Blog Archives | Page 2 of 91

Instagram is about to get all the photos wrong (again)

Instagram’s obsession with TikTok has reached crisis levels. It’s so bad that it doesn’t understand its own product anymore. Case in point: a new plan to introduce 9:16 aspect ratio photos as an option (I pray it’s not the default) in your feed.

Instagram CEO Adam Moserri revealed the new photo format plan during a recent Ask Me Anything session (as seen by On the edge (opens in new tab)). Mosseri explained that currently, as you may be aware, you can have vertical videos in your feed (it often feels like we don’t have anything else) “but you can’t have tall photos on Instagram. So we thought maybe we should make sure that we treat both equally.”

I already hate all the vertical video reels on my Instagram feed, not only because they push away pretty much every photo I really want to see, but also because, thanks to Instagram’s idiotic design, I can’t see the entire video unless I do. touch it. At this point, I’m inside an interface that is essentially interchangeable with TikTok. This is intentional, obviously.

While Instagram has vacillated over how TikToky will make its interface – essentially a measure of what its users won’t launch a Change.org petition to stop – it really hasn’t been shy about making tweaks that can keep users swiping fluidly through a endless video feed, while belittling the photos to the point where I sometimes wonder why I use Instagram.

There are still snippets of classic Instagram in my feed, a good half a dozen 4:3 aspect ratio photos that hark back to a simpler Insta time.

My use of Instagram, with a few exceptions, has mostly focused on the still image. I take a lot of bird pictures and often pre-edit them in Apple’s photo app, even cropping them to the near-perfect Instagram 4:3 box.

My camera shoots in 16:9, and there have been a few instances where I will upload a full-frame photo to the platform. It’s always a smaller image floating between two thick white edges.

a eureka moment

The answer is so obvious, I can’t believe Instagram and Mosseri lost.

We don’t want vertical photos. No self-respecting photographer is eager for oblong images better suited for full-length shots (perhaps fashion photographers would disagree). Most professionals are shooting wide-angle. Whether it’s birds, portraits or landscapes, all of these images look best in something approaching 16:9 rather than 9:16 aspect ratio.

If Instagram insists on adding vertical photos to the mix – as the plan clearly is – it should at least give us the ability to upload some in a 90-degree rotation, meaning you’d rotate your phone 90 degrees to see them. it in full-screen landscape view, or better yet, introduce the ability to run Instagram in landscape mode.

Imagine what a game changer it would be if, seeing a landscape, a 16:9 image on Instagram, floating in all that white space, you could rotate your phone 90 degrees and see the wide image the way it was meant to be viewed: on screen. full and, with one tap, free from most of the Instagram interface.

Instagram and Mosseri won’t listen to me, though. They will come up with new vertical photos and say this is a big leap for the popular social media platform. But we will know the truth. It’s just another desperate attempt to keep up with TikTok, a platform that knows what it is and understands its audience.

Where did Instagram go that thought like that?

Expect more crossover between Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus

The next game coming to PS Plus has been revealed and it suggests that Sony’s subscription service may soon look closer to Xbox Game Pass.

Ghost Recon Wildlands is coming to PS Plus Extra and Premium later this month as part of the service’s newly revamped on-demand game library. This is according to Dealabs user billbil-kun (opens in new tab)which has successfully leaked every new round of PS Plus titles for several months (thanks, push square (opens in new tab)).

The open-world tactical shooter sends you to Bolivia to take down a powerful drug cartel and includes all the basic features you’d expect from a Ubisoft sandbox. While we don’t consider it to be one of the best co-op games you can play, it does allow you to shoot in an expansive environment with up to three friends.

playing catch

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Wildlands will be added to PS Plus as part of its Ubisoft+ Classics library – a selection of older Ubisoft titles available to all Extra and Premium members. But its addition is particularly notable because the game has just been added to Xbox Game Pass.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a new partnership with Ubisoft, promising to bring more titles from the publisher to its subscription service. So far, this includes Assassin’s Creed Origins, Watch Dogs 2, and most recently, Ghost Recon Wildlands. While these releases were thought to be the product of the companies’ recent deal, Wildlands’ upcoming addition to PS Plus suggests that Xbox add-ons may not be as exclusive as previously thought. As more titles come to Ubisoft+, the two services may start to look more similar than ever before.

