Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Nintendo Switch OLED took 3,600 hours to experience burn-in: test

The Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) is notable for offering a crisper screen than the standard LCD model of the console-handheld hybrid.

Now, however, we’re seeing that the Switch OLED’s display is rather durable. Right after the system’s launch last October, YouTuber Bob “WulffDen” Wulff took it upon himself to see how long the OLED’s screen could go before experiencing burn-in. As it turns out, 3,600 hours — or, in other words, a full five months.

What’s particularly notable is that these results came after leaving his Switch OLED on nearly consistently on an image from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for that the full testing period. Wulff also set up a third-party Joy-Con with rapid-fire functionality to circumvent the Switch’s automatic screen turn-off after five minutes of inactivity.

It was then only after the 3,600-hour mark that he began to notice small “ghosting” images on the screen. Of course, the average user isn’t going to use their own Switch OLED model for such prolonged periods, but regardless, it’s impressive to see the screen prove to be so long-lasting.

Wulff says he plans to continue testing the Switch OLED’s screen capabilities to see how long it takes to get the system into “an unplayable state.”

Via: GameSpot

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Mobile Syrup

Super Nintendo World to open in Hollywood in 2023

Universal has confirmed that its highly anticipated Super Nintendo World theme park will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in California in 2023. The announcement comes as part of ‘MAR10 Day,’ March 10th.

A specific date was not provided. Nonetheless, it’s notable news, considering that the only other Super Nintendo World is currently at Universal Studios Japan. The park, which was conceived through close collaboration with Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, opened last March after multiple COVID-19 related delays.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Nintendo attractions will consist of one ride and a number of interactive areas, as well as themed shopping and dining options. Ahead of the opening, Universal Studios Hollywood’s ‘Feature Presentation’ store will also receive exclusive Mario merch, although a date for this was not given.

Further details have not been revealed, but it’s likely it will be similar to the Japanese park, which features Princess Peach’s Castle, Bowser’s Castle, an AR-powered Mario Kart experience and more. A Donkey Kong expansion is also set to come to the Japanese park in 2024.

I don’t know about you, but after the past couple of years with COVID-19, a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom in Hollywood sounds like just what the Doctor (Mario) ordered.

Source: Universal

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s why the M1 Ultra variant of the Mac Studio is heavier

Apple revealed its latest Mac Studio at its ‘Peek Performance’ event, and in all sincerity, it came as a surprise. Not many were expecting to see a new Mac as preceding rumours and expectations surrounding the event focused majorly on a new iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac, which Apple calls a “high-performance machine,” comes equipped with either an M1 Max or an M1 Ultra chipset. Apple says the M1 Max is up to 50 percent faster than Mac Pro, whereas the M1 Ultra is up to 90 percent faster than the Mac Pro.

This boost in performance comes because the M1 Ultra is, in essence, just two interconnected M1 Max chips functioning as one. But with the added power comes an added need to dissipate heat, and that’s why the Mac Studio weighs in at a heavier 5.9lbs (2.7kg) base model, while the maxed out M1 Ultra model measures in at 7.9lbs (3.6kg). But why the 2lbs (0.9kg) discrepancy?

According to The Verge, who got in touch with Apple regarding the weight difference, the M1 Max variant of the Mac Studio features an aluminum heatsink, whereas the M1 Ultra model features a larger copper thermal module. They have the same 370W power supply, so the main contributor to the excess weight is the difference in the materials used for the Mac Studio’s cooling system.

Apple’s Mac Studio is currently available to pre-order, with the PC shipping and becoming available in stores on March 18th, 2022. The M1 Max Mac Studio starts at $2,499 CAD and the M1 Ultra variant at $4,999 CAD.


Apple reveals new Mac Studio with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips


Apple reveals new Mac Studio with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips

Apple unveiled its new Mac Studio. It looks like a tall Mac mini, but Apple claims it’s up to 90 percent faster than its Mac Pro desktop.


Read now

Image credit: Apple

Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Microsoft testing File Explorer tabs in Windows 11

Source: https://twitter.com/WithinRafael/status/1501675774847246337?s=20&t=_FgipaRBZJKnm3Z5cfnc9w

The ‘File Explorer’ app in Windows 11 is finally getting tabs. Tabs in File Explorer is a much-wanted feature that will allow users to open multiple folders in one File Explorer window.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 users may have to wait a while before Microsoft actually released File Explorer tabs.

The feature was spotted in the latest Windows 11 test build by Rafael Rivera, one of the developers behind the ‘EarTrumpet‘ app for Windows. Rivera shared a picture of the feature on Twitter:

According to The Verge, tabs in File Explorer appear to be a ‘secret addition‘ in Windows 11 and Microsoft has not officially announced the feature. Windows Insider chief Amanda Langowski previously said the company would only communicate about features it purposefully enables for Insiders to test. That said, considering tabs are a high requested feature, Microsoft may make an announcement about them soon.

