gizmosure

Author: Joshua Bartholomew

  • Could this be the Galaxy Note 10+?

    Could this be the Galaxy Note 10+?

    In just over a week, Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy Note 10. Multiple sources suggest that we’ll have two variants of the phablet, a standard model simply called Galaxy Note 10, and a top-end variant called the Galaxy Note 10+. We already have a good idea about these devices thanks to numerous leaks in the past.

    Now, leaked renders of the Galaxy Note 10+ are doing rounds on the web. The alleged render was posted by credible tipster IceUniverse, who claims that the device shown in the render in indeed the Galaxy Note 10+. If this turns out to be true, the wait is probably over and we finally know what the phablet’s top-end variant looks like.

    The render shows a device with a flamboyant, massive screen along with super thin bezels on its edges. Besides, the renders suggest that the punch hole selfie camera in the center looks much smaller compared to the Galaxy S10. On the back, we can see vertically stacked triple rear cameras, while the LED flash module is placed in a seperate enclosure next to the triple-lens cameras.

    Credits: @IceUniverse

    As per earlier leaks, the model shown above is said to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resoltuion of 3040×1440 pixels. Under the hoood, the handset will have the latest Snapdragon 855+ processor paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Rumors also suggest it’ll be offered in 512GB and 1TB variants.

    Improved Camera

    Talking about cameras, the leak suggests the front-facing cameras will have support for Night Mode. This would essentially allow users to take better selfies in low-light conditions. Besides, the rear camera is said to come with integrated Live Focus and audio zoom capability. The audio zoom feature found allows users to enhance audio on a point of focus in a video. Besides, an additional Time of Flight (ToF) sensor on the back has also been rumored for 3D imaging.

    The Galaxy Note 10 is slated for a global launch at an event in New York on August 7. Users can watch the Galaxy Note 10 launch event livestream via Samsung’s official website. The event kicks-off at 4PM EST on August 7.

  • Konami resurrects Contra with Contra Rogue Corps

    Konami resurrects Contra with Contra Rogue Corps

    Konami brings back the popular Contra franchise with a new Nintendo Switch game called Contra Rogue Corps. The game was announced during a Nintendo E3 2019 presentation.

    Contra Rogue Corps is a third person shooter with the traditional side-scrolling perspective. It also features moments of a top-down perspective, similar to what we’ve seen in Contra 3: The Alien Wars. Gamers can play solo or enter a battle with other gamers with local or online multiplayer. It features classic Contra characters such as Kaiser, along with new ones such as a mutated bug and a panda.

    Contra Rogue Corps is slated for a release on the Nintendo Switch on September 24, 2019.

    Besides, Konami also announced a new Contra Anniversary Collection which bundles a wide array of popular Contra classics. The Contra Collection includes a total of 10 classic Contra games, along with the European Probotector games. You can check out the trailer below:

    The full collection includes Contra for arcade and NES, Super Contra for arcade and NES, Contra: Hard Corps, Operation C for Game Boy, and the Probotector versions of Contra 3 and Hard Corps. It also comes with Contra 3: Alien Wars. Nintendo also confirmed that the Contra Collection is available for purchase via the Nintendo Eshop, starting today.

    Are you excited about the new Contra collection? Let us know in the comments.

  • Microsoft shows off next gen Xbox code-named Project Scarlett

    Microsoft shows off next gen Xbox code-named Project Scarlett

    Microsoft unveiled the upcoming Xbox console at E3 2019 codenamed Project Scarlett. The company claims it’ll be up to four times more powerful than Xbox One X. That said, Microsoft did not reveal any key hardware details about its next console.

    For now, all we know is that Project Scarlett will support 8K resolution and run content at 120FPS. The HDD will be replaced by SSD, which is an advanced storage solution with some advanced cloud capabilties.

    “We’ve created a new generation of SSDs. We’re using the SSD as virtual RAM,” said an Xbox spokesperson in the unveiling video. Now, this should increase performance substantially over the current gen Xbox, with faster game loads.

