Bethesda has delayed Starfield and Redfall, which had both been announced for release this year, to the first half of 2023.
In a statement on Twitter, the Microsoft-owned publisher said, “The teams at Arkane Austin (Redfall) and Bethesda Game Studios (Starfield) have incredible ambitions for their games, and we want to ensure that you receive the best, most polished versions of them.”
Bethesda promised to share “the first deep dive” on both games soon, indicating both will still make an appearance at the Xbox and Bethesda showcase on June 12.
Google Pixel tablet may be a half-decent iPad alternative, and I welcome it
For years now, Google hasn’t seemed particularly interested in the tablet market, but yesterday the company announced that it’s working on what might be the company’s first real iPad alternative – a new Pixel tablet due for launch sometime next year.
Apple getting some serious iPad competition could be just the thing we need to finally spur the company into taking iPadOS more seriously, and having the software catch up with the hardware …
The problem was that Android on tablets just wasn’t very good. At launch, with Android Marshmallow, the Pixel C didn’t even have split screen capabilities. It didn’t have a high-quality first-party stylus accessory. Generally, the OS just didn’t feel very optimized, and switching between apps felt slow. Practically none of the apps in the Play Store were optimized to properly take advantage of the greater screen real estate — something that the iPad has had in the “advantages” column since day one.
It was discontinued in 2017, and the only tablet Google has launched since then was the 2018 Pixel Slate, which was a ChromeOS device, not an Android one. A year later, the company reportedly ceased work on new tablets.
2023 Pixel tablet plan
During yesterday’s I/O event, Google revealed that it is now coming back into the tablet business, and plans to release a Pixel tablet sometime in 2023.
The company revealed very little about the hardware, but did provide a sneak peek at the form factor – and the unsurprising news that it would be powered by the same Tensor chip it uses for Pixel phones.
Here’s a sneak peek at our upcoming Pixel tablet ?
I mean, don’t get me wrong; based on these renders, Google still has a lot to learn from Apple on the design front. The device has the rounded back of the older iPads, making it look rather old-fashioned, and the bezels don’t look as slim as those on the iPad Pro. But it’s still a big step in the right direction.
One thing the company has got right, and I really wish Apple would learn from, is that the front-facing camera is on the long edge, putting it at the top of the device in landscape mode. It’s even more ridiculous that Apple insists iPads are vertical devices when it makes keyboards that work in landscape mode.
Some tablet-focused software news, too
There are decent third-party Android tablets out there – like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 series. But these are again let down by poor Android software support for larger screens.
However, Google does finally seem to be making some headway there, too, updating and optimizing 20 of its own Android apps for use on a tablet.
Starting today, we’ll be updating more than 20 Google apps to look amazing on large screens and take full arrange of the extra functionality with a lot more to come.
A decent iPad alternative is good news for iPad owners
For too long, Apple has been able to rest on its laurels as the Default Tablet. Sure, it’s continued to develop the hardware, but as we’ve often said, the software capabilities remain way behind, both before and after iPadOS.
Google making its own tablet is likely to lead to further developments on the software side, to take full advantage of a larger screen – and that will hopefully prod Apple into doing the same.
A great Google tablet with a great Android experience for a larger screen is exactly what iPad fans need: serious competition to force Apple into giving us a user experience that takes full advantage of the hardware. Even a halfway decent Google tablet, with third-party ones made more capable by a better Android tablet experience, would achieve the same thing.
As an iPad fan, I look forward to the launch of the Pixel tablet.
Google Pixel tablet is coming, but it might not be what you expected
Google is finally making a tablet again, but what it revealed could have some questioning whether it should.
Normally, you wouldn’t put “Google” and “tablet” on the same sentence unless you put “doesn’t like” somewhere in between. Although Android tablets have existed for as long as the iPad has, its existence hasn’t exactly been one filled with love from its creator. It wouldn’t be until more than a decade later that Google would finally put its weight on making the Android tablet experience better, but even then, it hasn’t proven its commitment by coming out with a tablet of its own making. At this year’s Google I/O conference, the company finally made that promise, but the supposedly premium Pixel tablet that’s coming next year has left some wondering if Google is trying to pull a fast one instead.
