Home

Author: Cameron

  • Top Ten DC Movies of all Time

    Top Ten DC Movies of all Time

    As you well know, we give DC a lot of crap. And, to our defense, most DC movies have been downright awful lately. However, today we want to be a bit more positive! Today, instead of dumping on DC, we’ll look at the top ten DC movies of all time! Believe it or not, some really awesome movies starring DC characters have come out over the years. Let’s look at the best that the House of Batman has to offer!

    Top Ten DC Movies of all Time

    10. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

    Photo Credit: Fandom

    We start with this animation, based on the excellent JLA: Earth 2 graphic novel by Grant Morrison. This straight-to-video animation set the bar for DC’s animated outings. In the tale, the JLA we know and love is faced with the Crime Syndicate, an alternate-reality corruption of themselves. Supervillains like Owlman, Power Ring and Ultraman oppose Batman, Green Lantern and Superman. The fun premise is further uplifted by excellent voice work and great animation.

    9. Superman 2

    Photo Credit: IMDb

    This awesome blockbuster is emblematic of everything that works about Superman. In the tale, General Zod, along with criminals Ursa and Non, break free of the Phantom Zone. The three are the last remaining Kryptonians, aside from Superman. Superman, who has recently given up his powers in order to live a normal life with Lois Lane, has to rise to stop them. A climactic battle in the Fortress of Solitude sees the Zod gang defeated. Hopeful, uplifting and downright awesome, this movie is Superman done right.

    8. Batman

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Tim Burton’s dark masterpiece brought Batman back from campy obscurity in the late 80’s. In a lot of ways, this movie laid the foundation for big-budget superhero blockbusters. Michael Keaton is excellent in the title role, bringing a lot of emotion and depth to Bruce Wayne. Meanwhile, Jack Nicholson’s manic Joker steals the show.

    7. Flashpoint Paradox

    Photo Credit: Fandom

    Another animated DC outing, the Flashpoint Paradox is a fantastic Flash story. This one revolves around Barry Allen’s attempts to save his mother from her grisly fate. When Barry was a child, his mom was killed by an unknown assailant. Traveling back in time to save her, however, causes a huge rift in time. The resulting ripples in reality have huge effects on the DC Universe!

    6. Justice League: Doom

    Photo Credit: The Consulting Detective

    In an adaptation of the excellent Tower of Babel arc, this story sees the Justice League nearly undone. Time-traveling warlord Vandal Savage finds Batman’s plans to incapacitate every member of the JLA. As a result, each of them is brought low by a scheme concocted just for them. Batman then must rush to save his friends and save the world from Savage.

    5. The Dark Knight Rises

    Photo Credit: eBay

    Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy really opened eyes as to what a superhero film could be. The excellent, dark and brooding series came to a conclusion in this 2012 adventure. Gotham, faced with the threat of Bane, begins to unravel. Batman must face a man trained by his own mentor and conquer his own demons to save his city.

    4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

    Photo Credit: Slash Film

    A film based on the 1990’s Batman Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm largely defined what an animated DC film could do. Equal parts fun and moody, this film is a great example of a neo-noir movie. The core of the character of Batman is brought out by Kevin Conroy, who provides his awesome voice to the character. Meanwhile, Mark Hamill’s Joker has a manic, hysteric edge that makes him oh-so-menacing.

    3. V for Vendetta

    Photo Credit: Moviefone

    Alan Moore’s anarchist opus translated beautifully to film. Focusing on an Orwellian, dystopian England in a near-future world, this tale is dark. The world is under the thumb (er, finger) of a totalitarian regime. The only hope for true freedom is the cleansing fire of anarchy, embodied by masked vigilante V. V, who was horribly tortured at the hands of this government, brings the full force of his anguish and pain to bear in his one-man crusade. If you haven’t seen this movie, go see it. It’s awesome, and it’s “freedom at any cost” message is meaningful in the modern era.

