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Google’s Pixel 5a wins MKBHD’s ‘Blind Smartphone Camera Test’

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has released the results of his annual ‘Blind Smartphone Camera Test’ that pits 16 smartphone cameras against each other.

Here’s how it worked: Brownlee posted pictures on Instagram and viewers selected what smartphone photos they liked the most. What makes this a ‘Blind test’ is that the participants didn’t know which smartphone took the photos until the end.

The phones that competed in this year’s test included the following: The Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Axon 30 Ultra, the Asus ROG 5, the Lenovo Legion Duel, Sony’s Xperia Pro I, the Find X3 Pro, the Mi 11 Ultra, the OnePlus 9 Pro, the Pixel 5a, the Pixel 6 Pro, the iPhone 13 Pro, the Motorola Edge 8, the Zenfone 8, the Poco X3 GT, the Surface Duo 2 and the Realme GT.

It’s worth noting that most of these devices aren’t officially available in Canada.

This is the fourth year in a row Brownlee has held this test. This year Google’s Pixel 5a, which is unavailable in Canada, won the contest. The Pixel 5a surprisingly beat the iPhone 13 Pro and even the Pixel 6 Pro.

Brownlee says that similar to in years past, people typically select brighter images rather than those that feature greater contrast. Additionally, he says that prices seem to have no barring on choices either.

It’s worth noting that the Pixel 5a is one of the more affordable devices featured in MKBHD’s annual contest.

Source: Marques Brownlee

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The best last-minute gifts under $100 at Best Buy

You’ve written your list and you’ve check it twice, but finding that last gift that fits in your budget is still eluding you. Have no fear, MobileSyrup’s list of Best Buy gifts under $100 is here.

We’ve covered a range of tech gifts from Logitech webcams to Razer keyboards. And just in case your recipient prefers analogue gifts, we’ve grabbed a couple of special items including board games.

There’s still time before the holiday to snag your gifts, but don’t leave it too long. These items could sell out quickly.

Check out the list below:

Samsung Smart Clear View Cover Fitted Hard Shell Case for Galaxy S21 for $19.99 (save $22)

Settlers of Catan Board Game for $49.99 (save $10)

Seagate Xbox Certified 2TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive with Green LED Bar for $124.99

Razer Level Up Gaming Bundle with Keyboard, Mouse & Mousepad for $59.99 (save $40)

Logitech MK850 Bluetooth Optical Ergonomic Keyboard & Mouse Combo for $99.99

Logitech C920S Pro 1080p HD Webcam for $79.99 ($20)

Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed 16000 DPI Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse for $63.99

Razer Cynosa Chroma V2 Backlit Membrane Gaming Keyboard for $79.99

Facebook Portal TV Smart Video Calling with Alexa for $99.00 (save $76)

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa for $34.99 (save $35)

Twinkly Line Smart 1.5m (5 ft.) RGB LED Light Strip for $64.99 (save $35)

Twinkly Smart 4m (13 ft.) RGB LED String Light Set for $59.99

Ring Wired Wi-Fi Video Doorbell for $55.99 (save $24)

Ring Wired Indoor 1080p HD IP Camera for $79.99

D-Link Semi-Wireless Indoor 1080p Full HD IP Security Camera for $69.99

Fitbit Charge 5 Horween Leather Band for $69.99

LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Mario Starter Course for $64.99

LEGO Super Mario: Adventures with Luigi Starter Course for $69.99

If you manage to grab one the gifts above — or if you have a great tech gift suggestion — be sure to let us know in the comments below.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that help fund the journalism provided free on our website.

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MobileSyrup’s Holiday Gift Guide for those working remotely [2021 Edition]

We’re reaching the end of 2021 and yes, many of us are still working remotely. By now, many of us have acclimated to a work-from-home lifestyle but there are still items that can be brought into the fold to make lives easier.

Whether it be a gadget to stay organized or keep us energized, the home office of those closest to you can be improved by one of our favourite selections this year. Here’s our gift guide for those working remotely.

Thunderbolt 3.0 USB Network Hub

Someone working from home can never have enough ports in their life. Whether it’s for connecting additional devices, hard drives, or an additional monitor, more is always better. This is especially true for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air users.

