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mardi 13 septembre 2022

Here are the new emoji that could be coming to your phone with Unicode 15.0

The Unicode Consortium has made things official and unveiled to the public Unicode 15.0. Unicode 15.0 will include 20 new emoji that will bring the total to 4,489 characters. There is quite a difference from last year when Unicode 14.0 had a total number of 3,633 characters.

Out of the 20 new emoji, the one that was apparently most requested by users was the plain pink heart. In addition to the pink heart, the new release includes new musical instruments like the maracas and the flute. Those that want to add a little more spice to their expressions will be able to deliver the shaking face emoji or maybe the rightward or leftward pushing hands. You can see some of the new additions mentioned in the image below.

Unicode 15.0

As far as the full list of new emoji, there is:

  • Shaking Face
  • Light Blue Heart
  • Grey Heart
  • Pink Heart
  • Rightwards Pushing Hand
  • Leftwards Pushing Hand
  • Moose
  • Donkey
  • Wing
  • Goose
  • Jellyfish
  • Ginger
  • Hyacinth
  • Pea Pod
  • Folding Hand Fan
  • Hair Pick
  • Maracas
  • Flute
  • Khanda
  • Wireless

In addition to the 20 new emoji, there are also an additional 11 emoji added that are sequences. Ten of these will be dedicated to skin tones for the Rightwards Pushing Hand and Leftwards Pushing Hand, while another will be for a “zero-width joiner (ZWJ) sequence” that will allow the combination of two emoji to form one, which is for the new “Black Bird” emoji. Now, this doesn’t automatically mean that we will see these characters appear on our emoji keyboards. Emojipedia explains that Unicode 15.0 and Emoji 15.0 are different, with the latter including “sequences where two or more code points can be combined to display a single emoji, while the former only includes the list of standalone emoji codepoints.” For example, the release of Emoji 12.1 and 13.1 only included sequences despite the former and latter released in Unicode adding more. So, seeing the new emoji in Unicode 15.0, what’s your favorite one?

Source: Emojipedia

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Apple Watch Ultra: These are the official colors and band options

At its Far Out event, Apple officially unveiled the highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra alongside the Watch Series 8 and Watch SE 2. With the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple officially enters the league of rugged smartwatches. Unlike the other two models, the Ultra is geared towards athletes and adventurers, featuring a strong aerospace-grade titanium case and a flat Retina display with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. Usually, rugged smartwatches don’t offer many color and customization options. This isn’t the case with the Apple Watch Ultra, which comes in various colors for its band options.

The Apple Watch Ultra comes in only one casing material and casing color

Titanium is the only casing option available for the Apple Watch Ultra — unlike the Apple Series 8, which has aluminum and stainless steel casings. Titanium is more durable and rugged than aluminum and stainless steel, so there being no other casing options makes sense. You also don’t get any other styling or color on this casing. The casing that Apple sells has orange highlights on the digital crown and the side button, and that’s the only choice you get — you can’t opt for any other highlight either.

Official band styles and band colors for the Apple Watch Ultra

Apple has introduced three brand new bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band — for the Apple Wath Ultra. Each band is designed for different outdoor activities and adventures. Note that you can buy the bands separately as well.

Trail Loop

Apple Watch Ultra with Trail Loop in yellow-beige Apple Watch Ultra with Trail Loop in Blue-grey Apple Watch Ultra with Trail Lopp in black-grey

The Trail Loop band is designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners. Made with a soft, double-layer nylon weave, it’s the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. It has a convenient pull tab that lets you make quick and easy adjustments for optimal fit. The Trail Loop band is available in three colorways: Blue/Grey, Yellow/Beige, and Black/Grey.

    Apple Watch Ultra with Trail Loop
    The Apple Watch Ultra with Trail Loop comes in Blue/Grey, Black/Grey, and Yellow/Beige colorways.