    2. Wonder Woman

    Photo Credit: Polygon

    Patty Jenkins did two pretty massive things with Wonder Woman. The first was direct an excellent female-led superhero movie, making this a feminist triumph. The second was make a good movie in the stifling DCEU framework. As of the time of this writing, Wonder Woman stands head and shoulders above anything else in the DCEU. While that’s not saying much, as the competition is pretty flimsy, don’t let that take away from how awesome Wonder Woman is. It’s easily one of the best superhero movies of all time.

    The Best DC Film of All Time: The Dark Knight

    Photo Credit: The Atlantic

    If you didn’t see this one coming, then you probably haven’t been into superhero movies for very long. Where do you start with a film this fawned-over and lauded? Of course, Heath Ledger gives the performance of a lifetime as the Joker. Of course, Christian Bale plays the tortured Wayne to perfection. Every single piece of this movie fires off just right: Gary Oldman kills it as Gordon, Michael Cain was born to play Alfred. Don’t even get us started on Lucius Fox, played by the always-awesome Morgan Freeman.

    But what really brings it all together is the film’s overwhelming belief in justice and good. The film takes some dark, violent turns that really test Batman’s convictions. However, he never wavers, and shows us why he’s such an enduring comic book character.

  • Feature Roundup: iOS 12 Now Live

    Feature Roundup: iOS 12 Now Live

    The long-awaited update for iOS, iOS 12, has finally arrived! If you haven’t yet, you can download it now. And we highly advise it: it’s awesome! If you’ve already got the update and wondering what new features there are to play with, we’ve got a quick roundup for you. Here’s some of the coolest new features in iOS 12!

    iOS 12 Feature Roundup

    ARKit 2

    The new implementation of augmented reality is all over iOS 12. Namely, ARKit 2, a new developer’s kit, has been activated in this version of iOS. It allows for things like messages and News to even implement AR! It seems Apple is convinced that AR is the future, and they’re really pushing for it to take off.

    Photo Features

    Photos will now attempt to perform more intelligently, thanks to AI-enhanced technology. Things like examining which shots look best and which look shareable will be sorted by your phone automatically. Also new to this iOS update is the photo search function, allowing you to sort your photos by tons of criteria. Things like date, location and more will be searchable!

    Screen Time

    A lot of phone makers are starting to make moves that they understand the dangers of tech addiction. After all, everyone could stand to spend less time on their phones. As such, initiatives like Screen Time are great to see! Apple’s Screen Time functionality allows you to monitor your app usage and see what you’re spending the most time on. That’s rather healthy, actually!

    You’ll also be able to limit use of certain apps, having the iOS tell you when it’s time to quit. You can even set Do Not Disturb setting for certain times of day, or at certain locations.

    Memoji

    The new Memoji feature will allow you to create a custom Animoji that looks like you! It’s a fun use of the iPhone X’s Face ID technology. Tracking your face to create the moving emoji is a fun time-waster at worst, and a cute way to communicate at best!

    Siri Shortcuts

    Siri just got a bit more useful! The Siri Shortcuts feature allows you to program shortcuts into Siri. Creating shortcuts essentially allows Siri to perform a variety of functions from one keyed phrase. Setting up “take me home” could have Siri turn on your music and navigate to home, for instance. This works all the better with Apple’s iHome smart home tech!

  • Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    Video games have come a long way from being considered little more than kids’ toys. Now classified as a proper art form, video games have outsold many other forms of entertainment media. After all, who doesn’t love a good video game? With that in mind, today we’re looking at the ten best-selling video games of all time. The one at the top may surprise you!

    Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

    10. New Super Mario Bros

    Photo Credit: Amazon
    Originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2006, New Super Mario Bros was a return to 2D platforming for everyone’s favorite plumber. This game went on to sell 30 million units! In large part, that number was bolstered by the huge install base of the Nintendo DS. It also helped that Mario’s adventures tend to attract a large audience, and the game was heavily promoted by Nintendo. It didn’t hurt that the original entry in this series is higher on this list, either!

    9. Pokemon Red and Blue

    Photo Credit: GameRant

    Originally released in 1996 on the Game Boy, Pokemon became an international phenomenon. Spurred on by the success of its anime and card game adaptations, “Pokemania” swept the nation in the late 90’s. Nintendo really reaped the rewards on this one, with the game selling 31 million units. If you say you haven’t heard of Pikachu, you’re lying. More than 20 years later, this series is still going strong. Also, if you’re noticing a Nintendo theme developing, get used to it: these guys have sold a ton of video games.

