Author: Mobile Syrup

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How to install Windows 11 on your Windows 10 PC

Microsoft finally dropped Windows 11 this week after several months of confusion around which the new operating system would support.

Although the OS is available now, some of that confusion still remains. That said, people are actually able to download and try Windows 11 now, so hopefully people smarter than me will figure out all the details soon.

For the time being, if you have supported hardware and want to install Windows 11, there are two main ways to go about it — the safe way and the fast way. And for those who aren’t sure if they can install Windows 11 on their device, Microsoft recently re-released its upgrade compatibility check tool that shows if Windows 11 supports your PC. You can download that here (it’s at the bottom of the page).

If your hardware is compatible with Windows 11, here’s how to install it:

The Safe Way

The safest, easiest way to install Windows 11 on your Windows 10 PC is through your computer’s built-in ‘Windows Update’ tool. To access it, press the ‘Windows’ and ‘I’ keys, or tap the Windows key and search ‘Settings.’ Then, click ‘Update & Security.’

If you’re lucky, you’ll see a big blue block that says something like “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready.” From there, just click the ‘Download and install’ button to start the process.

If you don’t see the update banner, it’s likely because Microsoft hasn’t started rolling out the update to your device yet. The company is taking its time with the rollout and it may take a few days, weeks or even months for the upgrade banner to appear in Windows Update. However, when it does show up, it should mean Microsoft is confident your PC is ready for Windows 11.

Another reason why the Windows 11 upgrade banner won’t show up is your PC’s hardware isn’t compatible. Again, you should use the compatibility check tool mentioned up top to verify that your PC is good to go before starting this process.

The Fast Way

For those with less patience and, ideally, the technical know-how to troubleshoot any issues that pop up, there is a faster way to upgrade to Windows 11.

Microsoft’s ‘Download Windows 11‘ website offers several options for getting the update. The first, and the one I’d recommend for most people, is the ‘Installation Assistant.’ It’s just a bit of software the effectively lets users bypass the Windows Upgrade wait and install Windows 11 right away. The main caveat is, of course, that you may encounter more bugs and issues if Microsoft hasn’t deemed your PC ready.

It’s the route I went with on my desktop since my hardware was compatible, but I didn’t have the update option in Windows Update. All you need to do is download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, run it and follow the steps (which mainly involves waiting for it to download and install Windows 11).

Microsoft lists a few things people should be aware of before starting the Windows 11 update process, including that you need a Windows 10 licence, your PC must be on Windows 10 version 2004 or higher, it needs at least 9GB of free space and it must meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

As for bugs, I’ve only had Windows 11 running on my desktop for about an hour or two now but I haven’t experienced anything truly problematic. That said, I didn’t expect to — I tested the Windows 11 preview on a laptop and didn’t run into any significant issues there. Still, if you want to avoid bugs as much as possible, wait for the upgrade to hit the Windows Update menu on your PC. And, worst case scenario, if you do encounter bugs, you have 10 days to go back to Windows 10 — you can read more on downgrading here.

The other options on Microsoft’s ‘Download Windows 11‘ website are more involved tools for edge cases. There are options for creating Windows 11 Installation Media or Disk Images (ISO) for doing clean Windows 11 installs. Most people likely won’t need to use these tools, but it’s good to know that they’re there if you need them.

Overall, the Windows 11 upgrade process is relatively simple if you have officially supported hardware. Unfortunately for those who don’t, the process is a little more complicated (but the tools offered on Microsoft’s ‘Download Windows 11’ website should be able to help). Either way, if you’re not prepared to deal with bugs and issues of new software, you may want to hold off on upgrading to Windows 11 for the time being.

Besides, Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 2025, so there isn’t a huge rush to upgrade.

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Mobile Syrup

GM reveals Ultra Cruise, a more advanced semi-self-driving system

General Motors has shown off some aspects of its new upgraded semi-autonomous driving system called Ultra Cruise.

The system promises to be a huge leap over GM’s current hands-free driver assistance program Super Cruise. However, the automaker notes that this isn’t an upgrade on Super Cruise, but, rather, a more premium option reserved for more expensive vehicles.

