Author: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Leaks suggest Samsung is bringing back the rotating bezel with Galaxy Watch 6

Samsung skipped on the ‘Classic’ watch variant with the latest Galaxy Watch 5, and instead went with a Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro.

The absence of the ‘Classic’ variant was also marked with the absence of a rotating bezel on the Pro model of the Watch 5.

Now, it appears as though Samsung is looking to bring the rotating bezel back with the upcoming Watch 6 series.

As reported by SamMobile, Korean tipster SuperRoader, who has shared accurate leaks on several occasions in the past, said that Samsung plans to bring back the rotating bezel with the Galaxy Watch 6 series in a new YouTube video.

The leak suggests that the new watch Watch 6 series will have a regular and a classic variant, with the latter sporting a rotating bezel. The regular Watch 6, on the other hand, will have a regular digital bezel.

SuperRoader also said that Samsung will be releasing four new watch models this year, namely the Galaxy Watch 6 40mm, Galaxy Watch 6 44mm, the Galaxy Watch Classic 42mm and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 46mm.

Further, GalaxyClub was able to spot the batteries of the upcoming Watch 6 series and corroborated that the regular watch will come in 40mm and 4mm sizes while the classic watch would be available in 42mm and 46mm sizes.

The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro ran on a 590mAh battery, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is rumoured to run on a 300mAh cell. The smaller battery size also adds credence to the rumour that Samsung is skipping the Pro variant and is going with a Classic model for the Watch 6 series.

Source: SamMobile

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Mobile Syrup

Google’s Pixel Fold could land on store shelves sooner than expected

According to a bunch of new information about the Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a scrounged from retail sources, the devices could arrive after Google I/O in mid-June.

The information comes from WinFuture and 9to5Google (via Android Police). The two publications reported on leaked retail listings for the phones that include information about colourways, storage options and, importantly, the launch window.

For the Pixel Fold, it will reportedly land on store shelves in mid-June. That’s a surprising departure from previous leaks that pegged the foldable for a fall launch alongside the Pixel 8 series (speaking of which, renders of the 8 Pro surfaced online, check ’em out here).

However, it makes sense when you think about it. The Pixel Fold will reportedly rock the Tensor G2, so it might seem odd launching alongside the Pixel 8 with its Tensor G3 chip. Plus, launching the foldable in the summer means it won’t overshadow Google’s fall flagships.

Beyond the June release, the retail listing revealed there will be a 256GB Pixel Fold, though it’s unclear if there will be other storage options. The Fold will also have cases in ‘Haze Midtone,’ ‘Porcelain’ and ‘Sky’ colours.

As for the Pixel 7a — which also just had a massive leak — it will also be available in mid-June. However, it’s less surprising than the Fold since Google typically launches the A-series Pixel in the summer following a reveal at I/O.

The Pixel 7a will reportedly have three colour options, ‘Carbon,’ ‘Cotton’ and ‘Artic Blue.’ The first two are your typical run-of-the-mill black and white options, while Artic Blue sounds more interesting.

WinFuture reportedly saw a Jade-coloured case for the Pixel 7a, though it’s unclear if there will be a matching Jade-coloured phone. The Pixel 7a will reportedly offer one storage option at 128GB — the same as previous leaks.

All this points to an exciting Google I/O in May. We’ll likely learn lots more about the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a at the event (assuming it doesn’t all leak before then).

Image credit: Howtoisolve

Source: WinFuture, 9to5Google Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

TTC riders can text safety concerns, but what does it mean for subway riders?

The TTC is now letting users report safety concerns through text, but most Toronto residents likely won’t be able to use the feature.

The expansion is under SafeTTC, an app that allows users to report security concerns to TTC Transit Control discretely. While the text option allows more people to potentially access help since the app is not needed, the lack of service while using the subway is a big roadblock.

However, TTC stations are equipped to offer these services. BAI Communications has outfitted transit lines with the infrastructure to allow networks to work underground. But telecom providers, including Bell, Rogers, and Telus, have yet to sign on, blocking thousands of Toronto residents from accessing service.

Freedom Mobile is the only provider to sign onto BAI’s project.

While the expansion is helpful, it raises questions about how many residents it could possibly help.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: TTC

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Mobile Syrup

Unofficial Pixel 8 Pro renders give us a first look at Google’s upcoming flagship

Pixel leaks season is upon us.