    Besides, the next Xbox will have a custom designed CPU based on AMD’s Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture. Microsoft is also adding a fast GDDR6 RAM, which the company claims will offer resolution and frame rates never seen before.

    During the ongoing E3 conference, head of Xbox division, Phil Spencer, also said that inputs from fans indicated they want something focused entirely on gaming, and not a jack of all trades. It’s not clear how this is going to work out, but most probably, the console won’t have stuff like Netflix or YouTube, which also seems highly unlikely.

    Microsoft plans to release Halo Infinite alongside the next-gen Xbox console, laying the groundwork for Microsoft’s next generation console gaming.

    The next-gen Xbox console is expected to release in 2020, sometime during the winter holidays. It’s still a long way to go, therefore, more details about Project Scarlett are likely to surface at next year’s E3.

  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription launched at $14.99 a month

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription launched at $14.99 a month

    Microsoft announced Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription earlier this year, however, it was only in beta. Now, the company has finally released it to all users along with the addition of PC games. This essentially means you’ll get Xbox Live Gold and and Xbox Game Pass for both Xbox and PC for a single subscription of $14.99 a month.

    Put simply, it’s a great deal for gamers who play both Xbox and PC games, as it offers a bunch of different titles for both PC and consoles. The standalone cost for Xbox Game Pass for PC is avaialble at $4.99/month, Xbox Game Pass for Xbox at $9.99/month, and Xbox Live Gold at $9.99/month. Now, that amounts to a total of $24.97. Therefore, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription saves you nearly $10 a month if you want all three subscriptions.

    Essentially, Microsoft is now offering a total of four subscription services.

    These include Xbox Game Pass PC for $4.99 a month, Xbox Game Pass Console Games at $9.99/month, Xbox Live Gold at $9.99 a month and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $14.99 a month. The latest Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription is now available at the official Microsoft site.

  • iOS 13 to bring wireless support for PS4 and Xbox One controllers

    iOS 13 to bring wireless support for PS4 and Xbox One controllers

    Apple has officially confirmed that iOS 13 and iPadOS will get support for Sony’s DualShock 4 and Bluetooth-equipped Xbox One controllers.

    Hence, with the rollout of iOS 13, your iPhone or iPad will essentially transform into a portable PS4 or Xbox One. Users will come across all of the standard PS4 or Xbox One related controls. Besides, they will also get full access to the console’s dashboard, user profiles, as well as their respective Stores. Not to mention, players can also access the iOS microphone to talk to other gamers in a party or through game chat.

    Elsewhere, Apple soon plans to launch its own gaming subscription service called Apple Arcade. The service aims to offer access to over 100 new and exclusive games to play across multiple platforms. Users can play these games on demand for a monthly subscription fee.

    Apple Arcade will offer a large suite of games that players can download and play on their iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, as well as Mac laptop or desktop. Though unlike Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Project xCloud, Apple’s upcoming gaming service won’t offer gamers triple-A games over an internet connection. The reason being that Apple Arcade is primraily designed to work on iOS devices.

  • Spotify’s ‘Car View’ mode now rolling out for some users

    Spotify’s ‘Car View’ mode now rolling out for some users

    Drives are a lot more fun if you’ve your favorite music or podcast playing in the background. That said, trying to fiddle with your music while driving poses a threat not only for you, but for others on the road as well. To prevent such mishaps from happening, tech giants are constantly testing several new features to make it easier for drivers to find their music. Spotify has been striving to making its app user-friendly and safe while driving.

    Now, it appears Spotify has begun rolling out a new driving mode under the name ‘Car View’, which aims to make listening to music safe and easy while on the go. A report by Android Police suggests that Car View was activated automatically as soon a user connected his device with the car’s Bluetooth.

    The layout under Car View is reminiscent of Spotify’s regular interface, though there are subtle changes such as larger fonts and icons which should make Spotify relatively easy to use while driving.