It’s not just Ubisoft titles that are homogenizing services. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is coming to PS Plus later this month, with much of the rest of the series falling at the end of the year (opens in new tab). But most of the Yakuza games have already been added to Game Pass, leaving Sony trying to catch up. As Xbox and PlayStation look to beef up their services by adding more titles, they could end up cementing their own similarities. In the meantime, you might want to prepare yourself by checking out how to play Yakuza games in order.

Microsoft will likely be betting on its day one releases to maintain an edge over the PS Plus. Meanwhile, Sony can point to its extensive back catalog of PS1, PS2 and PS3 retro games as an advantage over Game Pass. Regardless of how services try to individualize themselves, more games and more features can only be good for subscribers.

Watch Master Chief Unleash Hell on Doom Guy in God of War

Master Chief crosses the forbidden border to jump into the PlayStation universe and step into Kratos’ slightly smelly shoes.

Since God of War came to PC, it’s been subject to the same hazing as every console title jumping to the platform. And that includes falling victim to the Thomas the Tank Engine curse, which is something we talked to the real Fat Controller about.

Another popular trend is switching console-exclusive characters. So we can all marvel at the spectacle of seeing a familiar platforming mascot having fun in a game they shouldn’t be in. this mode (opens in new tab) from Marcos RC who trades Kratos for the Master Chief of Halo and pits him against Doom Guy in a series of epic battles. You can get a taste of the brutal beating in the short snippet below, courtesy of she said it was lvl18 (opens in new tab):

War Master

Marcos has created quite a collection of God of War mods, including exchanging Kratos for Shrek (opens in new tab), and putting it in a bunch of fancy little numbers. like Jill Valentine’s signature outfit (opens in new tab) and just straight underwear (opens in new tab).

Mark’s YouTube channel (opens in new tab) is full of videos showcasing their work. Doom Guy and Master Chief’s grudge fight spanned three videos, with the full 17-minute final fight available for viewing. watch here (opens in new tab). As an NSFW lead, Freya is wearing a bikini that is defying the laws of physics to keep everything contained; but at the same time she looks like she’s about to fail in that effort any second.

Resident Evil Village thirsty fans might want to check it out Lady Dimitrescu cosplay as Velma Dinkley (opens in new tab) from Scooby Doo. If you are under 18, I advise caution, as Marcos’ Patreon page is age restricted. And while the content is nothing compared to what you could freely access these days, it’s not right for you. So browse responsibly.

If Doom mods are more your style, then Stray’s fluffy cat has been modded for the game in place of the Doom Guy. And there are already a ton of Stray mods out there, though we haven’t seen Doom Guy or Thomas the Tank Engine appear yet. Which is as unusual as it is disappointing, but will no doubt be remedied soon.

Giancarlo Esposito really wants to play Professor X in the MCU

Spoilers for Doctor Strange 2 and Miss Marvel follow.

Giancarlo Esposito has called on Marvel Studios to cast him as Professor X in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

speaking in the Superhero Car Show and Comic-Con Event (opens in new tab) in Texas over the weekend (August 5-6), the Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian and The Boys star revealed that he would love to play the leader of the X-Men in Marvel’s cinematic juggernaut. Esposito’s statement comes after rumors linked him to various roles in the MCU.

Captured on video by CountdownCityGeeks TikTok Team (opens in new tab), Esposito was asked which character he dreamed of playing in the MCU. Surprisingly, Esposito began his response by confirming that he had already met with Marvel to discuss acting opportunities. After a long tangent of conversation – skip to the 1:08 mark of the video above to get to the good stuff – Esposito tackles the speculation online before deciding which character he would like to play.

“I haven’t worked for Marvel yet,” reveals Esposito. “[But] I was in a room and I talked to them… There was talk of Magneto. there has been talk of [DC supervillain] Doctor [sic] Freeze. There was talk of – who else do they have there? oh, [Doctor] Doom. And there’s Professor X.”

“Don’t do this to us,” says the panel presenter. “Choose one!”

“Choose one?” Esposito responds. “I’m going to get something a little different. I’m going to spread the word that it’s Professor X.”

