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Microsoft Halts Production of Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital as It Steps into the Future with Xbox Series X

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As per reports, Microsoft has decided to officially halt the production of both the Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital consoles. The step comes as a way to help the company move into the next phase of interactive gaming. With the Xbox Series X, the company is shifting focus onto newer ventures, and has, therefore, come up with the natural decision to stop the manufacture of further old models. However, Microsoft will still manufacture, market, and sell their Xbox One S console. Here’s a look at what the halt in production means for gamers, and what Microsoft aims to do for the future.

Remaining Stock and Shortage

In the last few weeks, certain reports had stated that there was an acute shortage of Xbox One X and One S consoles. Both these models have seen an increase in demand ever since the start of the global pandemic, which has left people stranded at home. Though Microsoft halted production for the One S Digital and the One X, most stores will likely have stock left over, for the next few months. Hence, gamers can check with local retailers if they require any Xbox One hardware. 

Xbox One S

However, Microsoft has decided to keep churning out the Xbox One S. though it has canned the One S All-Digital Edition. Microsoft came out with the One X in 2017, calling it the “most powerful console in the world, thanks to the six teraflop capacity. The One S Digital came out in April 2019 as a disc-less alternative to the One S. In fact, reports stated that the model was selling out like hot pancakes, leading Microsoft to include it as a part of their Xbox All Access subscription.

Xbox All Access Subscription

The company will carry on providing the All Access subscriptions for the Series X as well. The console’s launch is expected to happen sometime later this year, and such an offer will allow users to upgrade their console. The subscription costs $19.99 currently for the One S Digital Edition, and this includes the Game Pass Ultimate. Later this year, Microsoft is planning on adding Project xCloud streaming technology to the Game Pass.

The All-Access subscription helps to split the cost of the console, Game Pass, and Live features into monthly installments across a period of 24 months. While the One S digital bundle costs $19.99, a regular One S package costs $22.99, and the One X comes in at $30.99 per month. Furthermore, the company also allowed gamers to upgrade to Project Scarlet within a year if they choose the One X bundle. The Project Scarlett console will hit the market at the end of this year.

Second Reveal of the Year

Furthermore, Microsoft might launch a cheaper, next-gen Xbox with fewer capabilities this year as well. Nicknamed “Lockhart,” this Xbox will serve integral to deciding Microsoft’s pricing plan for the rest of its next-gen Xbox consoles. Certain rumors state that the company will unveil Lockhart sometime next month. Initial reports noted that June was the month chosen for the launch initially. The rumors further claim that the console will go by the name Xbox Series S, and will target 1440p/1080p gaming. All of this information comes from a leaked document that hit the internet recently, with speculators waiting for a launch in August. 

Microsoft has been working on a cheaper next-gen model for months. The console will have a devkit, nicknamed Dante, which allows developers to enable a Lockhart mode. The reports also claim that the console will have 7.5GB worth of usable RAM, and four teraflops of GPU performance. In comparison, Xbox Series X will have 13.5GB worth of usable RAM and 12 teraflops of performance.

If the reports are true, gamers can expect Microsoft to launch the Series S and drop the pricing plan for the Series X in August, this year. The former will be a more affordable option, targeting mid-level gamers, whereas the latter will be a state-of-the-art console for high-end gamers. Users will just have to wait and see how the company spaces out the releases. No matter what the case, it looks like gamers will have something to celebrate in 2020, after all.

mario

An Honest Look at Paper Mario: The Origami King

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There are many unique and different things in Paper Mario: The Origami King when compared to other games. For instance, you get to fish in this game. Gamers get to see a happy Mario wait near the edge of a rock, and cast a line into the waves, hoping something bites. There is something quite satisfying and relaxing about this scene. After spending decades fighting bad guys, trying to save the Princess and squishing toads, Mario gets some time to unwind. Gamers can use their Switch to flick the pole back and forth, and even reel in the fish. However, when the fish does in fact bite, Mario reels it in, for a battle to begin! Once again, gamers get to battle it out, like they always have in Mario games. Goodbye, relaxation!

mario
Image Source: nintedno.co.uk

Differences Aside

There is something inherently different about fishing in Origami King, and Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While in Horizons, it is calming, relaxing and with nothing in mind, Mario takes it a step further. In Horizons, you can fish in VR while listening to a new album, or watching your favorite TV series. However, in the Origami King, fishing is a means to an end. You don’t get to multi-task while you fish. Instead, you need to focus on the game to ensure that you don’t end up dead. It isn’t a side-mission to gather new recipes or improve your ranking. In Origami King, fishing is a part of the main gameplay, a part of his quest to save the world, and Princess Peach. Though it is calming in a way, it also gives you a sudden jolt of adrenaline and rush that the story contains. You get to pay full attention to the game, and never feel bored in any way.