    8.  Wii Sports Resort

    Photo Credit: Fandom

    The 2009 Wii Sports Resort was released as a follow-up to Wii Sports. It sold a solid 33 million units! Not quite as impressive as its predecessor, but still quite the performance. It just goes to show how much people love waggling their motion-controllers at the TV screen.

    7. Mario Kart Wii

    Photo Credit: Nintendo Soup

    Did we mention the Wii sold a ton of units? Well, the Wii sold a ton of units. Mario Kart Wii, which released in 2008, went on to sell 37 million units itself! It was largely bolstered by the massive install base of the Wii and the promise of motion-controlled steering. Motion controls were really all the rage back in the late 2000’s. It was a weird era, kids.

    6. Super Mario Bros

    Photo Credit: Emulator Online

    While this game was originally released in 1985, you’ve definitely heard of it. Chances are good you’ve played it. This mega-popular smash-hit made Nintendo a household name and redefined video games. Super Mario Bros, released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, sold 40 million copies and introduced American audiences to Nintendo. It’s hard to believe that’s been 30 years ago, now!

    5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

    Photo Credit: Microsoft

    The youngest game in the Top Ten, by far, is PlayerUnkown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG. Originally released for the PC in 2017, the game is actually a mod of a game called Arma. The unpolished, buggy mess that is PUBG has somehow managed to sell 50 million units, which really goes to show that concept beats execution. PUBG’s chief competition, Fortnite, would likely make this list if it wasn’t free-to-play. However, as the game is free, it’s impossible to chart sales numbers.

    4. Wii Sports

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    Packed-in with the Wii, Wii Sports released alongside the console in 2006. This entry represents the first huge jump: while PUBG has sold 50 million copies, Wii Sports sold 83 million. To put that into perspective, it sold more than double what the original Super Mario Bros sold. That’s crazy! Like we said, people really love waggling their motion-controllers at the TV screen!

    3. GTA V

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    A relative newcomer to the top ten, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013 for a multitude of platforms. It broke several records for fastest-selling entertainment media within 24 hours of its release. This massive, sprawling and ambitious title rode high on the successes of the previous entries in the franchise. After the juggernaut that was GTA IV, it only made sense that the fifth entry would blow everyone away. Get this: the game sold 95 million units across all platforms. That’s more copies sold than units of the Wii. Talk about a mega-hit!

    2. Minecraft

    Photo Credit: Minecraft

    Oh, come on, you knew this game was going to be near the top. In fact, we’re betting you expected it to be the very top. However, this game has sold an absolutely absurd number of units across its various releases. Since its release in 2011, the game has sold 144 million units. From its numerous releases on nearly every system imaginable, the game has been a huge hit. Turns out, we’re all just big kids who want to play with Legos.

    The Best-Selling Game of All Time: Tetris

    Photo Credit: deadlabour.com
    Yup, Tetris is still the highest-selling video game ever. By a tremendous margin. It’s telling that the highest-selling game on the list is also the oldest in the top ten. Released in 1984, the game has sold over 170 million units. The main factors behind the game’s enduring success include its huge release window, having been introduced in 1984 but popularized by a 1989 Game Boy release. The game also saw releases on various home computers and systems and remains a best-seller even today.

    Versions of the ever-popular game are still for sale on phones and game consoles today. Is it lonely at the top, Tetris?

  • Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    From the very first home video game console until today, nothing has defined a system more than its controller. The original Atari 2600 was well-known for its joy-stick controller, and Nintendo has made a name for itself as a controller innovator. Today, we’re taking a look at the ten best video game controllers of all time and what they did for the industry. After all, you’ve got to have a bridge between yourself and the game world that works well!