Giancarlo Esposito wants to follow in the footsteps of Sir Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy. (Image credit: Fox/20th Century Studios)

If Marvel hired Esposito as Professor X, he would be the third actor to play the character in a live-action capacity. Sir Patrick Stewart played Charles Xavier in Fox’s first X-Men trilogy, as well as having a cameo in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, James McAvoy played a younger version of the character in Fox’s second X-Men film franchise, which ended in 2019 with the much-maligned Dark Phoenix. You can find out more about these superhero movies in our guide on how to watch the X-Men movies in order.

It’s only a matter of time before the X-Men arrive in the MCU. In the season finale of Ms Marvel on Disney Plus, it was revealed that Kamala Khan was a mutant – the first of her kind to officially join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, X-Men 97 – a sequel to the beloved ’90s TV show X-Men: The Animated Series – will join the MCU’s growing list of Disney Plus shows when it arrives in 2023. It’s unclear how this series will fit together. in the MCU, but it could be a primer for Wolverine, Professor X, Magneto and company to finally do their live-action MCU arcs.

Analysis: Will Marvel Cast Esposito as Professor X?

Giancarlo Esposito's Moff Gideon smiles while looking at Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian season 2

Giancarlo Esposito has made a name for himself as the go-to actor for menacing, authoritarian villains. (Image credit: Lucasfilm Ltd)

Of course, this isn’t confirmation that Esposito will play Professor X/Charles Xavier in an X-Men MCU movie. However, given that Esposito’s career was built on playing villainous characters such as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad, casting him as leader of the X-Men would certainly fall into that “different” category he alludes to.

If he was installed as the MCU’s Professor X, Esposito has the acting skills and authoritative personality to play the role to perfection. His villainous turns like Gus Fring from Breaking Bad and Moff Gideon from The Mandalorian serve as testament to how Esposito commands the scene when he’s on camera. Given Professor X’s larger-than-life status among the X-Men and Marvel fans, Esposito has the ability to play such a legendary superhero.

That’s not to say he will be, mind you. As Esposito confirmed, he has already met with Marvel to discuss a role in the MCU. CanWeGetSomeToast (CWGST), a new and seemingly credible insider on the MCU scene, claimed they heard that Esposito had discussed opportunities with Marvel (opens in new tab), too, with the CWGST hinting at a full week before Esposito confirmed that these conversations had taken place. According to the CWGST, Doctor Doom was a part of these discussions – one of the roles mentioned by Esposito.

Meanwhile, a thread full of rumors about the Marvel Studios Reddit spoiler page (opens in new tab) has tied Esposito to the role of Professor X. Some of these speculations have already proven true, with Marvel’s main panel at San Diego Comic-Con confirming this. However, there are many other rumors in this thread that have proven to be false, so it’s worth taking this “Esposito is Professor X” gossip with a big pinch of salt for now.

Fortunately, we’ll get official confirmation at D23 Expo in September, with Marvel set to hold another panel that’s sure to be filled with new revelations and surprise announcements.

For more Marvel-based content, check out our Marvel movies in order and MCU Phase 4 guides. Alternatively, read all to do with She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, the upcoming Marvel Disney Plus TV series, arriving August 18th.

iPad Pro 2022 may not support Magic Keyboard

There’s a big chance we’ll see a new 2022 iPad Pro before the end of the year, but the main ‘upgrade’ might not be the display or chipset. Instead, it could be for the connectors, with the current three-pin Smart Connector possibly being replaced with a pair of four-pin connectors.

This according to “Reliable Sources in China”, speaking to Macotakara (opens in new tab)in a report discovered by 9to5Mac (opens in new tab). Apparently, the upcoming iPad Pro 11 (2022) and iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) will have the same housing designs as the current models, but with 4-pin connectors on the “top and bottom side edges”.

This text is a bit ambiguous, especially since this isn’t primarily an English site, so we’re not sure if they mean the upper and lower back when held in portrait or when held in landscape, but it sounds like one or the other.

The report also doesn’t specifically state whether these new connectors would be instead of or as good as the existing three-pin smart connector, but we imagine they would be used instead. Otherwise, that’s a bunch of connectors.

