Tag: Android

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Mobile Syrup

Nintendogs could be making a comeback on iOS and Android

Since the release of Mario Kart Tour, Nintendo seems to have mostly abandonned its once lofty smartphone gaming ambitions.

However, that could change if a new patent uncovered by My Nintendo News comes to fruition. A recently approved patent shows off a version of the 2005 Nintendo DS virtual pet game running on iOS and Android devices.

In Nintendogs, players use the DS’ touchscreen to play, train, pet, wash and walk their virtual dog. The title also took advantage of the DS’ built-in mic to allow players to give their dogs verbal commands. The experience was sort of like an advanced version of a Tamagotchi, but in the form of a DS title.

Image credit: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Given the real-time pet simulation series sold 23.96 million copies worldwide, it makes sense that the Japanese gaming giant would want to bring it back on smartphones.

Nintendo has made no official announcements regarding Nintendogs being revived on mobile devices.

Image credit: wikiHow

Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Via: My Nintendo News, iPhone in Canada

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Mobile Syrup

You can now subscribe to Twitter Blue on Android

Over a month after Twitter relaunched its Blue subscription on iOS and the web, Android users now have the privilege of overpaying for a blue checkmark.

Like on iOS, Twitter Blue costs $15/mo if you subscribe to it on Android (importantly, the app notes the price is a “limited time offer,” implying it will get more expensive in the future). Meanwhile, Blue still costs $10/mo if you subscribe through the web, or $105 if you go with the new annual subscription option that’s also only available through the web.

Unfortunately, Blue’s benefits remain scarce for subscribers. Aside from the Blue checkmark, Blue’s other benefits — like reduced ads — are listed as coming soon. Twitter’s Blue page also lists the priority feature as coming soon, despite it rolling out a couple days before Christmas.

To subscribe to Twitter Blue on Android, open the app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner. Then tap ‘Twitter Blue,’ and tap ‘Subscribe,’ then follow the steps to pay through Google’s in-app payment system. With tax, you’ll end up paying $16.95/mo.

However, if Blue is really something you want to pay for, you’d be better off subscribing through the Twitter website and paying annually. So far, that’s the absolute cheapest way to get Blue.

Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

PlayStation’s LittleBigPlanet gets mobile spin-off called Ultimate Sackboy

PlayStation has unveiled a new mobile game called Ultimate Sackboy, a running game developed by U.K.-based Exient.

Coming to Android and iOS on February 21st, Ultimate Sackboy is a spin-off of PlayStation’s popular LittleBigPlanet series. While the game was previously in closed beta testing in select markets, including Canada, this marks both its official unveiling and confirmation of a wide release date.

In Ultimate Sackboy, you’ll control the titular burlap sack character as he runs through various stages, requiring you to move and jump to avoid obstacles. In this way, the gameplay is very reminiscent of endless runners like Temple Run and Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!, just with a LittleBigPlanet aesthetic. Along the way, you’ll collect LBP‘s signature bubbles and unlock costumes to change Sackboy’s appearance.

The game is confirmed to be free-to-play, so it remains to be seen what sort of microtransactions it may have, such as in-app purchases for more Sackboy costumes. The most recent LittleBigPlanet game, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, launched in November 2020 on PS4 and PS5. A PC port was released last October.

Ultimate Sackboy is the latest in PlayStation’s growing efforts to expand its IPs to mobile. Last September, the company acquired Germany’s Savage Game Studios as part of a newly formed PlayStation Studios Mobile Division. At the time, PlayStation said Savage was working on a “AAA mobile live service action game,” although it was “too early” to reveal more.

It remains to be seen what other PlayStation franchises besides LittleBigPlanet might make the leap to mobile.

Image credit: PlayStation

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung S23 series might cost $100 more than predecessor

Samsung’s flagship smartphones might be pricier this year.

Galaxy S23 series pricing information obtained by 9to5Google suggests the phone will cost $100 more than the S22 line. 9to5 specifically cites Australian pricing information, where the S23 (128GB model) is said to cost $1,350 AUD, compared to last year’s $1,249 AUD price.

