Nintendo has permanently lowered the price of the Switch in Europe, the company has confirmed to Eurogamer.
The Switch now costs £260 in the U.K. (about $455 CAD) and €300 (about $448 CAD) in other parts of Europe, compared to the previous £280 (about $490 CAD) and €330 (about $493 CAD).
In a statement to Eurogamer, a Nintendo spokesperson said the significant price drop was made based on “a variety of factors, including currency exchange rates in Europe and the upcoming launch of Nintendo Switch – OLED Model.”
For context, the Nintendo Switch is priced at $379 CAD, which is $20 less than what it was priced at launch in March 2017. It remains to be seen, then, whether a price drop will happen in Canada.
The OLED Model is set to release worldwide on October 8th at a cost of $449 CAD. It’s been rumored that the base Switch will go down in price in the U.S. to coincide with the launch of the OLED Model. The new Switch features mostly the same specs as its predecessor, with the exception of a slightly larger display with OLED, a new kickstand and an ethernet port.
While Apple’s upcoming ‘California Streaming’ event will likely be focused on the tech giant’s iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7 and AirPods, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company will also reportedly announce that it will soon be possible to buy every version of Apple’s colourful 24-inch iMac in-store.
This means that all seven 24-inch iMac colours, including ‘Blue,’ ‘Green,’ ‘Pink,’ ‘Silver,’ ‘Yellow,’ ‘Orange,’ ‘Purple,’ will all be available to purchase directly in Apple Stores. Additional colours will also now be available through third-party retailers like Best Buy. Previously, certain colours, like Yellow, Purple and Orange, needed to be ordered online, despite display units being present in stores.
Not iPhone and Apple Watch only, some minor Mac news to look out for on September 14: Apple will start selling all 24-inch M1 iMac colors in retail stores. Yellow, orange, and purple were previously available only online.
When I reviewed Apple’s colourful iMac a few months ago, I was impressed with the redesign but disappointed with its lack of ports and expensive price tag. A 27-inch iMac with a more powerful version of Apple’s M1 chip and a discrete graphics card is reportedly in the works.
At Apple’s upcoming September 14th hardware event, we likely won’t get any news regarding new Macs, including the often-rumoured 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro redesign. The reveal of Apple’s redesigned MacBook line that reportedly includes an SD card reader and a new version of MagSafe, will reportedly happen in October or November.
Looking for a safe way to find out if your phone is actually water resistant?
The “Water Resistance Tester” app by developer Ray W lets you easily test your phone’s IP67/IP68 water resistance seals — no liquids required.
The app, which was featured by XDA Developers, uses your phone’s built-in barometer to measure the level of pressure changes that occur when the screen is pressed.
According to the app description, “when the water resistance seal is no longer intact, the pressure changes will be very minimal,” indicating that your phone may no longer be resistant.
When using the app, you’ll be instructed to press your thumbs onto the screen to test the pressure levels. If your phone passes the test, a green checkmark will appear on screen.
On top of the new peace of mind you’ll feel when scrolling through Twitter in the bathtub, the app can also be used as a form of “proof” when buying or repairing a phone.
For example, you can use the app as a pre-sale screening step, to confirm that a new or used phone still has its water resistance seals intact upon purchase.
The app can function as evidence when submitting claims via the manufacturer’s warranty, or as a way of documenting any changes to the phone’s water resistance status before and after sending your device off for battery or screen repairs.
“Water Resistance Tester” is available to download for free on Google Play.
However, the app can only run its tests on phones with barometers already built into their hardware. You can check out this website to see if your phone has a built-in barometer.
Even though the Apple Watch Series 7 hasn’t officially been revealed yet, we’re already encountering rumours surrounding next year’s inevitable Series 8.
As first reported by 9to5Mac, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple’s 2022 Apple Watch will feature several new health sensors, including body temperature measurement. Past rumours have also suggested that glucose monitoring could also finally make its way to the Apple Watch with the Series 8.
Along with rumours surrounding the Series 8, Kuo says that health features are coming to Apple’s AirPods in two years. However, it’s unclear what version of the AirPods will receive the features. Earlier reports have stated that the next version of Apple’s AirPods Pro will include new motion sensors and built-in fitness tracking.
It’s also possible that Apple could have plans to release a fitness-focused version of its standard AirPods, though given the 3rd-gen AirPods are rumoured to be revealed later this week, that’s unlikely.
It looks like Apple could have plans to increase the iPhone’s highest tier storage option with the iPhone 13.
As first reported by 9to5Mac, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max will be available in a 1TB storage option alongside 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options. Given the iPhone 12 Pro with 512GB of storage costs $1,809, this year’s 1TB storage option will likely cost in the range of $2,000.
Kuo says that the iPhone 13 and 13 mini will start at 128GB of storage instead of 64GB like the current iPhone 12 and 12 mini. The analyst also mentions that they expect the entry-level smartphones to be offered in a 512GB tier for the first time.
