Shared by RedFlagDeals user ‘Calmal,’ the sale has Ghostrunner and Star Wars Squadrons listed for $1.09 each, however, both of those games are currently free to download through Amazon’s Prime Gaming. Learn more here.
Best Buy Canada’s latest roundup of “Top Deals” includes the wireless headphones, smartphone devices, laptops, and smart TVs we’ve come to expect from the retailer. But new to the mix are the PS5, PS4, and Xbox One versions of Ubisoft’s Far Cry 6, which are available in a discounted package with Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Series headsets. Check them out, along with the rest of this week’s deals, below:
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.
Google is reportedly focusing on making its iOS applications feel more native on Apple devices after its designers reevaluated their approach to building iOS apps and decided to modify it.
Jeff Verkoeyen (@featherless), a staff engineering lead for Google Design on Apple platforms, revealed the news in a Twitter thread earlier this week, saying that Google has put all of its open-source Material UI component libraries for iOS into “maintenance mode.”
This year my team shifted the open source Material components libraries for iOS into maintenance mode. Why?
In previous years, consumers have criticized Google for creating applications that felt more like Android ports than separate iOS apps. Consumers claim that certain Google applications do not adhere to the standard iOS look and feel and instead employ an interface and controls that are not native to the platform.
Verkoeyen details how he and his team “began a deep evaluation of what it means to build a hallmark Google experience on Apple platforms” at the beginning of 2021 and pondered whether “a switch really need to be built custom in alignment with a generic design system? Or might it be sufficient to simply use the system solution and move on?”
That is where Apple’s UIKit comes in, which Verkoeyen says has improved over time, allowing Google to drop the need to develop its own solutions for many of the previously custom-built UI components for its iOS apps. Instead, Google’s apps will begin using Apple’s stock solutions, with minor branding touches applied as needed.
This is part of why the public MDC repo is in maintenance mode. With the introduction of SwiftUI and significant UIKit improvements in iOS 14+, it's never been easier to build a great branded experience with a tiny amount of code.
As a result, iPhone and iPad users will experience applications that feel much more native and iOS-like, with greater synergy to the operating system. However, it’s unclear how the new Material You will influence Google applications on iOS.
Google is reportedly preparing to launch a new subscription bundle called “Pixel Pass,” which would include a new Pixel 6 device, extended warranty, along with premium memberships to Google services like YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass and Google Fi.
First reported by Brandon Lee, who has been on top of Pixel 6 leaks, the bundle appears to be similar to the Apple One bundle, and the document suggests that users will be able to purchase the Pixel Pass through Google Fi, Google Store and with the purchase of a Pixel 6 device.
Pixel Pass: This appears to be a blend of the iPhone upgrade plan where you can get a new phone every year and the Apple One Subscription.
— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) October 10, 2021
It is currently unknown how much Pixel Pass would cost. The leaked photo suggests that it will be exclusive to the United States; however, other nations where Google One, Play Pass, and YouTube services are accessible might get the bundle at a later date.
As Lee points out, Pixel Pass is similar to Apple’s iPhone Upgrade programme combined with the Apple One subscription. Google may market Pixel Pass to simplify access to all of these services while also providing an extended warranty on your device. Pixel Pass might also offer a discount compared to paying for the services individually, though there’s currently no indication of how much Pixel Pass might cost.
Perhaps we will see Google detail the bundle at its Pixel Fall Launch event on October 19th at 1pm ET/10am PT. If you can’t tune in live on October 19th, make sure to follow along with MobileSyrup. We’ll have the latest news and updates from Google on our homepage, as well as on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Playground Games’ upcoming Forza Horizon 5 drops players in the middle of a Mexico-set rich, sprawling open-world map. I had the chance to go hands-on with a preview of the game, and in the short time I spent racing down its winding roads and tracks, I’ve become enamoured with what Horizon 5 offers.
I’ve never been a car enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve always adored the Forza Horizon series. It consistently scratches that racing itch but never takes itself too seriously. With each subsequent entry in the series, Playground Games outdoes itself while maintaining the balance between authenticity and more arcade-style racing.
Along with playing roughly 90-minutes of Forza Horizon 5’s campaign offline, I also chatted with Playground Games’ creative director, Mike Brown.
Forza Horizon 5 offers a full-fledged campaign packed with the horsepower you’d expect from the series. For example, I could fully customize my driver, including selecting a nickname and changing how my avatar looks, complete with several inclusive options.
