Author: Mobile Syrup

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Walmart is calling dibs on the virtual shopping experience, files trademarks

Looking to get a headstart towards the future of shopping, Walmart has filed for seven trademarks that indicate that the retail giant wants to make the leap into its own metaverse and establish NFTs and crypto, as first reported by CNBC.

The trademarks, which were filed earlier in December 2021 suggest that Walmart also wants to make and sell virtual goods along with its own NFTs and a digital currency. The application reads, “Financial services, namely, providing a digital currency and a digital token of value for use by members on an online community via a global computer network.”

Trademark applications also encompass the scope of Walmart offering “physical fitness training services” and “classes in the field of health and nutrition,” which likely suggests that Walmart intends to offer AR/VR fitness sessions in its metaverse.

This comes soon after an old 2017 Walmart AR/VR shopping experience video resurfaced and went viral. 

Further, according to Bloomberg, Walmart has also filed for trademarks for the terms “Verse to Home,” “Verse to Curb,” and “Verse to Store,” indicating that the company is calling dibs on a virtual shopping experience.

Walmart’s patents are listed under “Walmart Connect,” and can be found here. 

It’s worth noting that these are just trademarks that haven’t yet materialized, and it’s currently unclear what Walmart is officially working on behind the scenes. If such a virtual shopping experience came to life in the near future, we can expect it to first be released in the United States, and then likely eventually in Canada.

Source: CNBC

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Mobile Syrup

Twitter expands misleading tweets feature to Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines

Russia, Kazan Sep 2 2019: Twitter application icon on Apple iPhone X smartphone screen close-up. Twitter app icon. Social media icon. Social network

Twitter is expanding its feature that allows users to flag misleading tweets to the Philippines, Brazil, and Spain.

The functionality was first introduced in August 2021 and was open to users in the U.S., South Korea and Australia. Select users can pick “it’s misleading” as an option when they go to report a tweet.

Reuters reports the company received 3 million reports for the flagged tweets since it was first introduced.

The company tweeted the tool has been “useful” but improvements are still needed. No details are provided as to what these improvements might include. Of the tweets reported so far through this tool, only 10 percent were a violation of the company’s policies.

“As we continue with the pilot, we may not take action on all reported tweets and will not be able to respond to every report we receive,” a tweet on the company’s Brazilian account reads.

Image credit: ShutterStock

Source: @Twitter Via: Reuters

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Mobile Syrup

Rise in streaming services and the death of TV: Here’s what 2022 might bring in tech and telecom

A new year means new trends.

In the fast-moving world of technology, almost anything is possible. In an effort to gauge what the year has ahead, consulting company Deloitte put together a list of the things that are most likely to change in the technology and telecommunications sectors.

Streaming services

In an article gauging the future of streaming services, the company predicts at least 150 million subscriptions will be cancelled across the world this year.

A competitive market and rising costs are two possible answers to this.

But it’s not all bad news.

The authors believe more subscriptions will be added than cancelled. Those leaving a streaming service may eventually resubscribe, a sign of a “competitive and maturing” market.

With so much competition, companies spend big to retain customers. Billions are spent to get the best programming to keep customers on board. The article notes this may not be sustainable and other methods should be explored.

In the U.S. for example, incentives such as cheaper packages are being offered, a want for most customers. The article notes companies need to keep their customers in mind if they want to succeed.

The death of TV

Keeping in line with the rise of streaming services, the use of traditional TV services will take a dramatic dip in the U.K. this year.

The company predicts this is the last year TV from broadcasters, whether live or on-demand, will make up more than 50 percent of all viewing. The authors say the trend in the U.K. will be similar to many other markets.

“For TV to thrive going forward, the industry should regroup to face the new reality that it will be, not the dominant form of home video entertainment, but only one of many strong contenders for viewers’ attention,” the authors write.

Wireless catches up to wired broadband

Deloitte predicts fixed wireless access (FWA) connections will grow to 88 million globally this year. This is an increase from 60 million reported in 2020. FWA uses radio waves to deliver wireless internet services.

This will mark the first time wireless services are competitive with wired services, and the arrival of 5G helps with this. The next-generation cellular network will help through greater availability of spectrum and improved network infrastructure.

