Author: Mobile Syrup

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Rockstar apologizes for GTA trilogy issues, will relist classic versions on PC

Rockstar Games will make the classic PC versions of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas available again as part of an effort to quell fan anger following the poor launch of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.

GTA: The Trilogy, which features remastered versions of GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas, hit consoles and PCs on November 11th. However, the trilogy arrived to anger from fans and customers over the poor state of the game. Complaints about weird or confusing visual changes, graphical glitches, bugs and other problems abound.

On Friday, Rockstar published a blog post apologizing for the state of the game and promising updates to fix the problems:

“Firstly, we want to sincerely apologize to everyone who has encountered issues playing these games.

“The Grand Theft Auto series — and the games that make up this iconic trilogy — are as special to us as we know they are to fans around the world. The updated versions of these classic games did not launch in a state that meets our own standards of quality, or the standards our fans have come to expect.”

Further, Rockstar says it has plans to address the technical issues and improve each game to “reach the level of quality that they deserve to be.” The updates will start with a “new Title Update” in the “coming days” for all versions of GTA: The Trilogy that will “address a number of issues.” Rockstar says it will update everyone once the update is live.

As for the classic PC versions of the three games, Rockstar says it will add them back to the Rockstar Store as a bundle. Plus, the company says everyone who purchased The Definitive Edition for PC through June 30, 2022 will receive the classic versions in their Rockstar Games Launcher library at no additional cost. Again, Rockstar says it will update people once the classic versions are back in the Rockstar Store.

Finally, Rockstar noted in the blog post that members of the development teams were being harassed on social media. While customers have every right to be upset over the issues with GTA: The Trilogy, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to harass people. Frankly, it’s shameful behaviour.

Source: Rockstar

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6a renders show smaller design, no headphone jack

Renders of a potential Pixel 6a design have arrived, showing off a new design direction for Google’s lower-cost ‘a’ Pixel line.

The renders come from Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks, via 91Mobiles) and show a Pixel 6a sporting a very similar design to Google’s recently launched Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. That means the camera bump bar is back, likely with a two-tone back panel like with the flagship Pixel phones.

Additionally, the renders show a centre hole-punch selfie camera cutout like on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It’s not clear if Google will actually do that with the 6a, but since the a-series typically sport a similar design to the current Pixel flagships, I’d say there’s a good chance the 6a will sport the centre selfie cam.

Interestingly, the renders don’t show a physical fingerprint sensor on the back of the Pixel 6a. If accurate, it could mean the 6a will use an in-display scanner like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a renders also don’t show a headphone jack, which could be a significant shift for Google’s budget Pixel line. So far, every a-series Pixel has had a headphone jack — something Google has gone out of its way to highlight before.

Finally, the Pixel 6a reportedly measures in at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm, suggesting it will sport a display around the 6.2-inch mark. That makes it a little smaller than the Pixel 6 at 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm with a 6.4-inch screen. That could make the Pixel 6a an option for those out there who like the Pixel 6 but want it in a smaller form factor (like me).

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that these are just renders, and we’re still likely months away from an actual Pixel 6a launch, assuming Google releases a Pixel 6a at all. In other words, a lot of these details could change.

Source: OnLeaks, 91Mobiles Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Fido, Koodo offering some customers 5GB of bonus data for Black Friday

In October, MobileSyrup reported that Fido was doling out 5GB of free bonus data to customers for 15 months. It appears the Rogers flanker brand is still doing that — or has started doing it again — but with a holiday twist this time around. Plus, Koodo seems to have gotten in on the bonus data action too.

According to a screenshot of a Fido text message sent to MobileSyrup by a tipster (thanks!), Fido is giving some customers the 5GB bonus data seemingly as part of Black Friday. You can read the full text (or view the screenshot) below:

“Hi [redacted], it’s Fido. What starts with “S” and ends with “urprise” … SURPRISE! Thanks to Black Frideals you’re getting an extra 5GB of free data every month for 15 months. 🎁 Seriously! There’s no plan changes required, no new contracts for you to sign and no strings attached. 😱”

If you’re a Fido customer, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any of these messages. Alternatively, you can check your Fido ‘MyAccount’ to see if the bonus 5GB (or any other offers) are available for you.