Following a recent hands-on with a prototype Pixel 7a, OnLeaks and SmartPrix partnered to reveal unofficial renders of Google’s upcoming Pixel flagship based on “exclusive information on the design of the Pixel 8 Pro.”

Generally, it looks like the Pixel 8 Pro will maintain a similar style to the 7 Pro and 6 Pro that came before — assuming the renders are accurate. That means the camera visor will return (love it or hate it), though this time the renders show all three rear cameras housed in one glass oval, rather than the ‘i’ shaped cutouts on the 7 Pro.

Next to the cutouts for the camera are two small cutouts, one for a flash and another for an unknown sensor. SmartPrix suspects it could be a depth or macro sensor, but we likely won’t know for sure without more leaked info, or until the phone launches.

Beyond that, it appears the Pixel 8 Pro will offer a flat display instead of a curved display like what was on the predecessors. Fans of curved displays may lament the change, but I think this is the right move.

The display bezels also look pretty small, save for a slight chin at the bottom. The screen will reportedly measure in at 6.52-inches, slightly smaller than the 6.7-inch panel on the 7 Pro. The phone’s overall dimensions will allegedly be 162.6×76.5×8.7mm, and the camera bar will bring the thickness up to 12mm.

That’s about it for what the renders reveal. So far, we don’t know a lot about the Pixel 8 series, although it’s expected the phones will run on a Tensor G3 chip, likely based on a Samsung Exynos chip again. There’s also a rumour the Pixel 8 line will use an updated camera sensor, the Samsung ISOCELL GN2 with support for staggered HDR.

Once again, the Pixel series is expected to launch later in the year, likely in October or November. However, the phones could be teased at Google’s upcoming I/O developer conference, which kicks off May 10th. We might also see the launch of another Google phone — the Pixel 7a — as well as reveal new details about Android 14, which will likely run on the Pixel 8 series.

Images credit: SmartPrix

Source: SmartPrix

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Mobile Syrup

New leak gives us an idea about Nothing Ear (2) specs

Nothing is ready to detail its latest audio offering, the Nothing Ear (2) on Wednesday, March 22nd. While we’ve already seen leaked renders of the upcoming earbuds, we’re uncertain about the Nothing Ear (2)s’ specs.

Now, roughly a week before the unveiling of the earbud, a new leak from The Tech Outlook sheds some light on reported specs of the audio gadget.

For starters, the buds will have a semi-transparent design, similar to the Nothing Ear (1), corroborating the previous render leak. They will come equipped with a transparent case, and visually, there seem to be little to no changes.

Spec-wise, just like the Ear (1)s, the Ear (2)s will also feature 11.6mm drivers. Reportedly, the new buds will offer a six-hour playback time, alongside 36 hours of battery life with the charging case that can be charged with a USB-C wire or wirelessly.

Previous leaks indicated the Ear (2)s will feature personalized active noise cancellation, and the new leak says the same. Personalized ANC allows the user to set the intensity of noise cancellation according to their preference. The new buds are also expected to support dual connectivity, allowing the device to be paired with two devices at once for ease of switching.

Other than the spec leak, The Tech Outlook’s report also shared a few new marketing images for the upcoming buds. Check them out below:

Image credit: The Tech Outlook

Source: The Tech Outlook

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Mobile Syrup

Microsoft eliminated a responsible AI team as it integrates AI into products

Back in January, Microsoft announced it would layoff 10,000 employees across the company. One of the teams eliminated in the layoffs was Microsoft’s ethics and society team within the artificial intelligence (AI) organization.

The ethics and society team layoff comes as the company rushes to integrate AI tools developed by OpenAI into products, making AI widely available to the public.

In its recent newsletter, Platformer outlined that the ethics and society team played an important role in ensuring that Microsoft’s responsible AI principles are actually reflected in the products it ships. That includes identifying risks in the adoption of OpenAI technology in products like Bing.

The team was at its largest in 2020 with some 30 employees, including engineers, designers and philosophers. Platformer reports the team was cut to roughly seven people in October, and several members were moved to other areas.

At the time, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of AI, John Montgomery, told employees there was “pressure” from CTO Kevin Scott and CEO Satya Nadella to move current and upcoming OpenAI models “into customers’ hands at a very high speed,” according to Platformer.

Employees on the ethics and society team pushed back and asked Montgomery to reconsider, but he refused. Montgomery did promise the team wouldn’t be eliminated.

