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Month: May 2019

  • Sega Genesis Mini: Pricing and Release Details at Sega Fest

    Sega Genesis Mini: Pricing and Release Details at Sega Fest

    The upcoming Sega Genesis Mini looks promising. Sega has ditched third-party hardware makers in favor of manufacturing a proper emulation of their own classic hardware. At Sega Fest 2019, we got even more details about the upcoming retro console, including ten more game reveals and info on pricing and release!

    Sega Genesis Mini

    The Games

    While we already knew 20 of the games coming to the Genesis Mini, Sega has unveiled ten more games coming to the system. These include Ghouls and Ghosts, Sonic Spinball, Beyond Oasis, Golden Axe, Street Fighter 2, Vectorman, Mega Man: the Wily Wars, Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Caste and Phantasy Star 4.

    The remaining 10 games coming to the Genesis Classic will be unveiled in June, according to Sega.

    Pricing and Release

    We learned more than just that at Sega Fest 2019, too. We also learned when we can expect the micro console and how much it will cost! The system will release on September 19th, and is already available for preorder at some retailers.

    As for how much it’ll run you, Sega has announced an MSRP of $80. With any luck, the system will be produced in large enough quantities that anyone who wants one will be able to snatch them up before scalpers do. Hopefully Sega learns from the mistakes of the NES Classic launch, which saw systems being sold on eBay for four times their MSRP by scalpers.

    In Europe, the system will be marketed under its Mega Drive branding, much as it was originally in the 80’s and 90’s.

    What’s in the Box

    The Sega Genesis Mini will come with two replica Genesis controllers, as well as an adorable mini version of the classic console. It’ll also come packed in with a USB cable for power and an HDMI cable so you can hook it up to your TV.

    We’re excited to get our hands on one, if only to relive some of the classic Sega goodness of years gone by. Also, it’ll look great next to our SNES and NES Classic Minis.

  • What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    Audi’s announced a slate of new features and updates for the A4, which will be rolling out for the next model year. Between a new look, hybrid engine options and new tech, there’s a lot to cover in this A4 update. If you’re in the market for a luxury car, this news might be music to your ears.
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    Audi A4 Updates

    Styling

    The A4 has received a styling pass this time around, and it looks slick. A number of adjustments have been made to the outside of the car, from the wider and flatter grill to the introduction of 12 new paint options. The headlights have been updated and are now LED, and there are multi-element running lights along the body now. Besides that, the A4 also sports an updated rear, with more updated styling on the rear lights that is reminiscent of the A6.

    Technology

    New tech makes an appearance in the A4, including a new 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. You can upgrade for a Bang and Olufsen sound system, taking full advantage of the luxurious and quiet interior of the A4. Meanwhile, the vehicle now offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and natural language searching for the infotainment system. Thankfully, this A4 model will forego the second, lower touchscreen in favor of physical buttons. The secondary touchscreen on other Audi models has notable less sensitivity and outdated graphics, making it less luxurious and more off-putting. We’ll take the physical buttons and knobs over a Windows XP-looking touchscreen.

    Mild Hybrid

    In Europe, where the A4 will be offered starting this Summer, there will be mild hybrid powertrain options. Three of the six available powertrains will offer 12-volt mild hybrid options to help keep the gas mileage high, making these more economic options. Time will tell how long we have to wait to see these new luxury options for the A4 to roll out in America. However, Europe will be seeing these changes in the coming months. We’ll be keeping our eyes on the A4 as a serious contender in the luxury sedan market, though.
  • Which Smartphone has the Best Camera? Head to Head

    Which Smartphone has the Best Camera? Head to Head

    Smartphones are getting better all the time, and one of the areas they’ve been excelling in recently is the camera. Smartphone cameras are an area where this is especially true: it seems that they’re always getting that much better! Which phone camera is the best, though? Today we’re going to look at some of the best cameras available in a smartphone!

    Best Smartphone Cameras

    Google Pixel 3

    The Google Pixel 3 sports an incredible camera that will impress you in any conditions. Taking pictures in dark or moody environments still yields gorgeous pictures, thanks to some crafty software solutions from Google. The Pixel 3 offers gorgeous portrait mode shots, too, using its software to simulate the Bokeh dual-focus style of portrait pictures.