Thunderbolt 3.0 USB Network Hub enables a MacBook owner to gain access to a USB-C port, an HDMI, an SD card slot, a TF Card slot, and two USB 3.0 ports. The hub is also compact enough to store away when not in use.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $34

Ember Smart Tempurature Control Mug

We’ve all been there. You get a freshly brewed coffee or tea and head into a Zoom call only to not have a moment to take a sip. Once out, you discover your drink is now cold. The Ember Smart Temperature Control Mug enables users to control the temperature of their drinks for up to 1.5 hours.

Using the Ember app on iOS and Android, users can set their desired temperature between 50 to 62.5 Celsius. The Ember mug will do the rest. So after that meeting that could have been an email, that next sip will still be warm.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $179

Insignia Blue Light Filtering Glasses

Between laptops, monitors, smartphones, eye fatigue is a real thing and is a nuisance during the workday. Even while taking advantage of Dark Mode displays, eye fatigue can set in. That’s why having a pair of blue light filtering glasses can come in handy.

The non-prescription Insignia glasses are perfect to wear when working or staring at a screen for prolonged periods of time. They come with a microfibre cloth and carrying case to store them in when not in use.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $19

Kensington StudioCaddy Qi Wireless Charging Stand

Desk organization is incredibly important when working from home. Additionally, having all devices charged and ready for use is just as intregal to the remote work lifestyle. The Kensington StudioCaddy Qi Wireless Charging Stand can be a wonderful gift for those using Apple devices.

This compact caddy is both a storage option for an iPad and MacBook but is also a charging bay for the aforementioned devices plus an iPhone and AirPods. Any Qi-enabled iPhone and AirPod can be wirelessly charged on the front of the caddy. The Kensington StudioCaddy also provides a USB-A and USB-C port to charge a MacBook and iPad all at the same time.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $256

Uplite 32-inch Standing Desk Riser

Transitioning to a standing desk can be a rather expensive commitment. Although there are many benefits of using a standing desk, there’s a lot to consider prior to making that purchase. A great gift for anyone tangentially thinking about getting a standing desk is the Uplite desk riser.

This riser supports up to 33lbs so multiple monitors can be placed on the top. It is 32-inches wide, which of course plays a part in the overall setup. What makes the riser a great addition to a remote lifestyle is its easy-to-use setup. The height can be adjusted between 4.2-inches and 19.7-inches high and features a removable keyboard tray.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $149

Google Home Mini

A smart home device can do wonders for those working remotely. This miniaturized version of Google’s smart home hub is a great addition to an in-home office. The Google Home Mini shares most features as the standard Google Home but in a smaller device.

Users can set reminders for calendar events such as meetings or due dates. The Google Home Mini can also answer questions, provide weather updates, tell a joke after a long workday, and complete other voice commands. The use of a Google Home Mini is exceptionally intuitive, allowing the device to become a core device in the office.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $34

Seagate One Touch 4TB USB Hard Drive

Storage options can be very valuable to anyone working from home. Having enough hard drive space to back up projects, files, and media can be a lifesaver. Seagate has an affordable option, providing users with 4TB of space.

This portable external hard drive is very useful for those switching between two machines. Whether it’s between a desktop and laptop, the Seagate One Touch can make transferring files less of a hassle.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $119

Razer Iskur Gaming Chair

Having a comfortable, ergonomic chair to work in on a daily basis can be so important. When it comes to comfort, design, and style, most lean towards a gaming chair as many companies have these components down to a science. A big name in the space is, of course, Razer.

The Iskur gaming chair is specially designed with high-density foam cushions to help align the spine throughout the day. On top of that, users will find many of the standard gaming chair features including a tilt mechanism, lift, and comfortable 4D armrests.

Buy from Best Buy Canada for $799

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

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Fido, Virgin Plus at Pacific Mall in Markham offer 12GB for $35 for first 12 months

If you’re looking for a new phone plan and live in the Markham, Ontario area, you might want to head over to Pacific Mall.

The mega outlet centre has an outrageously great deal for new activations. According to a picture posted on RedFlagDeals by a user named ‘Tomato Cultivator,’ Fido is offering 12GB for $35 per month for the first year and 1,000 international long-distance minutes.