Gameplay and Impact

The Origami King brings together enough cuteness, risk, strategy, and excitement to keep things fresh and interesting. Players are left intrigued, and there is seldom time for distractions of any kind. Also, there is a definite structure to the game, as it is progressive, bringing together several creative mechanics and dynamics. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, tricky, and truly sweet. In conclusion, if you enjoyed playing New Horizons, it is a guarantee that Origami King will prove to be a great adventure for you.

Plot and Storyline

The Origami King feels in many ways like it is a part of the Doctor Who universe. The game starts with Mario and his buddies arriving at the castle of his beloved- Princess Peach. However, much to their dismay, they find it devoid of any life. Sadly, Princess Peach has turned into an origami shell, and her soul is nowhere to be seen. We get to know that King Olly has transformed her into one of his Folded Soldiers. The dictator wants complete control and will go to any lengths to achieve his goals. The end-game is that he will turn every inhabitant of the kingdom into a faithful Folded Soldier. To keep Mario at bay, he has covered the castle in streamers of various colors. Hence, to face off against King Olly, and save everyone he loves, Mario has to travel to all the different streamer-worlds and unravel them.

Nature and World-Building

While the plot seems quite sinister and dire, the cartoonish animation helps in creating a light and lively atmosphere. However, there is still a lot of heroism in the Paper Mario series. Mario wanders from one land to another, avoiding getting squashed, gaining extraordinary powers, and saving the world. The game effortlessly mixes 3D animation with 2D visuals, creating a realistic and textured world. There are several large and special maps that gamers can explore after unlocking. These worlds are all unique and contain their fair share of secrets, confetti, and great puzzles. Confetti is a primary mechanic that Mario obtains by hitting flowers, tree trunks, and bushes. Mario later uses this confetti to fill gaps and cover holes in the game matrix. While there are save cubes throughout the maps, they have a lot of riddles and enemies in front of them. Since on death, Mario respawns from the nearest save point, getting to them is crucial. As these save cubes could be worlds away, the act of dying is torturous, making the stakes quite high.

Battle Arena

One of the biggest threats to Mario in this game is via the ring-based battle arena. In this area, Mario encounters several villains like Goomba, Spiny, and Shy Guy. The battlefield has four rings, and enemies occupy each vacant spot, with Mario at the center. Since there is a timer here, and also a maximum limit on ring rotation, the game requires quite a bit of thought. This adds an extra layer of tension, making the game all the more exciting, and victory even sweeter.

Though New Horizons defined 2020, and if players want higher stakes and more exciting gameplay, then The Origami King should be their go-to choice. Also, remember to take your time, and explore the Mario world while you are at it. In fact, make sure you fish and enjoy the calm while it lasts. The moment the fish rises out of the water, it is time to roll up your sleeves and start smashing again!

Snapchat

New Navigation Feature of Snapchat to Resemble TikTok’s

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Snapchat looks to be on course to compete with and challenge TikTok directly. The company, yesterday confirmed that it is, in fact testing a new update for improved user experience. The new navigation will help users go through the content on Snapchat, via vertical swipes or motions. Such vertical swiping was made popular by TikTok, wherein users would do the same to go from video to the next. Snapchat’s statement revealed that this new feature is an experiment in moving towards different formats, to enhance content and presentation. Here’s a look at what the new feature could mean for Snapchat.

New Update

The test for the new navigational feature will focus on content available publicly through Snapchat Discover. The company is currently not concentrating on doing the same to view private Stories. Since stories can have multiple framers, users will still need to tap to progress through them. Also, as per the new update, there will be changes regarding how the Horizontal swiping comes into play. For instance, from now horizontal swipes will exit the Story, instead of progressing through the Stories, as before. Anyone who has used TikTok equates the vertical swipe with the video-sharing platform. Therefore, this move by Snapchat will make things easier for users who are also on TikTok. 

Testing Things Out

It was a social media expert, Matt Navarra who spotted the testing for the first time, by referring to a post by Twitter user @artb2668. A photo also shows a pop-up explaining how to use and navigate with the new feature. However, Snapchat refused to offer other details regarding the test. They did say that testing was still in early stages and that further development would take time. Hence, the new feature will be viewable only for a small percentage of their users. Their spokesperson stated that the feature is a way for Snapchat to explore further options. The mobile-first community focuses on providing its users with an engaging and immersive interface. However, the timing for such a testing phase is very interesting. 