Android’s history with tablets has been anything but smooth. The first devices, particularly those from Samsung, had extremely customized user experiences because Android itself didn’t have the necessary bits to support running on large screens. When Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” came out in 2011, it brought rudimentary support for tablets, but thanks to some lukewarm reception from Google and app developers, those never really stuck that much. The Android tablet market itself was like a roller coaster ride in terms of profits and popularity, but the experience itself was far removed from “standard” Android as it could be, at least until now.
Whether it’s the resounding success of the iPad Pro or events of the past two years, Google seems to have become more invested in making Android work better on larger screens, which includes tablets naturally. But while it is refining the software and the operating system to be a better fit for slates, it felt like there was still a piece missing from its commitment, like hardware that would prove it’s really going all in. That’s finally coming next year, but it might not be what many have hoped.
Pixel Slate Redux
It’s not that Google has never made tablets, Android or otherwise. It actually launched at least four Android tablets under the old Nexus brand and two under the newer Pixel name. The Pixel C was the last Android tablet that had been made by Google, and the Pixel Slate was the first and last Chrome OS tablet it ever launched. In both cases, it felt like Google made half-hearted attempts to appease tablet fans, but there was no follow-up, nor was there long-term interest and support from the manufacturer.
That’s why it’s rather surprising that Google is giving into expectations and announcing that it’s making another tablet. Based on reports and quotes from Google’s own hardware chief Rick Osterloh, this tablet will be a perfect match for the Pixel phone and be a premium contender in the tablet market. Based on the glimpses that were shown during the keynote presentation, however, there might be some confusion on what the exec actually meant.
The tablet that was shown there had rather thick bezels all around. Its profile was also thick, and the material on its back looked like matte plastic. The general design bore no resemblance to any Pixel phone, which made it feel like the black sheep of the family. To put it bluntly, its design looks dated and unappealing by today’s standards, not exactly the best first step you’d expect for Google’s comeback to the Android tablet market.
Expectations versus Reality
Compare that to what fans and market watchers have imagined Google’s next tablet would look like. One recent concept, in particular, actually tried to follow Google’s design language while also extending it a bit further for a modern tablet. Bezels, for example, are considerably thin, with only a punch-hole cutout for the front camera.
Designer: Giuseppe Spinelli (Snoreyn) via LetsGoDigital
The design didn’t have room for a camera on its back, but it’s not difficult to imagine it would be placed somewhere in the middle. The slightly curved back employs a dual-tone color and material scheme, just like all Pixel phones so far. The middle part that encloses the Google “G” logo seems to be made of glass, and it’s surrounded by a matte-like material, probably frosted AG glass. Comparing the concept art from what Google teased is like comparing two different worlds, and it probably doesn’t take too much thinking to know which one would appeal better to people in 2023.
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 will get Google Assistant this summer
Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch4 last August with Wear OS 3, but it didn’t come with Google Assistant. Neither Samsung nor Google ever gave a definite time frame of when that would happen, but we now know that Google’s digital assistant will be released for the Galaxy Watch4 this summer.
Word comes from Mr. Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Customer Experience Office at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics, who also said that Google Assistant on Galaxy Watch4 will feature “faster and more natural voice interactions, enabling quick answers and on-the-go help.”
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
Mr. Chomet also revealed that Samsung is bringing “enhanced functionality” to their third-party partners, which, for Spotify users, means changing songs with Google Assistant using only their voice.
The EVP further talked about optimizing Google’s apps and services for Galaxy Watches later this year to deliver “the most comprehensive and seamless wearable device experience with Android smartphones.”