It’s worth noting this isn’t the first time Microsoft has dabbled with adding tabs to File Explorer. Back in Windows 10, Microsoft was working on a feature called ‘Sets‘ that would effectively add tabs to File Explorer and several other Windows apps. Unfortunately, Microsoft cancelled the project.

While many Windows users have waited for Microsoft to add tabs to File Explorer, others have taken matters into their own hands. The Verge notes that designers have created concepts of what a modern File Explorer could be like, while some developers have even created their own File Explorer apps. For example, there’s the ‘Files‘ app on the Windows Store, which already supports tabs, themes, and other modern features.

For those not willing to download a third-party file management app, it’ll likely be a long wait until Microsoft officially adds tabs to File Explorer in stable Windows 11. But hey, at least there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.

Image credit: Rafael Rivera

Source: Rafael Rivera (Twitter) Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Google may have a solution for running Windows games on Stadia

While debate rages about whether or not Stadia will land in the ‘Google Graveyard,’ it appears the search giant may have prepped something that could save its struggling game streaming service: a solution for running Windows games.

According to The Verge, Reddit users spotted a session at Google’s upcoming Games Developer Summit titled “how to write a Windows emulator for Linux from scratch.” Google Stadia’s porting platform lead, Marchin Undak, will head the session. It promises a “detailed overview of the technology behind Google’s solution for running unmodified Windows games on Stadia.”

In other words, it appears Google may have made its own Windows “emulator” for Linux.

It’s worth noting that Google’s Stadia is based on Linux, which means this could open the door for easily porting games designed to run on Windows over to Stadia. Although Google has worked with companies like Unreal, Unity, and Havok to improve the porting process, game developers still had to do some heavy lifting to get titles running on Linux.

If Google’s solution works well, it could remove some of the biggest hurdles for getting games running on Stadia. That could lead to an influx of new titles on the platform.

As The Verge points out, Google calls the solution an emulator, but it’s likely the solution is more of a compatibility layer. Emulating apps can cause performance issues, which aren’t ideal in things like games. Compatibility layers, on the other hand, can translate apps to run on different platforms without as significant an impact on performance.

Valve’s Proton compatibility layer is a great example of this. Proton, for those unfamiliar, uses a modified version of ‘Wine’ and maps Microsoft’s Direct3D graphics APIs to Vulkan, allowing Windows games to run on Linux. Proton is key to the Steam Deck, which runs a custom Linux distribution called ‘Steam OS.’

Of course, Google and Valve aren’t the only companies looking into ways to get Windows games running on Linux-based systems. Amazon has been trying to hire developers with experience in Proton for its Luna gaming service (which isn’t available in Canada yet). Luna is powered by Windows, but Amazon’s hiring attempts suggest it could shift to Linux.

Whether Google’s Windows-games-on-Stadia solution is an emulator or compatibility layer remains to be seen. Whatever the case, it could be a great way to expand the content available on Stadia. We’ll likely learn all the details at the Games Developer Summit on March 15th.

Source: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Black peripherals make a comeback at Apple Store

After discontinuing its Space Gray Magic Keyboard, Trackpad and Mouse last summer, Apple has resumed the sale of its dark-coloured accessories, though they’re now labelled as ‘Black’ instead of  ‘Space Gray.’

At the time, Apple had ceased production of the Space Gray iMac Pro, so it made little sense for the company to continue selling matching peripherals. Since then, Apple’s website hasn’t had the Space Grey variants listed, but the Keypad, Mouse and Trackpad were still available in Silver.

Now, after announcing a new Mac and a monitor at its ‘Peek Performance’ event, the dark-themed accessories seem to be making a comeback, though with a premium. Apple’s website currently has the new Black Magic Keyboard with Touch ID listed for $229, whereas the same keyboard in white is available for $209.

Similarly, the new black Magic Mouse and black Magic Trackpad are listed for $119 and $169, respectively, whereas their white counterparts are marked $89 and $149.

Check out the new colourways for the accessories here.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Apple

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Mobile Syrup

Removing RT from Canadian airwaves alone will have limited impact, ECGL says

Moscow, Russia – March 1, 2015. Buses broadcaster Russia Today near March of the opposition. March to the memory of Boris Nemtsov, Russian opposition leader who was assassinated on the eve of

  1. Ethnic Channels Group Limited (ECGL) says removing RT from Canadians’ TV screens won’t mean the English-language news channel funded by the Russian government can’t be accessed elsewhere.

The comments came after the Governor in Council asked the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to determine RT’s future in Canada. Interveners had just five days to file comments, as a report is due by March 17th at the latest.

In its filing, ECGL says RT is still available through entities operating on the internet, as they don’t need approval from the CRTC to work in Canada. RT can also share the channel through websites it owns. “If the purpose of the current process is to prevent distribution of the RT Services in Canada, it may not succeed,” CEO, Slava Levin, writes in the intervention.

ECGL also says other state-owned or sponsored Russian-language news are available in Canada, such as Channel One Russia. It’s the “most viewed Russian language service in Canada” offered by local BDUs, Levin writes. But this channel, and others like it, aren’t part of the current discussion.