    Top Ten Video Game Controllers

    10. NES

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    The original NES controller is truly a thing of beauty. The first of its kind, the NES controller defined what a home console controller could look like. The cross-shaped D-Pad was much more comfortable and easier-to-use than the joy sticks that had been common before it. The buttons are clicky, the design is solid, and the build is sturdy. All-in-all, this controller serves as a blueprint for every innovation that comes after it.

    9. SNES

    Photo Credit: SNES Controller

    A huge leap from the NES Controller, the SNES controller featured a rounded dog-bone shape and shoulder buttons. It also included two more face buttons, X and Y, solidifying the cross-shaped face button alignment. This excellent controller paved the way for ever more to follow.

    8. Original PlayStation

    Photo Credit: Nostalgia Fix

    Largely a take-off on the Super Nintendo controller, the original PlayStation controller adds two more shoulder buttons and ergonomic grips. That ergonomic design is largely to thank for the design of nearly every controller that followed! It wouldn’t be until the DualShock released that Sony really defined modern controllers, though!

    7. N64

    Photo Credit: Stone Age Gamer

    The N64 controller’s trident-like shape is truly awful at a glance, and this controller hasn’t held up at all over time. However, it was highly influential at the time. Namely, this controller is remembered for its analog stick. The analog stick was critical for games like Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time to function properly. Navigating a 3D space in a video game wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without the analog stick!

    6. Wiimote

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia

    Speaking of innovative Nintendo controllers, let’s not forget the Wiimote. The Wii was one of the highest-selling consoles of all time, due in large part to its controller. Utilizing motion-controls and a unique remote-style build, the controller appealed to non-gamers. It could be augmented with add-ons like the Nunchuck and Pro Controller for more intense games. Mainly, though, it’s for waggling at your TV.

    5. Mouse and Keyboard

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    This one might seem like a cop-out but bear with us. Some of the greatest video games of all time have been made for PC first and foremost. After all, games have to be made on computers, too! Try playing a MOBA or real-time strategy game on a controller, for instance! In fact, many will argue that first-person shooters are immensely easier to control with mouse and keyboard. There are plenty of people who would use this tried-and-true setup over any gamepad.

    4. Xbox 360

    Photo Credit: Windows Report

    Long considered a golden standard in game controllers, the Xbox 360 controller was a big deal. While other game systems had experimented with wireless controllers, the 360 came out of the box with one. The 360 controller is largely a synthesis of what worked in the DualShock 2 and Xbox controllers. Then, add a dash of wireless control and responsive, analog triggers and you’ve got a fantastic controller. Pretty much every system released after 2005 has had a controller like this available.

    3. DualShock

    Photo Credit: Lukie Games

    After the success of the PlayStation and introduction of 3D games to the system, it was time for a new controller. Sony introduced the DualShock as a follow-up to their original gamepad, and it was a hit. The dual-stick setup and rumble function were both revolutionary. In the modern world, it’s impossible to think of controllers without the influence of this excellent gamepad. After all, Sony’s still using pretty much the same controller two decades later for the PS4.

    2. Joy Cons

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The Nintendo Switch has a pretty incredible suit of technology at its disposable. Chief among the system’s innovations are the Joy Cons. These controllers allow for a modular, shifting style of play that makes the system tick. Whether hooked into the sides for handheld play or detached, these motion-sensitive controllers blow us away. You can even use one on its side if you want to share them with a friend for 2-player! If you’re a fan of more traditional controllers, you can even snap them into the Joy Con Grip.

    The Best Controller: GameCube

    Photo Credit: Video Game Wizards

    The GameCube controller is the longest-running controller in history. Originally debuting in 2001, the controller is a class-act in ergonomics. The C-Stick is a little small and awkward, and the D-Pad is adorably tiny, to be fair. However, the analog triggers and satisfying buttons have stood the test of time. After all, Nintendo is still producing these controllers, and you can even use them on the Nintendo Switch. That’s some serious staying power!

  • Introducing the Vision iNext

    Introducing the Vision iNext

    No, it’s not the newest Apple phone. The Vision iNext is a crazy-looking concept car from BMW that promises to be all-electric. BMW has introduced the concept as a new direction for their “i line” of cars, such as the i3 and i8. This, however, is iNext, and it looks pretty funky. Needless to say, we’re interested in this odd car, but it may not see the light of day. Let’s talk about this cool-looking concept.

    visioninext
    Slashgear

    Vision iNext: Next Big Thing?

