Category: Mobile Syrup

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Mobile Syrup

Marvel Move aims to use superheroes to help you get fit

Marvel has partnered with Zombies, Run! creator Six to Start on a new fitness app called Marvel Move.

Set to release in summer 2023 as part of the forthcoming ZRX app, Marvel Move aims to motivate users to get active by incorporating Marvel storytelling. With these audio narratives, users will be guided through various fitness activities featuring Marvel heroes. At launch, the following five stories will be offered:

  • “Daredevil: Terminal Degree,” written by Bilal Dardai
  • “Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch: In Dreams” written by Kim Richards
  • “The Hulk: Hulkville,” written by Matt Wieteska
  • “Thor & Loki: Asgard 5K Training,” written by Alex Acks
  • “X-Men: Age of Orchis,” written by Tini Howard

 

Marvel Move

A two-year subscription for Marvel Move will normally cost $99.99 USD (about $134 CAD), although it’s available for $74.99 USD (about CAD 100) until August 8th.

It’s worth noting that Zombies, Run! will also be included in the ZRX app.

Source: Marvel

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Mobile Syrup

Where to stream Chris Evans and Ana de Armas’ Ghosted in Canada

After working together on Knives Out and The Gray Man, Chris Evans and Ana de Armas have reunited for a new romantic action-comedy, Ghosted.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman), the film sees Cole (Evans) fall head-over-heels for Sadie (de Armas), only to discover she’s a secret agent, leading them on an international mission. It’s also worth noting that Ghosted was written by Rhett Reese and Toronto’s Paul Wernick (Deadpool series) and Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers (Spider-Man: No Way Home).

Given all of the big names attached, you might be wondering where you can watch the film. Fortunately, it’s pretty simple — Ghosted will begin streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ on April 21st. An Apple TV+ membership costs $8.99/month and is also included in Apple One subscription bundles (starting at $18.95/month).

Image credit: Apple

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Mobile Syrup

Alleged watchOS 10 home screen leak partially debunked

Rumours have surfaced that Apple’s upcoming watchOS 10 update could feature several major changes, but some reputable sources aren’t jumping the gun ahead of the official reveal.

Twitter user and leaker @analyst941 claims that watchOS 10 will feature an updated interface and other significant enhancements. The change in the home screen is rumoured to make it easier for users to navigate and will more closely resemble iOS. The anonymous user also states that the new home screen could feature folders and might be either a third option or a replacement to the current ‘honeycomb’ grid launched in 2015.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, one of the most reliable sources for Apple leaks and information, recently reported that watchOS is due for “a fairly extensive upgrade with notable changes to the user interface.” However, Gurman didn’t detail what the updated interface will look like or how it will operate, leaving some doubt surrounding @analyst941’s report.

While Gurman clearly thinks some form of change is coming to watchOS in the future, it’s possible the renders provided by @analyst941 are nothing more than creative thinking.

Apple’s watchOS 10 update is expected to be officially revealed at Apple’s WWDC on June 5th, 2023.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Mark Gurman, @analyst941 Via: MacRumors

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Mobile Syrup

Twitter removes section of Hateful Conduct Policy protecting transgender users

Twitter has changed its Hateful Conduct Policy to get rid of protections for its transgender users, which was first spotted by the nonprofit organization Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and reported by The Verge.

In the Hateful Conduct Policy, Twitter used to have a line that included “repeated slurs, tropes or other content that intends to dehumanize, degrade or reinforce negative or harmful stereotypes about a protected category,” but removed the part that read “targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals.”

GLAAD used Wayback Machine to learn that Twitter removed the inclusion of misgendering and deadnaming people back on April 8th. Twitter originally added the misgendering and deadnaming back in 2018 to cover transgender users.

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, states that this is another example of how unsafe the company is for its users and advertisers.

TikTok and Pinterest prohibit misgendering and deadnaming in their hate and harassment policies. Meta has also stated that it will “prohibit violent or dehumanizing content directed against people who identify as LGBTQ+ and remove claims about someone’s gender identity upon their request.”

According to The Verge, Twitter hasn’t completely gotten rid of its protections; however, the choice to remove misgendering and deadnaming seems like it’s purposefully attacking the trans community.

Source: GLAAD, The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Netflix says subscriber growth in Canada has increased after password-sharing crackdown

Netflix says more Canadians are subscribing to the service following its controversial password-sharing crackdown.

During its first-quarter earnings results for fiscal 2023, the company reflected on its paid sharing policies, which went into effect in Canada in February. While many people pushed back against this move, especially after years of Netflix embracing password-sharing, the streamer said during its latest earnings call that it’s nonetheless still seen growth in Canada post-crackdown.