We’d take that with a pinch of salt, though, as it’s an odd statement, especially when we’ve previously heard that the iPad Pro 2022 can support MagSafe – which might seem like overkill if there are also two smart connectors. And with the MagSafe using a five-pin connector, that’s not what they’re talking about here.

What the extra pin could be used for is also unclear, although the report speculates that it could be used to assist in powering peripherals. The existing Smart Connector already does this, however it may mean that more power can be supplied.

We’re also not sure how useful it would be to have two of these connectors, as they’re mostly just keyboards that use the current Smart Connector, so there aren’t many use cases where two accessories could be useful attached at the same time – unless the Apple has new types of accessories planned.

This rumor actually raises more questions than it answers and so we would refrain from putting too much weight behind it, but it is certainly intriguing. Although it comes with a very big potential downside.

An iPad Pro 11 (2021) (Image credit: Future)

Analysis: Old accessories may be incompatible

The biggest potential problem with this change is that it could make accessories – like the current Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard – incompatible with the new iPad Pro.

That’s something you’d expect to happen when sizes change, but with these upcoming models being the same as their predecessors, it would be a shame if entirely new accessories were needed – especially considering how expensive these peripherals can be.

Of course, even if this rumor is right – which is a big ‘if’ – it doesn’t guarantee that current Smart Connector accessories won’t work. They may remain compatible with this new four-pin version, or perhaps the old three-pin connector will remain as well, but incompatibility is definitely a concern.

With rumors that Apple is also switching from Lightning to USB-C on the iPhone, perhaps as early as next year, we could see Apple fans having to replace almost all of their accessories within the space of a year, assuming both rumors come true. come true. So this can be an even more expensive period for iDevice users than usual.

Still, many of the best iPads aren’t iPad Pros, which means you can always save money by upgrading to a cheaper model.

Massive DJI Avata Leaks Still Don’t Answer My Biggest Drone Question

Thanks to a flurry of new leaks, the DJI Avata drone has been almost completely debunked. However, aside from a few small details, my big question remains unanswered – who exactly will DJI’s mini FPV drone be for?

The Avata is, by now quite clear, a small ‘cinewhoop’ version of their current DJI FPV drone. A leaked image of the Avatar box from @DealsDrone (opens in new tab) shows that promises an “immersive flight experience” thanks to its new DJI Goggles 2 headset, as well as “4K stabilized video”, a “palm-in-hand and agile” build, compatibility with a “motion controller” and ” HD low-latency transmission”.

Granted, this all sounds like a lot of fun. But as a leaked video shared by @OsitaLV (opens in new tab) shows, the Avata will still have all the usual restrictions on FPV (first person view) drones – and many of them are similar to the ones that braked the VR headsets that have become really popular.

looks like Avata has somatosensory support, and it was actually under KOL review pic.twitter.com/PLnhPbkpYaAugust 6, 2022

As the video above shows, because the pilot is wearing a headset, they cannot keep the drone in line of sight outdoors – meaning they must legally always have an ‘observer’ beside them when flying. This is a great misfortune for solo travelers to begin with.

Also, as we noted in our DJI FPV review, you also need to be very careful when flying FPV drones as obstacle avoidance sensors tend to only alert you to hazards rather than automatically stopping the drone like the Mavic. from the DJI Series.

While it’s not yet clear what obstacle avoidance abilities the Avatar will have, it’s expected to be an indoor-friendly drone. This explains its ‘cinewhoop’ design, which includes guards around its 3-inch propellers. And to be fair, this built-in ease of use can help make the Avata more accessible than the DJI FPV.

DJI AVATA Feature：Immersive Flight ExperienceMotion Controller4K Stabilized VideoPalm-Size and AgileBuilt-in Propeller GuardHD Low Latency Streaming pic.twitter.com/PMkYODFvSFAugust 8, 2022

This is because in many regions, including the US and UK, drone laws only cover outdoor flights, because indoor flights do not affect other aircraft. This would mean that indoors, pilots would only need to follow the building’s health and safety regulations.