    BMW wants the iNext to go into production and be released to mass market by 2021. If it is launched then, it will be the first mass-market BMW with their long-range battery. It will also be the first BMW made with their new vehicle architecture. And, as you can tell from the concept car, that’s an odd architecture indeed.

    The very sci-fi looking concept car is sure to change a bit between now and production. As you can see, it has no side mirrors. Instead, it sports side cameras. However, given regulations regarding vehicle safety in the US, it will almost certainly need to add mirrors to the sides. Additionally, the incredibly thin, blue headlights are likely to be made more visible and standardized to make the vehicle easier to see on the road at night.

    Interior Design

    The interior is exceedingly luxurious, with lush carpets and sleek finish everywhere around. Backseat displays are projected onto surfaces, so you can use everything from books to posters to back-stop the display. The front infotainment system is said to be controlled by smart gesture control, a la the iPhone X. The steering wheel and pedals are also retractable, as the vehicle is intended to have Level 3 self-driving autonomy.

    While it’s still a good while before this car goes into production, it’s definitely striking. The futuristic design shows an eye toward what cars may look like in the upcoming decade. If self-driving, autonomous vehicles become plausible and commonplace, we can foresee some huge changes in the world of transportation. BMW’s concept car might seem far-fetched, but they plan to have it hit market by 2021. Can things change that much in 3 years? We’re excited to find out.

  • Bojack Horseman Season 5 Review Roundup

    Bojack Horseman Season 5 Review Roundup

    The fifth season of Bojack Horseman is upon us, and it’s excellent. If you haven’t caught this show yet, you’re missing out. Following the misadventures of a washed-up actor, the title character, the show deftly handles themes of mental illness and grief. It largely works based on how well it plays its heavy themes off of its silly, anthropomorphic animals and goofy sight gags. Bojack Horseman Seson 5 is no exception and continues the show’s excellent track record of tragedy and comedy in equal measure.

    bojack
    Netflix

    Excellently Acted

    The voice cast is as good as ever in this season, delivering very believable performances. Will Arnett in the title role is excellent as always, equal parts pitiable and loathsome as Bojack. Likewise, Aaron Paul brings all the youthful naivete we love from Todd, and his episodes are a highlight of this season. Allison Brie, Amy Sedaris and Paul F. Tompkins are also in rare form this season, bringing pathos and sympathy for their well-meaning, if flawed, characters.

    Innovative as Always

    In a show well-known for its innovative plot structures and theme episodes, this season has a few standouts. After the excellent third season episode that took place underwater, and the fourth season arc involving Bojack’s mother, we were wondering how the show could follow those moments. In a twist involving an episode-long eulogy, we were shown how. For fear of spoiling it we won’t delve into too much detail. However, the episode lives up to the series’ very best.

    Bojack Horseman Season 5 Bottom Line

    Once again, Netflix has delivered an amazing season of TV. If you’re caught up, go ahead and hop in: the season is streaming now. If you haven’t gotten into the show yet, it’s time to binge watch! All five seasons of Bojack Horseman are streaming now on Netflix. If you’re looking for a show that will make you laugh as much as it will make you look inward at your own life, this is it. You won’t find more fair representation of mental illness and the road to recovery on TV. This show is truly in a class all its own.

  • Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    It’s a good time to be a Switch owner! There are some huge things coming to Nintendo’s hybrid console. On Thursday, we learned all about some of the biggest things coming to Switch in the next few months. We don’t know about you guys, but we’re pretty excited! While there were dozens of big announcements in the Direct, we’re highlighting the biggest ones. These are the ten coolest things from the 9/13 Nintendo Direct!

    Ten Coolest Things Announced in the 9/13 Nintendo Direct

    NES Games Playable Offline

    Photo Credit: CNET
    Along with news about Cloud Saves and “Special Offers” for Nintendo Switch Online users, Nintendo gave more details about the NES games coming to the system. Getting a subscription to the Online service will allow you to download offered NES games for free. You can even play them offline for up to 7 days after you disconnect from the internet. That’s pretty cool! Nintendo also said that they will be constantly updating the games on offer. As we already knew, a lot of the games will also offer online multiplayer!