“It was an objective we gave ourselves right from the start of game,” says Brown. “We want it [Forza Horizon 5] to be the most inclusive Horizon game yet.” Brown cites specific additions to Forza Horizon 5‘s character creator, including several pronouns and prosthetic options for your driver. “This is just really important to gamers. It’s important people feel they are better represented when they see those options. When everyone is included, everybody wins,” said Brown.
“Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 5 looks stunning running on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X.”
At its core, Forza Horizon 5 plays as you’d expect if you’re familiar with the series. As an up-and-comer in the racing scene, you’ll need to complete competitive circuits and activities to gain ‘Accolades’ to rise through the ranks in the Horizon season. During the preview, I tried out a small portion of events in an early section of the game, including Showcase tasks and the Initial Drive.
Earning Accolades plays directly into how you progress through Forza Horizon 5‘s campaign. Each milestone requires you to achieve a certain amount of Accolades, ranging from completing races to other supplemental activities. They’re also tied to Forza Horizon 5’s exploration.
“There’s a lot of Accolades, which encourage you to get from a particular point to another point on the map within an amount of time,” says Brown. “You’ll see really interesting parts of the map because we’ve picked those out intentionally. It’s like, ‘get from this waterfall to the airstrip in two minutes.’ There are probably a few routes that you can take, but the route you’re likely to pick is going to take you on an awesome drive straight through the jungle.”
From a gameplay perspective, Horizon 5 maintains the series’ tight controls, and not much seems to have changed. That said, similar to past entries in the series, it’s the game’s visuals that stand out.
Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 5 looks stunning running on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. The amount of detail the game renders in its diverse, open-world is something I’m eager to explore more when the full version launches in a few weeks.
“One of the great things about the Series X and S is the power it gives us to play with light,” says Brown. This is especially apparent as reflections and light from the sun bounce off the game’s several vehicles. While I spent most of my time with Horizon 5 driving the 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands and 2020 GR Supra, there’s an overwhelming level of detail present in the title’s cars. All aspects of the game’s visuals, including the environments, vehicles, lighting and particles, come together to offer a stunning showcase of graphical fidelity.
“…these activities remain a great way to organically discover Forza Horizon 5’s map.”
Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico map features various biomes to explore, including vast deserts, lush forests and even snowy mountains. Brown says Playground Games aims to deliver an authentic representation of Mexico and its diverse environments, including dynamic weather conditions. This means that the game features sandstorms, tropical storms and even snowstorms. For example, during my time with the preview build, I drove head-on into a sandstorm.
“You can be on top of a volcano with snow on your car and go down the side. Before you know it, you’re in the desert where it’s probably like 36 degrees or something. It will start to melt away and become all dusty at that point,” says Brown.
In Forza Horizon 5, the experience is seamless as you drive across the map from one point of interest to the next. At times, I simply drove to see where the road took me.
“The process is one of trying to keep people engaged, but also to distract them. So you want to have it all built out in such a way that they’re never too far away from a landmark or a point of interest.” Also sprinkled throughout the map are ‘Speed Traps,’ ‘Danger Signs’ and ‘PR Stunts.’
These supplemental activities provide Accolades to rank up and challenge players to hit certain scores or time limits. It’s relatively standard fare for experienced Horizon players, though these activities remain a great way to organically discover Forza Horizon 5’s map.
Playground Games says Forza Horizon 5 will feature a total of over 500 vehicles. As a huge Halo fan, I was elated to discover that the series’ iconic Warthog will once again be drivable in the game.
Forza Horizon 5 is an ambitious racing game, and that’s abundantly clear from my short time spent with the title. The game’s Mexico map is the series’ most expansive and detailed yet, and its car list rounds things out to offer what seems set to be an impressive experience that takes full advantage of the Series X’s more powerful hardware.
“Something built into the culture and the DNA at Playground Games is that we honestly aren’t ever really satisfied,” says Brown. “We always just feel like it can be more — I want to make the greatest games. The greatest games. Not the greatest driving games. Why can’t we make the best game?”
Forza Horizon 5 releases on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on November 5th, 2021. The game will also release as part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription platform.
Now that the majority of iPhone users have become more comfortable with iOS 15 and the new features it brings — including FaceTime support for Android, a simplified Clock interface, a new Focus Mode and a visual refresh for Safari — some of the updates’ more low-key features like ‘Live Text’ have gone relatively unnoticed.
