  • Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune — Netflix Comedy 
  • Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities — Netflix Series

October 26th

  • Fugitive: The Curious Case of Carlos Ghosn — Netflix Documentary 
  • The Good Nurse – Netflix Film 
  • Hellhole — Netflix Film 
  • Robbing Mussolini — Netflix Film 

October 27th

  • Cici — Netflix Film 
  • Daniel Spellbound — Netflix Family 
  • Dubai Bling — Netflix Series
  • Earthstorm — Netflix Documentary 
  • Family Reunion: Part 5 — Netflix Documentary 
  • Romantic Killer — Netflix Anime

October 28th

  • All Quiet on the Western Front — Netflix Film 
  • The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself — Netflix Series 
  • Big Mouth: Season 6 — Netflix Series
  • Drink Masters — Netflix Series 
  • I Am A Stalker — Netflix Documentary
  • My Encounter with Evil — Netflix Documentary 
  • If Only — Netflix Series
  • Wendell & Ewild — Netflix Film 
  • Wild is the Wind — Netflix Film 

October 29th

  • Deadwind: Season 3 — Netflix Series

Leaving Netflix in October

  • Fargo: Seasons 1-3 (October 8th)
  • Hemlock Grove: Seasons 1-3 (October 22nd)
  • Insidious (October 23rd)
  • Insidious: Chapter 2 (October 23rd)
  • Insidious: Chapter 3 (October 23rd)
  • Downtown Abbey (October 31st)
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Mobile Syrup

Surface hardware, pricing rumours emerge ahead of possible October event

Several details emerged about new, upcoming Microsoft Surface devices ahead of an expected announcement in October. According to the details, new Surface computers will sport updated Intel chips and possibly an ARM-based processor too.

The news comes from WinFuture (via The Verge). The rumours focus on a new 2-in-1 device, likely a Surface Pro 9, as well as a new clamshell laptop, likely the Surface Laptop 5. Both of these will likely run 12th Gen Intel CPUs, an upgrade from the 11th Gen CPUs available in the Surface Pro 8 and Laptop 4.

More specifically, WinFuture indicated we’ll see an Intel Core i5-1235U in the entry-level models and a Core i7-1255U at the higher end. Storage will likely max out at 1TB, while memory will hit up to 16GB.

However, WinFuture notes that the Surface Pro 9 could also offer an ARM processor, possibly branded as the Microsoft SQ3. Microsoft’s SQ chips were made in partnership with Qualcomm and typically were based on existing Snapdragon chips. Moreover, the SQ3 could support 5G this time around, which could be a major selling point for those seeking a connected computer.

Perhaps most interesting is that the SQ3 is rumoured to appear in a Surface Pro 9. Previously, Microsoft kept its SQ chips to the Surface Pro X line, which sported a more modern design. In other words, if Microsoft plans to include the SQ3 in the Pro 9, it could mean the company will end the Pro X line and that the Pro 9 might sport a new design.

No evidence of an AMD-powered Laptop 5 yet

As for the Surface Laptop 5, WinFuture says it hasn’t found any evidence of an AMD-powered version yet. That comes as a surprise since the last few versions of the Surface Laptop offered both Intel and AMD chips.

Interestingly, Surface chief Panos Panay posted a selfie with AMD CEO Lisa Su a few days ago, which seemed like a tease about an upcoming Surface powered by AMD. Plus, the company refreshed its Ryzen CPUs for laptops earlier this year and recently announced new chips for low-power laptops. So, who knows — it’d be a real surprise if there wasn’t an AMD option for the Laptop 5.

Finally, WinFuture shared some details about colour options and pricing. The Surface Pro 9 may have new colour options including ‘Forest’ green and a light blue ‘Sapphire,’ alongside the standard black and silver options. Plus, it will have a 13.5-inch screen again. The Laptop 5 on the other hand will also be available in a larger 15-inch variant again.

As for pricing, the Surface Pro 9 will reportedly start around €1,300 (about $1,720.50 CAD), while the Laptop 5 will start at €1,200 (roughly $1,588.15 CAD) for the 13.5-inch model and €1,500 (approximately $1,985.19 CAD) for the 15-inch version.

Like any leak, it’s important to take this information with a health dose of skepticism. We likely won’t know any of these details for sure until Microsoft announces the products. Which, according to another leak from Twitter user WalkingCat, the announcement event is scheduled for October 11th at 12pm ET. However, Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that timing.

Source: WinFuture Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

TikTok banning all monetization features for political accounts

TikTok is making it harder for politicians to campaign and fundraise on its platform with a new set of rules.

The company already had strict rules about the issue but Blake Chandlee, TikTok’s president of global business solutions, says they want to build on them to ensure TikTok remains a “fun” experience.

The changes automatically turn off advertising features of accounts associated with politicians and their parties. TikTok’s policy already banned political advertising, including paid ads and branded content.

Politically associated accounts will be blocked from other monetization features, including gifting, tipping, and e-commerce. Accounts won’t be eligible for the Creator Fund, a program that pays creators for their content.

The platform is also banning videos soliciting donations “in the coming weeks.”

The company is aiming specifically at the U.S. midterm elections that will take place in November by testing a mandatory verification badge for accounts tied to the government, politicians, or political parties. The move will inform users that accounts are authentic, “which is a way to build trust between high-profile creators and their community,” Chandlee said.