Image credit: Deloitte 

Source: Deloitte

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro could feature 120Hz displays

A new research note from Haitong International Securities’ analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors) states that all four of Apple’s 2022 iPhones will feature a 120Hz display refresh rate.

With the iPhone 13, only the Pro models offered a smoother refresh rate. This would move Apple’s smartphones more in-line with high-end Android devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S series.

Pu also says that all iPhone 14 models will feature 6GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 4GB of RAM currently featured in the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13, and the same amount of RAM offered in the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Pu also mentions that the iPhone 14 series’ main camera measures in at 48 megapixels and that internal storage will start at 64GB, while the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max start at 256GB of storage.

Earlier rumours surrounding Apple’s next-gen iPhone indicate that the smartphone line will ditch the display notch entirely for a Samsung-like front-facing hole-punch camera that features a “pill-shaped” design. 

Likely, Apple will officially reveal its iPhone 14 line during the tech giant’s annual fall hardware event held in September or October.

Source: MacRumors

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro could feature 120Hz displays

A new research note from Haitong International Securities’ analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors) states that all four of Apple’s 2022 iPhones will feature a 120Hz display refresh rate.

With the iPhone 13, only the Pro models offered a smoother refresh rate. This would move Apple’s smartphones more in-line with high-end Android devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S series.

Pu also says that all iPhone 14 models will feature 6GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 4GB of RAM currently featured in the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13, and the same amount of RAM offered in the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Pu also mentions that the iPhone 14 series’ main camera measures in at 48 megapixels and that internal storage will start at 64GB, while the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max start at 256GB of storage.

Earlier rumours surrounding Apple’s next-gen iPhone indicate that the smartphone line will ditch the display notch entirely for a Samsung-like front-facing hole-punch camera that features a “pill-shaped” design. 

Likely, Apple will officially reveal its iPhone 14 line during the tech giant’s annual fall hardware event held in September or October.

Source: MacRumors

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Mobile Syrup

Apple CarKey feature may finally expand beyond BMW vehicles

A new leak courtesy of Mark Gurman’s Bloomberg Power On newsletter suggests that Hyundai’s top-tier Genisis brand might soon feature Apple CarKey support.

CarKey was first shown off during WWDC 2021 and only currently works on select BMW models. It allows you to save a digital key to your Apple Wallet to make remote starting and unlocking your vehicle easier. You can also then use your phone as a key to start your car,

Gurman says that the update will roll out in the summer, which suggests that Apple might update us with more CarKey info at WWDC 2022.

Google offers similar functionality through Android, but like Apple’s CarKey, it only works with BMW cars and with the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21 series devices.

Several automakers offer their own proprietary apps that allow users to start/unlock their cars and more with a smartphone. However, this version of the technology from Apple and Google is compelling because it enables you to use the functionality without unlocking your phone and opening that app.

Source: Bloomberg

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Mobile Syrup

Best Buy’s Top Deals for the week feature solid gaming discounts

Best Buy’s Top Deals for the week are full of gaming product discounts, with gaming laptops, PCs, peripherals, headphones and more on sale.

Check out some notable gaming deals from Best Buy’s Top Deals below:

Gaming Laptops

ASUS ROG Strix G17 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop – Eclipse Grey (AMD Ryzen 7 5800H/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3060): $1,799.99 (regularly $1,899.99)

HP Victus 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop – Blue (Intel Core i7-11800H/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3060): $1,499.99 (regularly $1,799.99)

ROG Zephyrus G14 14-inch Gaming Laptop – Grey (AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3050): $1,499.99 (regularly $1,649.99)

Acer Nitro 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i7-11800H/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3060/Windows 11): $1,599.99 (regularly $1,799.99)

MSI Stealth 15M 15.6-inch Gaming Laptop – Carbon Grey (Intel Core i7-11375H/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/ RTX 3060): $1,649.99 (regularly $1,799.99)

Find all gaming laptops currently on sale here.

