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Mobile Syrup

Latest Pixel Tablet leak shows possible privacy switch… or does it?

We’ve known that Google has been working on a Pixel Tablet for some time, basically since Google I/O 2022 when the company first teased the device. At this point, it seems like we’ve learned everything there is to learn from leaks and teases from Google, but a new leak points to something we haven’t seen before; a privacy switch.

Well. It might be a privacy switch. It’s definitely a button and we haven’t seen it before.

Leaker SnoopyTech posted two images showing the front and back of the Pixel Tablet and questioned whether Google chose the “best design.” While at first glance, there’s nothing we haven’t seen before, Android Police says it looks like there’s a privacy switch on the edge of the tablet.

In the picture of the back of the Pixel Tablet, Android Police says, “you can see a switch on the top left above what we believe to be the volume controls.” Frankly, I don’t see it.

What I do see are two buttons on the left side of the top edge of the tablet, near the camera. I also see what looks like a button on the top end of the left edge (technically the right edge since we’re viewing it from the back) near the camera. The only other things I see on the edges of the tablet in this picture are what appear to be speakers and a USB-C charging port.

So, I count three buttons total, which likely will be volume up/down and power.

Image credit: SnoopyTech

Android Police does go on to say that the buttons on the edge of the tablet haven’t appeared in previous Google imagery of the Pixel Tablet, and I do agree there.

Looking back over the various images shared by Google in teasers and that corner of the Pixle Tablet isn’t prominently featured in most. When it is, it’s not clear enough to make out details like buttons. Similarly, most Pixel Tablet leaks don’t offer a clear view of the top edge of the tablet. And the button on the side of the tablet definitely hasn’t appeared in previous leaks and teases.

However, I did come across a leak we covered from leaker Kuba Wojciechowski, who shared photos of a Pixel Tablet that they received. Two of the images show the top edge clearly enough that you can see two buttons up there near the camera, just like in the SnoopyTech image. My guess is those are the volume buttons. However, Wojciechowski’s pictures don’t clearly show the right edge of the tablet where the other mystery button resides.

Of course, the pictures from Wojciechowski are likely a pre-release unit of some kind, and therefore, it’s possible Google could have added to the hardware. But I have some serious doubts about the claim of a privacy switch.

That said, adding a privacy switch would be a really good idea for the Pixel Tablet, especially since Google is positioning it as a hybrid smart home device. Google’s Nest Hubs have privacy switches to disable the camera and microphone when users want some privacy — with the Pixel Tablet set to replace the Nest Hub, it would only make sense for it to have a privacy switch as well.

We likely won’t have to wait longer to find out whether the Pixel Tablet has a privacy switch. Google will likely reveal the tablet at I/O in May.

Image credit: Google, Kuba Wojciechowski

Source: SnoopyTech Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Cogeco reports revenue gain in Canadian market, losses in the U.S.

Cogeco Communications reports it only increased its revenue by 1.1 percent in the second quarter of 2023.

The $736.6 million in revenue it pulled came from financial success in its Canadian market. The company offers internet, phone, and video services to 1.6 million customers in Ontario and Quebec. It also offers services to 13 states in the U.S.

Cogeco’s telecom revenue in the Canadian market increased by 1.7 percent year over year, with $368 million in revenue. The company credits this to the addition of high-speed internet services and more profit per customer.

The figures are offset by a 5 percent revenue decline in the American market, partially due to a decline in video and phone customers.

Cogeco also acquired Oxio, a once-independent internet provider, in February. However, the impact of the acquisition isn’t included in the Q2 financial results, as the quarter ended on February 28th.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Cogeco

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Mobile Syrup

MobileSyrup’s Best Buy Mother’s Day Gift Guide [2023 Edition]

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. To help the gift-hunting process, we’ve put together a list of several exciting devices that moms will surely love. This year, we take a look at a number of audio solutions, smart home gadgets and other devices.

 

Mother’s Day lands on Sunday, May 12th and now is a great time to consider what special gift to buy this year. 

For more deals from Best Buy and the retailer’s full Mother’s Day guide, follow this link. 

 

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. This gift guide is sponsored by Best Buy.

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Mobile Syrup

Save $60 on Sony’s PlayStation 5

This is a deal that we can get used to. Sony has once again dropped the price of its popular PS5 by a respectable $60. This gives you enough to redirect the savings and spend it on a new game.

The PS5 is the Disc Edition of the God of War: Ragnarök bundle is currently on sale for $669.96.