But the fundamental question remains – how many people need an indoor FPV drone or a small outdoor drone that is likely less powerful than DJI’s current FPV drone? I am yet to be convinced that the audience is large despite the leaks.

unexpected flying object

DJI clearly knows its audience, so we look forward to seeing it answer those questions when the DJI Avata inevitably launches soon.

The company’s broader goal appears to be to bring professional filmmaking tools to a wider audience – and in that sense, DJI Avata could be their attempt to help all types of filmmakers shoot the kinds of spectacular FPV drone videos (such as Tesla’s Giga Factory Tour (opens in new tab)) that have gone viral in recent years.

The problem, which I’m still not sure the DJI Avata will be able to solve, is that this type of video requires some high-level flying skills that take years to develop. It seems likely that the Avata will be hailed as a beginner FPV drone, but what made DJI’s other drones so good for beginners is their automated flight modes – something that makes a lot less sense in an FPV drone.

Oh hello #DJI #Avata pic.twitter.com/gzpE5LrY0uAugust 6, 2022

The recent Snap Pixy tried to address some of these issues with automated modes like Hyperspeed or Jump Cut, as well as subject tracking abilities. But that pocket drone also forgot to include a half-decent camera or battery, and so far DJI Avata leaks suggest it’s targeting FPV enthusiasts more than those wanting a point-and-shoot FPV camera.

With the Avata’s leaked box suggesting it will come with a Goggles 2 headset and motion controller, it’s unlikely to be cheap – even if it drops below the DJI FPV’s launch price of $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$ 2,099. And the apparent inclusion of DJI Airsense technology (an alert system that tells pilots when other aircraft are flying nearby) suggests that the Avata will at least be both an outdoor and indoor drone. Its expected weight of 500g also means that, unlike the DJI Mini 3 Pro, it would need to be registered in most regions.

Still, given the number of leaks we’ve seen over the past few days, this fundamental Avatar mystery should be solved later this month. Whether or not this makes the FPV drone a flying camera that is ready for a mainstream audience is another matter.

Apple VR headset better not cost as much as five Oculus Quest 2s

A new report on the alleged Apple VR headset predicts it will cost over $2,000 (£1,655 / AU$2,875) – roughly five times the cost of Meta’s Oculus Quest 2.

While Apple has yet to officially speak out about its alleged Apple VR headset, several leaks and rumors have given us a pretty clear idea of what the device will be capable of. This standalone headset – meaning it wouldn’t work on a PC or PS5 like the Valve Index and PlayStation VR 2 – could be one of the best VR headsets ever made with power comparable to an M1-powered Mac computer.

However, it is also likely to cost as much as a MacBook, with a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (opens in new tab) saying that Apple plans to ship the headset at a price between $2,000 and $2,500 – significantly more than any previous consumer-focused VR device.

Kuo adds that, given its price, Apple expects to sell less than 1.5 million of the headset in 2023. For context, that’s roughly a tenth of the total number of Oculus Quest 2 headsets that Meta has sold since its launch. release in October 2020.

As with all rumors, we have to remember to take this one with a pinch of salt, but Kuo’s track record in predicting details about Apple’s technology means it’s worth paying attention. However, on this occasion, we hope he is wrong.

Who wants to buy a $2,000 VR headset?

That kind of pricing isn’t out of the question when it comes to Apple gadgets — with their more premium products often carrying a hefty cost to potential customers. A high cost seems especially likely for its VR headset, as it has spent several years stalled in development, meaning Apple may be interested in recouping its sunk costs.

However, while Apple managed to make a device affordable in terms of features and form factor – with Kuo’s report once again suggesting it will be an ultra-thin wearable – it ignored the biggest factor that helped the Quest 2 succeed: an affordable price. .

Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 will be a tough contender to beat, especially if Apple’s VR headset costs even five of them (Image credit: Shutterstock / Boumen Japet)

Until a recent price increase, Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 was just $299 / £299 / AU$479. This headset also doesn’t need a high-end PC or console to help run it, and it was of by far the cheapest conventional headset on the market. Considering that VR is still a novelty compared to even more established similar industries like computing and gaming, the Quest 2’s price was a decent entry fee.

Need more evidence that a low price is important to success? The Quest 2 actually had some downgrades compared to its predecessors – even the original Oculus Quest – to help bring its price down to an all-time low. However, despite problems in its first six months on sale, the Quest 2 has sold more units than all other Oculus VR headsets combined in five years.

