Month: May 2022

macOS 12. 4 adds new Studio Display wallpaper, and you can download it right here

macOS 12. 4 adds new Studio Display wallpaper, and you can download it right here

Apple on Thursday released macOS Monterey 12. 4 RC (Release Candidate) for developers. And in addition to enhancements and a few new features in the Podcasts app, the update comes with a new Studio Display wallpaper. But if you want to use it on other devices, you can download it right here.

This wallpaper is a selection of marketing images for Apple’s Studio Display ,, which were introduced along with Mac Studio in March. This image depicts the letters “Studio”, as though they were folded. It also features shades of orange, purple and blue.

Unlike other macOS wallpapers, this one is only available in a single version – so there are no specific images for light and dark modes.

The new Studio Display wallpaper comes bundled with macOS Monterey 12.4. However, if you don’t want to wait for the official update to get the new image, you can download it here. Since this is a macOS wallpaper, the image has 6K resolution, so the file is a bit large.

ou can download the new Studio Display wallpaper in its full resolution below. Make sure you click on the (i), and save it as a wallpaper. You can then use the Photos or Settings apps to set the wallpaper, if necessary, if your device is an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Read also:

  • Download the new iPhone SE 3 wallpapers for your devices right here
  • Download the new iPad Air 5 wallpapers for your devices right here
  • Download the new green iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro wallpapers right here
  • Download the new macOS Monterey wallpapers right here
  • Download the new iOS 15 wallpapers for your devices right here
  • Download Apple’s new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro wallpapers right here
  • Download the new 6th-gen iPad mini wallpapers right here
  • Download the new 2021 MacBook Pro wallpapers right here

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https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/12/macos-12-4-adds-new-studio-display-wallpaper-and-you-can-download-it-right-here/

Honor Magic4 Pro in for review

Honor Magic4 Pro in for review

We met up with the Honor Magic4 Pro earlier this year in Barcelona, but the phone was China-exclusive at the time. No more – the Magic4 Pro is now starting its global journey and we have it at the office and in line for a review.

Let’s get started with unboxing. The Honor Magic4 Pro comes well-equipped with every accessory you’d need – a charger, USB cable, SIM tool, and a case. This charger is exceptional. It’s Honor’s 100W brick and it can go from 1% to 100% in just 30 minutes.


Everything comes included
Everything comes included

Everything comes included

So the Magic4 Pro will charge lightning-fast, and we expect it to keep a charge for a long time given its 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and the relatively big 4,600mAh battery.

The display is impressive too – it’s a high-res 1312x2848px OLED panel with an LTPO backplane that can ramp up to 120Hz. The display is bright and vivid as you would expect. It’s a bit on the cool side, but we’ll do a detailed reading in our full review.

Honor Magic4 Pro in for review

The cameras on the Honor Magic4 Pro are arguably its highlight. Three large imagers at the back of this camera are high-megapixel and have bright lenses. The 50MP f/1. 8 main camera has optical stabilization, laser and phase-detect AF, and optical stabilization. A second 50MP sensor covers the ultrawide needs and doubles as a macro camera. There’s a 90mm (3. 5x) periscope zoom with a large 1/2.0″ sensor and f/3. 5 aperture.

We’re eager to test out these three cameras in our full review.

Honor Magic4 Pro in for review

Upfront, there appear to be two cameras, but it’s really a single 12MP selfie unit and a 3D time-of-flight sensor for biometrics and depth data. We love the wide-angle selfie camera. It can also serve up 4K videos, which is ever more important in this TikTok day and age.

Honor Magic4 Pro in for review

Stay tuned for more of the Magic4 Pro soon.

https://fdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/22/05/honor-magic4-pro-ifr/-952x498w6/gsmarena_000.jpg
https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_magic4_pro_in_for_review-news-54273.php?rand=119

No this isn’t a modular Project Ara phone – its grid-based design was inspired Manet and Mondrian

No this isn’t a modular Project Ara phone – its grid-based design was inspired Manet and Mondrian

If you think about it, the back of your phone is really its defining visual element. Virtually every phone looks identical on the front, but flip it over and you’re faced with an empty canvas that most phone designers use to set their phones apart. Designers do this using a few proven techniques, namely color palettes, and the shape/placement of the camera lenses. The Polychromatic Mobile Phone ups this ante.