However, that’s good news for upper-class Canadians since the new software can apparently work on 95 percent of roads in the country. With the goal of making it work on every street in both countries eventually.

Ultra Cruise needs more sensors than Super Cruise to create accurate 3D representations of the world around it. This allows it to work on over two million miles of roads now, potentially working on over three million in the future. However, it’s still considered a level-two autonomous system, so it won’t be full self-driving just yet.

However, the company didn’t mention when this feature comes or what vesicles under what GM sub-brand will have it.

On top of the Ultra Cruise announcement, GM also talked about its plans to retool its company with more of a software focus to help drive growth moving into the future.

Source: GM

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Mobile Syrup

Telus reports wireless network outage affecting Ontario and Quebec

Telus has confirmed that it is experiencing a network outage in Ontario and Quebec that’s affecting wireless service.

The company says that it’s already working on a resolution.

According to DownDetector, the issue is affecting those on Telus, Koodo and Public Mobile. Further, Telus’ Service Status page is showing that text, voice and data issues are impacting these areas.

We’ll update this post with more information when it becomes available.

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Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Series 7 to be available at Freedom Mobile on Oct. 15

Apple recently announced that the Apple Watch Series 7 would be available to pre-order starting Friday, October 8th at 8am ET/5am PT and will begin shipping on October 15th.

However, at least until now, it has been unclear if Canadian carriers would sell the Series 7 as they have with past versions of Apple’s smartwatch.

With that in mind, Shaw-owned Freedom Mobile has confirmed that it will have the Series 7 available on October 15th. Other carriers, including Rogers and Bell, will also likely sell the Series 7.

The Apple Watch Series 7 features a softer and rounder body shape when compared to previous iterations, along with a 70 percent brighter always-on mode and IP6X dust resistance. The Series 7 will be available in five aluminum case finishes, including Product Red, Refined Blue, Midnight, Starlight and Green.

Further, stainless steel options will be available in ‘Silver,’ ‘Graphite’ and ‘Gold,’ along with an ‘Apple Watch Edition’ in ‘Titanium’ and ‘Black Titanium.’ The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $529 at Freedom Mobile and the Apple Store.

It’s worth noting that once Series 7 releases, the Apple Watch Series 3 will be discounted from $259 to $249.

Source: Freedom Mobile Via: iPhoneinCanada

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Mobile Syrup

PlayStation Store’s ‘Hidden Gems’ sale offers games for up to 70 percent off

The PlayStation Store is offering a variety of deals right as part of its ‘Blockbuster Games’ promotion, but adding to the list of deals is now the ‘Hidden Gems’ promotion.

The Hidden Gems sale offers games up to 70 percent off until October 20th. Some of the headliners include Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice, Judgement, Little Nightmares, Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition and more.

Here are some of the deals below:

Source: PlayStation Store

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Mobile Syrup

PlayStation Store’s ‘Hidden Gems’ sale offers games for up to 70 percent off

The PlayStation Store is offering a variety of deals right as part of its ‘Blockbuster Games’ promotion, but adding to the list of deals is now the ‘Hidden Gems’ promotion.

The Hidden Gems sale offers games up to 70 percent off until October 20th. Some of the headliners include Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice, Judgement, Little Nightmares, Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition and more.

Here are some of the deals below:

Source: PlayStation Store

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Mobile Syrup

It’s now easier to find your lost AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

A recently released firmware update for Apple’s AirPods Pro and AirPods Max adds new features that help make the pricey earbuds/headphones easier to locate if you happen to misplace them.

Through Apple’s ‘Find My’ app, you could already view the last location where your AirPods were paired with your smartphone and play a sound to make them easier to find. Following this latest update, you can now activate a ‘Lost Mode’ feature that takes advantage of the millions of iPhones, iPads and Macs out there to search for your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. If any of these devices come within Bluetooth range of your lost AirPods Pro or Max, you’ll get an alert on the iPhone regarding their location.