    All of this is housed in one of the most stylish and slick Android phones on the market. If you want to take some great pictures and own a flagship phone, the Pixel 3 is the phone for you.

    iPhone XS

    The iPhone XS sports the best iPhone camera we’ve ever seen. While it takes great night shots thanks to its software, it also takes stellar portrait mode shots due to its multiple rear-facing cameras. Interestingly, it can even take selfies in portrait mode, using the multiple forward-facing cameras, though these are of a lower quality than the rear camera.

    Notably, the iPhone XS offers the best phone video recording on the market. While a few Android phones offer better-looking still shots, none of them can match how silky and gorgeous the video quality on the iPhone XS is. That’s not to mention just how good images look on the iPhone XS’s huge OLED screen!

    Huawei P30 Pro

    This phone isn’t for sale in the US, thanks to some complex legal pressures on Huawei. However, if you’re in the market for a great Android phone with the best still-shot camera around, consider buying the P30 Pro from a third party. Just beware of sketchy sellers when you’re shopping!

    The P30 Pro is a great handset, though it’s a bit on the pricey side, even before you have to buy it secondhand in the US. That said, if you want to take the best pictures around, the P30 Pro is the phone for you.

  • Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft Build 2019: Biggest Headlines

    Microsoft’s Build summit is a yearly developer’s conference held to unveil new features in Microsoft’s various initiatives. This year’s headlights weren’t focused on Xbox or Windows, the way one might expect. Instead, Microsoft focused on their Azure platform, deep-learning algorithms, mixed reality and all things artificial intelligence.

    Here are the biggest headlines from Microsoft Build 2019.

    Microsoft Build 2019

    AI is Here to Stay

    Microsoft is driving full-speed ahead with artificial intelligence. While the company is best-known for its Windows operating system, they’ve been focusing ever more and more on their artificial intelligence projects. Namely, Azure, their deep-learning software, has been a huge focus at the last few Build events.

    Initiatives like Azure Cognitive are focused on understanding audio and visual data, while voice recognition is another huge push for the company. The keywords here were machine learning and data interpretation. For the most part, it appears that Microsoft is focused on offering services for businesses, using machine learning to parse huge amounts of data.

    Microsoft’s in with Blockchain

    Microsoft announced their recent involvement with cryptocurrency at Build 2019. They unveiled the JP Morgan Ethereum ledger platform, Quorum, which was built using Microsoft Azure. However, blockchain tech is about more than just crypto. Microsoft announced they’d be using blockchain technology to help businesses form trustworthy ledgers built on the infallible nature of the chains.

    Mixed Reality

    Mixed Reality, or augmented reality, is a type of VR that allows for virtual constructs to be displayed alongside real-world objects. The most obvious applications, of course, are for video games. However, other uses for mixed reality could include virtual presentations of 3D blueprints, making it an ideal tech jump for drafters and designers.

    Linux for Windows

    The only big Windows news at the Build conference this year will likely be completely overlooked by the average user. The Windows Subsystem for Linux functionality was recently added in a Windows 10 update, which is a big deal for developers, thanks to Linux’s dev-friendly architecture. However, it’s unlikely that the average Windows user will have any need to mess around with Linux.

  • OnePlus 7 Pro: Can it Take on Samsung as an Android Flagship?

    OnePlus 7 Pro: Can it Take on Samsung as an Android Flagship?

    Samsung is the name to beat in the world of flagship Android devices. However, OnePlus, a premier Chinese manufacturer, is gunning for the throne. Their recent releases have been of exceptional quality, all while coming in at a lower cost than the average Galaxy phone or iPhone. Is the OnePlus 7 Pro on this same track, or is it a lesser phone than its siblings?

    OnePlus 7 Pro Review

    The Pros

    OnePlus is pulling no punches with their newest handset. The OnePlus 7 Pro sports three rear cameras, a huge screen and a pop-out selfie cam. In light of the numerous selfie cam solutions that phone makers have come up with, we love the huge, break-free screen on the OnePlus 7. The pop-out selfie cam is a little unusual at first, but we much prefer it to a notch or cut-out in the gorgeous screen.

    This phone has excellent performance, befitting of a flagship phone going toe-to-toe with Samsung. All of this power, the gorgeous cameras and top-of-the-line parts all come in at a surprisingly low starting price of $669. That makes this cheaper than both the iPhone XR and the Galaxy S10E.

    The Cons

    This phone isn’t without its faults. Glaringly, this phone lacks a lot of features that are standard among other flagships. It supports no wireless charging, it isn’t water resistant and it has a heavy, plastic construction. This phone doesn’t feel great in the hand the way an iPhone XS or Galaxy S10 does. Frustratingly, there is also no headphone jack, which is the worst impulse of any new flagship phone.