Using patterns and light to define how unique your phone looks, the Polychromatic Mobile Phone comes with a rather Mondrian-inspired grid of pearlescent swatches that change colors based on whether it’s exposed to UV light or not. At first glance, the Polychromatic phone instantly reminds one of Google’s Project Ara… however as Google quietly killed that endeavor citing complex issues, the team at Tecno Camon looked at the Ara’s distinct design (courtesy NewDealDesign) and noticed how incredibly captivating that grid pattern was. Combining that with inspiration from French painter Edouard Manet, who brought light into painting and is credited with creating the Impressionist art movement, Tecno Camon created the Polychromatic Mobile Phone’s design – a striking grid-based rear design that’s also UV light-responsive, changing colors/tints when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Designer: Tecno Camon 19 Pro Design Team


The Polychromatic Mobile Phone looks like a plain white grid when in normal light, but as soon as it’s exposed to any form of ultraviolet light From the sun or a tube light, the colors dramatically shift, giving the phone a wash of pink and blue. “Multi-color photoisomer technology, which means the cell phone battery cover appears white when it is not exposed to UV light under interior area,“ mentions the Tecno Camon design team. ”When the mobile phone is taken outdoors and exposed to sunlight, the color of the mobile phone battery cover shows different color blocks.”


Achieving this unique technique took 500 different iterations, and the final outcome was the result of a painstaking 22-step process performed on the nanometer level. This process breaks through the technical limitations of what’s really possible with smartphone design. Having a phone’s color and finish react to UV light is surely no small feat, and as a result, you get a phone that transcends contemporary smartphone design, bordering into technological art!

The Polychromatic Mobile Phone is a winner of the A’ Design Award for the year 2022.

https://www.yankodesign.com/images/design_news/2022/05/no-this-isnt-a-modular-project-ara-phone-its-grid-based-design-was-inspired-manet-and-mondrian/polychromatic_mobile_phone_1.jpg
https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/05/12/no-this-isnt-a-modular-project-ara-phone-its-grid-based-design-was-inspired-manet-and-mondrian/?rand=374
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Final Fantasy 14 developers are cracking down on illicit mods

Final Fantasy 14 developers are cracking down on illicit mods

Developers have taken action against two streamers that used mods while playing the MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 live to an audience. Two streamers, Hiroro, and Bagel Goose had their characters placed in an “in-game” jail after they used mods to violate the terms of the service. The active moderation is the latest development that has sparked a larger conversation and anxiety about the use of mods in Square Enix’s popular online game.

Final Fantasy 14 is a bustling online world where players take on high-level, multi-stage raids as teams. While the game continues to receive regular patches, players have taken it upon themselves to create mods that improve aspects of the game like its visuals or quality-of-life features. Mods that enable players to improve the in-game HUD information, such as battle mechanics and damage per second output. This information is used often by top-level players to complete difficult raids.

Mods are in violation of the Terms of Service of the Game. Square Enix is now taking action against Hiroro, Bagel Goose and other streamers for their use of mods. In a VOD, you can see Bagel Goose being sent to Final Fantasy 14 “jail” which is an area called Mordion Gaol where players are sent to talk to a general moderator. From there, the moderator will decide on the specific punishment for the player whether it be a temporary ban, taking away certain items, or so on. Streamer Hiroro was similarly punished, but the VODs have since been scrubbed only leaving screenshots of the enforcement.

Mods, or third party tools, are prohibited in Final Fantasy 14, although many players use them. On May 9, producer and director Naoki Yoshida, published a blog post on the official Final Fantasy 14 website stating that players’ accounts could be suspended or even banned for using mods. Next, the post lists the mods for HUDs. It states that the modification of the UI in order to show additional information was forbidden. It should be mentioned that although the official solution to this issue is being worked on by the developers, the process could take some time.

Yoshida’s blog and the highly visible acts of moderation have sparked a larger conversation about moderation on the platform. Players have often interpreted many of Yoshida’s statements about third party tools as being fine to use so long as players don’t harass people, but now they’re unsure what’s allowed and what isn’t. Additionally, it’s still unclear to many in the community if the developers will start enforcing a stricter ban policy on all mods or just on some. For example, some players use mods for accessibility purposes, like removing particle effects to reduce eye-strain.