“By prohibiting campaign fundraising and limiting access to our monetization features and verifying accounts, we’re aiming to strike a balance between enabling people to discuss the issues that are relevant to their lives while also protecting the creative, entertaining platform that our community wants,” Chandlee concludes in a blog post.

Source: TikTok

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Mobile Syrup

LG rollable prototype gets full-length hands-on video

LG shuttered its mobile business over a year ago, but it looks like its unreleased phones are still out in the wild. A new comprehensive video has shown off its rollable handset’s design from every angle.

XDA Developers says LG might have sold its remaining rollable prototypes to its employees before closing its phone business. However, this device seems so finished that it’s shocking that LG didn’t just sell this first.

The LG rollable has a 7.4-inch display fully extended and shrinks down to 6.8 inches when rolled. When rolled, it looks like a regular phone but turns into a table when rolled out. It seems as if the phone offers a flexible POLED display. You can easily expand the screen with a two-finger gesture.

The user interface automatically switches to a tablet UI allowing you to use apps just like how they would on a tablet. The video showed examples of how the screen automatically adjusts webpages, YouTube and more when changing from smartphone to tablet. LG even had special wallpapers made to adjust to the tablet.

Further, the video shows the strength of the motor was even able to push 2kg of books. The motor, when it unfurls, makes a mechanical sound. This technology is cool but not perfect. Further, it’s noticed that the display can easily flex when pressed and lacks a crease like Samsung’s foldables.

Spec-wise, the phone features a Snapdragon 888 chipset, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, 64 and 12-megapixel shooters, 4,500mAh battery and weighs 285g.

Unfortunately, LG will never actually release this phone.

Vivo is also working on rollable displays, and as per some trademarks yesterday, Samsung is also looking to release a rollable screen sometime in the future.

Image Credit: BullsLab

Source: XDA Developers, BullsLab

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Mobile Syrup

Microsoft expands Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 to Canada

Microsoft unveiled the Windows 11 2022 Update on Tuesday, which is set to bring several new features to Windows 11 PCs. However, one announcement that flew a little under the radar was that Microsoft was expanding the Amazon Appstore to Canada and other countries.

“Today, we are excited to share that within the next few weeks, the Amazon Appstore will expand to 31 countries – including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and more,” reads a line from one of the many announcement blog posts released on Tuesday. Moreover, you can view the full list of countries where the Amazon Appstore Preview is available here.

The expansion means that Windows 11 users in Canada will soon be able to access Android apps and games on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store.

As part of the change, Microsoft says it made it easier to discover Android apps and games by adding them to editorials and search results on the Microsoft Store. Plus, you’ll be able to share links to your favourite Android apps too.

Moreover, Microsoft improved the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), which powers Android apps on Windows 11. Thanks to the improvements, users should get two or three times faster graphics performance with hardware accelerations, DRM video support, improved input handling for touch, mouse, and keyboard, plus network and security improvements.

To make use of Android apps on Windows 11, you’ll need to download the Amazon Appstore Preview first (unless you’ve got the technical know-how to install Android apps without it). You can do that by opening the Microsoft Store and searching for ‘Amazon Appstore.’

However, there’s a good chance that it won’t be available just yet. As mentioned up top, the Amazon Appstore will be available in the “next few weeks.” Moreover, you’ll need the latest Windows update and the right PC hardware. You can check the former by heading to Settings > Windows Update and checking for the Windows 11 2022 Update, while the latter can be verified by checking the system requirements on the Amazon Appstore page (you’ll need at least 8GB of RAM and either an 8th Gen Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3000, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c or better chip).

Header image credit: Microsoft

Source: Windows Experience Blog

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Mobile Syrup

PCMag says Bell offers the fastest mobile network in Canada

PCMag ranks Bell first in its fasted mobile networks in Canada tests.

The telecom giant records a maximum download speed of 1373Mbps and upload speeds of 142Mbps. Bell’s overall speed score is 90, while Rogers and Telus each have a final score of 91.

Image credit: PCMag

The publication notes the introduction of 5G+ through the 3,500MHz network has considerably improved speed. The three largest carriers in Canada introduced the network in June.

The publication notes the spectrum helped Rogers increase its average download speeds the most, compared to Bell and Telus. Before the introduction, the company was lagging behind its two competitors.

Image credit: PCMag

But Rogers was no match for Bell and its “spectacular work,” the report states. Bell has the fastest mobile network in 22 of the 31 areas, including Toronto and Calgary, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Rogers and Telus

Despite having similar speed scores, the report notes Rogers is in a “second-place showing.” Its 5G+ network is a significant player in B.C. and Montreal.

On the other hand, Telus has access to the 3,500MHz network, but it doesn’t have access to Android device firmware.

Source: PCMag

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Mobile Syrup

Federal government to drop ArriveCan app by month’s end: report

The federal government is planning to end a host of COVID restrictions at its boarders.

As reported by The Globe and Mail, the government will drop vaccination requirements for people entering the country, along with random testing and the mandatory use of ArriveCan, by the end of the month.

Various other media outlets have reported the same thing, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. However, Health Canada is yet to make an official statement.

“There have been no decisions made,” the agency told CP24.

“[Any changes] would be informed by the best practices, latest scientific evidence, data and domestic and international epidemiological situation and in close consultation with our provincial, territorial and international partners, including industry stakeholders.”

Many people have complained about the COVID restrictions Canada still imposes, which were adopted alongside airports in many other countries. However, most of those countries have dropped these restrictions, but Canada didn’t follow suit.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Via: The Globe and Mail, CP24