To be clear, this form of location alert isn’t as accurate as Apple’s AirTags since the AirPods Pro and Max don’t feature Apple’s U1 chip. This means you won’t be able to see onscreen prompts directing you to the location of your lost earbuds/headphones.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to manually push this update to your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max since it randomly happens when you connect the earbuds/headphones to your iPhone. To check the version of software running on your AirPods, head to ‘Settings,’ ‘General,’ and then ‘About.’ Once you select your AirPods, you’ll see a ‘Firmware version.’ If you have the update, you should be running version ‘4A400.’

Apple was rumoured to have plans to reveal the third-generation of its base-level AirPods during its recent fall hardware event, but the often-rumoured wireless earbuds didn’t appear. It’s possible we could still see the new version of the earbuds later in October or in early November during the tech giant’s rumoured MacBook Pro refresh stream.

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Mobile Syrup

Motorola Edge (2021) could come to Rogers on Friday

Back in August, Motorola unveiled its new Edge (2021) flagship. Since then, the phone has become available in Canada both directly from Motorola and through Freedom Mobile. However, at the reveal, Motorola also said the phone would come to Rogers.

According to information MobileSyrup received from a tipster, the Rogers launch will happen on Friday.

Additionally, the tipster said that the Edge (2021) would be available for $33.24/month device financing and would cost $1,040 outright from the carrier.

It’s worth noting that the Edge (2021) is available for $899.99 on Motorola’s website. Freedom offers the phone for $0 upfront with a $25/month tab on a $60 phone plan.

According to Motorola’s website, the phone sports 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G. Those interested can learn more about the Edge (2021) here.

MobileSyrup also reached out to Rogers about the rumoured Friday launch and will update this post with any information the carrier provides.

Thanks, Valet!

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Mobile Syrup

Thousands try to join Squid Game by calling on-screen phone number

South Korean series Squid Game is one of Netflix’s most popular shows right now.

However, an odd real-world situation related to the show has occurred. Participants in Squid Game are given a business card that features PlayStation-like icons on one side and a phone number that’s visible during the episode on the other.

Naturally, thousands of people tried calling the number shown by the main character Seong Gi Hun, and the real-world owner of the actual number is upset, according to South Korean blog Koreaboo.

“After Squid Game aired, I have been receiving calls and texts endlessly, 24/7, to the point that it’s hard for me to go on with daily life. This is a number that I’ve been using for more than 10 years, so I’m quite taken aback. There are more than 4000 numbers that I’ve had to delete from my phone (viewers) and it’s to the point where due to people reaching out without a sense of day and night due to their curiosity, my phone’s battery is drained and turns off. At first I didn’t know why but my friend told me that my number came out in Squid Game and that’s when I realized,” said the owner of the number in an interview with Koreaboo.

People probably aren’t calling the number to try to join the Squid Game in the real-world… we hope.

According to Koreaboo, the series’ producers assumed displaying the number was fine since the first three digits were blocked, but calling the last eight digits was enough to reach the victim’s local phone number.

The owner of the number told local South Korean media that they can’t change their number because it’s used for business purposes. Further, Koreaboo explained that Netflix initially said it wouldn’t do anything about the issue. When Netflix received backlash for the response, the owner of the number was reportedly offered 5 million KRW (roughly $5,280 CAD).

Netflix South Korea has announced that it will edit the number out of the series and is asking viewers to stop calling it.

Source: Koreaboo, Kotaku

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Mobile Syrup

Alexa always cutting you off mid-sentence? Here’s how to fix it

Amazon has updated its Alexa voice-activated software to include an accessibility setting that increases the amount of time users get to ask questions before the AI interrupts, as per a report from The Verge.

The feature feels pretty overdue, given the myriad of reasons why someone might want more time: stutters and other speech impediments, language processing disorders, age-related changes to verbal abilities, speaking in a language you aren’t fluent in, or just needing an extra dang second to remember what it is you wanted to say.

Users can go into Alexa’s app settings to turn on the feature and teach the AI the valuable human skill of patience — which feels somewhat ironic, given that Amazon recently suggested that the software could be used to help people improve their small talk.

For more Alexa-adjacent news, click here to check out our coverage from the recent September 28th Amazon hardware event.

Highlights include the wall-mounted Echo Show 15, a big new partnership between Amazon and Disney, and the introduction of a cute, if mildly suicidal, robot assistant called Astro.

Via: The Verge