Alpine Loop

Apple Watch Ultra with Alpine loop in orange Apple Watch Ultra with Alpine Loop in green Apple Watch Ultra with Alpine Loop in white color

The Alpine Loop features a rugged design and is aimed at explorers. It sports two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process without stitching and has a titanium G-hook for a secure fit. Color options include Starlight, Green, and Orange.

    Apple Watch Ultra with Alpine Loop
    The Apple Watch Ultra with Alpine Loop is available in Green, Orange, and Starlight colors.

Ocean Band

Apple Watch Ultra with Ocean Band in Midnight color Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band in Yellow Apple Watch Ultra Ocean band in white

Designed for high-speed water sports and recreational diving, the Ocean Band features a flexible fluoroelastomer with a tubular geometry that stretches to provide a perfect fit. The titanium buckle and spring-loaded loop keep the strap securely in place during extreme water sports. Additionally, the watch band has an optional tail that allows it to be worn over a wetsuit.

    Apple Watch Ultra with Ocean Band
    The Apple Watch Ultra with Ocean Band is available in Yellow, White, and Midnight colors.

The Apple Watch Ultra is hands down the best Apple Watch money can buy. It’s good to see Apple giving multiple band options and colors for its latest rugged smartwatch. You’re currently limited to the official options, but that will likely change as third-party bands become available soon. It is important to note that bands designed for the Apple Watch Series and SE models will not fit the Apple Watch Ultra due to the size difference. Looking to buy the cheaper Apple watch? Check out the best Apple Watch Series 8 deals.

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Steam Deck prototypes give us a closer look at what could have been

The Steam Deck is a big old hector, but surprisingly comfortable to use for something so large. The final form of Valve’s first handheld could have been much different, though. A standard part of engineering a new piece of hardware is the prototype stage, and we can now see a selection of those all together.

It comes via Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais, part of the Steam Deck team. Apparently, as part of the launch event in Asia, Valve wheeled out some of its work-in-progress designs. And there’s one, in particular, that looks quite striking.

There’s a distinct overall form factor going on throughout, with the sloped front corners present on each. But the central device is arguably the most striking. It almost looks like a Steam Controller with a display in the middle. While arguably the best looking, it clearly didn’t hit the marks Valve was looking for in terms of ergonomics. It was much flatter, but ultimately seems to have played its part.

Given the size of the Steam Deck, the ergonomics were always going to be crucial. The fact that the final design essentially has a handle on each side makes it easy to hold. Compare this to the Nintendo Switch, which personally gives me serious aches in my hands and wrists with its much flatter design. So I think Valve made the right call on the comfort front.

It’s always neat to see this type of product journey, though, and by all accounts, Valve has struck gold with the final Steam Deck. Even as production is ramping up the company is still in the process of shipping pre-orders around seven months after it began. There are now over 5,000 verified playable titles, and Steam OS continues to improve almost weekly. It’s a good time to be a handheld gamer.

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Google Japan is giving away Pixel 7-themed potato chips to 2,000 lucky winners

Google is set to announce its new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro on October 6. While we wait for the event, Google has offered some interesting tidbits leading up to the date, like the name of its next-generation processor, the Tensor G2, and giving us a better look at its colors. But, if you’re a Google Pixel fan in Japan, things are about to get a bit more interesting, as it looks like Google is offering official Pixel 7-themed potato chips to 2,000 lucky winners.

As you can see from the image, the bag is carefully designed to resemble the Pixel 7 smartphones, even featuring its unique camera visor. The promotion will offer four different flavors of chips coinciding with the official colors of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. There is Snow Cheese, Hazel Onion, Salty Lemon, and Obsidian Pepper. The official Pixel 7 Pro colors that will be offered will be Snow, Hazel, and Obsidian. For the Pixel 7, you will also be able to choose from Snow and Obsidian, but you’ll also have the option for Lemongrass.