What the Samsung executive didn’t talk about, though, is when exactly in summer the rollout of Google Assistant for the Galaxy Watch4 will begin. However, it’s still good to have a confirmed time frame for the release rather than having no word on it at all.
Microsoft Adaptative Accessories with fully customizable input and buttons is bliss for disabled users
Microsoft is leading the way in creating products for disabled people which is going to push others in the industry to create ones of their own. This will definitely splurge competition and drive the prices down which will benefit the disabled community!
Traditional PC input devices can (at most times) be challenging for people with disabilities to use. Microsoft took a step in solving this problem with their Xbox Adaptive Controller for disabled gamers, and then later on with the Surface Adaptive Kit, tailored for ease of use with existing input devices. Taking things forward, they’ve now developed Adaptive Accessories designed for people with disabilities who want something better than the traditional mouse and keyboard setup.
Destined for the second half of the 2022 launch, the PC peripherals are created in close association with the disabled community, understanding their needs in a better way. This line-up consists of three devices namely – an Adaptive Mouse, Adaptive Buttons, and an Adaptive Hub. The first two come with support for customized 3D printing freedom – giving the user option to curate them the way they want to. So, we are talking about completely customizing your mouse, keyboard inputs, and shortcuts to interact optimally with laptops, PC, or even big-screen tablets. Just to give you an idea, the toppers for the buttons can be shaped as per the needs.
The mouse is a small puck-like accessory that can clip into a palm rest, and the tail for the mouse acts as a palm rest. The flipping thumb rest allows the user to use it with the right or left hand with equal dexterity. The low-profile mouse doubles as a joystick, an eight-way D-pad. Those adaptive buttons can be toggles for eight programmable inputs for the PC. In the press release, Microsoft showed off the one with two large buttons.
The inputs can be set for macros or complex keyboard shortcuts which will come more than handy for people with motor disabilities. The normal keyboards can be replaced or augmented with a central hub and wireless buttons to pair with up to four Microsoft Adaptive Buttons, thereby removing unnecessary clutter. This hub works perfectly with 3.5 mm assistive tech switches and comes with three profiles for use with multiple devices.
Microsoft has not yet let out the word on the pricing of the Adaptive Accessories, but the fall launch date is certain. We hope they come at a reasonable price to reach the chunk of disabled end-users who really need them to streamline their productive workflow. More often than not assistive technology carries a premium price tag, and if Microsoft follows suit, then it will be a bit disappointing.
After its official announcement last month, Motorola’s Edge 30 made its way to India. The phone is priced at INR 27,999 ($361) for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage trim though a special introductory offer gets the price down to INR 25,999 ($335). The 8/128GB version starts at INR 29,999 ($387). Open sales begin on May 19 via Flipkart, Reliance Digital and other online and offline retailers.
Motorola Edge 30
Edge 30 brings a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a speedy 144Hz refresh rate. The panel supports 10bit colors and is HDR10+ compliant. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset and packs a 4,000 mAh battery with 33W charging.
There’s a 50MP main cam alongside a 50MP ultrawide snapper that doubles as a macro cam and a 2MP depth sensor. The software side is covered by Android 12 with Moto’s MyUX interface on top. Other notable specs include an in-display fingerprint scanner, headphone jack and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.
Honor Magic4 Pro begins its global rollout, Watch GS3 and Earbuds 3 Pro join the party
The Honor Magic4 Pro is the latest flagship of the now independent brand, and it was introduced back in February as part of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Today, the smartphone is finally starting its global rollout, with its first market being the United Kingdom.
The big event also saw the official launch of the Honor X series, the Watch GS 3 and the Earbuds 3 Pro. All of those as well as the Magic4 Pro, will be listed for either direct purchase or pre-order starting tomorrow, May 13. The flagship is priced at £949.
Honor Magic4 Pro is the first flagship that’s actually being offered to global users since the brand separated from Huawei in late 2020. Some of the key features include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, massive 6.81” LTPO OLED and 100W wireless charging. It comes with Magic UI 6.0 on top of Android 12 and Google services.