    The  screen looks pretty minimalist under Car View, featuring a heart icon on the bottom left, a Share button on the bottom right. along with a Play/Pause button in the center. That said, it appears the feature has rolled out only for a handful of users, hence you might have to wait a little while before the feature arrives on your device.

  • PlayStation 5: Everything we know so far

    PlayStation 5: Everything we know so far

    We already know that Sony has already begun work on its next-generation console – the PlayStation 5. However, we haven’t heard anything substantial so far from the company itself. Luckily, analysts and fans just can’t stop talking about it, giving us an idea about what’s next. Hence, without wasting a beat, here’s an article about all the key details we’ve gathered about the PS5 so far:

    PlayStation 5 release date

    Sony is expected to publicly unveil the hardware roadmap for PS5 on February 21, 2019. However, the hardware reveal date hasn’t been announced yet. That said, sources indicate it could happen between August to September 2019.

    As far as release goes, Sony is rumored to release the PS5 in the United States and Japan on November 16, 2019. Release for Tier 2 regions, which include Australia and Europe, has been planned for November 23, 2019. While the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition PS5 is slated for a release by December 3rd, 2019.

    PlayStation 5 rumored specifications

    We already know for a fact that game studios are already developing titles for the PS5. According to credible industry insider Marcus Sellers, third party studios have had access to PS5 dev kits since early 2018. Thanks to that, key specs of the upcoming PS5 have been tipped at. Hence, we have a fairly good idea about the upcoming console’s hardware.

    Just like the PS4 and PS4 Pro, Mark Cerny is the lead system architect for the PlayStation 5. At the core of the PS5, there’ll be an AMD accelerated processor unit or APU – a chip which includes both the CPU and GPU.  It’ll be a desktop class APU unlike the PS4 which features a mobile-class APU – meant for notebooks.

    The APU unit in the upcoming PS5 will pack 8-cores, 16 threads, and will be based on the latest 7nm manufacturing process. As far as GPU goes, the PS5 will likely feature a custom GPU, based on the upcoming Navi architecture.

    Even the memory is expected to receive an upgrade, as the PS5 will likely come equipped with the faster GDDR6 RAM, compared to GDDR5 found on the PS4. In terms of storage, the PS5 will most likely come with a 2TB HDD, as the size of games keeps increasing.

    Rumor also has it that next-gen consoles will be based on flash storage, which will make noticeably them faster and quieter. Another big focus on the PS5 would Virtual Reality. The AMD APU mentioned above has been designed with VR in mind.

    Elsewhere, an industry analyst also indicates the PS5 will almost certoianly feature backwards compatibility. Mat Piscatella, analyst with NPD group suggests he’ll be surprised if the PS5 didn’t support backwards compatibility.

    Readers, however, should take this information with a pinch of salt as nothing is official for now.

  • AMD announces the world’s first 7nm gaming GPUs and CPUs at CES 2019

    AMD announces the world’s first 7nm gaming GPUs and CPUs at CES 2019

    AMD has announced the Radeon VII, the latest high-end GPU for gamers and developers. Based on the company’s second-gen Radeon Vega architecture, it’s the world’s first dektop GPU built using the 7nm manufacturing process. AMD CEO, Lisa Su, during the ongoing CES 2019, unveiled the high-end GPU during a keynote.

    According to Su, the Radeon VII is equipped to deliver performance exceeding 60fps in the latest games while playing on highest settings. The new GPU is promised to deliver 29 percent improved gaming performance compared to the Radeon Vega 64, as well as 36 percent better performance for content creation. For gamers who aren’t playing at 4K resolution, the Radeon VII is claimed to churn out high refresh rates with HDR enabled at 1080p.

    Based on AMD’s latest 7nm manufacturing techonolgy, the latest GPU packs more transistors on a smaller chip which boosts performance even at lower power. Compared to the Radeon Vega 64, the latest Radeon VII is said to deliver 35 percent improved performance in Battlefield V, up to 25 percent better in Fortnite, and around 42 percent better in Strange Brigade.