But it’s not just the price of Apple’s headset that’s a concern, the VR experiences it offers might not do its sell well.

Sony’s Meta and VR platforms are home to some of the best VR games ever made, and collaborations with renowned developers mean iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Grand Theft Auto are set to receive VR entries in the near future. If Apple expects users to pay an arm and a leg for its VR headset, then it will have to convince us that its headset can give us something just as good. Apple’s track record in the gaming space up to this point doesn’t fill us with confidence that its hardware can deliver.

We’ll have to wait and see what Apple announces, but if the headset is as expensive as they say and doesn’t give us something surprising in return, we can’t see ourselves leaving Meta’s cheaper hardware behind anytime soon.

(through MacRumors (opens in new tab))

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta dates are disappointing for Xbox players

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s beta test dates have been revealed, giving PlayStation fans something to get excited about but leaving Xbox players a little cold.

Ahead of its October release date, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be available to play as part of two open beta weekends. According to activision (opens in new tab), the preview will let players try out a handful of maps, modes, and weapons, as well as other “innovations and surprises”. Several rewards can also be unlocked, which will carry over to the full game at launch.

The first beta test will run from September 18 to September 20, but is only available for PS5 and PS4 players. If you pre-order the game on a PlayStation system, you’ll be able to dip in even earlier, on September 16. Activision has confirmed that you won’t need to have an active PS Plus subscription to take part.

The second beta test runs from September 24 to September 26, and is open to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gamers. PlayStation players can dive in early on September 22, as can anyone who’s pre-ordered the game for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC. If you’re on Xbox, an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass subscription will be required to participate. The playtest will support crossplay, however, so you can play with your buddies across systems.

We’ve rounded up all the beta tests’ dates and start times below. The end times for each preview session haven’t yet been announced.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta – weekend one, PlayStation exclusive

pre-order early access
- Start date: September 16
- Start times: 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST / September 17, 4am AEDT
- End date: September 17
open beta
- Start date: September 18
- Start times: 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST / September 19, 4am AEDT
- End date: September 20

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 beta: weekend two

PlayStation open beta
- Start date: September 22
- Start times: 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST / September 23, 4am AEDT
- End date: September 26
Xbox and PC pre-order early access
- Start date: September 22
- Start times: 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST / September 23, 4am AEDT
- End date: September 26
Xbox and PC open beta
- Start date: September 24
- Start times: 10am PST / 1pm EST / 6pm BST / September 25, 4am AEDT
- End date: September 26

(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

The easiest way of nabbing a spot in the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta tests is to pre-order the game. Once you do that, Activision will email you a beta code to be redeemed at this online portal (opens in new tab).

But you don’t need to splash the cash just yet. Activision previously gave away beta codes during its Call of Duty Championship stream on August 7, and says it will continue to roll out “more opportunities to receive Early Access beta code drops” in the coming weeks.

We expect more codes will be given away on September 15, when Activision is set to hold its Call of Duty: Next showcase. Billed as a major franchise event during which “the future of Call of Duty will be revealed”, we can expect to hear more details about Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Warzone 2, and the battle royale’s mobile spin-off.

PlayStation players are getting special treatment for Modern Warfare 2’s upcoming beta because of Sony and Activision’s longstanding exclusivity agreement. Sony won’t enjoy that exclusivity deal forever, though. If Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard successfully passes, the Xbox owner will swoop up the Call of Duty license for itself.

Microsoft says it will honor any existing agreements between Activision and Sony, but it’s likely some content will be made exclusive to Xbox players in the future, just as Starfield was made Xbox-only after Microsoft bought Bethesda.

Sony launches its Bravia XR Master Series 4K premium smart TVs in India

The Master Series premium OLED TV portfolio has been updated with a new model. The company has launched the latest Sony Bravia A95K series 4K smart TVs in India. It retails at Rs 3,69,990 at all major Sony Centers (connected (opens in new tab) and offline) and other e-commerce platforms.

