Author: Mobile Syrup

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Apple’s iPhone 14 series, Apple Watch Series 8 and SE are now available in Canada

Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are now available to purchase online and in-store in Canada at the Apple Store and other retailers.

Below is the pricing for all of Apple’s new devices:

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch SE

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen) ($329) drop on September 23rd alongside the Apple Watch Ultra ($1,099), and the release of the larger iPhone 14 Plus ($1,249) is also just around the corner on October 7th.

All of our review coverage of Apple’s new devices can be found below:

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.

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Mobile Syrup

Should you buy Apple’s iPhone 14? ft. Shevon Salmon [SyrupCast 264]

On this week’s SyrupCast, Patrick O’Rourke, Brad Bennett, Dean Daley and special guest tech YouTuber Shevon Salmon discuss Apple’s big ‘Far Out’ keynote and also delve into MobileSyrup‘s reviews/hands-ons of all the devices the tech giant showed off, including the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro/Max, the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Ultra and the AirPods (2nd-Gen).

As always, you can listen to the SyrupCast below or on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Direct download link

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Mobile Syrup

Walmart launches new ‘virtual try-on’ feature for its iOS app

Walmart has announced a new ‘Virtual Try-On’ apparel experience that allows users to virtually wear the retailer’s clothing at home.

The experience allows users to use their own photos to visualize how a certain article of clothing will look on them.

According to the company, the experience is called “Be Your Own Model,” and it “leverages algorithms and intricate machine learning models to simulate how clothing will look on you.”

Walmart says the technology is capable of simulating shadows, fabric draping and where clothing falls on a person’s body shape in seconds.

“For example, a single shirt can come in six different colors, seven different sizes and two sleeve lengths. Our technology captures all the variations and shows how they look uniquely on each individual,” said the company.

Walmart can also scale the technology largely. The feature is available on more than 270,000 articles of clothing across Walmart’s portfolio of exclusive, elevated brands and private brands, including items on the Walmart Marketplace.

As a user, you’ll have to take a photo of yourself from the Walmart app on your smartphone in a well-lit room and share your height. You’ll then be able to view yourself as the model to try out clothing on the Walmart app.

The feature is rolling out now on the Walmart iOS app in the U.S. MobileSyrup has reached out to Walmart regarding Canadian availability.

Learn more about “Be Your Own M0del” and “Virtual Try-On” here.

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Mobile Syrup

Toronto Metropolitan University launches Red Bull Gaming Hub to help grow city’s games industry

Toronto Metropolitan University has officially opened its Red Bull Gaming Hub, a dedicated centre that aims to grow the Toronto video game industry.

Red Bull Gaming Hub at Toronto Metropolitan University

Located in university’s The Creative School on 80 Gould Street, the Red Bull Gaming Hub will focus on three core pillars: video game design, virtual production and esports broadcasting.

The space will be home to classes featuring leading-edge curriculum to help students pursue careers in the gaming industry, as well as extracurricular activities like live streaming and esports tournaments.

Toronto Metropolitan University Red Bull Gaming Hub

The Red Bull Gaming Hub comes out of a collaboration between Toronto Metropolitan University, Red Bull Canada and esports companies OverActive Media and Waveform Entertainment. To celebrate the opening, a variety of guests attended a September 15th launch event — Toronto Mayor John Tory; Mohamed Lachemi, Toronto Metropolitan University President & Vice-Chancellor; Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School; Kristopher Alexander, Director of the Red Bull Gaming Hub and video game and esports professor; Chris Overholt, president and CEO of OverActive Media; Salil Gupta, CTO of Waveform Entertainment.

Red Bull Gaming Hub at Toronto Metropolitan University PC

In terms of equipment, the hub features:

  • Open broadcasting software
  • Unreal Engine 5, the latest version of one of the most commonly used game development engines
  • Thirty-six high-performance gaming PCs equipped with top-of-the-line AMD technology
  • Eight 4KHD televisions
  • 5:1 surround sound speaker system
  • Classic games library

Of course, there’s also a fully-stacked Red Bull fridge.