The publication also details the entire S23 series’ cost, with a $100 increase across each model compared to last year. The S23+ will start at $1,650 AUD and the S23 Ultra at $1,950 AUD.

With conversion, this means the Galaxy S23 could cost roughly $1,262 CAD, the S23+ about $1,543 and the S23 Ultra approximately $1,824. This is a significant price increase in the Canadian market, as the S22 started at $1,099. While we’ll see a price increase in Canada with the S23, it’s unlikely the smartphone will cost that much more here (my guess is the S23 will cost roughly $1,199 CAD).

That said, in the past, Samsung has added what seems like a Canadian premium cost, with devices being more expensive in Canada when compared to other regions, even after conversion. With this in mind, it’s still possible we’ll see a 128GB S23 that costs more than $1,200 CAD.

Samsung previously offered the 256GB S22 at the same price as the 128GB S22, so I’d definitely keep an eye out for launch deals.

It’s worth pointing out these are just rumours and that it’s still unclear how much the smartphone will actually cost. Samsung will officially reveal the S23’s Canadian pricing and availability on February 1st.

Follow MobileSyrup for all of the Canadian pricing details following the Galaxy S23’s reveal.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

You can now set a custom alarm sound on your Pixel phone

Not happy with the plethora of alarm sounds available on your Pixel phone? Not sated by pulling songs from streaming services like Spotify or YouTube Music? Well, now you can record your own wake-up sounds for the ultimate morning experience.

As spotted by XDA Developers via (The Verge), the Android Clock app on Pixel phones now has the option to record an alarm sound. While the Clock app can be downloaded on any Android phone, the recording feature seems limited to Pixel phones since it relies on the Pixel-exclusive Recorder app.

To access the feature, head into the Clock app and either create a new alarm or tap on an existing alarm. Then, tap the alarm sound — look for a bell icon with text that says “Default (Bright Morning)” (although the text might change depending on the default alarm sound for your device or if you’ve previously changed the alarm sound).

You’re then greeted with the screen for selecting an alarm, and you should see a ‘Record new’ option at the top under the ‘Sounds’ menu. Tapping that sends you to the Recorder app to record a sound.

It’s worth noting that it was possible to set custom alarm sounds before this, but it was certainly less convenient. The process involved copying the files over with a file manager app and adding them to the alarm sound settings. This new feature is far, far easier — so easy that I might just set a custom alarm sound for myself.

Source: XDA Developers Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Google could be working on its own AirTag-like Bluetooth tracker

It seems like Google could have plans to get into the Bluetooth tracker market.

According to a recent tweet from Mishaal Rahman, senior technical editor at Esper and all-around Android expert, Google’s Fast Pair feature will add support for a new ‘locator tag’ product type.

Of course, this could refer to third-party devices from companies like Tile and Chipolo, but Android developer Kuba Wojciechowski believes it references a new tracker from Google with the codename “grogu,” “groguaudio” or “GR10” that could feature “Finder Network” branding. It seems someone working on the project is a fan of The Mandalorian.

The device reportedly supports Bluetooth low-energy (LE) and ultra wide-band (UWB), and could feature a small internal speaker for alerts.

Beyond this, not much else is known about the rumoured Bluetooth tracker, including what it looks like. It’s likely that if the tracker does exist, we’ll learn more about the accessory alongside the Pixel 8 at Google I/O in May.

Given the popularity of Apple’s AirTag, it’s not surprising to see Google working on its own Android alternative.

Source: @MishaalRahman, @Za_Raczke Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Bill Gates confirms preference for Android over iPhone

In a recent ask me anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates confirmed that he continues to use an Android smartphone, and hasn’t made the switch to either the iPhone, iPad, Mac or his own company’s Surface Duo.

Gates, who has been vocal about his preference for Android in the past, revealed that he is currently using a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, which he received directly from Samsung Chairman JY Lee. Before the Z Fold 4, Gates was reported to be using the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and he had even travelled to South Korea to meet with JY Lee and collect the device.