Unfortunately, bonus data deals like this tend to be very ‘your mileage may vary.’ In other words, if you don’t get the text from Fido, there’s probably a decent chance you won’t have the offer in your account.

That said, Fido has been doing the 5GB bonus data for 15 months for a while now. We’ve written about it multiple times before, and there’s even a RedFlagDeals (RFD) thread going back to early October about it.

Speaking of RFD, another thread that popped up shows Koodo is also reaching out to customers offering 5GB of free bonus data. Koodo’s offer appears to be a part of Black Friday as well. Koodo’s message requests recipients reply with ‘DATA5’ to claim the offer. Plus, Koodo’s message says customers can keep the data as long as they keep their plan, but it’ll drop off if they upgrade their phone or get a new plan.

If you’re lucky enough to get one of these offers, it’s probably worth claiming it. Extra free data is almost always a welcome bonus.

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Mobile Syrup

Canadian game to educate kids about COVID now features Cree translation

A Canadian game built to help teach kids about COVID-19 safety now features a Cree translation to help make the game available to more children.

Canadian safety startup LOCI created GSI: Germ Science Investigation as a free teaching tool for schools. While it was already available in over a dozen languages, the addition of Cree marks the first time GSI has offered an Indigenous language. Further, Global News reports that the Cree translation will be the first of many Indigenous translations added to the game.

“It’s important to preserve our Indigenous languages,” Lorraine George told Global. George is a Cree teacher who translated the game.

“When that can be applied to future digital work, it greatly improves the well-being of our children. Having GSI in Cree is a way for these kids to feel included. It’s fun, and they’re learning, and then they bring that learning home.”

Those interested can learn more about GSI here and about LOCI here.

Source: Global News

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Mobile Syrup

Black Friday brings massive savings on tech for your vehicle

It might be time to dash out — or at least to your computer — to save big on dash cams. Best Buy Canada has a special Black Friday sale on car tech with savings on dash cams from brands such as Garmin, Nextbase, and Thinkware.

We’ve curated a list of the top deals to help you save big this season. Check out the deals below:

Nextbase 522GW 1440p Dash Cam w/ 3″ HD Touch Screen Wi-Fi & Amazon Alexa Built In: $199.99 (save $100)

Nextbase 622GW 4K Dash Cam with 3″ LED IPS Screen Wi-Fi & Amazon Alexa Built-In: $399.99 (save $100)

Nextbase 522XR 1440p QHD Dash Cam with Rear View Camera: $299.99 (save $50)

Nextbase 320XR Full HD 1080p Dash Cam with 2.5″ IPS Panel Screen & Rear Camera: $159.99 (save $40)

Garmin 57 1440p HD Dash Cam with LCD Screen & Wi-Fi: $229.99 (save $70)

Thinkware F200 Pro 1080p Wifi Dash Cam with Rear View Camera & GPS: $199.99 (save $90)

Thinkware Q800PRO 2K QHD 1440p Dash Cam with Rear Camera & Hardwiring Cable: $349.99 (save $150)

Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam with Wi-Fi: $399.99 (save $100)

Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dash Cam with Rear Camera & Wi-Fi: $529.99 (save $70)

myGEKOgear Orbit 950 Full HD 1080p Dashcam with 3″ LCD Screen & Rear Camera: $129.99 (save $100)

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships and publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

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Mobile Syrup

Get up to $200 in Google credits with purchase of Samsung devices

Google and Samsung have teamed up for a new holiday deal.

When you purchase a Galaxy smartwatch, phone or tablet you might also be able to grab a Google Play Credit.

To get the promotion you have to purchase one of those above devices between November 19th and December 9th. You then have to register your new device to your Samsung Account and opt-in for the offer by December 20th.

You will receive a code by email once these steps are complete and verified. Once all of that is complete, you have until Aug. 31, 2022, to add it to your Google account in the Google Play store.