Google Pixel potato chips in four delicious flavors

If you are located in Japan or know someone in the country, you might want to enter or have that person enter on your behalf. The promotion will be open for a limited time, taking place from September 13 until September 23. After that point, if you are a winner, you will be shipped a set of chips to enjoy. The first set will be shipped out towards the end of September, while the second batch will be shipped during the beginning of October. To enter, you will need to submit your name, nickname, address, email address, and lastly a phone number. You will also need to give consent that you are entering the promotion and agreeing to Google’s terms and conditions. For those entering, good luck.

Source: Google Store Japan
Via: 9to5Google

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These are the best Apple Watch Series 8 deals right now in 2022

In addition to the iPhone 14 and the Pro models, Apple also announced a trio of new watches at its “Far Out” event. As expected, we got the latest Apple Watch Series 8, a more rugged-looking Apple Watch Ultra, and a new affordable model dubbed the Apple Watch SE. All these watches look great on paper, but we’ll find out soon if they deserve a spot in our best Apple watch collection.

Unlike the new iPhones, the new smartwatches are already up for grabs, meaning you can order one right now and get your hands on it. In this post, we’ll take a quick look at the best Apple Watch Series 8 deals for those who are interested in buying the regular variant of the watch:

The new Apple Watch Series 8 is available to purchase in two sizes — 41mm and 45mm, both of which come with either aluminum or stainless steel finish. The new watch starts at $399 for the GPS and $499 for the cellular version. You can visit the links mentioned below to find the best prices for this watch online right now:

Apple Store

Apple’s online store continues to remain one of the best places to buy all Apple products. The new Apple Watch Series 8 is also available to purchase from Apple’s online store in all sizes and finishes. The best thing about buying it directly from Apple is that you can either deliver it to your doorstep or pick it up from the nearest Apple store. Apple is currently offering three months of Apple Fitness+ with each purchase of Series 8 smartwatches. Additionally, you can also trade in your existing Apple Watch to get up to $150 in credit.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    While purchasing the new Apple Watch Series 8 directly from the company's online store, you can choose to either pay the full amount upfront or opt for a 24-months installment.

Amazon

The new Apple Watch Series 8 is also available on Amazon. You can pre-order the watch right now and get it delivered when it goes on sale on September 16. Amazon isn’t offering any discounts on the new watch but we suggest you keep an eye on this listing as Amazon products are frequently discounted throughout the year.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    Amazon has both the GPS as well as the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 8 up for grabs right now.

Best Buy

Best Buy is also carrying the new Apple Watch Series 8 smartwatch. In fact, this particular retailer has a lot of finishes on offer for both the GPS as well as Cellular models. Unlike Amazon, Best Buy is offering a free Apple Fitness+ subscription with each purchase of this watch. In fact, you get four months of Apple Fitness+, which is better than Apple’s three months bundle on its online store. You also get the option to trade in your existing Apple Watch to save some money on your purchase.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    You can choose to pay the full price for the Apple Watch Series 8 upfront or get 12-month financing for the watch, starting at $33.25/month instead while purchasing from Best Buy.

Walmart

Walmart has also listed the Apple Watch Series 8 on its online store. However, you can only buy it in the aluminum finish as the stainless steel models aren’t listed. Walmart isn’t offering any discounts on the watch but it gives you the added convenience of in-store pickups, just like Best Buy.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    Walmart is offering the aluminum variant of the Apple Watch Series 8 in three colors. You also get the option to pick up your unit directly from a Walmart store near you.

Verizon

Verizon is one of the few major carriers offering the Apple Watch Series 8. You can buy the watch in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, and Verizon is also offering it in both aluminum and stainless steel finishes. You can choose to pay the full price of the watch upfront or finance it for 36 months. Verizon is offering some trade-in discounts for the watch and up to $250 on your second Apple Watch Series 8 purchase from the carrier.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    Verizon is offering some good trade-in deals on the Apple Watch Series 8 right now. Notably, you can also buy another unit of the same watch and get up to $250 on it, which is fantastic.