Finally, Kuo says that Apple’s 2nd-gen AirPods will stick around as a cheaper option despite the introduction of third-generation AirPods. It’s unclear if the 2nd-gen AirPods ($269) will receive a price drop or if the new AirPods will cost more money. Earlier leaks indicate that Apple’s new AirPods will look very similar to the current AirPods Pro, including shorter stems, an in-ear design and possibly even active noise-cancellation.
Apple’s September 14th hardware event is just around the corner. The tech giant is expected to reveal the iPhone 13 series, the Apple Watch Series 7 and new AirPods.
Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri acknowledged it’d be “nice” to have an iPad app, seemingly forgetting he’s got the power to make it happen.
In a series of Instagram Stories over the weekend, Mosseri did a little ‘ask me anything’ and answered several questions. One simple question was, “Where’s the Instagram iPad app?”
Mosseri mentions that he was using an iPad on his flight but acknowledges that there’s still no Instagram app for iPad.
“It’d be nice to do, but there’s a lot to do and only so many people, so it hasn’t made the cut.”
In the following Story, Mosseri and his wife discuss who would use Instagram on an iPad, then acknowledge that Mosseri’s mother-in-law probably would.
It’s no secret that many people would welcome Instagram on the iPad. People have iPads and I’m sure there’s a lot of crossover between Instagram users and iPad owners. Having access to Instagram’s primarily visual interface on a much larger display would be great for people with visual impairments or for those who just want to look at pictures on something larger than a phone.
To be fair, the mediocre Instagram experience on iPad will soon get better. A new feature in iPadOS 15 will let Instagram and other iPhone-only apps run in portrait mode while holding the tablet in landscape mode. That should make it much easier to multitask and have Instagram and other apps open simultaneously.
Unfortunately, that’s still not as good as an actual Instagram app on iPad. Plus, considering Instagram’s website now lets people upload content from browsers on Windows, Mac or other desktops, it’s even stranger that you can’t from the iPad, regardless if you use the app or browser.
At this point, it seems like the Instagram team just really hates the iPad.
A recently promoted tweet from Apple caught my eye regarding the company’s digital mapping efforts in three major Canadian cities.
In an effort to boost the level of detail included in Apple Maps’ ‘Look Around’ feature to better compete with ‘Street View,’ Apple is sending teams of backpackers with what I assume are 360-degree camera rigs to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to map out locations where cars can’t go.
Apple Maps. Building the best digital map for Canada.
The company doesn’t specifically say what these places are, but If I had to guess, I’d assume they’re mapping parks, trails and other public spaces around those cities.
If you click the link in the tweet, it takes you to an Apple website that clarifies that all the backpackers will be walking until the end of October. It also clarifies that Apple Maps has mapping cars roaming in all the Canadian provinces but not in the northern territories.
Images, renders and videos of upcoming smartphones continuously leak. All of these leaks can be difficult to follow, so we’ve compiled a list of the past week’s hottest rumours.
From September 4th to September 10th, we saw a couple of leaks about the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 14 and even a Pixel 6 teaser.
Below are all the major smartphone leaks from September 4th to September 10th:
Apple
According to PineLeaks, a Twitter account run by Max Weinbach, Apple could solve the mini’s battery life issue with the iPhone 13 mini.
The Pro Max variant will continue to be the true flagship smartphone from Apple, differentiating itself from the standard Pro model.
We expect the iPhone mini variant to offer an additional ~1 hour of battery life.
Weinbach says that the iPhone 13 mini will offer an “additional 1 hour of battery life,” indicating that either through software optimization or more likely, cramming a larger battery into the smartphone’s case, the company has managed to extend the mini’s battery life.
Apple’s iPhone 14 will reportedly lack both a notch and a camera bump.
Instead, the smartphone will sport a Samsung-like front-facing hole-punch camera. The iPhone 14 is also tipped to feature a slightly thicker body, allowing its several lenses, flash, and LiDAR scanner to sit flush with the phone’s rear.
Google has dropped the first teaser trailer for the upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, giving fans a first look at the device being used in the real world. While this isn’t really a leak in the traditional sense, it’s still pretty cool.
Google also posted a picture on Instagram that said Tuesday the 19th, which indicates that the next Pixel will launch on October 19th.
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
The Voyeurs [Amazon Original]
A young couple becomes obsessed with the sex life of their neighbours, leading their lives to become tangled in deadly ways.
The Voyeurs was written and directed by Michael Mohan (Everything Sucks!) and stars Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria), Justice Smith (Pokémon: Detective Pikachu), Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Natasha Liu Bordizzo (The Society).
Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: September 10th, 2021 Genre: Erotic thriller Runtime: 1 hour, 56 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 this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
Being James Bond
After numerous delays due to COVID-19, No Time to Die looks finally set to release on October 8th. To celebrate, MGM has released a documentary on Apple TV that reflects on Daniel Craig’s 15-year-run as James Bond.