    NES Controllers for Switch

    Photo Credit: CNET

    What better way to play old NES games than with an NES controller? These delightful, retro-style controllers sync up with your Switch! You’ll be able to play NES games with them, and they charge by slotting onto your Switch like Joy Cons. They retail for $60, but you get two for that price! Awesome!

    Asmodee Tabletop Games

    Photo Credit: Vooks

    The Switch is awesome for parties, and it’s about to get better! Asmodee Games has announced that they are bringing some of their beloved board games to Switch. Notable entries include Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan and the Lord of the Rings LCG! We’re excited to have more ways to play our favorite board games.

    New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    The first 2D Mario platformer coming to Switch is a returning favorite! Bundled with the New Super Luigi Bros expansion, this Deluxe edition also includes new content. Playable characters Nabbit and Toadette bring great abilities for new players. Nabbit can’t be damaged, and Toadette can float and jump out of bottomless pits! For more “hardcore” players, the original characters of Mario, Luigi and Toad are still playable, of course!

    Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered

    Photo Credit: Nerdable

    Fan-favorite Crystal Chronicles is getting remastered for Nintendo Switch! If you missed it on Gamecube 15 years ago, this excellent co-op title is getting another round. The original version required a Link Cable and a Gameboy if you wanted to play co-op. Now, however, the game is playable with Joy Cons, no Link Cable required! We’re excited to relive this awesome adventure.

    Final Fantasy Ports

    Photo Credit: Twitter

    There’s also ample ports of main series Final Fantasy games coming to the Switch. Final Fantasy VII, IX, X and X-2 are coming to the system in 2019. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy XII is getting a full remaster and retail release! It’s a great time to be a Final Fantasy fan!

    Luigi’s Mansion 3

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    After trolling us with the port of Luigi’s Mansion 1 on 3DS, instead of Switch, Nintendo has redeemed itself! That’s right, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is coming to Switch! Details are scarce, but it’s slated for a 2019 release. Really, there’s never been a better time to own a Switch, with all the great releases coming in 2019!

    New Switch Bundles

    Photo Credit: Variety

    Among other awesome news, we also learned that there will be two new bundles in November for some of the biggest Switch games. First, there will be a Super Smash Bros bundle coming out with exclusive Joy Cons and dock art. It releases November 2nd and includes a download code for Smash. The game won’t be available until December 7th, though, so it’s a pre-purchase code until then.

    The other bundle is a Pokemon Let’s Go edition, that comes with either Pikachu or Eevee editions of the game. The Joy Cons are Pikachu and Eevee colored, and the two cute monsters adorn the dock art!

    Isabelle Coming to Smash

    Photo Credit: VentureBeat

    Nintendo seemingly confirmed Animal Crossing for Switch, only to reveal it was a trailer for Isabelle to join the roster in Smash. She appears to be a unique character with her own moveset, instead of an echo of Villager. She joins the already-packed game along with Ridley, Simon Belmont, Inklings and many more newcomers.

    Animal Crossing Switch

    Photo Credit: GameSpot

    The cherry on top of this delicious sundae was the announcement of Animal Crossing Switch. The highly anticipated release was given a release window of “2019,” which isn’t a lot. However, a confirmation is a lot more than we were expecting, so we’re happy to see it! After all, Animal Crossing is one of Nintendo’s biggest series!

  • Coolest Things Apple Showed off at their Gather Round Event

    Coolest Things Apple Showed off at their Gather Round Event

    Apple is a big name for a good reason: their products are as much a fashion statement as they are excellent technology. As such, it makes sense that people get excited whenever they announce new products. The Gather Round event, held on Wednesday, was no exception! Apple announced a ton of awesome new things and we’re excited to show you. Today, we’re looking at the coolest things Apple showed off at their Gather Round Event!