AT&T

AT&T is also offering the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 8 in both aluminum and stainless steel finishes. You can choose to pay the full price for it upfront or pay $22.23 per month with an active plan. AT&T isn’t offering any discounts on the watch but you can get some good trade-in deals right now.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    AT&T is offering some good trade-in deals with which you can save big on your Apple Watch Series 8 purchase.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is carrying only the 45mm variant of the Apple Watch Series 8 in aluminum finish. However, you can get it in different colors, which is good. T-Mobile is also offering up to $200 on the second variant if you buy two units together.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    You can either pay full price or make monthly payments for up to 24- months.

We’ll continue scouting the market for more deals and add them to this post once they are available. In the meantime, you can browse through some of the best bands and cases to figure out ways to customize your Apple Watch.

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lundi 12 septembre 2022

Twitter Blue users can now access revamped Spaces featuring podcasts

After announcing a revamp to Twitter Spaces back in late August, the feature was only available to select users. Now, Twitter has opened the feature to Twitter Blue subscribers using an iOS device, allowing them to experience podcasts, audio stations, and Spaces audio by testing the feature through Twitter Blue Labs.

When Twitter Spaces first launched, it was an audio platform that allowed users to have live audio conversations. There was a host and sometimes even co-hosts, and an unlimited number of people could occupy the space. In August, Twitter decided to repurpose the space to house its podcast ambitions. The company redesigned the Spaces tab by introducing personalized hubs with different content themes like music, news, sports, and other options. The firm also added live and recorded content and still managed to include the original Spaces audio platform.

Twitter Spaces for Twitter Blue

What makes Spaces interesting is that Twitter utilizes user data to offer podcast recommendations. Listeners will have the option to like and dislike content to improve their listening experience. In August, Twitter’s research showed that nearly 45 percent of its users listened to podcasts. This could make its new venture into hosting podcasts extremely lucrative if it can properly bolster the platform.

So, for those that are Twitter Blue subscribers on iOS, you can now enjoy the new Spaces and listen to curated audio and podcasts by joining the experimental feature in Twitter Blue Labs. In addition to Spaces, currently, Labs offers Blue users the ability to upload longer and higher resolution videos and set up an NFT profile picture. Users that sign up for Twitter Blue will also gain access to ad-free articles, a bookmarks folder, custom app icons, themes, an undo tweet feature and more. Twitter Blue is available to those in Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. While the price used to be $3.99 per month, it was recently raised to $4.99 per month.

Source: Twitter Blue (Twitter)

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Instagram is internally testing “Gifts,” a new monetization tool for its creators

Sometimes, you just want to give your favorite creator a little more than just a view or a like, and some platforms have created a way for you to do that through a tip or donate system. While there were early reports about Instagram working on such a feature, Meta has now officially confirmed that it is working on such a project.

According to a Meta spokesperson, the company is now currently testing a feature called “Gifts.” Although Gifts looks to be in the works, the prototype feature is currently only being tested internally. The feature was first spotted by mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi back in July. The developer found a toggle under a menu called “Content Appreciation” on Instagram, with the feature at the time being described as a way for fans to send a token of appreciation to a creator. A month later, Paluzzi would report that the feature had been further developed, being renamed “Gifts.”

At this point in time, there aren’t many details about the feature. But looking at other platforms with tipping or gifting options, it really isn’t hard to imagine how it will work. Currently, Instagram’s biggest rival, TikTok, has a similar feature called, Gifts. TikTok allows viewers to send a gift when a video appears on the For You page, or a Gift can also be sent during a live broadcast. There are options between Classic and Premium gifts, and also messages can be attached as well. Like Instagram, TikTok has been hard at work, trying to bolster its creators, even offering ad revenue to select creators.

Again, while there aren’t many details about the Instagram Gifts feature, if something similar comes to fruition, it would be a nice way for Instagram content creators to earn more money. Since July, Meta has pushed various ways for its creators to earn more. It has made Badges available, along with Bonuses, streaming ads, and more. Ultimately, Instagram has tough competition, so it will be interesting to see what it can come up with to retain its audience and its creators.

Source: Business Insider, Alessandro Paluzzi (Twitter)

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