Live Text expands your iPhone camera’s horizons beyond just shooting photos and recording videos.
While scanning text and converting it into digital words has been around for a while, Live Text brings the functionality directly into iOS 15, which means it doesn’t require any third-party apps.
To use it, you need to make sure that it’s on first. Head to Settings, scroll down to ‘Camera’ and toggle on Live Text if it’s off.
Live Text works directly from your iPhone’s camera, gallery roll and even notes. Simply point your camera towards text that you want to scan, and you’ll notice a new tool appear on the bottom right. Clicking on it gives several options, including ‘Copy,’ ‘Select All,’ ‘Look Up,’ ‘Translate,’ ‘Share’ and if you happen to scan a phone number, you’ll see ‘Call,’ ‘Message’ and ‘FaceTime’ options.
Camera App
One of the easiest ways to use Live Text is directly from the iPhone camera app, albeit you need to have an iPhone XS or a newer device. Simply head to the camera app and point at whatever you want to convert into digital text.
In this example, I pointed my camera towards an LCBO magazine, and when prompted, I clicked the new Live Text tool on the bottom right (above panorama mode). As mentioned earlier, this will allow you to either copy, select all, or look up the text.
From Photos
Live Text doesn’t only work with what your camera is seeing at the moment; it can also detect and scan what your camera shot in the past. Head to the Photos app and select an image you want to scan. It works the same way as highlighting actual text on an iPhone. Press and hold on the text in a picture, and the familiar-looking blue highlights will appear, offering you the same options: ‘Copy,’ ‘Select All,’ ‘Look Up,’ ‘Translate’ and ‘Share.’
Alternatively, you can click on the Live Text tool on the bottom right, and it will highlight all text that it detects in the image.
Via Safari
If you’re browsing on Safari and happen to catch an image with text that you’d like to save, you have two options.
You can either take a screenshot or save the photo and follow the steps above to scan the text. You can also long tap on the image and click ‘Show Text’ and follow the same steps listed above
Google’s fall Pixel launch kicks off at 1pm ET/10am PT on Tuesday, October 19th. Although Google hasn’t exactly kept quiet about what’s launching at the event, it’s possible — if unlikely — that we could see more than just the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
So, with that in mind, here’s what to expect from the October Google event.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
This really should go without saying. Google confirmed on October 5th that it would unveil the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro at the event on the 19th. Even before then, Google has basically announced that the Pixel 6 series was on the way and served some limited details about the two phones. The company has also run a lengthy marketing blitz for the phones.
In other words, don’t just expect the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro at the event — we know they’ll be there. The event is literally about the phones. Heck, if you go to the ‘Pixel Fall Launch‘ event page right now, you can see the Pixel 6 Pro on full display. Plus, there’s a little interactive piece where holding the space bar changes up the ‘Material You’ elements shown on the phone.
So far, we know Google will include a custom ‘Tensor’ processor in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, that each phone will come in three colour options and that the Pixel 6 Pro will have three cameras, including a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom (the Pixel 6 will only have two cameras, neither of which will be the telephoto lens).
Here's a sneak peek at the newest Google Phones powered by Google Tensor – the brand new chip designed by Google, custom-made for Pixel.
Google has a whole Twitter thread of hints about the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro you can check out here. Plus, MobileSyrup has covered several leaks about the phones, including new accessories, benchmarks and more.
Pixel Watch and Fold
Rumours have swirled for years about Google releasing a Pixel smartwatch. It hasn’t happened yet, and while that doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen, we have serious doubts we’ll see a Pixel Watch on October 19th. Similar rumours have swirled about a possible foldable Pixel.
Sketchy leaks claim we’ll see both a Pixel Watch and Fold launch alongside the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The Pixel Fold we would argue is the least likely of the two. I think that Google is developing a foldable — details gathered from an Android 12.1 build obtained by XDA Developers includes several improvements seemingly aimed at foldable devices.
But, we also think Google will want to avoid distracting from the Pixel 6 series, especially after it’s invested so much effort in hyping it up.
As for the Pixel Watch, Google could certainly slip in a smartwatch announcement, but I think if the company has a smartwatch to reveal, it’ll do so later in the year (perhaps to coincide with the Wear OS 3 revamped dropping sometime in 2022).
