Author: Mobile Syrup

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Some AMD Ryzen CPUs seeing up to 15% performance hit on Windows 11

Source: https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/newsroom-media

Windows users with AMD Ryzen chips may want to hold off on updating to Windows 11 for the time being — Microsoft and AMD have uncovered at least two issues causing performance issues for Ryzen chips.

According to AMD support (via The Verge), Microsoft’s fancy new operating system can cause performance drops up to 15 percent in some cases.

The first of the two issues is that Windows 11 can cause L3 cache latency to triple. According to AMD, that could cause a three to five percent degradation in performance in most applications. Games (AMD specifically mentions “games commonly used for eSports”) can see a 10-15 percent performance hit.

The second issue is with AMD’s ‘preferred core’ tech, which shifts threads to the fastest core on a processor. AMD says that users may see performance issues with tasks that are heavily reliant on the CPU, especially if they have a processor with more than eight cores and above 65W TDP.

AMD and Microsoft are looking into the issues, with AMD noting on its support page that a Windows update is “in development” and should arrive later this month. For now, however, AMD users may want to hold off on the Windows 11 update.

Image credit: AMD

Source: AMD Via: The Verge

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Sony releases first trailer for filmed-in-Ontario Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Sony and Constantin Films have released the first trailer for Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.

Unrelated to the six Milla Jovovich Resident Evil films, Welcome to Raccoon City is instead based more heavily on Capcom’s first two Resident Evil survival horror games.

Written and directed by Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), Welcome to Raccoon City follows classic Resident Evil heroes Jill Valentine, Claire and Chris Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy as they investigate a zombie threat brought on by the sinister Umbrella Corporation.

On the one hand, the characters’ designs are definitely faithful to the games, as are some of the locations, particularly the iconic Spencer Mansion and Raccoon City Police Department (RCPD). IGN also has an exclusive breakdown of the trailer’s video game-inspired easter eggs with Roberts. However, the CGI on some of the zombies looks quite questionable, while the trailer itself is bafflingly (hilariously?) scored to 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” perhaps better known to the internet as the “He-Man meme song.”

It’s also worth noting that the film has significant Canadian connections. On top of being shot in Sudbury, Ontario amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the film stars Toronto’s Robbie Amell (Upload) as Chris, Vancouver’s Avan Jogia (Zombieland: Double Tap) as Leon and Ottawa’s Donal Logue (Gotham) as RCPD Chief Brian Irons.

Other stars include Kaya Scodelario (Skins) as Claire Redfield, Hannah John-Kamen (Ant-Man and the Wasp) as Jill Valentine and Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy) as Albert Wesker.

Resident Evil: Raccoon City is set to release exclusively in theatres on November 24th.

Image credit: Constantin Films/Sony Pictures Releasing

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Primus expands internet service availability in Quebec

Distributel-owned Primus Communications is expanding its internet offerings in Quebec.

According to a press release, the Toronto-based telecommunications company’s network now covers “an additional 71 percent” of Quebec.

As for where in Quebec, a Distributel spokesperson confirmed via email that Primus’ high-speed internet service is currently available in “the greater areas of Montreal, Québec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay and Chicoutimi, as well as in other smaller areas” in the province.

Primus sells internet, home phone, long distance and wireless services across Canada.

Distributel acquired Primus at the start of the year in January 2021.

Prior to the acquisition, Primus was one of Canada’s largest independent telecom service providers.

Source: Distributel

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Xbox announces 20th-anniversary see-through Xbox Series X gamepad

I’m a sucker for unique controllers, especially when they’re for an Xbox console.

In a blog post, Xbox showed off several translucent accessories for the Xbox Series X that will release on November 15th, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the original Xbox’s release.

The special edition controller aims to be a throwback to the transparent gamepads that shipped with the original Xbox’s debug kits. There’s a bit of green on the D-pad and back grips, but overall it’s a pretty sleek and understated design. Inside, it’s the same gamepad that ships with the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.