Directed by Billie Walsh (Springstein and I), Being James Bond features never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale all the way up to No Time to Die, as well as conversations with Craig and 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Apple TV release date: September 7th, 2021 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 45 minutes
Being James Bond will be available as a free rental on Apple TV until October 7th. No Apple TV+ subscription is required.
Come From Away [Apple Original]
To coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Apple is now streaming the live stage recording of Come From Away.
The musical is based on the true story of the 7,000 passengers who were stranded after the terrorist attacks in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Canadian couple Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote Come From Away based on the stories they learned in Gander during the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Apple TV+ Canada release date: September 10th, 2021 Genre: Musical Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes
An aging Civil War veteran must return a young girl to her adopted Indigenous family.
Based on American-Canadian author Paulette Jiles’ novel of the same name, News of the Worldwas co-written and directed by Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) and stars Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan) and Helena Zengel (System Crasher).
Notably, Jiles spent many years living in Canada working for the CBC and helped set up native language radio stations in Ontario and Quebec.
Original theatrical release date: December 25th, 2020 (limited release)
Crave release date: September 10th, 2021 Genre: Western drama Runtime: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Vice correspondents Hind Hassan, Ben Soloman, Seb Walker and Isobel Yeung report from the ground in Afghanistan on the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the country.
Stream Return of the Taliban: A Vice Special Report here.
Scenes from a Marriage
Based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1973 Swedish miniseries of the same name, Scenes from a Marriage explores the complexities of a man and woman whose marriage is falling apart.
Hagai Levi (The Affair) adapted the remake, which stars Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) and Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game).
Crave release date: September 12th, 2021 at 9pm ET (first episode, new episodes every Sunday at 9pm ET) Genre: Drama Runtime: Five episodes (around one hour each)
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $9.99/month, with Starz costing another $5.99/month and HBO an additional $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Disney+
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. [Disney+ Original]
Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha balances her high school life with an early medical career.
Based on the Neil Patrick Harris-led ’90s series Doogie Howser, M.D., Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. was created by Kourtney Kang (Fresh Off the Boat) and stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack), Emma Meisel (The Kids Are Alright), Matthew Sato (Hawaii Five-O), Kathleen Rose Perkins (Episodes) and Jason Scott Lee (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story).
Disney+ Canada release date: September 8th, 2021 (first episode, new episodes every Wednesday) Genre: Comedy Runtime: Ten episodes (around 30 minute each)
Stream Blood Brothers: Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali here.
The Circle (Season 3) [Netflix Original]
A new group of people competes in this social media-focused competition series.
Netflix Canada release date: September 8th, 2021 (first four episodes, new episodes every Wednesday) Genre: Reality competition Runtime: 13 episodes (around one hour each)
After being fatally poisoned, an assassin chooses to spend her final 24 hours to get her revenge.
Kate was directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan (The Huntsman: Winter’s War) and stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Fargo), Miku Martineau (Finny the Shark), Woody Harrelson (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and Tadanobu Asano (Last Life in the Universe).
In the final season, Lucifer lands his promotion but must decide if he really wants the job.
Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, Lucifer was created by Tom Kapinos (Californication) and stars Tom Ellis (Miranda), Lauren German (Hawaii Five-0) and Kevin Alejandro (True Blood).
Netflix Canada release date: September 10th, 2021 Genre: Fantasy Runtime: 10 episodes (45 to 66 minutes each)
The ongoing Epic v. Apple legal battle nearly wrapped up this week in a loss for both parties. Well, it depends who you ask — Epic painted it as a loss and announced plans to appeal, while Apple declared it a win without acknowledging the concessions imposed on it by the court.
One party definitely did win, however: Peely.
Peely is a recurring Fortnite character, a banana, and also the central figure in perhaps the weirdest moment of the trial. The Verge reflected on the Peely incident after Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers handed down her ruling on the lawsuit. The incident started as a joke about whether it was appropriate for Peely to appear naked in court.
Gonzalez Rogers officially noted in the ruling that “the Court agrees, Peely is ‘just a banana man,’ additional attire was not necessary but informative.”
Peely’s entrance into the trial came on day six, when Apple’s attorney cross-examined Epic’s VP of marketing, Matthew Weissinger, to learn more about how Fortnite worked. During the examination, Apple’s attorney noted that they chose to show Peely in his ‘Agent Peely‘ attire (above) since “We thought it better to go with the suit than the naked banana, since we are in federal court this morning.”
Although very clearly a joke — a fact reinforced by Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling — Epic doubled down on the banana after Apple criticized the company for hosting ‘Itch.io,’ a storefront with “so-called adult games.”
Epic’s attorney asked Weissinger about Peely, requesting a picture of Peely be put on screen.
“Is there anything inappropriate about Peely without clothes?” the attorney asked, to which Weissinger responded:
“It’s just a banana man.”
And so there you have it. A federal judge has officially ruled that a banana can appear naked in court, a win for Peely and his cohort. Perhaps, also, a loss for the rest of us, depending on your views on bananas.