    The Verdict

    The OnePlus 7 Pro is likely the best value for your buck you can pick up in an Android phone. For the low price, this phone sports amazing specs, great performance and a gorgeous display. If you’re looking for a flagship Android phone and don’t want to break the bank, this is the phone for you.

  • Disney Now Owns all of Hulu: What This Means

    Disney Now Owns all of Hulu: What This Means

    On Tuesday, Disney purchased the rest of Comcast’s 33% share in the streaming service Hulu. When Disney acquired Fox, they received most of the rights to the streaming service, so Tuesday’s acquisition brings them into line as the only owners of Hulu. What will this mean down the road when Disney rolls out their own Disney Plus streaming service?

    Disney’s Hulu Ownership

    NBCUniversal

    While Comcast has sold their ownership stakes in the streaming service, their NBCUniversal content isn’t leaving the service any time soon. Disney and Comcast agreed that Hulu will continue to carry the NBCUniversal content from Comcast through until 2024, giving it another good five years on the service.

    It’s also worth noting that Comcast will continue offering Hulu through their own Xfinity X1 cable service. Hulu Live will continue carrying Comcast’s content through to 2024, as well. In short, little will be changing for the average Hulu owner due to this.

    Disney Plus

    Disney’s upcoming proprietary Disney Plus streaming service will be offered for $7 per month, a surprisingly low subscription. The Disney Plus service will carry all of Disney’s animated films and live-action movies, as well as all Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe content.

    Hulu will likely be offered in bundles with Disney Plus, which will allow Disney to make their own streaming service more of an appealing purchase for those who are on the fence. Buying a subscription just for Disney movies might not be the most appealing idea, but what if it came with Hulu and all your favorite syndicated cable TV shows? That’s a very different deal.

    What This Means

    The average Hulu user will see no serious changes in their service right away. No content will be leaving the service immediately or coming to it as a result of this, though it will change things down the road. Namely, current Hulu subscribers can look forward to bundles with Disney Plus when that service launches later this year.

  • Alexa Will Keep Your Home Safe with Alexa Home Guard

    Alexa Will Keep Your Home Safe with Alexa Home Guard

    Amazon’s Alexa is getting some new functionality for users in the US. The new functionality, Alexa Home Guard, will take steps to keep your home safer from burglars and home invasions. While Amazon has clarified that this new service will be no replacement for a home security service, it can be set up to send messages to your existing home security system.

    Alexa Home Guard

    How it Works

    The Alexa Home Guard command, “Alexa, I’m leaving” will set your Alexa into Home Guard mode. When you step out, Alexa will be on the listen for whatever criteria you’ve set up to listen for. This can include the sound of breaking glass, or the sound of a smoke alarm going off.

    When the system is tripped, you can set up a variety of responses the system goes through in reaction. Firstly, the system can send you a push alert to your phone to let you know what tripped the system, along with a recording of the incident.

    Additionally, you can set the Home Guard system up to bring up your smart lights in an attempt to scare off would-be intruders. While this isn’t exactly the same as having a home security system, it’s a close approximation that is free to use.

    Drawbacks

    While this service will be free and has lots of potential uses, there are a few drawbacks. For one thing, the system has to be listening the entire time you’re away. This could be a concern, given recent issues with Alexa listening in on conversations.

    Another drawback of the Alexa Home Guard system is that it is only listening for specific criteria, like breaking glass and a smoke alarm. More mundane sounds, like the door opening or a window being pushed open, wouldn’t fire off the alert system, making it a bit of a half-measure in terms of full home security. This explains why Amazon warns that this isn’t a replacement for a full-blown home security system.

  • Top Natural Pain Remedies: Try These New Approaches

    Top Natural Pain Remedies: Try These New Approaches

    Suffering with constant pain, such as that from arthritis or neuropathy, can be incredibly detrimental to your overall quality of life. However, there are ways to approach pain that can help it become more manageable. Today we’re looking at a few of the top ways to combat pain naturally without breaking the bank!

    Top Natural Pain Remedies

    Meditation

    The saying “mind over matter” comes to mind when someone mentions meditation. Meditative techniques involve a ritual of clearing one’s own mind in order to gain a positive mental and physical effect. In the case of pain management, meditation can help you to focus and push the pain to the edge of your perception, making it more manageable.