Plus, we haven’t seen many Pixel Watch leaks since YouTube leaker Jon Prosser showed off a bunch of renders of what Pixel Watch could look like in April. In other words, I’d file both of these under “unlikely” — don’t expect them on October 19th, but don’t rule out a 2022 announcement.
Smart home products and other possibilities
Beyond the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, it’s possible Google could unveil a few other things, like smart home products. However, I suspect we’ll likely just get the phones (it’s the Pixel Fall Launch event after all).
Anyway, we could see some new Nest smart speakers. Google recently launched several new Nest cameras, so we doubt we’ll get any of those. Perhaps a new Nest thermostat too? Ultimately, all of these are unlikely given the total lack of rumours about them.
Perhaps we’ll see new Pixel Buds at the event. I’d argue it’d make sense for Google to launch new high-end earbuds alongside its new high-end Pixel phones. But again, no rumours have even hinted at Pixel Buds, and Google seems content with the Pixel Buds A-series.
Google’s Pixel Fall Launch is slated for October 19th at 1pm ET/10am PT. If you’re interested in tuning in to the event, you can learn more about how to watch it here.
Images, renders and videos of upcoming smartphones continuously leak. These leaks can be challenging to follow, so we compiled a list of the past week’s hottest rumours.
From October 4th to October 10th, we saw a couple of leaks about the Pixel 6, and more.
Below are all the major smartphone leaks from October 4th to October 10th:
Google
Rumours first shared by AI (@AppleLE257) on Twitter indicate that Google’s fall Pixel 6 series event will also include the reveal of the often-rumoured Pixel Watch, Pixel Fold, and several new Nest smart speakers.
Made By Google 2021 has been announced for October 19th. Pixel 6 Pixel Watch Pixel Fold Nest Speakers
The new Pixel devices will reportedly support 23W wireless charging.
Evan Blass, who obtained several Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro marketing images — including a handful that show off the new Google Pixel Stand — uploaded the renders to Twitter. The photos show the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on a new Pixel Stand, implying that both devices will support Qi wireless charging.
The patent, which outlines a smartphone called the ‘Galaxy Flex Note,’ showcases a foldable device with a wrap-around display and a stylus dock.
Graphic designer Technizo Concept created a 3D product rendering based on the patent in collaboration with LetsGoDigital.
According to the report, the Flex Note offers an expansive screen size when unfolded. However, there’s no separate front display like with Samsung’s recently released Galaxy Z Fold 3. Instead, the phone sports a wrap-round screen that runs across the smartphone’s body.
Huawei recently patented a new foldable smartphone with the codename ‘Mate V,’ and now it seems like the handset is getting its own stylus called the V-Pencil, according to LetsGoDigital.
The stylus was patented at the European Union Intellectual Property Office with the description “electronic pen, computer stylus, touchscreen stylus.” This patent goes hand in hand with the Mate V device spotted on Weibo and first reported by @Panda.
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video Canada, Crave and Netflix Canada, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ will be mentioned when relevant.
We’ll also highlight shows or movies that are made in Canada, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Finally, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing many movies to hit digital platforms much sooner than planned, we’ll make note of any major films — as well as other notable streaming service news — that fall into this category when applicable.
Amazon Prime Video
Justin Bieber: Our World [Amazon Original]
Directed by Michael D. Ratner (Justin Bieber: Seasons), this documentary follows the London, Ontario-born global superstar as he prepares for a record-breaking New Year’s Eve 2020 concert after a three-year hiatus.
Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: October 8th, 2021 Genre: Music documentary Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes
An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $79 CAD/year.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada in October can be found here.
This week in Amazon Prime Video Canada news: All five seasons of the classic Canadian sketch comedy series Kids in the Hall are now streaming on Prime Video ahead of the revival, which is currently in production. Additionally, Amazon and Sony have confirmed that Hotel Transylvania: Transformania is heading straight to Prime Video in January.
Crave
A.rtificial I.mmortality [Crave Original]
Our greatest accomplishment, or the last thing we ever do?
Ann Shin’s documentary, #ArtificialImmortality, dives into the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics, while exploring what it means to be human. Stream the Crave Original now, only on Crave. pic.twitter.com/uC4UQayljn
Directed by London, Ontario’s Ann Shin (The Defector: Escape from North Korea), this documentary explores the possibility of creating an immortal version of oneself through technology.