    AMD will start shipping the Radeon VII from February 7 for an approximate retail price of $699. It’ll come bundled with three free games: Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry 5, and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.

    Meet the Gen. 3 Ryzen CPU

    Elsewhere, AMD also showed off a preview of the forthcoming 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPU, slated for a release in the middle of 2019. The upcoming AMD Ryzen CPU will be the first desktop processor for customers built using the 7nm manufacturing process. It also happens to be the world’s first PC platform to support the ultra-fast PCIe 4.0 standard. More details will be revealed during its launch in mid-2019. However, Su did mention that Ryzen III consumed 30 percent less power compared to Intel’s Core i9 CPU processor.

    Finally, AMD also teased the EPYC series, a server based processor for data centers, also the world’s first 7nm datacenter CPU. AMD also announced that Google has joined hands with the company to use Radeon graphics chips on its recently announced streaming service, Project Stream.

  • Bethesda confirms new post-launch content for Fallout 76

    Bethesda confirms new post-launch content for Fallout 76

    It’s 2019, and Bethesda gives us a taste of of what’s in store for Fallout 76 this new year. In the publisher’s blog post, the publisher has revealed a few key features which players can expect in the forthcoming update. Since the release of Fallout 76, Bethesda’s primary objective has been to address the many in-game bugs.

    The publisher rolled out three patches in December alone to rectify the game’s several bugs. That said, there are still plenty to deal with, as many players would accept. However, Bethesda has promised more patches for Fallout 76 in the next few updates.

    “Later this month, we are providing resolutions by way of new patches for Fallout 76. Like our December 11 update, we will have a big update that will address many of the issues you’ve been providing feedback on. Full patch notes will follow soon,” explains Bethesda in the studio’s latest Inside the Vault blog post.

    Apart from updates, Bethesda also plans to add new content to the game. While there have been some new content added since release, the publisher hasn’t added any significant post-launch content.

    It still remains unknown what new content will arrive on Fallout 76, given the fact the publisher has adopted a different release model for post-launch content with Fallout 76.

    Bethesda is using earnings from micro-transactions to fund DLC content, therefore, all upcoming DLC’s will arrive as fee downloads. As a result of this change, it’s remains unknown whether the publisher plans to release large DLC content, as they have done with previous iterations of Fallout, or a constant stream of smaller post-launch content.

  • Samsung Galaxy S10 rumored to have an Edge variant

    Samsung Galaxy S10 rumored to have an Edge variant

    Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S10 flagship is likely to have an Edge variant. As according to a new leak, the Korean manufacturer could bring back the Edge branding. Samsung dropped this naming scheme with the Galaxy S8 series.

    That said, it appears Samsung plans to resurrect the Edge branding. The Korean manufacturer is widely expected to launch three different versions of the flagship. There’ll be a base Galaxy S10 model with a 5.8-inch flat screen.

    The second model is likely to feature a larger 6.1-inch display, which according to the latest leak, could officially debut as the Galaxy S10 Edge. This variant of the flagship would feature curved screens, just like the Galaxy S9.

    Finally, the third variant of the flagship is being referred to as the Galaxy S10+, which is rumored to feature a 6.4-inch curved edge display.  That said, the Korean giant is expected to stick with the Plus branding on this model.

    There’ll be another variant of the flagship with 5G support, based on the Galaxy S10+. This particular model of the flagship is expected to release about a month later, following the release of the other three models.

    Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S10 series sometime in February, likely before the MWC event. More details about the upcoming flagship are likely to surface as we near its official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Sony releases new firmware update 6.20 for the PS4

    Sony releases new firmware update 6.20 for the PS4

    Sony starts rolling out the new firmware update for its PlayStation 4 console, version 6.20. The new update is essentialy aimed at improving the overall performance and stability of the console. However, the update does not seem to bring any new features to the PS4.