These deals are available until December 9th.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers joins telecom giants in donating towards BC relief

Rogers announced on November 19th it will make a $1 million donation to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA).

The funding will be made available through a multi-year partnership. It‘ll be used to implement new technology and specialized equipment for the many employees and volunteers working with the organization. These individuals have conducted air, water, and marine rescues and assisted with evacuations from multiple communities.

“Our network teams are working around the clock to deliver critical connectivity for first responders and communities, to keep people connected to emergency resources and loved ones. We are proud to make this donation and partner with BC Search and Rescue to support equipment and technology needed by their vast network of professional volunteers will use to save lives, today and in years to come,” Tony Staffieri, Rogers interim president and CEO, said in a press release.

The news is in addition to an earlier announcement the company would suspend all domestic data overage and long-distance fees until November 30th. This applies to all Rogers, Fido, and Rogers Business customers in impacted areas.

Customers looking to financially contribute to the relief efforts can text ROGERS to 20222 (English) or 30333 (French) to donate $5 to support the Canadian Red Cross.

Source: Rogers

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Mobile Syrup

Future Google Messages update could work better with iMessages

Android fans rejoice — your prayers might soon be answered.

A recent update to Google Messages is reportedly preparing for a way to handle iMessage reaction messages.

Android users know this message pretty well, “loved [insert text here],” as whenever a friend with an iPhone uses reactions in a conversation, you receive a lengthy message about the text.

When iPhone users are talking to each other on iMessage, these reactions display as an emoji. However, on Android, you see a message that writes out the reaction used and quotes the text the iPhone user reacted to.

9to5Google did a deep dive into the APK for the latest beta update to Google Messages and found that Google is looking into a way to handle these messages. According to the code, Google Messages will be able to intercept the iMessage reaction and turn it into an emoji.

Google Messages currently has an RCS option when you’re talking to another Android user with the feature enabled, allowing you to react to these messages like iMessage. There’s a possibility Google will try to match these reactions with iMessage’s, but it’s unclear.

Further, Google Messages will offer birthday reminders that display directly in conversations, according to the APK breakdown. You’ll likely need to add the user’s birthday to your Google Contacts listing for this feature to work. Then, when you’re in a chat with someone, you’ll see a banner to remind you it’s that contact’s birthday.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Virgin, Fido and Koodo now offering $50/12GB Black Friday plan

Virgin Plus, Fido and Koodo have all added a bit of spice to their Black Friday promotions by upping the $50/mo 10GB plan to 12GB. Yup, that’s a 2GB increase for the same monthly cost.

While perhaps not the most insane deal out there, $50/mo for 12GB isn’t a bad plan at all (I remember when people lined up for hours to get a $60/10GB plan).

Anyway, you can check out the offers at the links below:

For more on the Black Friday deals from all carriers, check out our round-up of the best deals here.

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Mobile Syrup

Peloton’s digital membership is free until Dec 31, 2021

Peloton is offering access to its premium suite of Peloton App features for free starting now and running until the end of the year. This means you can gain access to on-demand cycling, running, outdoor training, yoga classes, and more.

The promotion, which sees users gain unlimited access to all benefits the Peloton App provides, is active now and runs until December 31st, 2021. A monthly subscription to the app costs $16.99, offering a total savings of $33.98 by the time the clock strikes midnight on the new year.

It should be noted that access to Peloton fitness equipment is not required to use the app. Depending on the on-demand classes the user wishes to participate in, standard fitness equipment can be used. Peloton even offers some classes that require no equipment altogether.

At-home fitness classes and workout routines have become all the more common throughout the pandemic. Peloton has been one of the leaders in enabling people to be able to stay fit throughout the pandemic.

Having access to the app, especially in the colder months, is a perfect chance to try Peloton’s services for the first time if you’re new to the app. Alternatively, you also save a bit of money during the holidays. This in and of itself is a bonus.

Peloton recently announced plans to launch an in-app game called Lanebreak. The game is described be the company as a pseudo rhythm title and has players pedalling at different speeds with resistance along a brightly lit path.

Currently, the Peloton App is available on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and other platforms.

Source: RedFlagDeals