Toronto Metropolitan University Red Bull Gaming Hub fridge

Why it matters

More than three billion people around the world play games, and the global games market is expected to generate around $200 billion USD (about $264.6 billion CAD) in 2022 alone. In Canada, specifically, more than 23 million people play games — in other words, half the country’s population.

Further, Canada is the third-largest producer of games in the world, with the national games market accounting for $5.5 billion of the country’s total GDP in 2021. Of the 900-plus gaming studios across the country, roughly 300 are located in Ontario. Therefore, the Red Bull Gaming Hub serves as another way for Ontario’s gaming community — and, by extension, Canada’s — to further reach more people, including those in other countries.

It’s also the second big gaming launch in Toronto this week. On September 14th, Montreal-based Behaviour Interactive, Canada’s largest independent gaming studio, expanded into Ontario with a new Toronto office. For more on that, check out our interview with Rémi Racine, CEO of the Dead by Daylight company.

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Mobile Syrup

Empty shelves no more: Walmart using AI to keep products stocked

Walmart is rolling out an AI solution to inform customers when a product is out of stock or running low.

The system will detect availability concerns in real time and notify employees to replenish items at the retailer’s Canadian locations.

Computer vision cameras installed in stores are pointed toward shelves. Scans are completed at pre-determined intervals, and employees are notified when products are out of stock, leading to restocks.

“This leading-edge technology provides real-time, automated alerts for replenishment in key priority areas within our stores,” Robin DeMers, director of store optimization, said. “It also empowers our associates with cool tech that makes a big difference in the way they are able to work and provide the best possible customer experience.”

Walmart is rolling out the technology after a pilot program that featured 70 stores.

The company says it’s one of the first retailers in Canada to utilize the technology, calling it a “game-changer” in assisting both customers and associates.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Walmart Canada

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Mobile Syrup

Tipster suggests that Qualcomm could release two versions of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 successor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is reported to be unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit taking place on November 15th-17th, later this year.

A new leak regarding the upcoming SoC (system-on-a-chip) from tipster ‘Digital Chat Station’ on the Chinese social media website Weibo suggests that Qualcomm’s upcoming chip will release in two separate versions, via Android Authority.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 would release as a standard chipset, alongside an ‘ultra-high frequency version’ that increases clock speeds significantly.

The current-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs at 3.19GHz, whereas the reported ‘ultra-high frequency version’ of 8 Gen 2 would be able to clock in at 3.4 to 3.5GHz. Higher clock speeds equal faster and more responsive phones, so the upgraded chip could be reserved for the highest-end flagships, while regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 could be used in base model flagships.

However, this is just a leak. A very optimistic one, to say the least, and should be taken with a grain of salt.

We’ll know for sure if Qualcomm intends to launch two versions of the 8 Gen 2 chipset at its Snapdragon Summit on November 15th-17th.

Source: ‘Digital Chat Station’ on Weibo Via: Android Authority

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Mobile Syrup

Nintendo’s Blockbuster sale discounts games up to 60 percent

Nintendo’s Blockbuster sale offers several third-party titles for the Switch at more affordable pricing.

These games include Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Doom Eternal, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy, Just Dance 2022 Ultimate, Life is Strange: True Colors, Disco Elysium Final Cut and more.

This sale is available until September 25th.

Here are some of the games below:

Source: Nintendo

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Mobile Syrup

Call of Duty: Warzone is heading to mobile in 2023

Activision’s Call of Duty: Warzone is one of the top battle royale games currently, alongside Apex Legends and Fortnite. The latter two can boast their availability for gamers on the go, as both titles are available on mobile.

Fortunately, Call of Duty: Warzone players would also soon be able to brag about being able to play their favourite battle royale game on the go, as the title is heading to iOS and Android in 2023.

Information regarding the title was shared during the CODNext Showcase Event. The mobile title will feature the original fan-favourite Warzone map Verdansk. Everything you’ve come to expect from Warzone on PC and consoles will be ported over to the mobile version, including kill streaks and the Gulag.