    PS4 system software version 6.20 isn’t that big either, weighing in at just around 450MB. Hence, it won’t take long to download and install the update on your PS4 console.

    As always, PlayStation 4 owners are advised to “always update their console to the latest version of the system software,” as Sony suggests it’ll allow you to “enjoy additional features, improved usability and enhanced security.”

    It’s also worth noting that today’s update does not bring name changes for everyone. The feature was being tested with beta for firmware 6.10, though it appears the feature won’t arrive until sometime in 2019.

    In any case, the latest firmware update 6.20 for the PS4 is a mandatory download for everyone. The update weighs in nearly 450MB for the normal version, or 979MB for the recovery version. For more information on how to install the update, Sony has provided step-by-step guide which you can find in the source link below. The update is now available in all regions across the globe.

  • Google Plus suffers another data bug, 52.5 million users affected

    Google Plus suffers another data bug, 52.5 million users affected

    Google Plus has witnessed another data bug, and the company has now decided to close the social network earlier than initially planned. The service will now shut down in April next year instead of August 2019, according to Google.

    The company confirms that the new data leak has affected a whopping 52.5 million users. The bug may have compromised personal user information such as their name, email address, profession, and age, even if they set their profile to ‘private’.

    “With the discovery of this new bug, we have decided to expedite the shut-down of all Google+ APIs; this will occur within the next 90 days. In addition, we have also decided to accelerate the sunsetting of consumer Google Plus from August 2019 to April 2019. While we recognize there are implications for developers, we want to ensure the protection of our users,” said Google in a blog post.

    No misuse so far

    The bug was discovered in Google Plus API, and the company assures that its API will stop functioning within 90 days. Google, however, suggests there’s no evidence of the vulnerability being misused so far. The company also asserts that the bug has been patched now, and users can safely use the service until April.

    To recall, a similar security bug was found in Google Plus back in October, which exposed users private and personal data to developers for as many as three years. The vulnerability was discovered in March this year, though Google did not publicly acknowledge the issue up until October. Following the public reveal, Google announced its plans to shut down Google+ for consumers, which has since struggled to attract users.

    However, with the latest bug, Google states it found the leak by itself which was live only for a period of six days. Google also says it’s begun informing users and business customers who may have been impacted by the latest vulnerability.

  • Mortal Kombat 11 to feature a Custom Character Variation System

    Mortal Kombat 11 to feature a Custom Character Variation System

    Mortal Kombat 11 is the next installment in one of the longest running franchises that still exists, and it’s slated for a release on April 23, 2019. The game will be available on the PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One family of devices, PC, as well as the Nintendo Switch.

    Fighting game enthusiasts around the world need no introduction to the Mortal Kombat. In fact, we assume many of them have already pre-ordered the upcoming Mortal Kombat 11.

    Last week, head of NetherRealm Studios, Ed Boon, gave us the first cinematic reveal of the game. The trailer shows off an epic battle between two iconic characters, Scorpion and Dark Raiden. Besides, it appears Shao Kahn gets resurrected in MK 11 and has a key role to play in the game’s story.

    New Customer Character Variation System in MK11

    In a press release, Ed Boon stated that Mortal Kombat 11 gets a new Custom Character Variation System, giving players countless ways to customiize their favorite fighter/character.

    “It’s exciting to finally announce Mortal Kombat 11 and showcase what the team has been working on,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “Our Custom Character Variation System opens up an infinite amount of options for players to personalize their favorite fighters. We can’t wait until January when we’ll be showing more of the game.”

    Besides, he also suggests that Mortal Kombat 11 will build upon the story of its predecessor. Hopefully, the publisher does a good job at creating an intriguing story line for gamers, as MKX’s story was a let down for sure.

    That said, we are yet to see an official gameplay, however, the wait won’t be long as NetherRealm has promised a reveal on January 17 during a special event.

