MobileNews

Apple reportedly using cheaper iPhone battery parts to offset 5G cost

Facing higher production costs due to the inclusion of 5G hardware in this year’s “iPhone 12” series, Apple is attempting to use less expensive components in other areas, according to analyst Ming-chi Kuo (via MacRumors and AppleInsider). One of the biggest cost reductions is believed to come from battery technology; Kuo says Apple is reducing the number of layers in the battery board and…
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GamingNews

How to get Microsoft’s xCloud and stream Xbox games on your phone right now

Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming abilities will be officially integrated into the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription starting on September 15th, with support for more than 100 games. However, you don’t need to wait to try out the cloud gaming service, and it’s possible that you might already have all the necessary components to make it happen. Here’s what you’ll need to try it…
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GamingNews

Ubisoft will showcase 13 indie game studios at virtual Gamescom

Ubisoft said it will showcase 13 indie game studios at the virtual Gamescom event through its Ubisoft Entrepreneurs program. Gamescom normally draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Cologne, Germany, but this year the audience will be all virtual. Gamescom takes place…
MobileNews

Google confirms Android 11 will limit third-party camera apps because of location spying fears

Google is making a change in Android 11 that will force apps that want to take photos or video to use the phone’s built-in camera app — even if you’ve made a different camera app, like OpenCamera, your default choice for photos. “[W]e believe it’s the right trade-off to protect the privacy and security of our users,” the Android engineering team wrote on August 17th, adding that apps…
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AI & RoboticsNews

Google Pixel Buds tap AI to alert users to sirens, crying babies, and barking dogs

Google Pixel Buds can now alert you to the sounds of a crying baby, barking dog, or the siren of an emergency vehicle when you’re listening to something and may not otherwise hear the sound. The feature reduces the volume of whatever music or podcast you’re listening to and plays a chime sound to signal an alert. Attention Alerts is part of an AI-powered experimental feature being added to…
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