Gaming PCs

Acer Nitro 50 Gaming PC (Intel Core i5-11400F/1TB HDD/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3060): $1,449.99 (regularly $1,599.99)

HP OMEN 25L Gaming PC (AMD Ryzen 7 5700G/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3070): $1,999.99 (regularly $2,399.99)

CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC (AMD Ryzen 5 5600G/1TB HDD/500GB SSD/16GB RAM/RTX 3060/Win 11): $1,949.99 (regularly $2,099.99)

Acer Predator Orion 3000 Gaming PC (Intel Ci7-10700/2TB HDD/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super): $1,999.95 (regularly $$2,249.95)

MSI Infinite RS Gaming PC (Intel Core i7-11700KF/3TB HDD/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/GeForce RTX 3060 Ti/Win10): $2,499.99 (regularly $2,699.99)

Find all gaming PCs on sale here.

Gaming Monitors

ASUS 24-inch FHD 75Hz 1ms GTG TN LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (VP248QG) – Black: $169.99 (regularly $199.99)

Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch DQHD 240Hz 1ms GTG Curved VA LED G-Sync Gaming Monitor (LC49G95TSSNXZA) – White: $1,749.99 (regularly $1,999.99)

Dell 27-inch 1440p WQHD 165Hz 1ms GTG IPS LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (S2721DGF) – Grey: $499.99 (regularly $739.99)

LG UltraGear 31.5-inch 1440p WQHD 165Hz 1ms GTG IPS LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (32GP83B-B) – Black: $479.99 (regularly $649.99)

Asus 28-inch 4K Ultra HD 5ms GTG IPS LCD FreeSync Gaming Monitor (VG289Q) – Black: $379.99 (regularly $429.99)

Find all gaming monitors on sale at Best Buy here.

Gaming Headphones

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headset with Microphone – White: $169.97 (regularly $189.97)

Turtle Beach Stealth 600X Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset w/Mic for Xbox Series X / Xbox One – Black: $109.99 (regularly $129.99)

Turtle Beach Stealth 600P Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset with Microphone for PS5 / PS4 – Black: $109.99 (regularly $139.99)

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset – Black: $39.99 (regularly $69.99)

Razer Kraken Over-Ear Gaming Headset – Green: $59.97 (regularly $89.97)

Find all gaming headphones on sale here.

Peripherals

SteelSeries Level Up Gaming Bundle with Keyboard, Mouse & Mousepad: $99.99 (regularly $119.99)

Razer Power Up Gaming Bundle with Keyboard, Mouse & Headset: $99.98 (regularly $149.98)

Corsair K55 RGB PRO Optical Keyboard & Harpoon RGB Pro Gaming Mouse Combo – English: $69.99 (regularly $109.99)

Razer Viper Ultimate 20000 DPI Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse with Dock – Black: $141.98 (regularly $159.98)

Razer Huntsman Mini Backlit Optical Gaming Keyboard – White – English: $129.98 (regularly $174.98)

Find all peripherals on sale here.

Games

PlayStation

FIFA 22 (PS5): $54.99 (regularly $89.99)

NBA 2K22 (PS5): $44.99 (regularly $89.99)

Madden NFL 21 NXT LVL Edition (PS5): $19.99 (regularly $59.99)

NHL 21 (PS4): $14.99 (regularly $39.99)

Days Gone (PS4): $29.99 (regularly $49.99)

Find all PlayStation games on sale here.

Xbox

NBA 2K22 (Xbox One): $39.99 (regularly $79.99)

FIFA 22 (Xbox Series X): $54.99 (regularly $89.99)

Madden NFL 21 (Xbox One): $9.97 (regularly $29.97)

Outriders Day One Edition (Xbox Series X / Xbox One): $24.99 (regularly $41.99)

Marvel’s Avengers (Xbox One): $24.99 (regularly $39.99)

Find all Xbox games on sale here.

Switch

NBA 2K22 (Switch): $39.99 (regularly $79.99)

The Outer Worlds (Switch): $19.99 (regularly $29.99)

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (Switch): $29.99 (regularly $39.99)

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Switch): $29.99 (regularly $39.99)

Find all Switch titles on sale here.