The user who posted the deal says that after 12 months, the price will go up to $40 per month. Additionally, the user says that the promotion is available at the Virgin Plus store beside the Fido location.

However, according to a random commenter, the Virgin Plus deal is better as it’s available for the entire two years. MobileSyrup has not confirmed this information, however.

Image Credit: RedFlagDeals

Source: RedFlagDeals

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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra to sport new ‘Detail Enhancer’ feature

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra is rumoured to sport a 108-megapixel camera similar to its predecessor, the S21 Ultra. While this seems relatively expected, the South Korean tech giant also seems to have a surprise up its sleeve.

According to a report from Material IT Korea references to code related to a feature called “Detail Enhancer” have been uncovered in the S21 Ultra’s camera app.

Detail Enhancer will reportedly allow the user to “capture even more detail” when using the smartphone’s primary shooter. Further, it will also enable macro shots higher in quality than the S21 Ultra’s.

Though Samsung plans to launch two other phones alongside the S22 Ultra, reportedly it will be the only device to feature Detail Enhancer. However, it’s possible that this feature might be brought to the other handsets in a future update.

To back up Material IT Korea, well-known leaker, Ice Universe has tweeted in support of rumours surrounding an improved camera coming to the S22 Ultra.

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra is expected to launch in either January or February next year.

Source: Material IT Korea, Ice Universe, Android Central

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Apple’s iPhone 14 will reportedly feature an upgraded 48-megapixel primary camera

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 will reportedly ditch the current 12-megapixel camera setup and upgrade to a 48-megapixel array, according to credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, at first reported by 9to5mac.

It’s likely that the 48-megapixel primary lens will be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro max, while the iPhone 14 and 14 mini (if Apple doesn’t discontinue it) would likely maintain the same camera setup.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a 48-megapixel iPhone leak. A recent report from Jeff Pu, an industry analyst that works with the Asia Customer Supply Chain, echoes Kuo’s report.

A previous leak by YouTuber Jon Prosser suggests that Apple’s 2022 iPhone won’t feature a notch and will instead include a Samsung-like front-facing hole-punch camera. The smartphone is tipped to not include a camera bump due to a slightly thicker body, allowing several lenses, a flash and a LiDAR scanner to sit flush with the phone’s back.

Apart from the aforementioned upgrade, Kuo suggests that the 2023 iPhone — likely called iPhone 15 — will feature a periscopic lens, similar to the Pixel 6 Pro and Galaxy S21 Ultra, allowing the smartphone to offer better optical zoom.

As always, take these rumours with a pinch of salt and remember nothing is confirmed until Apple reveals official information about its next-gen iPhone.

Source: 9to5mac

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s iPhone 14 will reportedly feature an upgraded 48-megapixel primary camera

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 will reportedly ditch the current 12-megapixel camera setup and upgrade to a 48-megapixel array, according to credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, at first reported by 9to5mac.

It’s likely that the 48-megapixel primary lens will be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro max, while the iPhone 14 and 14 mini (if Apple doesn’t discontinue it) would likely maintain the same camera setup.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a 48-megapixel iPhone leak. A recent report from Jeff Pu, an industry analyst that works with the Asia Customer Supply Chain, echoes Kuo’s report.

A previous leak by YouTuber Jon Prosser suggests that Apple’s 2022 iPhone won’t feature a notch and will instead include a Samsung-like front-facing hole-punch camera. The smartphone is tipped to not include a camera bump due to a slightly thicker body, allowing several lenses, a flash and a LiDAR scanner to sit flush with the phone’s back.

Apart from the aforementioned upgrade, Kuo suggests that the 2023 iPhone — likely called iPhone 15 — will feature a periscopic lens, similar to the Pixel 6 Pro and Galaxy S21 Ultra, allowing the smartphone to offer better optical zoom.

As always, take these rumours with a pinch of salt and remember nothing is confirmed until Apple reveals official information about its next-gen iPhone.