About five months later, on March 6th, the team was called into a meeting  to hear a “business critical update.” They were told their team would be eliminated.

An employee told Platformer the elimination leaves a foundational gap when it comes to user experience and the design of AI products. The employee warned that the elimination exposed Microsoft and human beings to risk.

Microsoft still has other responsible AI teams

Microsoft says it’s still increasing overall investment in responsibility work and that it maintains an Office of Responsible AI. Moreover, in a statement to Platformer, Microsoft said it is “committed to developing AI products and experiences safely and responsibly, and does so by investing in people, processes, and partnerships that prioritize this.”

Despite that, the elimination of a team focused on responsible AI work raises concerns, especially as Microsoft forges ahead with publicly available AI tools. These tools pose significant risks, but as employees told Platformer, Microsoft became less concerned in long-term, responsible thinking as it shifted focus to shipping AI tools quickly.

Moreover, it’s clear why Microsoft wants to move quickly with AI. Microsoft previously told investors that every one percent of market share it could take from Google in search would result in $2 billion USD in annual revenue. Since launching a revamped Bing Search with AI-powered Chat, Microsoft revealed that Bing now has 100 million daily active users, roughly a third of them new since the revamp.

Microsoft sees an opportunity with AI and its taking it, but time will tell if the gamble pays off.

Source: Platformer

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Mobile Syrup

Meta cutting 10,000 jobs, reducing hiring, under company restructuring

Meta, the company responsible for Facebook and Instagram, is sharply reducing its employee count, slowing hiring, and cancelling projects.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the details in a Facebook post on Tuesday, blaming the changes on its financial performance and a move to make Meta a “better technology company.”

“Higher interest rates lead to the economy running leaner, more geopolitical instability leads to more volatility, and increased regulation leads to slower growth and increased costs of innovation,” Zuckerberg explained.

“I think we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that this new economic reality will continue for many years.”

Group leaders will share restructuring plans in the coming months, including cancelling low-priority projects and reducing hiring. The first of the laid-off employees involve the recruiting team.

Details on restructurings and layoffs on the tech side will be shared in April, and changes on the business side will be shared in May, Zuckerberg wrote.

“It’s important for all groups to get leaner and more efficient to enable our technology groups to get as lean and efficient as possible.”

This is the second round of layoffs Meta has partaken in, having dismissed thousands of employees in November 2022.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Facebook

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s when Zellers is opening in Ontario and Alberta

Iconic Canadian department store chain, Zellers, is returning this spring after being dead for roughly 10 years.

In a recent press release, HBC confirmed that on March 23rd, all of its Ontario and Alberta Hudson’s Bay locations that feature in-store Zellers locations will open. Zellers’ online store will also launch on the same day.

It’s still unclear what products Zellers will sell, but a quick look at the store’s website and Instagram account hints it’ll offer home decor, kitchen products, toys and even clothing (it’s unclear if the chain’s recognizable Truly clothing brand will also return).

Below is a full list of the locations opening across Ontario and Alberta:

Ontario

  • Erin Mills Town Centre, Mississauga
  • Burlington Mall, Burlington
  • White Oaks Mall, London
  • Scarborough Town Centre, Scarborough
  • Pen Centre Shopping Plaza, St. Catharines
  • Cambridge Centre, Cambridge
  • Rideau Centre, Ottawa
  • St. Laurent Centre, Ottawa
  • Cataraqui Town Centre, Kingston

Alberta

  • Kingsway Garden Mall, Edmonton
  • Medicine Hat Mall, Medicine Hat
  • Sunridge Mall, Calgary

Finally, Zellers’ much-hyped Diner on Wheels food trucks, which are set to offer food inspired by the classic Zellers Family Restaurant, will be present at the above locations for several days. It’s unclear how long the Diner on Wheels will be around, however.

I was at Burlington Mall in Ontario a few weeks ago and checked out the progress on the Hudson’s Bay locations’ in-store Zellers. At the time, skids and boxes were everywhere, but no recognizable Zellers signage. The space, however, was quite large, backing up HBC’s claim that its in-store Zellers locations will span between 8,000 and 10,000 sq. ft.

While it’s fascinating to see HBC bring the Zellers brand back, the company’s in-store The Bay pop-up shops from a few years ago were lacklustre, and beyond recognizable Zellers signage, they just looked like a standard clearance section at any retailer.