The Sony Bravia XR Master Series A95K OELD 4K Smart TV has a slim design and can be used in two different viewing positions. The front position style comes with a One Slate design, which provides a more immersive experience. The stand is hidden in the back and it looks like the smart TV is supporting its weight. The rear position style allows users to support the screen towards the wall, leaving the rest of the support visible in front.

Due to the slim nature of the smart TV and like its predecessors, it comes with Acoustic Surface Audio Plus. Audio is generated directly from the screen, providing a realistic surround experience with Sony’s XR Surround and Dolby Atmos.

Sony Bravia A95K OLED 4K Smart TV Features

Sony’s smart TV features the company’s proprietary XR processor which helps to improve color reproduction, enhance video quality and also upscale content to 4K. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10. The smart TV’s OLED panel offers great viewing angles and also reduces glare and reflections.

In terms of connectivity options, the 4K smart TV supports a dedicated game mode via the HDMI 2.1 port which brings 4K at 120fps, variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic HDR and game mode. As part of Sony’s product ecosystem, it is compatible and works best with the Playstation 5.

(Image credit: Sony)

The smart TV also runs on Google TV and brings its own catalog of content through Bravia Core services. The latter provides some of Sony’s movies that are IMAX Enhanced for larger screens. You can also use AirPlay 2 for iOS devices and use Chromecast to cast from your Android smartphones.

Can you still settle for older models?

Many of Sony’s Bravia models are minor upgrades so far. But the technology and the video quality level remain the same. Obtaining a similar product during the festive seasons at more discounted prices will be a stealing business. The company also offers many of the same features and services at lower prices.

Intel Arc was doomed from the start, and MSI’s new GPU won’t change that

MSI has unveiled its first Intel Arc GPU, a low-profile graphics card containing the budget Arc A380 card – the same somewhat underwhelming GPU that has already been released in China by manufacturers Gunnir and ASRock. The MSI A380 is currently only available on pre-built PCs, appearing on a sensibly priced MSI gaming desktop at Chinese online retailer Tmall.

The new version of MSI’s A380 card is compact and doesn’t require an external power connector (it draws power directly from the motherboard’s PCIe slot), which can be a boon for gamers looking for a graphics card that doesn’t consume a lot of power. – especially in the face of Nvidia’s monstrous power requirements for upcoming RTX 4000 Series.

But it all feels a bit ‘too little, too late’ for the Intel Arc. german technology site Igor’s Laboratory stated last week that a partner at AIB – the manufacturers that produce third-party GPU models for Nvidia, AMD and Intel – has dropped the Arc program altogether due to quality concerns. That would be a severe blow to Intel, especially when the company is already facing great difficulties at the launch of the Arc.

(Image credit: Intel/VideoCardz)

While the current generation of Intel Alder Lake CPUs may be doing just fine, its GPU venture – which it first announced three whole years ago – has apparently stumbled across all the obstacles in its path. Covid delays, global chip shortages and, presumably, the war in Ukraine have all severely impacted the development and launch of the Arc series, and it looks like Intel may have fallen for a game it can’t win.

See, while Intel has been busy trying to get its first-gen Arc GPUs up to speed with Nvidia and AMD’s current-gen counterparts, these two competitors aren’t exactly resting on their laurels. Nvidia’s RTX 4000 and AMD’s RDNA 3 GPUs are on the way, and current performance details suggest that Intel will be left in the dust almost immediately.

The constant confusion on Intel’s part didn’t help either. own performance boost feature causing issues for a single missing line of code tank ray tracing performance, Arc had a seriously rough initial release; and that’s before we even properly see desktop boards for sale in the West.

Even beyond issues like these, overall performance has been mediocre. The high-end A7 cards failed to impress, and while the A380 seen here is decent, it isn’t doing anything to differentiate itself from competing RTX 3050 and RX 6400 cards. The lower spec A3 cards were even weaker from a performance per dollar standpoint.

It’s honestly hard to see how Intel could retrieve this one from the edge of the cliff. While its current best hope seems to be positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Nvidia’s expensive but powerful GPUs, it will only take a strong budget choice from Nvidia or AMD to sink the Arc for good. It’s sad, because a third major player producing graphics cards it was exciting, but sadly, it looks like Arc won’t recover for a while – if at all.