Polygon reached out to Square Enix for clarification and will update the article as we hear back.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aM3koE0qdnSJhvoFcpNPlUckiyA=/0x75:1920×1080/fit-in/1200×630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22864616/ffxiv_dx11_2021_08_25_19_21_18.jpg
https://www.polygon.com/23068526/square-enix-final-fantasy-xiv-mod-ban-jail

Sony launches WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones

Sony launches WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones

Sony has launched the WH-1000XM5, successor to the popular WH-1000XM4 wireless noise canceling headphones. The new model features some changes and improvements along with a higher price tag.

Sony launches WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones

The WH-1000XM5 have a new design with more cylindrical yokes and a thinner headband that feature a stepless sliding design and silent joints. The new ear cups can rotate sideways but cannot fold inwards like they did with previous model. To accommodate for that, the WH-1000XM5 come with a larger carry case.

Sony launches WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones

The WH-1000XM5 feature a new 8-microphone system with two QN1 audio processors. Sony claims the WH-1000XM5 have better noise canceling performance over its predecessor, especially in the mid and high frequencies.

The WH-1000XM5 also feature new drivers. The 30mm drivers are smaller than the 40mm found on the previous generation model but Sony claims they have improved high frequency response with more natural sound quality. The headphones still support the same SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs as before.

Sony launches WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones

Other features include Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with multipoint connection, Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair support, ambient noise mode, gesture control, wear detection for play/pause, and Google Assistant/Alexa support.

The WH-1000XM5 have a rated battery life of 30 hours of audio playback with ANC on and 40 hours with with ANC off. The headphones charge over a USB-C connector.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are priced at $400, $50 more than the WH-1000XM4, which will continue to be on sale. They will be available in two colors, Black, and Silver.

https://fdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/22/05/sony-wh-1000xm5/-952x498w6/gsmarena_000.jpg
https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_launches_wh1000xm5_wireless_noisecanceling_headphones-news-54292.php?rand=119
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EA combines Criterion and Codemasters Cheshire to make new Need for Speed games

EA combines Criterion and Codemasters Cheshire to make new Need for Speed games

Electronic Arts has merged Codemasters’ Cheshire studio with Criterion Games to create a larger team to work on the future of the Need for Speed series, GamesIndustry.biz revealed Thursday.

This follows EA’s 2021 acquisition of Codemasters, though it’s only the Cheshire studio that’s merging with Criterion. Codemasters maintains multiple other offices that will continue to work on games like the upcoming F1 22.

The Cheshire studio came about after Sony shut down Evolution Studios in early 2016. Codemasters hired the team, which had developed the MotorStorm series and DriveClub, and turned it into Codemasters Cheshire. In 2020, the Cheshire team released Dirt 5, which many critics said felt like a modern version of MotorStorm, and cited as one of the best games to show off the then-new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X hardware.

According to the Codemasters Twitter account, the studio merger will not mean that the two studios are combining offices, but that they will work together in separate locations.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dnvsFfmlWzC-ZPd7jWmf1x22udc=/0x38:1920×1043/fit-in/1200×630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19021400/need_for_speed_heat_art_1920.jpg
https://www.polygon.com/23069098/new-need-for-speed-games-criterion-motorstorm-dirt-5

Apple imagines an iPhone case that triggers UI for gaming, photography, more

Apple imagines an iPhone case that triggers UI for gaming, photography, more

Apple has published a patent regarding iPhone cases and docks that support near-field wireless communication systems. According to Patently Apple, this accessory would significantly alter the operation and user interface (UI) of the iPhone.

For instance, when put into a sport-focused protective case, the iPhone may automatically replace its graphical interface with one that is sport-focused. The iPhone may also change the UI when placed in a speaker dock.

The iPhone will adapt its UI when it is placed in one of the cases or docks. This new graphical interface will be even simpler than the standard iPhone interface.

The patent includes figures that show an iPhone seated in a Car Dock. (This could be in an Apple Car?) Apple released a patent last Wednesday that indicated the vehicle would be able to use its iPhone as self-driving inputs. Per the patent, when you insert the iPhone, CarPlay and Maps replace its standard UI.

The figure below illustrates a case for a camera that has UI focused on the camera and one that focuses on gaming, with an extra button to enable gaming.