It’s worth noting that the products mentioned above have varying ‘sale end’ dates. Make sure you check when specific deals are ending if you’re going to sit on the idea of picking up a new game or peripheral.

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.

Source: Best Buy

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Mobile Syrup

Ontario Premier Doug Ford does live TV interview while driving during snowstorm

There’s a strong possibility Ontario Premier Doug Ford isn’t familiar with Ontario’s distracted driving laws.

During a recent live CP24 segment focused on the ongoing snowstorm in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ford video called in to the television station while driving his vehicle. Though it’s somewhat common for busy politicians to call into television stations from parked cars for interviews, Ford did this segment while his vehicle was still in motion.

In the province of Ontario, distracted driving is considered the following:

  • “Use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial — you can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency
  • Use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console
  • View display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video
  • Program a GPS device, except by voice commands”

In the video, Ford, who seems to have his smartphone placed in the centre console of his vehicle, repeatedly glances down at the device while speaking to CP24‘s George Lagogianes, dividing his attention between the television segment and operating his car.

While taking a phone call from your moving vehicle is legal, video calls fall under the “watching a video” portion of Ontario’s distracted driving laws.

During the PR press release-like interview, Ford says that he’s “picking people up, checking on people; like everyone else, helping out,” before rolling down his window and ensuring a stranded vehicle is empty, all while live on the air. After it was clear the Premier was doing the interview while on the road, the 24-hour news station cut the video feed on Ford’s smartphone.

On another note, it seems that Ford has moved on from his BB10-powered BlackBerry Classic to a more modern smartphone, which makes sense since the Canadian tech giant’s BB10 and below devices can no longer connect carriers. It’s unclear if Ford has shifted to Android or iOS, but given that CP24 typically utilizes Apple’s FaceTime video call platform for interviews, Ford is likely using an iPhone.

Source: @KrisReports, @vote4robgill, Ontario 

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra images and specs leak online

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra might be revealed alongside Samsung’s S22 series on February 8th during an ‘Unpacked’ event.

WinFuture has gotten its hands on the Tab S8 Ultra’s specs, showing off the tablet’s rumoured key flagship features. The Ultra features a 14.6-inch 2,960 x 1,848 pixel resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage and S-Pen stylus support.

The tablet also reportedly sports a display notch and features two 12-megapixel selfie cameras.

Additionally, it features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, two rear cameras (13-megapixel, 6-megapixel ultrawide), Dolby Atmos quad speakers and 5G.

The other Tab S8 variants offer less-than-stellar specs, however. The Tab S8+ features a 120Hz, 2,800 x 1,752 AMOLED panel with a 12-megapixel front shooter, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage and lastly, the smallest S8 tablet sports an 11-inch LCD screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution.

It’s unclear when Samsung will unveil its Galaxy Tab S8 series, we’ll likely catch our first glimpse of it alongside the company’s Galaxy S22 series.

Source: WinFuture

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Scotiabank launches ‘Sleep Advisor’ tools to help Canadians with investments

Scotiabank has launched Sleep Advisor by Scotia Advice+, a series of tools that aims to help Canadians with their investments.

The company cites its new ‘Worry Poll‘ that found that three in four Canadians spend an average of 10 hours a week worrying about finances. Through Sleep Advisor, Scotiabank says it hopes to alleviate financial concerns through a hotline and online Sleep Advisor Hub on the Advice+ Centre.

With respect to the former, Canadians can call 1-833-SLE-EEEP to receive banking advice or book an appointment with a Scotiabank representative. Scotiabank also teases that the hotline has “few surprises make the experience less stressful, including unique daytime and nighttime meditations.” Those calling at night can also book an appointment or listen to a guided meditation.

Sleep Advisor Hub, meanwhile, is an online portal that offers answers related to RRSPs, TFSAs, mutual funds, GICs and more. Articles and FAQs are organized based on a customer’s life stage.

Scotiabank says its findings come from two recently conducted national surveys conducted by Maru Public Opinion — one featuring 1,510 randomly selected Canadian adults between October 12th and 13th, 2021, and the other sampling 1,513 randomly selected Canadian adults on January 7th, 2022.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Scotiabank