    Yoga

    Yoga is a semi-spiritual practice that incorporates meditative techniques with physical movements. Practitioners of yoga say that it is very calming, soothing and engaging. It’s also quite good for your physical well-being, as it doubles as low-impact exercise. Many with chronic pain swear by their yoga routine, as it helps to bring their pain to within tolerable levels.

    Tai Chi

    Another meditative practice, Tai Chi is a Chinese form of yoga-like movements designed to channel your inner “spiritual energy,” or Chi. Tai Chi, like yoga, is very popular as a form of low-impact exercise. The form is often used by older persons, as it has a notable effect on increasing balance and sure-footedness, making the likelihood of taking a fall much lower.

    Massage

    Visiting a massage therapist for a session can do wonders for pain. Massage therapy utilizes physical manipulation of muscles and tendons, helping to relax and energize the client. While massage therapy sessions can be a bit on the expensive side, they are both wonderfully relaxing and great for alleviating chronic pain.

    Turmeric

    Try cooking with more turmeric! The root-based spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. While you’re at it, try to avoid alcohol and processed sugars, as they can both act as irritants that inflame your body’s systems, leading to greater chronic pain.

  • Getting the Most out of Your iPad: Multitasking Functionality

    Getting the Most out of Your iPad: Multitasking Functionality

    The newest generation of the iPad implements two new functions that allow you to really multitask. If you’ve been wondering how you can get the most out of your iPad, it’s time to learn more about Split View and Slide Over. These new functions are some of the strongest additions to the iPad since it was launched nearly a decade ago. Let’s dig into them!

    iPad Multitasking

    Why Multitask?

    While your iPad might not be replacing your laptop for productivity tasks, the new multitasking features get it close. If you need to consult an image in one app and work on an email, you’re composing in another, the iPad can handle that. Maybe you’re stuck on a hard level in your favorite game and need a guide.

    Maybe you just want to watch a YouTube video while you work on something else in another app! No matter what your reasoning, there are a number of great applications for this multitasking tech.

    Slide Over

    Slide Over allows you to have one app running while another hovers above it in a pop-out panel. This is great for if you need to reference materials from one app while you’re doing complex tasks in another. For example, consulting a table for numbers while you compose an involved email. Another example would be drawing from a reference image without needing to switch between two apps over and over.

    Split View

    Split View, meanwhile, allows you to pin two apps open at the same time, allowing you to see more from the secondary app. This mode also allows you to do more work in the secondary app, such as composing a note in the Notes app while you’re researching things on Safari.

    Whichever multitasking method you prefer, the iPad works great as a smaller replacement for a laptop. All we need now is for Apple to fully implement mouse compatibility, and the iPad Pro can function as a proper miniature Mac!

  • Apple Loses Supreme Court Case over App Store Policies

    Apple Loses Supreme Court Case over App Store Policies

    In a surprising 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has sided with four iPhone owners who sued Apple over alleged monopolistic App Store policies. According to the plaintiffs, Apple’s policies resulted in inflated prices for apps on the App Store, since iPhone users have no alternative for downloading new apps.

    Apple Loses Historic Supreme Court Case

    The Reason for the Suit

    The suit revolved around inflated prices on the App Store due to Apple’s policy demanding 30 percent of all revenue from third-party apps. Apple responded by stating that they don’t set the prices on the app store, and so any legal issues related to overpaying on apps should be directed as suits to the third-party sellers. Essentially, Apple washed their hands of the blame for consumers overpaying.

    Monopolistic Tendencies

    The opinion, written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, holds that Apple’s policies enabled them to hide behind third-party sellers to avoid allegations of monopoly. “Apple’s theory would provide a roadmap for monopolistic retailers to structure transactions with manufacturers or suppliers so as to evade antirust claims by consumers.”

    This opens the doors for consumers and third-party developers alike to sue Apple over their App Store policies. At present it’s unclear which, if any, parties will seek damages against Apple in relation to this Supreme Court decision.

    What This Means

    It’s unclear what this will mean for Apple going forward. The company has not commented on this ruling at the time of this writing, though it seems likely they will have a statement soon. The company could be facing some serious damages in court, as antitrust suits can see the plaintiffs recovering up to three times the amount of the damages.

    Whether this will mean that Apple will have to amend its App Store policies, or allow for other platforms of app sellers on their phones, is unclear.