The camera design on the back might look familiar, but the setup is entirely new – 50 MP main, 50MP ultrawide and 64MP 3.5x telephoto cameras. We had the device for a brief hands-on experience back in February, and we were impressed with the looks of the phone, as well as what the camera setup offers on paper.
Customers who pre-order the Magic4 Pro will receive a Watch GS 3 and a 100W wireless charger for free. It is worth mentioning the Honor phone ships with a 100W charger in the retail box, but if the adapter is used for the wireless stand, it will offer “only” 80W rates. For the full 100W wireless charge, you must purchase a separate 135W charger.
We already have the phone and the charger with us for a review, so we will test their performance and report back.
Oppo is soon expected to launch its Reno8 series soon and a well-known Chinese tipster just cleared off the rumored specs for the Pro model. Digital Chat Station claims Reno8 Pro will bring a 6. 7-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel is said to be supplied by BOE. The front will also house a 32MP selfie cam.
Around the back, the phone is expected to bring a 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor with OIS and at least two other sensors which are not yet detailed. MediaTek’s Dimensity 8100 Max chipset is expected at the helm alongside Oppo’s MariSilicon X co-processor. The phone will get a 4,500 mAh battery with 80W flash charging.
Oppo Reno8 Pro render
Reno8 Pro will boast an aluminum frame, dual speakers and an X-linear motor. The phone is expected to be available in black, green and gray colors. The tipster also mentions that the phone will be 7. 34mm thick and weigh in at 180 grams. Based on previous rumors, Reno8 Pro will sport a nearly identical design to the OnePlus 10 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4’s design revealed in leaked renders
We got our first look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 yesterday, and now the Galaxy Z Flip4’s renders have surfaced online, revealing the foldable smartphone’s design.
As you can see, the Galaxy Z Flip4 doesn’t look much different from the Galaxy Z Flip3, but the source claims it will be thicker (7. 2mm vs. 6. 9mm) than its predecessor while packing a 6. 7″ primary screen – the same diagonal as the Flip3. However, previous leaks said the cover display will be larger.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 will also pack a slightly bigger battery, and rumors have it that the smartphone will be powered by the yet-to-be-announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ SoC.
We are still a few months away from the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4’s unveiling, but you can expect to hear more about them in the lead-up to their official announcement.
iPod touch is now completely sold out in the US Apple Online Store
It has only been one day since Apple discontinued the iPod touch forever. And although the company said that customers could still buy the product “while supplies last,” it seems that the supplies didn’t last very long. The iPod touch has been sold out at the US Apple Online Store.
By Wednesday morning, there were still a few iPod models available – mostly versions with 32GB of storage. It was not possible to purchase any iPod touch models on Apple’s website . at this time.
The seventh generation iPod touch was available in six different colors: Space Gray, Silver, Pink, Blue, Gold, and Red. Customers could choose between versions with 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB of internal storage. However, all models are now gone in the US. The iPod touch website is still accessible, but the product has been marked as “sold out .”
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As for other countries like Brazil, Canada, France, and the UK, you can still find some iPod touch models available at the Apple Online Store. It seems that Apple only has a few units left in stock, so it shouldn’t take long before the iPod touch disappears worldwide.
For those in the US who still want the chance to buy one last iPod touch, there are still a few Apple Retail Stores with units available. Of course, you can also look for iPod touch units in other stores like Amazon.
The end of the iPod
Although the end of the iPod touch wasn’t predicted by any rumors, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. The iPod touch was the last product available under the iPod brand, as Apple had discontinued iPod nano and iPod shuffle in 2017.
The latest iPod touch available was released in 2019, but it had no changes compared to its predecessor except for the A10 Fusion chip, which ensured more performance and longer support for software updates. The seventh generation iPod touch was also the last officially available 4-inch device in Apple’s lineup.