God of War: Ragnarök follows Kratos and Atreus as they face new challenges and try to prevent the apocalypse. The game is also accessible on PS4, the PS5 version provides enhanced feature such as 4K graphics, 3D audio, and haptic feedback.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Source: Amazon Canada

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung and FSC Canada are teaming up protect and preserve Canadian forests

LONDON, UK – FEBRUARY 20, 2020: Samsung tech brand leterring logo in Harrods shopping mall.

With April marking Earth Month, Samsung has partnered with Forest Stewardship Council Canada for a new fundraising campaign with the goal of protecting healthy and resilient forests in the country.

Throughout the month, Samsung Canada will donate $1 to FSC Canada for every purchase made in-store and online at Samsung’s website, up to $10,000.

Additionally, Samsung will donate $10 to FSC Canada, up to a maximum of $6,000, for every review left on the company’s website through June 2023.

The money raised will go towards FSC Canada’s mission of supporting zero deforestation and safeguarding ancient, endangered forests.

Samsung is also committed to making and distributing products with more eco-conscious resources. Since 2009, over 220,000 tonnes of recycled plastic have been used in Samsung products globally, with the company looking to double that number by 2023.

Doubling down on its commitment to being more ecologically wise, the South Korean tech giant has also made a global commitment to achieve zero waste in landfills as well as reducing its e-waste by 2025. By 2050, the company is planning on achieving net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions.

These announcements come as a part of the company’s new environmental strategy that was revealed last year.

More information about Samsungs collaboration with FSC Canada can be found on the company’s website.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Samsung

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Mobile Syrup

Razer expands its streaming ecosystem with new $209 Stream Controller X

Razer has launched its new Stream Controller X all-in-one streaming hub in Canada. Along with other major regions, Canadians can get their hands on this fully customizable controller deck, featuring 15 programmable LCD buttons, now available for $209.99.

Razer has expanded its streamer support by continuously launching streaming gear within its ecosystem. The Stream Controller X enhances the streamer’s control of their broadcast by supporting 15 Switchblade Buttons, which users can customize to their preference.

Razer’s Controller X supports most high-profile streaming software, and features plugins to enable the use of several apps. For instance, users can set shortcuts to Twitch, OBS Studio, Philips Hue, Spotify, Razer Key Light Control, Razer Audio Mixer Control, Voicemod and more.

All programmable shortcuts are built into a series of 15 LCD buttons featuring their own icons. The Stream Controller X is built into a magnetic stand with a 50-degree angle. The stand itself also has a grip to avoid sliding on a desk or table.

Razer has a long lineage of offering gaming gear across accessories, gaming PCs and even apparel. The Stream Controller X is another example of the company gaining a foothold in the streaming world, targeting a market Elgato largely dominates. The Elgato Stream Deck MK2 is the company’s most comparable device to the Stream Controller X as it provides similar features.

Razer’s Stream Controller X appears to have a smaller footprint compared to competitive devices. This could help reduce clutter within a streaming setup. Additionally, this will likely speak to those currently in the Razer ecosystem — especially if they’re using the likes of Razer Key Lights and Seiren microphones.

Image credit: Razer

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Mobile Syrup

A big week of Canadian gaming events is right around the corner

It’s about to be a big week in the Canadian gaming space.

Over the course of three days, a variety of events are happening in Toronto that are bringing together people from across the national games sector. Whether you’re a developer, student or everyday fan, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Wednesday, April 19th

Level Up Showcase — 5pm to 11pm at the Westin Harbour Castle

Helping the next generation of game developers succeed is essential, so that’s where the Level Up Showcase of student games comes into play. Sponsored by the likes of Ubisoft Toronto (Far Cry 6), Sheridan College and the City of Toronto, this year’s event will see over 100 games from 500 student participants.

You can register for free tickets on Eventbrite.

Thursday, April 20th

XP Game Developer Summit Day One — 10am to 5pm at the Westin Harbour Castle

There aren’t many gaming events in Canada, which makes shows like the XP Game Developer Summit all the more noteworthy. If you’ve heard of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), you’ll have an idea of what this industry-focused event entails, including panels, workshops, networking opportunities and more. In particular, the event will provide business-to-business opportunities for Canadian talent to connect with figures from the U.S. and beyond to help them in their game-making. There will also be a big showcase of Canadian games featuring the likes of Hamilton, Ontario’s Achimostawinan (Hill Agency), Toronto’s Rocket Adrift (Psychroma) and St. Catharines, Ontario’s Falling Squirrel (The Vale: Shadow of the Crown).