Although the company acknowledged there was an initial ‘cancel reaction’ in Canada and the other markets which have already received paid sharing, that churn was quickly offset. “For example, in Canada, which we believe is a reliable predictor for the U.S., our paid membership base is now larger than prior to the launch of paid sharing and revenue growth has accelerated and is now growing faster than in the U.S.,” wrote Netflix in its Q1 2023 earnings letter.

Overall, the company says it’s “pleased with the results” of paid sharing in Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal,” which it says are “strengthening our confidence that we have the right approach.” As part of these efforts, the company says it will expand paid sharing to the U.S. by the end of June.

As of February, Netflix requires all Canadian users to set a primary streaming location so the company can recognize those who are sharing the account elsewhere. The company is charging $7.99 to those who want to add an extra member who can share their account. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s not clear to what extent, if any, Netflix has been enforcing these rules so far. Last month, a MobileSyrup survey found that the majority of respondents have still been able to share accounts without penalty.

If you’re in Canada, has Netflix blocked you from sharing an account yet? Let us know in the comments.

In related news, Netflix posted 1.75 million new streaming subscribers in Q1 2023, which was below analyst estimates of 2.06 million. Overall, the company reported earnings of $1.31 billion USD (about $1.75 billion CAD), which was down from the $1.6 billion USD (roughly $2.14 billion CAD) it brought in this time last year.

Source: Netflix

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Mobile Syrup

Amazon adds new ‘Dialogue Boost’ option for select Amazon titles

Amazon now provides an alternative to traditional subtitles through a new Prime Video option known as Dialogue Boost for select Amazon originals.

The feature allows the user to increase the volume of on-screen dialogue, without increasing background noise or additional environment sounds or music. The feature is available in low and high boosts, depending on how much audio assistance is needed. Dialogue Boost can be found in the audio menu of compatible titles and can be turned on the same way subtitles would be.

The AI-based technology operates by isolating audio and intensifying speech in scenes that have been determined to have overwhelming background noise. The option is currently exclusive to Prime Video members and is only available on select Amazon-produced titles.

Users who are curious about certain titles’ compatibility with Dialogue Boost can check the details page for availability.

While the feature may seem practical for some, Amazon says the implementation will help those who are hard of hearing. The company plan to add Dialogue Boost to more titles later this year.

Amazon Prime Membership, which includes Prime Video, is available for $9.99/month.

Curious about what’s new on Prime Video Canada? Find out what’s coming to the platform in April here.

Image credit: Amazon

Source: Amazon Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

Reddit set to capitalize on years of data valuable to AI companies

Social media platform Reddit, popular for its user-generated forums and content, has announced that it will begin charging companies for access to its application program interface (API).

Reddit launched in 2005 and has since collected a vast amount of human interactions and conversations. Eighteen years’ worth of conversations, to be precise, make it a valuable data bank for companies looking to train their AI models.

Reddit doesn’t want other companies to be able to train their LLMs with its data for free, and wants a slice of the pie. Big names like Google and OpenAI have been using Reddit to provide initial guidance to their AI services. In response, Reddit is now introducing a new premium access point for third parties to access Reddit’s APIs, with pricing expected to be split into tiers based on company size.

“Our Reddit Data API will still be open for reasonable and appropriate use cases and accessible via our Developer Platform, which is designed to help developers improve the core Reddit experience,” wrote Reddit in a blog post.

As AI continues to grow, more and more companies will be looking for access to valuable data sources like Reddit to train their models. The move to charge companies for API access is not unexpected, given the increasing demand for data to train these models. Further, rumours point to Reddit going public sometime this year, so introducing a new revenue stream makes sense for the company.

Source: Reddit Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s MR headset will reportedly feature optimized versions of Safari, FaceTime, Maps and more

Apple’s Mixed Reality (MR) headset has been in the making for a while now, but it seems that the company is almost ready to reveal the headset to the world in the near future.

The company is readying an “arsenal” of applications for the MR headset in an attempt to capture a major market share of the AR/VR headset market, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

According to the report, Apple is developing a trove of apps for the headset, including apps for fitness and gaming, alongside collaboration tools. Additionally, Apple is also looking to create new versions of Apple’s existing iPad features for the headset and services for watching sports on the MR headset.

The report suggests that the headset will cost roughly $3,000 USD (about $4,000 CAD), and will debut in June, likely at WWDC 2023.

