Sony’s canceling a PS5 launch feature because we don’t appreciate each other enough

Hot off the back of the latest PS5 Beta which introduces a whole heap of new features, Sony is canceling something else. Its hyped launch feature, Accolades is being put out to pasture because it doesn’t get used enough.

Here’s the official blurb, first spotted by Push Square: 

In fall of 2022, the Accolades feature on PlayStation 5 will no longer be supported. The feature hasn’t seen the level of usage we anticipated, so we are refocusing our efforts. We encourage the community to continue to send positive messages to one another.

So what the heck even is Accolades? Chances are you didn’t use it, after all. Accolades were launched as a kind of achievement/reward system for multiplayer games and members of the PlayStation community. The idea was to help spread a little positivity when you played with a complete stranger, giving them an Accolade. You can’t send them to friends, and they’re anonymous. Accolades you receive are displayed on your profile as a virtual badge of honor showing you’re a good egg.

The idea is sound, lord knows it’s nice to see any tool help to spread positivity. But it seems we don’t appreciate each other enough for it to live on. And that’s a real shame.

Instead of feel-good rewards, Sony is in the process of introducing the PlayStation Stars program. This looks initially like a PlayStation take on Microsoft Rewards, the program that gives you points for completing quests, and achievements, or even just spending money on the Xbox. Sony’s initial plans suggest a similar kind of reward scheme for PS4 and PS5 players, along with “digital collectibles” which sound suspiciously like NFTs.

These are just some of the changes taking place in the PlayStation world right now. Recently, of course, the PS Plus program went through its own overhaul, introducing new tiers and folding in cloud gaming.

via Push Square

The post Sony’s canceling a PS5 launch feature because we don’t appreciate each other enough appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/DkBl2C0
via IFTTT

VMware’s Fusion Tech Preview delivers Windows 11 support to Apple silicon Macs

VMware is looking for your help in the form of a new Tech Preview of its latest version of Fusion. The new edition brings Windows 11 support for Macs running Intel and Apple Silicon. Fusion 2H22 will allow users to run Windows 11, Linux, and more on their Mac through virtualization.

For the virtualization to work with Windows 11, WMware had to create a Virtual Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Since this module is a requirement for Windows 11, VMware created a virtual TPM with fast encryption, an auto-generating key with storage handled through Keychain. Speed is important for virtualization, so the new Fusion offers a “fast-encryption” mode that only encrypts the most critical parts of a virtual machine. This encryption method isn’t unique to just Windows 11 but can be used on all virtualizations that Fusion offers support for.

Fusion 2H22 also supports 2D graphics with a WDDM driver that allows resolutions up to 4K. Although there are graphics and network drivers in the current release, VMware states that its vmxnet3 networking driver is unavailable in the current build. The vmxnet3 networking driver is a custom driver, offering highly efficient data transfer rates and increased speeds with low latency. As mentioned prior, this software not only offers support for Windows but also other operating systems as well. For the time being, Linux will support 3D graphics with OpenGL 4.3 + GLES 3.1 using Mesa version 22.11 or later.

To keep things simple, VMware will offer up just one .dmg file that will be compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. As mentioned prior, this is still a tech preview, which means that there can be issues with the software. There are also known limitations, like only being able to support M1 virtual machines on M1 units like the MacBook Pro 14 and 16. The same goes for Intel virtual machines only running on Intel Mac systems. If this intrigues you, you can download the file from here.

---

Source: VMware

The post VMware’s Fusion Tech Preview delivers Windows 11 support to Apple silicon Macs appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/FmubNkI
via IFTTT

Android 13 Beta is now live for the Google Pixel 6a

Despite only being out for less than a week, the Google Pixel 6a is getting a welcome update. Google has released the Android 13 Beta, which is now available for download on the Pixel 6a. The update isn’t a major one when it comes to looks, but it does bring a wealth of new features and minor cosmetic changes.

If you are curious about updating your handset, you can do so in a few ways. First, you’ll want to head to the Android Beta Program website. If you log into your Google account, it will show which devices are eligible. Remember, if you have previously enrolled in an older beta program like Android 12, you must enroll again to update to Android 13. If your device is supported, opt-in, and you will receive beta updates. It is recommended to back up any information before starting this process as beta software can have issues.

The second method is manually updating your device to the beta build. You can download the latest system image from Google and flash it to your device. Using Android Flash Tool, you can download and install Android 13 Beta 4.1 to your Pixel 6a. You can head to Google’s downloads page for further details. If you need a full tutorial on how to install Android 13, please be sure to check out our complete guide. Remember, any time you feel like you want to leave the beta, you can do so by opting out. Be warned that leaving the beta will erase your data from your phone, so again, be sure to have a backup of your information before opting out.

So what’s new in Android 13? There are plenty of changes, so you’ll want to check out the Android 13 guide. But to name a few, the OS gets visual enhancements with themed icons, support for large screens and tablets, privacy and security updates, and more. If you’re not adventurous and won’t be installing Android 13, you should at least update your phone with the first OTA that arrived on the first day of the Pixel 6a’s retail release. The OTA brought minor improvements like bug fixes and upped the Android security patch level to June 2022.