Source: 9to5mac

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Concept renders give us a glimpse of what Apple’s rumoured mixed-reality headset might look like

Ian Zelbo, an illustrator who visualizes concept gadgets and turns them into renders, has released detailed images of what Apple’s often-rumoured mixed reality headset might look like.

Conceptualized with information obtained through this report from The Information, the renders give us a look at what the mixed reality headset might look like when released.

A quick look at the renders reveals that the headset takes some of its design elements from Apple’s AirPods Max, including the blue headband and the seamless, soft-cornered display, along with an Apple Watch band-like clasp lock button.

From what we know so far based on information obtained by credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the headset will weigh roughly 300-400g, with a “significantly lighter” 2nd-gen version featuring better battery life and a faster chip releasing later in 2024. Kuo also states that the headset will feature four 3D sensors for hand-motion tracking instead of traditional physical controllers.

Further, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, the headset will be revealed in 2022 during WWDC, with a release in 2023.

Apple’s AR headset will cost in the range of $3,000 USD (roughly $3,883 CAD).

Image credit: Renders by Ian

Source: Renders by Ian Via: 9to5Mac

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Indie darling Loop Hero is free on the Epic Games Store

Highly-rated indie game Loop Hero is discounted all the way down to a grand total of $0 (also known as free) in the Epic Games Store on PC.

If you’re looking for a unique and razor-sharp strategy game that nearly anyone can pick up play easily, this is a great option. The title also features stellar art style and an excellent soundtrack.

The giveaway lasts until December 21st at 11am ET/8am PT. Notably, Loop hero is playable on both Mac and PC and can run on pretty much any computer, regardless of the specs (you don’t even need a GPU).

I will mention that if you do plan to play this on an M1 Mac, you’ll need to make sure to enable it to run via the Rosetta 2 translation layer. I have the game on Steam and I was required to do a two-finger-tap on the app to enter the ‘Get Info’ section to enable the translation. I’m not sure if the same applies with Epic, but if you try to open the game and it keeps crashing, this is likely the cause of the issue. .

Loop Hero was also nominated for Best Indie Game at the 2021 Game Awards. It’s also worth noting that Loop Hero is available on the Switch, though the game isn’t free on the platform.

If you want to read more about the Loop Hero, you can check out my in-depth look at the title, here.

Source: Epic Games Store

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Starlink’s download speeds are slower than fixed broadband services: Ookla

BAYONNE, FRANCE – CIRCA JANUARY 2021: Starlink app on Apple iPhone screen. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX to provide satellite internet access.

Download speeds offered by satellite internet provider Starlink have decreased in Canada over the past couple of months, according to a new analysis by Ookla.

The company tracked the internet speeds of the SpaceX company through its Speedtest platform over the past three quarters.

Its analysis of Q3 shows download speeds have decreased compared to the last quarter in Canada. In comparison, the download speed of fixed broadband services increased.

Starlink’s download speed decreased to 84.55 Mbps in Q3 compared to 86.92 Mbp in Q2. Download speeds of fixed broadband increased to 90.67 Mbps, compared to 84.24 Mbps in Q2.

According to Ookla, this is expected as more customers subscribe to Starlink’s services, which launched in Canada last year.

The overall upload speed for Starlink was also slower compared to fixed broadband at 13.87 Mbps versus 20.67 Mbps.

Latency was one aspect that wasn’t overtaken. Starlink’s latency of 56 ms was higher than the 12ms offered by fixed broadband.

“Starlink is still a viable alternative to fixed broadband in Canada, especially for consumers without access to other options,” the post notes.

Ookla was able to gather enough data to examine the service in nine provinces. Starlink was faster in five provinces compared to fixed broadband services, including, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Fixed broadband was faster in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. This was a change from Q2 reporting, as Ontario and Alberta were noted to have comparable speeds to fixed broadband.

Trends noted in Canada were similar to other parts of the world. In the U.S., for example, download speeds decreased from 97.23Mbps in Q2 to 87.25 Mbps in Q3.

Back in February, founder and CEO of SpaceX, Elon Mush, tweeted internet speeds for the company would reach 300 Mbps and latency would drop near 20ms this year. With 2021 nearing an end, it’s unclear if this will be achieved.

Image credit: ShutterStock

Source: Ookla