In reviewing the latest iPad (9th generation) released here at the tail end of 2021, it quickly became apparent that I'd need to bust out the archives. If you've not purchased a new iPad for the past half-decade, a new iPad should seem like a revelation. If you purchased an iPad (we're talking standard, here, not Mini, Pro, or Air), you might have a bit of trouble calculating the value of each individual feature.
The next new lowest-end iPhone was rumored today with a set of features that are likely on their way out. The iPhone SE 3, as it MIGHT be called, will likely have a Touch ID sensor mounted up front, in the home button just like its predecessor. It's also tipped that this very well could be the final LCD iPhone ever made.
Google Stadia just appeared with a window into the future of the game streaming universe courtesy of AT&T, of all companies. It was with AT&T's "Experience Batman: Arkham Knight" promotion that we first saw how Google Stadia tech could be used as a white label service. It is with this use of the service that we see how Google will likely proceed into the future as the holder of the keys: by being the bones, not the skin.
An Oculus Go unlocked OS build was released today, courtesy of John Carmack. After a prolonged period of time and a whole lot of work in securing the rights to release the software, Carmack and crew made this build a reality. It's a surprise, honestly, now that Oculus is owned by Facebook. It IS a welcome surprise, in any case.
Darkrai counters in Pokemon GO for Raid Boss Battles are here! It's time to get going on the second part of Halloween in Pokemon GO, and the big boss - non-Mega - is Darkrai! To take this monster on, winning style, you'll need plenty of Fighting-type, Fairy-type, or Bug-type Pokemon. You'll also be happy to know that Shiny Darkrai IS in the game, and your potential for finding a Shiny Darkrai is not altogether terrible!
Razer revealed the Razer Kraken V3 this week, complete with multiple angles for easy entry. Kraken V3 is a headset - a set of headsets - made to deliver "the most immersive gaming audio experience possible" with multiple price points and multiple sets of features. This release also marks the first time a wireless Kraken was released by the company - complete with Razer HyperSense and an on-headset adjuster.
The Varjo Aero VR headset takes their high-end hardware - generally made for enterprise markets that have a LOT of cash - ready for consumers. This doesn't mean the headset is affordable - it'll run you around $1990 USD, nearly two THOUSAND dollars - but you'll know where your money went. Each of your two eyes gets its own Mini LED LCD with 2880 x 2720 pixels - that's a whole lot.
Razer revealed a concept for a smart air purifying mask earlier this year as "Project Hazel." Since then, said project evolved into the Razer Zephyr, a fully realized product available for sale to the public. Razer Zephyr was released for sale this afternoon for approximately $100 USD, and will be available on its own or with additional filters for top-notch N95 filter action.
Razer announced a variety of new PC components this week with an ultimate goal of fully outfitting your top-tier DIY gaming rig. AIO Liquid Coolers, Case Fans, PWM Fan Controllers, Platinum PSUs, and Razer Chroma lighting through the whole set. Some of these devices will be released soon, others will appear in early 2022!
Microsoft has a system that they're suggesting will make it easier for users to make money from games - so to speak. The system is called "Azure PlayFab User Generated Content", and it's been launched in preview mode for developers this week. With this Azure PlayFab UGC system, game makers will have "battle-tested solutions for hosting an in-game marketplace."
Microsoft seems bent on the idea that Seagate will be the absolute best company to promote for storage expansion for the Xbox Series X and S. At the launch of the console, Microsoft's own "Designed for Xbox" announced a "close collaboration with Seagate" to create storage expansion for the Xbox Series X. Now they've "collaborated with Seagate once again."
Today the first major Uncharted trailer was released, complete with Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in full effect. This movie is based on the hit video game series of the same name, and will be released by Sony Pictures Entertainment. And no matter how much you want to think this is a secret Spider-Man sequel, it's not! Unless it is. We will see!