Apple iPhone patent UI
Image Source: Patently Apple

9to5Mac’s Take

I like the patent idea. It’s hard to imagine what this would look like in person. It does look cool, and I would love to see it in person. There are so many purposes various UIs Apple could create – it’d be exciting to see what it does. Do you like an iPhone stand or case that changes the UI? Would you use one?

https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/apple-magsafe-iphone-cases-spring-9to5mac.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1
https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/12/apple-imagines-an-iphone-case-that-triggers-ui-for-gaming-photography-more/

Mario Strikers: Battle League trailer shows Luigi going Ultra Instinct

Mario Strikers: Battle League trailer shows Luigi going Ultra Instinct

Nintendo has released a new trailer for Mario Strikers: Battle League, the latest installment in the Mario Strikers series, offering new footage of the upcoming 5-on-5 battle arena soccer game, as well as suggested tactics for savvy players aiming to win.

Like in previous titles in the Mario Strikers series, a team of five players attacks and defends against the opposing team in order to score points. Teams can do this via a number of means, either by using classic Mario weapons such as green shells to disorient opponents, sending teammates out to tackle members of the opposing team, or pulling off score-boosting Hyper Strikes (think Final Smash attacks in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) by getting ahold of Strike Orbs and avoiding enemies long enough until they’re in range to attack.

Mario Strikers: Battle League will allow players to earn and equip special gear that will improve and customize the strength, speed, and overall stats of their team of characters. Local multiplayer will allow up to eight players to compete against each other, while online multiplayer will allow up to two players on the same system to battle against other two-player teams.

Mario Strikers: Battle League will release June 10 on Nintendo Switch.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GGbggIwrIqOYwrhOKD0zRmxMbaM=/0x28:1400×761/fit-in/1200×630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23456518/3abae597afcf822c1a336a87cff35ca209dc95f9_1280x720.png
https://www.polygon.com/23068962/mario-strikers-battle-league-multiplayer-trailer

Dead Space remake gets a release date, “full reveal” coming this fall

Dead Space remake gets a release date, “full reveal” coming this fall

Electronic Arts’ remake of sci-fi survival horror game Dead Space is coming to PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X on Jan. 27, 2023, the game’s developers announced Thursday during a livestream presentation. According to EA, Dead Space was originally scheduled for an “early 2023″” release.

EA Motive, the studio behind the Dead Space remake, also said to expect a “more substantial” look at the game this October, ahead of Halloween. Don’t expect to see much more Dead Space during Summer Game Fest, June. Electronic Arts will not hold an EA Play Live Event as in the past.

The Dead Space remake was originally announced in the summer of 2021. EA Motive, which also developed Star Wars: Squadrons, is remaking the game with a few tweaks to Dead Space‘s signature gameplay mechanics, story, and characters.

The Dead Space series currently consists of three main games, starting with 2008’s Dead Space, and a pair of spinoffs. The main games are set in the 26th century and star Isaac Clarke, who battles undead beings known as Necromorphs, which, unlike traditional zombielike enemies, generally have to be dispatched by slicing off their limbs.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/seBN4spqmAe_0LmzzT3pzTIu5h8=/0x0:1920×1005/fit-in/1200×630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10217723/dead_space.jpg
https://www.polygon.com/23068497/dead-space-remake-release-date-platforms

Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 with webcam improvements to be available soon as a separate update

Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 with webcam improvements to be available soon as a separate update

Following the release of iOS 15. 5 RC and macOS 12. 4 RC for developers, Apple has also made available the RC (Release Candidate) build of Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 ahead of the official release. The update improves the image captured by the built-in webcam.

According to Apple, the latest Studio Display Firmware update “refines camera tuning, including improved noise reduction, contrast, and framing.” The update follows multiple complaints from users who were disappointed with the Studio Display’s poor webcam quality, which delivers washed-out, noisy images.

After these tweaks, Studio Display owners were able to notice some improvements in the image quality, which now has more natural colors and increased sharpness. However, due to the small ultra-wide sensor, even the software fixes were not enough to make the images look super good.

As of right now, Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 RC is only available to beta testers. However, Apple has confirmed that once the update becomes available to the public, it will be available as separate software – so you won’t need to install macOS Monterey 12. 4 before updating the Studio Display firmware.

If you spot any changes in the new betas from Apple today, let us know in the comments below or on . Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with the new releases right here at 9to5Mac.

More about Studio Display:

  • Here’s how to update the Apple Studio Display and improve your webcam quality
  • Apple releases Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 beta for developers, webcam fixes included
  • Second beta of Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 seems to improve the webcam a bit more
  • iFixit Studio Display teardown examines infamous webcam, massive fans, logic board, more

https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/04/Apple-Studio-Display-webcam.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1
https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/12/studio-display-firmware-15-5-with-webcam-improvements-to-be-available-soon-as-a-separate-update/