Considering that the headset would be Apple’s first venture in the AR/VR space, Gurman speculates it will be difficult for Apple to convince its customer base to buy it, and because of this, Apple is racing to develop familiar applications and software for the headset that Apple customers can relate to.

“A big part of the effort is adapting iPad apps for the new headset, which blends virtual and augmented reality,” wrote Gurman. “Users will be able to access millions of existing apps from third-party developers via the new 3D interface, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are still under wraps.”

The MR headset would have optimized versions of Safari, Calendars, Contacts, Files, Home Control, Mail, Maps, Messaging, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Music, News, Stock and the Weather app. The report suggests users would also be able to stream Apple TV directly on the MR headset, in addition to being able to FaceTime others.

Users would also be able to read books while wearing the MR headset through a version of the company’s Books app, while those who want to meditate will be able to view and hear a series of calming graphics, sounds and voice-overs while wearing the headset.

Additionally, it’s not surprising that the company is looking to incorporate Fitness+ features to the headset. According to Gurman, users will also be able watch an instructor in VR while working out/exercising.

The report suggests that the MR headset can run multiple applications simultaneously, and an Apple Watch-like crown on the side would allow users to switch between AR and VR environments.

Lastly, the MR headset’s home screen UI will look similar to how it is on an iPad, with similar ways to control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other control centre tools. The headset will also have a biometric system to unlock it, likely by scanning the user’s eyes.

Check out Gurman’s in-depth report about the upcoming headset and how Apple aims to make it an appealing choice for consumers here.

Source: Bloomberg

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Mobile Syrup

Elon Musk hints at starting his own AI company dubbed ‘TruthGPT’

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In an effort to challenge OpenAI and Google AI, Elon Musk has stated that he’s looking to create his own artificial intelligence company as a third option for users.

During an interview with Fox News, the current Twitter CEO insinuated that he would want to name the company “TruthGPT,” a bit of a jab toward OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT. The name would go hand-in-hand with Musk’s goal for the site, stating that he wishes to create a “maximum truth-seeking AI that tries to understand the nature of the universe.”

He added that the potential chatbot would hopefully do more harm than good, which isn’t frightening at all.

The multi-billionaire also accepted the fact that his future project would be at a disadvantage due to “starting late,” but that’s only if he actually goes through with his plans.

Although it’s easy to write these claims off as nothing more than one of Musk’s hypothetical ventures, he recently signed paperwork for the business X.AI Corp. This, along with hiring researchers from DeepMind for an upcoming Twitter AI project and purchasing around 10,000 GPU’s, could indicate the start of the CEO’s journey into the AI space.

Musk stated that the reason behind the potential venture stems from his concern for humanity at the hands of AI. An interesting reason considering his earlier support of OpenAI, helping the project get off the ground in 2015 before removing himself from the project following a disagreement with CEO Sam Altman.

Despite it still being unclear exactly how his AI plans will carry over to Twitter, Musk suggested a feature that would allow users to encrypt their messages would be coming soon.

Even with the CEO’s plans being relatively vague so far, don’t be surprised if we see Musk take a swing at starting up his own AI company or, at the very least, implementing a similar model on Twitter.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Fox News Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

A new augmented reality Monster Hunter game is in the works

Mobile developer Niantic, arguably best known for developing Pokémon Go, is working on an augmented reality version of Monster Hunter for iOS and Android devices titled Monster Hunt Now.

The game is described as a “real-world hunting RPG” and will see the company team up with Capcom to produce it. Monster Hunt Now pulls elements from the ever-popular Pokémon Go app, with users having to walk around with their phones to find monsters to battle.

Users can also team up with other players and use materials they’ve gathered to build weapons and armour for battle. Additionally, players can tag in-game monsters they encounter to battle them at home or with friends.

As revealed by Niantic and Capcom at a press briefing, Monster Hunter will be free-to-play and feature in-app purchases. Combat will largely be based on users swiping and tapping their phones to defeat monsters.

Players will also be able to battle in both portrait and landscape mode, with the letter providing the classic Monster Hunter experience from previous PC and console installments of the series.

For mobile gaming optimization, the traditional battles that would normally last five or more minutes will be scrapped in favour of fights that are no longer than 75 seconds. Sakae Osumi, a Niantic senior producer, says the move to shorten the battles is an effort to “encapsulate Monster Hunter’s fun battles within a shorter window of time.”

Niantic is accepting sign-ups for Monster Hunt Now‘s closed beta test, which starts on April 25th. The final product could be released as soon as September 2023, if testing goes as planned.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: @MH_Now_EN Via: Engadget