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Mobile Syrup

How The Last of Us rebuilt old Alberta hospital for action-packed finale

*Warning: full spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1 to follow* 

The Last of Us ended in a big way: a tense firefight in a hospital. Like many aspects of the HBO series, it was a faithful retelling of the events of the 2013 eponymous PlayStation game.

That includes the controversial decision that Joel (Pedro Pascal) makes at the end to take Ellie (Bella Ramsey) away from the Fireflies militia group’s lab, refusing to lose her to a surgery that could have produced a cure to save humanity. This leads him to kill a slew of Fireflies along the way.

In the Alberta-shot show, this is all meant to take place in a Salt Lake City hospital, but in real life, HBO used a hospital just outside of Calgary. Per Travel Alberta, this hospital is Grande Prairie’s Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Centre.

The Last of Us Joel and Ellie in hospitalSpeaking to Variety, production designer John Paino revealed some details about how his team turned the real hospital into the climactic battlefield we see in the show.

Interestingly, Paino notes that he originally thought they’d have to build a hospital from scratch, but they found a “disused” one — the Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Centre — to use instead. From there, he says the team repainted the hospital and aged it up to make it look believably weathered for the post-apocalyptic setting. He adds that the little murals you can see when Joel visits the paediatric wing are taken straight from the game, another testament to the series’ immaculate attention to detail.

Additionally, Paino says he thought the Fireflies would be using construction site-esque portable generators, so his team deliberately used dim lighting accordingly. He says this gives the setting “a dark and moody vibe,” which certainly fits with Joel’s harrowing actions. Meanwhile, plastic barriers were brought in and strewn about the facility as a “nod” to when infected people were being brought in earlier in the outbreak.

The Last of Us Marlene

Marlene (Merle Dandridge)

Elsewhere in the interview, Paino touched on the pivotal giraffe scene. While the Making of The Last of Us special already revealed that this was a real animal named Nobu from the Calgary zoo, Paino expanded on some of the work the team did with it. Impressively, he says the crew spent a month and a half setting up green screen panels in an enclosure containing Nobu while trainers kept the giraffe comfortable. This would allow Pascal and Ramsey to approach the giraffe and feed it while giving the VFX team the ability to make the filming location look like the building rooftop in the show.

“That’s Hollywood magic of [visual effects supervisor] Alex [Wang] isolating the giraffes and putting them on our set,” said Paino. “That was probably the most complicated piecing of VFX stage, scenery and location I’ve worked on.”

Over the course of the show, Paino has provided a slew of interesting behind-the-scenes looks at the production. This includes transforming Canmore — Pascal’s favourite place in Alberta — into Jackson, Wyoming and an old Calgary mall into an abandoned playground for Ellie and Riley (Storm Reid). Overall, he says he was “shocked” at how “clean” Alberta ended up being compared to the United States. 

The Last of Us is now streaming on Crave in Canada. Season 2 — which will partially adapt The Last of Us Part II — is currently in development, although a release window has yet to be confirmed. That said, Pascal recently suggested that it will once again film in Alberta.

Image credit: HBO

Source: Variety

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers releases blocks of blacked out text under CRTC order to share redacted information

Rogers has released a list of blacked-out documents in response to a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) order asking for redacted details on the July 8th outage.

Rogers filed two responses following the incident that impacted thousands across the country. The first of the responses included six confidential appendices. Rogers shared some details on one of the appendices in its second response.

Five remained confidential before the company released redacted versions on March 8th. But the release hasn’t shed more light on the incident.

The amended appendices didn’t show the number of telecommunications service providers (TSPs) impacted by the outage. The same applied to most of its roaming partners and third-party internet providers (TPIA).

All it revealed was Freedom Mobile customers roaming on Rogers’ network and TekSavvy’s internet customers were impacted, information the public already knew.

“As a wholesale provider of telecommunications services in Canada, several other carrier [sic] using Rogers’ networks were impacted by the outage,” the company states in appendix one.

The outage also impacted critical services under federal, provincial, territorial and municipal bodies. While Rogers’ kept much of this list hidden, it did say the outage impacted passport offices, the City of Ottawa’s municipal services, and police services in Ottawa.

The outage also impacted Interact services, including point of sales, e-transfer, and debit functions. While Rogers didn’t reveal the services it offers the company, it did say the two are “reviewing the existing solution design.”

The other appendices cover prior service outages and what the company has done to prevent future outages. The specifics haven’t been shared publicly.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Rogers/CRTC