A.rtificial I.mmortality features such visionaries as Superintelligence author Nick Bostrom, Geminoid clone developer Hiroshi Ishiguro, Team Human author Douglas Rushkoff and author Deepak Chopra, who is creating his own A.I. mind twin.
After a mother suddenly remembers witnessing the rape and murder of her childhood best friend, law enforcement reopens a nearly 20-year-old unsolved case.
Through the accounts of family, neighbours, memory experts, mental health professionals and more, the docuseries explores how this memory has not only affected the woman’s family, but the larger legal and mental health communities.
Crave release date: October 8th, 2021 Genre: Docuseries Runtime: Four episodes (individual length TBA)
St. Catharines, Ontario’s own Lauren Riihimaki (“LaurDIY”) hosts another competition among young crafters.
It’s worth noting that this is one of several HBO Max Originals that is streaming exclusively on Crave in Canada as part of Bell’s licensing deal with Warner Media.
Crave release date: October 7th, 2021 (first four episodes, new episodes every Thursday) Genre: Reality Runtime: Eight episodes (about 25 minutes each)
Stream Craftopia Holiday Showdown here. Note that $19.98/month Crave + Movies + HBO subscription is required.
15 Minutes of Shame
Executive produced by Monica Lewinsky, this documentary examines the world of public shaming through the lens of the victims, bullies, bystanders, media and more.
This is another HBO Max Original streaming exclusively on Crave.
Gonzo takes on his biggest challenge yet: spending one night at The Haunted Mansion, the world’s scariest place.
Muppets Haunted Mansion features an ensemble cast that includes Muppets veterans Bill Barretta and Dave Goelz, as well as the likes of Toronto’s own Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) and the late Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) in one of his final roles.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.
This week in Disney+ Canada news: A WandaVision spin-off starring Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness is reportedly in development.
Netflix
Bad Sport [Netflix Original]
This docuseries unpacks various global sports controversies and scandals, including the incident at the 2002 Winter Olympics when a figure skating judge was allegedly pressured to rank Russia over Canada in the pairs competition.
Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021 Genre: Puppet comedy, Halloween special Runtime: 49 minutes
To win $100,000, teams of bakers and engineers must create edible creations that are both delicious and capable of suriving intense engineering stress tests.
Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021 (first six episodes, final episodes release Wednesday, October 13th) Genre: Reality Runtime: Eight episodes (around one hour each)
There’s Someone Inside Your House [Netflix Original]
A group of high school friends tries to stop a masked killer who’s hunting down students.
Based on the eponymous novel by Stephanie Perkins, There’s Someone Inside Your House was directed by Patrick Brice (Creep) and stars Sydney Park (The Walking Dead), Montreal’s Théodore Pellerin (Chien de garde) and Asjha Cooper (Everybody Wants Some!!).
It’s worth noting that the movie was shot in Vancouver.
Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021 (first six episodes, final episodes release Wednesday, October 13th) Genre: Reality Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Hansel and Gretel leave their own classic story to enter a new tale full of strange and scary surprises.
Co-produced by Toronto’s own Boat Rocker Media (The Loud House), A Tale Dark& Grimm features the voices of Raini Rodriguez (Austin & Ally), Andre Robinson (The Loud House), Toronto’s own Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes) and Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad).
Netflix Canada release date: October 8th, 2021 Genre: Animated family Runtime: 10 episodes (27 to 30 minutes each)
Leaked marketing websites suggest the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will offer five years of updates.
Carphone Warehouse posted a pair of marketing sites, which have since been taken down. However, leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) grabbed screen captures of both sites and published them to Twitter. There’s a ton of information packed into the marketing websites that confirms several pastleaks, but the software detail is perhaps the most exciting.
A small blurb on the website says “Backed by the new Titan M2 security chip, five years of updates and Security hub, your privacy and protection is built into Pixel.”
That blurb also connects to a footnote at the bottom that says: “Android security updates for at least five years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.”
Unfortunately, the site doesn’t indicate how many years of Android upgrades the Pixel 6 series will get. Previous Pixel phones came with a promise of three years of Android upgrades and security updates — it’s possible, although unlikely, that Google will offer five years of Android upgrades too.
Even better is the “at least” part, which suggests the Pixel 6 series could get more than five years of security updates. You probably shouldn’t expect more, but hey, it’s a possibility.
As with any leak, it’s best not to get too excited. We won’t know for sure if the Pixel 6 series will have longer software support until Google announces it. While it’d be nice, things can always change.