    “The Reveal, a highly experiential, community celebration of Mortal Kombat, taking place at 11 a.m. PST on Jan. 17, 2019 in Los Angeles and 7 p.m. UTC in London. Mortal Kombat 11: The Reveal will be livestreamed globally at www.twitch.tv/NetherRealm and will feature a keynote presented by NetherRealm Studios. The event will also include the first opportunity for hands-on with Mortal Kombat 11 gameplay, tournaments and other Mortal Kombat themed activities,” said Netherealm in a press release.

    Mortal Kombat 11 now available for preorder

    Mortal Kombat 11 standrad edition is now available for pre-order for $59.99. The game’s Premium Edition is also available for pre-order at $99.99, which includes the game as well as the Kombat Pack. Besides, all MK11 pre-orders will receive the in-game playable character, Shao Khan. Meanwhile, those who pre-order the game on PS4 and Xbox One via select retailers get access to the game’s beta, which will arrive in March.

    Are you excited about the upcoming Mortal Kombat 11? Do let us know in the comments below.

  • Nintendo adds three new cult classics to Switch Online service

    Nintendo adds three new cult classics to Switch Online service

    Some good news for Nintendo Switch owners, as the company has announced three more popular titles to its NES online game roster. These include the cult classic side scrolling action game Ninja Gaiden, Tetris-inspired puzzle game Wario’s Woods, and HAL’s The Adventures of Lolo.

    Our favorite among the three is none other than the original Ninja Gaiden, where players don the role of the legendary Ryu Haybusa who travels to America to seek revenge for his father’s death.

    “Fight your way through six challenging side-scrolling chapters/14 stages (not including boss battles) while defeating gangs of street thugs, battling evil ninjas and fighting barbarian bosses by using the deadly Dragon Sword, ninja skills and ninja magic,’ reads the official game description.

    Up next, we have Tetris-style puzzler Wario’s Woods featuring Wario and Toad. It was apparently the last game release for NES before it was ‘retired’, and is bound to entertain players of all ages.

    Finally, there’s HAL’s Adventures of Lolo, another puzzle game that’ll be fun for all age groups. Besides, it’ll surely evoke a sense of nostalgia for players who remember the original game.

    If you haven’t subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online service yet, it’s a worthy investment for just $3.99 a month or $9.99 a year. All three new games will be available starting December 12. Besides, Nintendo also asserts that more titles will be added to its NES online service in January. If you’re into old school games, grab your Switch Online subscription now.

    Elsewhere, Nintendo also promised it’ll start shipping its NES-styled controller for Switch next week for those who pre-ordered them back in September. These controllers are only offered to Swtich online subscribers and can be purchased via Nintendo’s official website.

  • Apple won’t launch a 5G iPhone before 2020

    Apple won’t launch a 5G iPhone before 2020

    Apple reportedly won’t launch a 5G compatible iPhone before 2020. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple will likely adopt next generation 5G cellular connectivity by 2020. Notably, this report falls in line with earlier leaks and rumors which pointed that the first iPhone with 5G support won’t release before 2020.

    The report cites multiple sources familiar with Apple’s plans, adding that Intel will most likley provide the 5G modems, which was also indicated by earlier reports. Sources suggest that Apple plans to use Intel’s 8161 5G modem chip, however it won’t use Intel’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips for the 2020 model.

    Besides, given the ongoing legal spat between Apple and Qualcomm, the iPhone-maker will likely rely on Intel to provide 5G modems for its future iPhones. That said, if this report turns out to be true, Apple will fall behind its Android rivals who are most likely to introduce 5G -equipped smartphones by next year.

    Samsung and Huawei have already invested heavily in 5G and are likely to introduce smartphones with 5G support by 2019. That said, Apple was also slower in adopting 4G connectivity compared to other smartphone manufacturers.

    However, it turned out to be a good decision for the iPhone-maker. As Apple waited for 4G LTE technology to mature compared to other major brands who forced themselves to install 4G components on their handsets – essentially impacting both size and battery life. Though we can’t say the same thing might happen when 5G cellular connectivity starts rolling out.