The special edition gamepad is currently available for pre-order at the Microsoft Store for $79.99.

Microsoft’s Xbox Stereo Headset (not the wireless version) is also getting a 20th-anniversary see-through special edition model with green accents, but only its earcups are translucent.

The headset costs $79 and is available to pre-order now from the Microsoft Store (strangely, it costs $5 more than the regular version).

While these accessories are undeniably cool, what’s difficult for me to comprehend is that the original Xbox was released 20 years ago. Smash Mouth was right; the years start coming, and they don’t stop coming.

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

Image credit: Xbox 

Source: Xbox 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Pixel 6’s leaked 23W wireless charging stand appears in photos

New Pixel 6 lineup leaks from credible leaker Evan Blass might confirm what Android Police‘s Max Weinbach reported a few weeks ago. The new Pixel devices will reportedly support 23W wireless charging.

Blass, who obtained a bunch of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro marketing images, including a handful that show off the new Google Pixel Stand, uploaded the assets 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.

Previous rumours indicated that Google was working on a refreshed Pixel Stand with a fan to support faster wireless charging. It seems like that might be the case based on this leak.

The images also suggest that you’ll be able to toggle between ‘Performance mode’ and ‘Quiet mode’ while charging, depending on whether you prefer a quick charge or a silent one.

The Pixel 6 will include face unlock in addition to an under-display fingerprint sensor, as seen in the “Security” image. However, there does not appear to be any extra hardware for the feature, implying that Google is relying only on the front-facing camera.

There’s also a picture of the Pixel 6 Pro’s back, showcasing its three cameras. According to previous leaks and reports, these most likely are a 50-megapixel primary camera, an ultra-wide camera with a 12-megapixel IMX386 sensor, and a telephoto camera with a 48-megapixel IMX586 sensor.

The images also reveal a thick charging brick, which, unfortunately, won’t be included with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. However, it might be bundled along with the wireless charging stand, making it a solid purchase. A few photos also show a wet Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, indicating that the devices will have water resistance and, most likely, dust resistance.

While we still do not know much about Google’s in-house Tensor chips, the Mountain View, California-based company is expected to fully detail the new devices during its October 19th event.

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.

Image credit: @evleaks

Source: @evleaks

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Virgin Plus adds new in-store SIM transfer process to protect against fraud

Bell flanker brand Virgin Plus rolled out a new process for SIM transfers, according to details obtained by MobileSyrup.

According to a reader tip, Virgin Plus started rolling out the change on October 5th. Existing customers who complete a standalone transfer to a new SIM card in-store will receive a text message to approve the transfer.

Further, Virgin customers will only have 90 minutes to approve and authenticate the transfer before the change can complete.

Virgin reportedly intends for the change to add extra protection against potential fraud, identity theft and SIM swapping scams. Sales representatives have been directed to tell customers about the new authorization process.

MobileSyrup reached out to Virgin Plus for more detail about the change but did not receive a response in time for publication. We will update this space with any additional information we receive.

Ultimately, the change should prove beneficial for customers. SIM swap and number port fraud are unfortunately prevalent in Canada. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to when malicious actors initiate a SIM transfer to steal a victim’s phone number and connect it to a SIM card they control. Once the transfer is complete, the malicious actor can use the phone number to receive two-factor authentication (2FA) codes or access the victim’s online accounts. You can read more about SIM swapping here.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently released some information about phone number fraud, documenting over 24,000 potential cases between August 2019 and May 2020.

Before the CRTC release, Canadian carriers refused to share data on phone number fraud or efforts to prevent it. Some carriers claimed doing so would help fraudsters, while others said releasing the information would help competitors.

Ultimately, it’s good to see carriers taking steps to better protect customers against SIM swapping and phone number fraud. Hopefully, other carriers start stepping up their protection measures too.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Marvel working on ‘WandaVision’ Disney+ spin-off starring Agatha Harkness: report

Marvel Studios is developing a WandaVision Disney+ spin-off about the popular series’ villain, Agatha Harkness, according to Variety.