If “the purpose of the current process is to prevent distribution of Russian-state controlled information and news content within the ‘regulated’ BDU environment, it also may not succeed.”

Comments filed by Rogers also highlight the need to remove other channels backed by Russia, such as Channel One Russia and RTR Planeta.

Levin also notes the current process is being taken “after the fact” as several companies already removed RT from channel lineups, including Bell, Shaw, and Telus.

This was done without consultation from the CRTC or other government entities and was “non-transparent.” Levin says the power BDUs have to remove a service themselves could be extended to other shows in the future and exposes
“potential weakness in our system.”

Shaw also filed comments, stating it was not in a position to argue why RT should stay on the air. BCE or Telus did not file comments at the time of writing. The CRTC’s website shows 373 interventions were filed by the deadline.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: ECGL

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Mobile Syrup

Xbox Series X bundles now in stock at Walmart

Microsoft’s sought-after Xbox Series X is currently in stock at Walmart Canada.

These aren’t just standard Series X consoles, though, and instead are bundles that include an additional controller.

Below are all of the bundles currently in stock:

Xbox Series X Electric Volt Controller Bundle — $674

Xbox Series X Carbon Black Controller Bundle — $674

Xbox Series X Robot White Bundle — $674

This story will be updated when the Series X is no longer in stock.

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Mobile Syrup

Google halts Play Store billing system in Russia, users unable to purchase new apps

In an update posted to its support page yesterday, Google announced that it is pausing Google Play’s billing system for users in Russia.

According to the update, Russian Google Play users would no longer be able to purchase new apps and games from the store, along with not being able to make in-app and monthly subscription payments for Google-owned apps like YouTube.

Google cites a “payment system disruption” as the main reason behind the stoppage.  This could be because the bank that facilitates Google Pay payments in Russia might have been sanctioned, similar to how Apple Pay is currently disabled in the country as the bank that facilitates those transactions, VTB, has been hit with strict economic sanctions.

It’s worth noting that users in Russia would still be able to download free apps and games from the store, along with retaining full access to apps that they have already purchased. However, any and all subscriptions will end after their current billing cycle.

This comes soon after Google announced that it has suspended all of its ad sales in Russia. “In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we’re pausing Google ads in Russia,” the company said in a statement given to Reuters. “The situation is evolving quickly, and we will continue to share updates when appropriate.”

Check out a full list of big tech/social media sanctions against Russia in the wake of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine here.

Source: Google 

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Mobile Syrup

Leaked M1 Ultra benchmark shows it outperforming Intel Mac Pro’s 28-core CPU

Apple unveiled a ton of products at its ‘Peek Performance’ event this week, but the star was easily the new Mac Studio and M1 Ultra chip. But, questions remain about how well the Mac Studio and M1 Ultra actually perform — Apple made some lofty claims on stage.

Well, according to a leaked Geekbench score for the M1 Ultra chip, performance looks pretty good.

Now, before I get too deep into this, it’s important to note that benchmarks are not always the best way to judge a computer. Benchmarks can be useful for comparing performance between devices through a consistent test, but they may not always be indicative of real-world performance. Moreover, it can sometimes be hard to note the impact of significant hardware differences — for example, the amount of RAM in a device — in a benchmark.

With that out of the way, this GeekBench 5 result for the M1 Ultra shows the chip hit a single-core score of 1,793. As 9to5Mac points out, that puts it in line with all of Apple’s M1 chips, which makes sense given one of the biggest differences between them is the number of cores.

Things are more interesting with the M1 Ultra’s multi-core result: 24,055.

That’s a pretty impressive score, especially when you take it in context. For example, our test of the MacBook Pro with the new M1 Pro chip scored 9,318 in GeekBench’s multi-core test. My Windows desktop with a 10th Gen Intel Core 19-10900K scored 10,192 in multi-core, and Intel’s new 12th Gen Core i9-12900HK laptop chip scored 13,523. 9to5 also pointed out that Intel’s 28-core Xeon W-3275M processor, which is currently the best CPU you can get in Apple’s Mac Pro machine, scored 19,951 in GeekBench’s multi-core test. That suggests the M1 Ultra performs about 20 percent better than the Intel Xeon W-3275M.

Perhaps the more impressive part of this is the M1 Ultra chip almost certainly hits that high performance while using a fraction of the power that the Intel chips use.

As impressive as the M1 Ultra is, it’s worth keeping in mind that the Mac Pro offers a high level of customizability, allowing people to equip it with multiple AMD Radeon Pro GPUs and up to 1.5TB of RAM. Those could be difference-makers in some highly intensive workloads that need a lot of memory — the M1 Ultra maxes out at 128GB (which is way more than most people need, but for those intense workloads, may come up laughably short).

All that said, Apple did tease plans to introduce a new Mac Pro with Apple Silicon in the future. Although unlikely, part of me hopes whatever chip Apple introduces for the new Mac Pro offers the same level of flexibility as the current Mac Pro in terms of memory expansion.

Source: GeekBench Via: 9to5Mac