Meanwhile, here are some of the panels happening on day one:

  • The State of the Canadian Game Industry (10:30am to 11:30am) — Jayson Hilchie (Entertainment Software Association of Canada), Lucie Lalumiere (Interactive Ontario), Jean Jaques Hermans (La Guilde) and Loc Dao (Digi BC) unpack Canada’s $5.5 billion Canadian gaming industry
  • Women in Games (1:30pm to 2:30pm) — Caroline Vani (Encore), Océane Navarro (Madgik Yarn Studio), Roxane Vallée (Apperture) and Christelle Dambreville (Behaviour Interactive) discuss the experiences women in the gaming industry
  • Games & (Problematic?) Culture (2:30pm to 3pm) — Krista-Lee Malone (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Brianna Roett (Red Bull Gaming Hub) examine toxicity in gaming

Canadian Indie Game Awards — 7pm to 8pm

Tunic

The first of two national games award ceremonies is focused on titles from smaller developers.

Here are the games up for the coveted Game of the Year:

  • Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Vancouver’s Blackbird Interactive)
  • A Little to the Left (Halifax’s Max Inferno)
  • Nobody Saves the World (Toronto’s Drinkbox)
  • Tunic (Halifax’s Tunic Team)
  • Rogue Legacy 2 (Toronto’s Cellar Door Games)

Meanwhile, here are the teams up for Studio of the Year:

  • Blackbird Interactive (Hardspace: Shipbreakers) [Vancouver]
  • Cellar Door Games (Rogue Legacy 2) [Toronto]
  • Drinkbox Studios (Nobody Saves the World) [Toronto]
  • Silverstring Media (Glitchhikers: The Spaces Between) [Vancouver]
  • Tunic Team (Tunic) [Halifax]

Altogether, there are 13 Canadian Indie Game Awards categories — the full list of nominees can be found here.

You can tune into the Canadian Indie Game Awards in person or via Twitch.

IO Connect (8pm to 12am)

Interactive Ontario, the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting Ontario’s digital industries, is hosting a networking event that takes place alongside the Canadian Indie Game Awards.

Tickets to the mixer cost $10 for IO members/$40 for non-members and can be found here.

Friday, April 21st

XP Game Developer Summit Day Two — 10am to 5pm at the Westin Harbour Castle

Here are some panel highlights for the second day of the conference:

  • How To Build an Inclusive Industry (11:30am to 12:30pm) — Brianna Roett (Red Bull Gaming Hub) and Chantelle Ouano (Women in Games International) discuss ways to make gaming welcoming to all
  • The Ultimate Unity Developer’s Toolkit (1pm to 2pm) — Russell Sng (Unity) and Antonio Miceli (Mega Power Games) share 10 tips on developing with the ubiquitous Unity engine
  • Narrative Design (2pm to 3pm) — Maria Beck (Sweet Baby), Kate Tremblay (Soft Rains) and Victoria Evans (Digital Vic) explain what goes into video game storytelling

The full list of speakers across both days of the XP Game Developer Summit can be found here. Tickets, meanwhile, start at $60.

Canadian Game Awards — 8pm to 10pm (afterparty 10pm to 12am)

Canadian Game Awards

This week’s second awards show, simply called the Canadian Game Awards, features a mix of bigger and smaller games.

The titles up for the big Game of the Year award:

  • Disney Dreamlight Valley (Gameloft Montreal)
  • Nobody Saves the World (Toronto’s Drinkbox)
  • Rogue Legacy 2 (Toronto’s Cellar Door Games)
  • Tunic (Halifax’s Tunic Team)
  • Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate — Daemonhunters (Winnipeg’s Complex Games)

Meanwhile, here are the Studio of the Year nominees:

  • Behaviour Interactive (Dead by Daylight) [Montreal]
  • Complex Games (Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate — Daemonhunters) [Winnipeg]
  • Drinkbox Studios (Nobody Saves the World) [Toronto]
  • Gameloft (Disney Dreamlight Valley) [Montreal]
  • Tunic Team (Tunic) [Halifax]

Altogether, there are 17 Canadian Game Awards categories — the full list of nominees can be found here.

You can tune into the Canadian Game Awards in person or via Twitch.

Image credit: 

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Mobile Syrup

Apple rumoured to integrate Siri UI into Dynamic Island with iOS 17

Apple might integrate Siri into the iPhone’s ‘Dynamic Island‘ with the release of iOS 17. Since debuting on iPhone 14 Pro series, the tech giant has reportedly been looking at ways to support the new interactive notch better.