If you are interested in purchasing a Google Pixel 6a, hit the links below. If you’re on the fence, check out our in-depth review.

Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a is a powerful smartphone coming in at under $500.

Purchase from Best Buy

Purchase from Amazon

---

Source: Google

The post Android 13 Beta is now live for the Google Pixel 6a appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/VT8uGPE
via IFTTT

The MacBook Pro 14 and 16 are up to $300 off at Best Buy

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop in time for back-to-school season, the MacBook Pro 14- and 16-inch models are currently discounted by as much as $300 over at Best Buy, which is one of the biggest deals we’ve seen on the laptops recently. It wasn’t that long ago that all these models were $200 off, but this is a noticeably bigger discount, and if you didn’t take advantage of it before, now is the perfect time to do it.

These are the latest models of the MacBook Pro, powered by the M1 Pro chip, which has a 10-core CPU and up to a 16-core GPU. The 16-core GPU models, specifically, are the ones with a $300 discount, while the 14-inch variant with a 14-core GPU is only $200 off. In addition to that, the laptops include 16GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, so you’re going to have a very premium experience across the board, and plenty of space for apps and files in the coming school years.

MacBook Pro (M1 Pro) - $300 off

The MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro processor is a very powerful, but surprisingly efficient laptop that can deliver a ton of performance while still having great battery life, all paired with a phenomenal display.

See MacBook Pro 14

See MacBook Pro 16

Beyond the internal specs, the MacBook Pro 14- and 16-inch models have fantastic displays, too. The resolution is 3024 x 1964 on the 14-inch model, or 3456 x 2234 on the 16-inch version, which means they ahve the same exact pixel density. These are also Liquid Retina XDR displays, as Apple calls them. This means they’re using mini-LED technology to deliver very high contrast ratios and maximum brightness up to a whopping 1600 nits, plus they have a smooth refresh rate up to 120Hz, which can adjust on the fly.

There is a notch on the display, but it also makes way for a great 1080p webcam that’s very well suited for video calls. Aside from that, the ports include three Thunderbolt 4 connections, HDMI, an SD card reader, a headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones, and MagSafe charging, which is faster than ever and adds a degree of safety since you can pull on the cable without dragging your laptop to the ground.

It’s true that Apple might be introducing a new version of the MacBook Pro later this year, but those won’t be discounted anytime soon after launch, and the current models will serve you very well for years to come. This is a great opportunity to buy them.

The post The MacBook Pro 14 and 16 are up to $300 off at Best Buy appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/5Boa8lU
via IFTTT

Samsung’s Repair Mode will keep your data safe by hiding it from repair technicians

Samsung will release an update for the Galaxy S21 series that will allow users to safeguard their data when sent in for repair. The new ‘Repair Mode’ will retain sensitive information on the phone but will lock it out, making it inaccessible to technicians.

Samsung’s Repair Mode will allow users to selectively block off data when sending a phone in for repair. This will allow the technicians access to phones but at the same time gives users peace of mind. This mode can not only be handy for repairs sent to Samsung but it can be used even when having your device serviced by a third-party repair shop.

Repair Mode can be enabled by heading into the Settings menu and then going into the Battery and Device Care section. Once the mode is enabled, the phone will reboot, blocking access to important and personal information. In Repair Mode, the phone will still retain access to all stock applications. So, in essence, it will look like it was reset back to its factory state.

Once the repair is complete, the owner of the device can regain access to the data by either using their PIN number or fingerprint. As mentioned previously, Samsung intends to offer the new mode for the Galaxy S21 first, and then it will expand it to other devices in the future. This feature comes as no surprise, as Samsung has previously released apps like Knox and Knox Vault that aim to protect a user’s security and privacy.

Repair Mode seems like a great idea, and it could change the way repairs are performed going forward. But currently, many companies request that data be backed up, and the phone wiped to factory settings before getting it serviced. Samsung’s own instructions also currently state this. So while this process might not change overnight, it is certainly a move in the right direction.

---

Source: Samsung Korea
Via: SamMobile

The post Samsung’s Repair Mode will keep your data safe by hiding it from repair technicians appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/adsn1i0
via IFTTT

YouTube Shorts can now be easily created from existing long-form videos

Short format media has been dominating lately, with bite-sized and easily digestible clips gaining a resurgence thanks to apps like TikTok. Because of this, YouTube introduced its take on short-form videos called Shorts, encouraging users to experiment with shorter media on its platform. From now on, YouTube will make it easier for creators to make Shorts, allowing them to take existing content in their library, edit it, and upload their new creations to YouTube.