    Coolest Things Apple Showed off at their Gather Round Event

    Products

    Apple Watch Series 4

    Photo Credit: Business Insider

    The Apple Watch Series 4 has been rumored for some time, but now it’s a reality. This newest iteration features a larger screen, thinner body and better haptic feedback. It sports a gorgeous display and a ton of health monitoring features. We’re definitely excited for this one!

    iPhone XS

    Photo Credit: Apple

    The next big announcement was the next entry in the iPhone X family, the iPhone XS. This one is touted as having IP68 water ingress rating, making it more waterproof than the X. It also is said to have stronger glass and better wireless charging capabilities.

    iPhone XS Max

    Photo Credit: Digital Trends

    Another announcement followed, the iPhone XS Max. This model is significantly larger than the X and XS. It has a 6.5 inch display with a great resolution and tons of pixels per inch. Both the iPhone XS and XS Max are sporting A12 Bionic processors, a step up from the A11 found in the iPhone X.

    The two phones will be available on September 21st, and they retail for $999 and $1099 respectively.

    iPhone XR

    Photo Credit: Apple

    The iPhone XR is the other big thing from Apple this year. The XR is the “affordable” iPhone X model, coming in at $749. It also boasts six colors, making it a flashier phone than its big siblings. To cut costs, the phone has a few slightly less impressive specs than the iPhone X. For one, it sports an LCD screen that isn’t as striking as the X’s OLED. Also, it doesn’t offer 3D Touch, instead using long-touch haptic feedback.

    Hardware Improvements

    A12 Bionic Processor

    Photo Credit: The Verge

    The A12 Bionic processor that’s shipping in the iPhone XS models is a thing of beauty. It sports a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU and special AI processing power. Heralded as “the smartest chip ever put in a smartphone,” it’s hard to argue with specs like that. This is a chip that is truly futureproofed and ready for AI functionality.

    XS and XS Max Camera

    Photo Credit: Phone Arena

    Another hardware overhaul in the XS line comes via the cameras. The sensor has been made larger in the rear-facing, 12MP camera. The 7MP front-facing camera has received a faster sensor, to boot. The cameras are now supported by Apple’s True Tone flash, making pictures look less washed out. Additional improvements include blur adjustment. Now you can even add Portrait Mode to pictures you’ve already taken! That’s pretty neat.

    Faster Face ID, Computational Photography

    Photo Credit: OSXDaily

    These two updates go hand-in-hand. Apple’s proprietary Face ID is awesome, but it could stand to be a little faster. Apple aims to use the new tech we discussed in their cameras to make Face ID faster and better at recognizing users. Computational photography, aided by the A12 chip, will likely make Face ID even better than before. That’s not to mention how excellent it looks when applied to photographs! The iPhone XS line is shaping up to be one of the smartest smartphones ever.

    Other Announcements

    iPhone Upgrade Program

    Photo Credit: Apple Insider

    For those who love to be bleeding edge but don’t want to spend a ton, there’s the iPhone Upgrade Program. Apple announced that there will be a pre-approval process for those looking to upgrade to iPhone XS phones. You can also trade-in your old iPhone or Apple products to get a credit towards the new phone! Every year, you can opt to upgrade by paying off what remains on your old phone. It’s a great program for those who love to stay up-to-date!

    iOS 12

    Photo Credit: Tech Radar

    After being announced in June, iOS 12 entered a very long beta period. However, it’s finally ready for a full release! It hits live servers on September 17th. If you’re curious, it boasts a ton of performance improvements and Siri updates. It’s a very modern OS, and we’re excited for it to go live. Now we can even use our iPhones as a tape measure! Hooray!

    MacOS Mojave

    Photo Credit: Mashable

    The other big announcement from Apple was that MacOS Mojave will finally go live September 24th. This new OS includes tons of great updates, including a system-wide Dark Mode and Dynamic Wallpaper. It also will sport more apps from iOS!