The outlet notes that Kathryn Hahn would reprise her role as Agatha in the series, which will be a dark comedy. Further plot details aren’t known, but Jac Schaeffer, the lead writer of WandaVision, is expected to return to write and executive producer the untitled Agatha series.

Variety says Marvel did not respond to comment. However, we may learn more of the series officially at the inaugural Disney+ Day event on November 12th. A variety of Disney brands, including Marvel, are expected to make Disney+ announcements on that date.

In any event, an Agatha series makes sense for Marvel and Disney+.

The character was one of the standouts of WandaVision, who initially appeared to be a friendly neighbour to Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda and Paul Bettany’s Vision before revealing herself to be a villain. Her catchy evil song, “Agatha All Along,” quickly became an internet sensation and Hahn ended up receiving an Emmy nomination for the role. Given that Agatha was left alive in the WandaVision finale, it’s unclear whether the series will pick up after it or serve as a prequel that explores her Salem Witch origins.

What we do know, though, is that the broader story of WandaVision will carry over into next March’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In that film, Olsen’s Wanda’s search for her children will bring her into contact with Benedict Cumberbatch’s titular Sorcerer Supreme.

For now, though, the next Marvel Disney+ series is the Jeremy Renner-led Hawkeye, which will premiere on November 24th.

Source: Variety

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Xbox Series X now available through All Access at GameStop

The Xbox Series X is now available at GameStop through Microsoft’s Xbox All Access financing program.

The financing provider is ‘PayPlan’ by RBC, and monthly costs are the same, including $39.99 for the Series X and $29.99 per month for the Series S.

It’s worth noting that both plans include Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $16.99 per month and includes access to all Microsoft first-party titles, EA Play games, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Live Gold. The Xbox Series X regularly costs $599 in Canada.

After launching at EB Games Gamestop last year, Xbox All Access recently launched at Best Buy and The Source.

Though most people would rather purchase the Xbox Series X outright, given the current-gen system’s scarcity, Xbox All Access is a decent alternative and a pretty good deal. If you’re planning on buying a Series X through GameStop, it’s a good idea to act fast as the console sells typically sells out in a matter of minutes.

This story will be updated when the Series X is no longer in stock.

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

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving beta to release to some at the end of the week says Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has tweeted that roughly 1,000 people with 100/100 safety scores in their Tesla EVs will start testing the Full Self-Driving beta version 10.2 (FSD 10.2).

Once these drivers receive the update, the rollout will pause for several days so the company can assess its performance. If things go well, the update will start to roll out to other drivers with 99/100 scores and so on.

Tesla released the Safety Score system a few weeks ago when it announced that all newer Tesla owners could request to join the Full Self-Driving beta. They only need to drive cautiously for a week to receive a 100/100 driving safety score to get into the beta.

The FSD 10.2 update includes several more minor fixes, but Musk also mentions that it significantly improves the driving experience. However, even with the Full Self-Driving name, this software is only SAE-level 2 compliment like GM’s recently announced Ultra Cruise.

This means that the car can drive itself in a wide variety of situations but that the driver needs to remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel for safety reasons.

Source: Elon Musk 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming is now powered by Xbox Series X hardware

Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming platform (formerly called xCloud) is now powered by Xbox Series X hardware.

In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft confirmed the upgrade and says that it should result in better framerates and load times. That said, unfortunately, Xbox Cloud Gaming is still locked to 1080p 60fps streams and hasn’t yet made the leap to 4K.

In the past, Microsoft has outlined plans to release a dedicated streaming stick-like device that can be plugged into a TV or monitor, which could offer further performance and quality upgrades to Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future. A streaming app for smart TVs is also in the works.

Recently, Microsoft started testing Xbox Cloud Gaming through Xbox consoles, though it’s currently only available to Alpha ring Xbox Insider testers. It’s unclear when the tech giant plans to publically roll out Xbox Cloud Gaming on its lineup of Xbox consoles.

Source: The Verge