There’s been very little concrete information regarding iOS 17 ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in early June. However, one rumour from an anonymous analyst suggests Siri prompts will transition into the Dynamic Island. On Twitter, @analyst941 outlines how this could work in iOS 17.

When discussing the expansion of the Dynamic Island, @analyst941 says, “many more notifications will be used with Dynamic Island, as well as a new Siri UI is being tested with it.” They go on to clarify that “Apple may or may not go with the Dynamic Island version of Siri.” This leaves the possibility that Siri may remain in the current state Apple offers now.

As it stands, users activate Siri by uttering the phrase “Hey, Siri.” This wakes Siri up in the form of the sphere emblem at the bottom of the screen. Users can then ask the assistant a question, make commands and complete other actions. It remains to be seen how a transition over to Dynamic Island will improve or drastically change how users interact with Siri.

Integrating Siri into the Dynamic Island and its pill-shaped design could help consolidate more of Apple’s systems and features. A localized area of the screen where notifications, prompts, and Siri can be pulled from could provide more screen real estate to the user when activated.

However, these are just possibilities, and it’s important to note @analyst941 isn’t a well-known leaker, though they are an active MacRumors forums user.

We’ll likely have a more concrete idea of what Apple may have planned for Siri as WWDC 2023 draws closer. The conference kicks off on June 5th and runs until June 9th. At one point, it was believed that Apple would reveal its AR/VR headset during the event, but that might no longer be the case.

Source: @analyst941 Via: MacRumors

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Here’s over 20 minutes of stunning Final Fantasy XVI gameplay on PS5

Square Enix has revealed more than 20 minutes of new gameplay footage from Final Fantasy XVI.

During a PlayStation State of Play presentation focused entirely on the PS5 exclusive, we got a look at the game’s darker story, sizeable open environments, flashy combat and more.

In terms of the story, the game follows Clive, a young man who seeks vengeance after his kingdom is destroyed. All the while, he must navigate the divided world of Valisthea, which is made up of six nations harbouring their own deadly powers. Naoki Yoshida, the producer of the game and director of Final Fantasy XIV, also teased the more mature, politically-driven storyline.

Elsewhere, we were given an extensive look at battles. While most mainline Final Fantasy games have been turn-based, XVI features entirely real-time combat. In the State of Play, we get a look at all of the sword and magic abilities Clive has at his disposal, including special powers provided by Eikons (summons).

We also see AI-controlled allies, like Clive’s wolf, Torgal, helping him out in combat while the player controls the young noble himself. In certain fights, Clive can even directly control an Eikon to fight another in giant, Kaiju-esque battles. All in all, XVI‘s combat looks incredibly sharp, which isn’t exactly surprising since Devil May Cry alum Ryota Suzuki serves as the battle designer.

Overall, the game looks phenomenal, and the fact that Creative Business Unit III — the acclaimed team behind FFXIV — is working on it only makes it more promising.

Final Fantasy XVI will release exclusively on PS5 on June 22nd.

Image credit: Square Enix

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Mobile Syrup

Supposed iOS 17 leak provides a rundown of new features

Apple is planning to announce iOS 17 and its full spectrum of new features at the 2023 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June, but before the official announcement, a potential leak is revealing a broad overview of what may be in store for users.

The new leak comes from Twitter user @analyst941, who took to the app to share certain details about the Dynamic Island ahead of last year’s iPhone 14 Pro launch. Despite not having a supremely accurate track record for iPhone leaks, the user provided a rundown of everything they claimed to know about the upcoming iOS 17.

The same user also predicted that Siri prompts will transition into the Dynamic Island as iOS 17 rolls out.

The first claim was that all iPhone models that support iOS 16 will support iOS 17, as well as iPads powered by A9 and A10 Fusion chips potentially be dropped this year after questions about iPadOS 17’s device compatibility circulated.

According to the leak, “performance, efficiency, stability, and long-term support for older devices are the main features of this update.”

Some of the new features the leak claimed iOS 17 would feature include:

  • More options for iPhone 14 Pro’s Always-On Display
  • “Changes and additional options” for managing notifications
  • More filters for Focus modes
  • Car Key improvements “more care implementation in the wallet app”
  • Heavily improved features for Search and Spotlight
  • More expected for the Dynamic Island
  • Custom accessibility mode
  • UI changes to the Health app

Apple has not released any official information on iOS 17 yet, rather opting to wait for the WWDC in June 2023 to reveal any information to the public.