  • iPhone XR May be “Budget,” But it’s a Huge Deal

    iPhone XR May be “Budget,” But it’s a Huge Deal

    The Apple Gather Round event has finally arrived, and we know have details about the latest gadgets. The biggest news was probably the iPhone XS line, but we’re just as stoked for the “low budget” alternatively. Named the iPhone XR, this colorful line of iPhone X-style phones looks like the perfect compromise of luxury and affordability. After all, why not have both?

    iphonexr1
    Apple

    Design

    The iPhone XR features an LED screen, making it much less expensive than the iPhone X. The X has a gorgeous, and expensive, OLED screen that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. By contrast, the XR’s LED screen doesn’t look bad, it just looks like a phone from the past few years instead of something from the future. Also notable is the lack of a traditional headphone jack, the flashy, colorful back and glass construction.

    This phone, like all of Apple’s recent releases, is waterproof and supports wireless charging. This phone also sports slightly bigger bezels than the iPhone X, but not nearly as much as the iPhone 8. Additionally, like the X, this phone has no home button and no Touch ID, instead relying on Face ID.

    Specs

    Running under the hood is an A12 Bionic chip, which Apple touts as the “most advanced chip” ever seen in a smartphone. We’re inclined to believe them, because this thing is awesome. The phone’s performance is blisteringly fast, and we’ve been consistently impressed by the snappy processor. Games look incredible, running smoothly with high framerate and great resolution.

    The camera, though there is but one, is awesome. It’s not quite what you’d get from a multi-lens setup, but the one camera at play here is a 12MP. You can even put pictures into a digitally-created portrait mode that looks pretty good!

    iPhone XR: Bottom Line

    The iPhone XR will be releasing later this year, on October 26th. It will retail for $750 for the 64GB version, which makes it much more affordable than the iPhone XS. If you’ve been wanting to jump into the iPhone X family but not sure if you could afford it, this is the phone for you.

    High-tech, fast performance with an excellent screen and a lower price of entry? Yeah, this is a great phone. Apple’s made a must-have phone an affordable phone, too. You simply can’t beat that.

  • Biggest Changes in the October Update for Windows 10

    Biggest Changes in the October Update for Windows 10

    As of late, Microsoft has been releasing twice-yearly updates for Windows 10. The ubiquitous operating system last received a major overhaul in April with the previous update. Now, the October Update for Windows 10 is right around the corner and we’re eager to see what it brings. As such, today we’re rounding up the biggest changes coming in the October Update for Windows 10.

    Biggest Changes in the October Update for Windows 10

    windows10

    Clipboard History

    The first notable change coming is the clipboard history. Accessed by hitting the window key and V at the same time, it holds a list of your recent cut and copied items. This is a big plus for writers and those who often work in word processors. Also coming is a cloud sync for your clipboard, allowing you to copy and paste across Windows devices. Neat! Well, we think. It might be totally superfluous.

    SwiftKey Keyboard

    If you’re using a Windows tablet or Surface device, you’re going to love this. The SwiftKey keyboard, the fast, responsive Microsoft touchscreen keyboard is getting a big update. Also, prepare to see some pretty crazy designs for dual-screen laptops.

    Dark Mode

    Microsoft apps, like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, will be able to be run in Dark Mode soon. Much like the changes coming to the new MacOS, the October Update for Windows 10 will include Dark Mode. For those who work at night, or just prefer the softer look of Dark Mode, this is a huge boon. No more blinding yourself with stark white apps with no Dark Mode options!

    Less Restarting

    You turn on your computer, and you’re in a hurry. There’s a deadline for a project, or you’re rushing to join your friends online for a game. Whatever it may be, you need your computer to boot up quickly. However, you forgot to restart for an update last night. So, congratulations, you get to sit here and watch your PC update for twenty minutes. Microsoft is aiming to alleviate this with “smart update windows.” The system will attempt to learn your pattern so that it knows the safest times to restart for updates without interrupting you.

    Screenshot Tool

    The Snip and Sketch tool is the newest take on screenshots, courtesy of Microsoft. This tool is not quite a replacement for the Snipping Tool, but it’s being pushed pretty heavily as the way to do screenshots. While the Snip and Sketch tool is useful in some ways, it’s not necessarily better than the Snipping Tool. Pressing prt sc can now be hotkeyed to open the Snip and Sketch, which allows you to draw the area you want to capture