Up to 120 live players can join a single match, and the mobile title will share the same weapons and operators as the PC and console title. On the other hand, the title will also bring mobile-specific gameplay experiences, playlists, events and content.

The mobile title will also share battle pass progression with PC and console, so you can play the game on either platform and work towards progressing, alongside a shared friends list and chat.

Pre-registration for the mobile title is now open on the Google Play Store.

Image credits: Call of Duty

Source: Call of Duty

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Mobile Syrup

How to watch Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in Canada

On September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96.

To honour Her Majesty’s life and 70-year reign, the Royal Family will be holding a public funeral on September 19th. The event is expected to be the most-watched broadcast in history, bringing in some four billion viewers around the globe.

When

Because the funeral is taking place at England’s Westminster Abbey, you’ll want to make note of the time difference. Specifically, the funeral procession will begin at 11am local UK time, which is 6am ET/3am PT.

How to watch

In Canada, there will be a number of ways to tune in.

The Sky News YouTube channel and iOS and Android app will have a stream of the funeral. Alternatively, CBC’s website and Gem streaming service will have coverage, along with CTV’s website and Android and iOS app. (Of course, CBC and CTV will also have coverage on their respective TV for those with cable.)

Who will be there

Given that Westminster Abbey has a maximum capacity of 2,200 people, there will be a strict limit on who can attend. A formal guest list has not been released, but we do know that outside of the Royal Family, world leaders from various countries, plus a spouse or other dignitary, have been permitted to go.

This means that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon will represent Canada, while The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand will also travel to the funeral with their respective governors general. Leaders from non-Commonwealth countries will also travel to the funeral, including U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. Many other world leaders are also expected to attend.

National Day of Mourning in Canada

It should be noted that while Canada has declared September 19th a federal holiday to mourn the Queen, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have elected not to recognize it as a statutory holiday. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are making September 19th a provincial holiday, while B.C. has declared it a holiday for public sector workers, while it’s up to the discretion of private sector employers.

At the same time of the September 19th funeral, Ottawa will hold its own memorial service with Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other dignitaries. Those interested in watching can do so via Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel and The Crown in Canada’s Facebook page.

The Government of Canada is also inviting people to sign an online book of condolences, share messages online or visit Ottawa’s Rideau Hall for in-person tributes. Canadians are also encouraged to take a moment of silence at 1pm local time.

Image credit: The Royal Family

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Mobile Syrup

Overwatch 2 details Battle Pass and new support hero, Kiriko

At Tokyo Game Show 2022, Blizzard showed more of Overwatch 2‘s newest hero, explained more about the game’s battle pass and revealed more details about season one.

Firstly, Sojourn and Junker Queen are free for everyone who downloads Overwatch 2 before the end of season one. Following that, Kiriko, the newly announced support Hero, will be free for everyone who owns the original Overwatch.

With the free battle pass, you can earn the new hero (if you didn’t already have the first Overwatch) and also get two new epic skins, two souvenirs, one weapon charm, and 15 additional rewards.

The premium tier of the battle pass offers Kiriko as an instant unlock; you can also get a 20 percent season experience boost (presumably to help you gain levels) a new Mythic skin, five legendary skins, an additional epic skin and 66 additional awards, which includes emotes, victory poses, player icons, sprays and more.

This Battle Pass’ Legendary skins follow a cyberpunk theme, and there are skins for Hanzo, Junker Queen, Sojourn, Kiriko, Zenyatta and Roadhog. Future battle passes will have other themes.

The Mythic skin for Genji changes colour and is pretty animated.

Additionally, the new Overwatch shop will have a ‘Just for You’ section with personalized offers based on what you prefer to play and equip in-game. You can also purchase new bundles weekly in the in-game store and complete weekly challenges to earn coins.

The update also revealed that the Halloween event this year has changed and will take place from October 25th to November 8th. 

Source: Overwatch