Creators can head to the YouTube Studio app and choose from any long-form video in their library, select up to 60 seconds, and create Shorts. Users will have access to all of the same tools found in the web-based version of YouTube Studio, like the timeline editor, filters, music, and more. Furthermore, creators can add additional footage as needed from their gallery if it does not meet the 60-second requirement. Creators will also be able to fill in content by using the Shorts camera. Best of all, Shorts created using existing videos on YouTube will have links to the original videos. The feature is currently rolling out to iOS and Android devices.

YouTube Creators!

We’re beginning to roll out the ability to make Shorts from a VOD on iOS & Android

Shorts created from VODs will link back to the original long-form videos so that people watching your Short can see the original video too#YouTube #YouTubeGaming #Shorts pic.twitter.com/NUPp0R9j1Q

— Jake Curtis (@JakeCurtis) July 28, 2022

While short-form videos are having a moment, flourishing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, other platforms like Instagram are struggling to capitalize. Recently, Instagram released a new change to its feed, displaying full-screen images and videos. Unfortunately, this change didn’t go down well, as users began to complain en masse, requiring Instagram’s CEO to address the changes. As a result, the company eventually back-peddled, reverting the feed to its previous incarnation.  Despite this, Instagram has committed itself to evolving and pursuing a future that is leaning more toward videos and away from its roots of still images. It’s hard to tell how this will all pan out, but one thing is sure, today’s trend could quickly and abruptly end as soon as tomorrow.

---

Source: YouTube Help 

The post YouTube Shorts can now be easily created from existing long-form videos appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/43OnBrV
via IFTTT

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series could see Snapdragon chips in more regions

Samsung has historically used both Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and the in-house Exynos chips in its flagship phones over the years. That’s also true for the company’s Galaxy S22 series which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in markets like the US, while many of the units destined for other markets like Europe got Exynos 2200. India got a Snapdragon chip in the Samsung Galaxy S22 series for the first time, and it looks like future Galaxy S series flagships will carry a Snapdragon chip in more regions as the company is strengthening its partnership with Qualcomm. The collaboration between companies involves widening the usage of “Snapdragon platforms for future premium Samsung Galaxy products, including smartphones, PCs, tablets, extended reality, and more.”

Qualcomm’s press release for the media doesn’t explicitly mention the Galaxy S23 flagship or the regions in which it’ll carry the Snapdragon chip, but the company’s CEO Cristiano Amon made it quite clear during the earnings call that more regions will see Snapdragon-powered Galaxy flagship products — specifically S23 and beyond — as a result of this multiyear agreement.

A multi-year agreement to power more Galaxy flagships globally

Qualcomm head Amon shared additional info to add more clarity to the matter. Here’s a transcript of the statement shared by the Qualcomm head while addressing some questions during the earnings call:

Michael, thank you for the question. Yes. Look, it’s — besides the record in auto and IoT revenues, the Samsung agreement is probably my favorite thing in the quarter. And here’s the way I would describe the growth opportunity for the chipset business.

We would average over the many years of this relationship, if you remember, about 40% share versus their in-house solution with the Galaxy S22, which was prior to signing this agreement. Our share climb up to about 75%. And now we’re announcing a multiyear agreement to power the Samsung Galaxy smartphones globally.

So very excited about that. It provides incredible stability for our mobile business. I cannot think of anything better to validate our strategy to be focused on share of wallet in premium and high tier than this agreement.

So very, very exciting. I remember — I would like to remember you all that, that’s a very good trade. When I think about the silicon content of a Snapdragon 8 Series, at least equal or better than revenue and earnings of 5 modem for another OEM.

Now the second part of this multiyear agreement is the opportunity for growth tied up with our diversification. So it expands beyond Galaxy smartphones to include Galaxy books, Windows PCs, Galaxy tablets, future extended reality devices and other devices. So a very significant agreement, very excited and really the companies are much closer together.

Samsung isn’t giving up Exynos though

The fact that Samsung splits the shipments of its flagship devices across two different chipset doesn’t sit well the consumers. That’s because there’s often a clear difference in performance between Snapdragon and the Exynos-powered variants of the same phone. We ended up testing the Galaxy S22 Ultra powered by both chipsets, only to find out that the Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is way better than the Exynos. The new partnership between the two companies may result in the arrival of Snapdragon-powered Galaxy flagships in more regions, but it doesn’t gurantee it for all buyers in every market.

This could mean the company will continue to plant its in-house chips inside its flagship phones in select markets. A better — perhaps a long term plan — would be lay low for sometime and come back stronger with better chipsets. If anything, this “multiyear” partnership gives more time to invest and make meaningful improvements to its SoC. The company can also leverage its recent partnership with AMD to produce morre powerful mobile GPUs. The idea of seeing more Qualcomm-powered Galaxy flagships is sure to put a smile on many faces, but it’ll be interesting to see the in-house chip making a comeback with in the future with more raw power and features.

---

Source: Qualcomm, Earnings call transcript

Featured image: Samsung Galaxy S22

The post The Samsung Galaxy S23 series could see Snapdragon chips in more regions appeared first on XDA.

from XDA https://ift.tt/t3gJzj4
via IFTTT