Gates went on to explain that the foldable screen size of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 means that he doesn’t need to use a tablet as he can rely on his Android-powered smartphone and an unnamed Windows “portable PC.”

“I have a Samsung Fold 4 which JY Lee the Chairman of Samsung gave me when I saw him in South Korea to update my Fold 3. Of course I use Outlook and a lot of Microsoft software on it. The screen size means I don’t use a tablet but just the phone and my portable PC — a Windows machine,” wrote Gates.

In an interview in 2021, the world’s former richest man elaborated that the preference comes down to Android manufacturers being “more flexible” regarding Microsoft’s software integration, and the company’s apps being pre-installed on Android smartphones.

“Some Android manufacturers pre-install Microsoft software in a way that makes it easy for me,” he said.

The reasoning may seem odd to some, considering the availability of Microsoft apps on the App Store for iPhone. However, Gates has previously stated that while he keeps an iPhone on hand for testing purposes, it’s not the device he uses on a daily basis.

Check out the full Reddit AMA here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Reddit ‘u/thisisbillgates‘ Via: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 could feature less noticeable display crease

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Fold 5 could feature a far less visible display crease.

According to a patent uncovered by South Korean site Naver (via SamMobile), Samsung could adopt a “droplet” hinge that allows the Fold 5’s screen to form a teardrop shape when closed. Though there have been improvements to the hinge since the launch of the first Galaxy Fold, the U-shaped display crease is still very visible.

If Samsung does make this move, it won’t be the first foldable to adopt a droplet hinge. Oppo’s Find N2 and Motorola’s 3rd-Gen both feature this style of crease (neither device was officially released in Canada).

According to Naver, Samsung patented its teardrop hinge back in 2016. It’s unclear why the tech giant didn’t opt to use the technology earlier, but it could be related to water resistance. Samsung first introduced an IPX8 rating to its foldable line with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3.

On top of the droplet hinge, the Fold 5 could sit entirely flush when closed, unlike earlier versions of the smartphone. This would make the foldable easier to slide into a pocket and prevent debris from getting in between its displays.

Given Samsung likely won’t launch its new foldables until this coming August, we have a few months to wait to find out for sure. Later this month, Samsung is expected to launch its flagship Galaxy S23 series. For more on Samsung’s foldables, check out our review of the Fold 4 and Flip 4.

Source: Naver Via: SamMobile

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Mobile Syrup

Pre-registration now open for Avatar Generations mobile game ahead of early 2023 launch

Square Enix has confirmed that pre-registration is now open for its Avatar: Generations mobile game ahead of a planned “early 2023” launch window.

This comes after a soft launch of the game in select markets, including Canada, last August.

Developed by the company’s London mobile team in partnership with Vancouver’s Navigator Games (Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast), Avatar Generations is a free-to-play RPG set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

At launch, the game will retell Aang’s story from the Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series, with additional content updates adding chapters centred around The Legend of Korra and other characters.

You’ll be able to assemble a team of familiar faces, including Aang, Katara and Sokka, and face off in turn-based combat. Each character will have their own unique skills and progression paths.

You can pre-register for the game via the official website (iOS) and Play Store (Android).

Image credit: Square Enix

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Mobile Syrup

Marvel Snap PvP mode to launch later this month

Marvel Snap‘s long-awaited player vs. player (PvP) mode is finally set to launch on January 31st.

Developer Second Dinner confirmed the date in a new blog post regarding its first-ever ‘Series Drop,’ in which some Series 5 cards will move to Series 4 and Series 4 cards will become Series 3.

The launch of the ‘Battle Mode’ PvP feature is an exciting one, though, given that the game has lacked any such option since releasing in October. Until now, you’ve only been able to play online with random opponents, but PvP will allow you to set up private matches with friends.

Interestingly, PvP will play out a bit differently, too. In Battle Mode, players will wager health points instead of cubes. Second Dinner wrote more about the design philosophy of these changes in a blog post.

Additionally, Battle Mode will only support matches between players in the same region to start. Global matchmaking will “come a bit later,” says Second Dinner.

Marvel Snap is available for free on Android and iOS.

Source: Second Dinner