Issues Around the World

As the COVID-19 continues its rampant spread across the globe, China has had to bear the brunt of the blame. Countries around the world have not been light on the nation, cited as being the epicenter of the virus’s spread. Countries like the US and Germany have been vocal of their criticism of China, with the Trump administration even threatening the communist country. Similarly, in India as well, rising border tensions and skirmishes have led to the government taking steps against the country. In a bold move, a few weeks ago, the government banned over 59 Chinese apps and services from use within the country. Also, one of the most popular apps on that list was none other than, TikTok. Similarly, the Trump administration is also threatening to ban the video-sharing platform citing security concerns. 

Global Politics

Furthermore, Friday saw Amazon instruct employees from using the app from company-issued phones. However, a couple of hours later, the company squashed the directive. Similarly, American military branches and offices have also banned the use of the app, as per a Pentagon directive. While all this happens around the world, the app Musical.ly’s acquisition by ByteDance has come under a US national security review. As a result of such political issues, TikTok’s rivals have been enjoying more success on the app store charts. For instance, Likee, Dubsmash, Triller and Byte have all witnessed a spike in downloads. Also, Instagram has been using this opportunity to grow Reels into newer markets, like India. In recent days, even video-sharing giant YouTube has been trying out Tik-Tok-like features. 

Hence, with most rivals trying to make the most of this geopolitical opportunity, it only seems natural that Snapchat does the same. The company appears to have hopped onto the bandwagon by switching to a different navigational approach. With the TikTok user base going up for grabs around the world, we will have to wait and see what other companies do to attract that user base. All of this only goes to show just how influential TikTok has become in recent years. We will also have to see what the viral social-media app does to bounce back, or whether it ever will.

Reliance Jio

Qualcomm Newest Backer for Ambani-led Reliance Jio Group

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Reliance has come out with quite a few big announcements in the past month or so. It is clear that the Mukesh-Ambani-led company is planning something huge this year. Recently, Qualcomm became the newest backer of Reliance Jio. Reports flooded in yesterday, stating that the high-profile company had bought into Ambani’s Reliance Jio Platform. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about this new investment, and what it means for Reliance.

Investments in JIO

Over the past 12 weeks, Reliance JIO raised over $15.7 billion from a plethora of investors. As per reports, Qualcomm will be putting in $97 million into Reliance Jio for a 0.15% equity stake. Furthermore, the investment will occur on a fully diluted basis within the country’s biggest telecom operator. The statement outlined that Qualcomm would help Jio Platforms with their advanced 5G infrastructure, making things easier for their Indian customers. After Facebook buying a 9.99% stake for Rs 43,574 crore, Qualcomm is another large American company to invest in JIO. Headquartered in California, Qualcomm specialises in 4G and 5G technology enabling. Also, it files the highest number of patents in India, being a major player in the smartphone-chip space.

Reliance JIO Story

In India, Reliance Jio competes directly with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. However, since inception, it has come out as a potent disruptor, gaining market share rapidly due to great marketing, and incredible cut-rate plans. Over the course of four years, it has grown to almost 400 million subscribers, becoming the world’s second-largest internet player. Reliance JIO has dominated the Indian telecom market while keeping the metric of average revenue per user at par with rivals. The parent company of JIO, Reliance Industries is India’s highest-valued firm with several high-profile investors. JIO too has been raking up investors, of the likes of, Facebook, Intel and even General Atlantic. Through these investments, Jio Platforms has sold approximately 25% stake, as a means to raise more capital.

JIO Services

Reliance’s digital service units also features an array of digital services, such as streaming for music, movies, shows and TV and even sports. To the tally of services, it recently added a video conferencing application just earlier this month. As per Qualcomm’s Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf, Jio Platforms is planning on delivering a new set of services to the Indian public in the months to come. He also stated that 5G will help revolutionise the Indian infrastructure, transforming every industry within the country. Since Jio has led India’s digital revolution via an array of technological capabilities, Qualcomm will do everything it can to further this revolution. 

Political Reasons at Play

As per certain experts within the field, Mukesh Ambani’s closeness with BJP, which rules India, is helping make JIO all the more attractive. Due to this closeness, buying into JIO, might help them negotiate better regulations, and lower the burden they currently face within the country. However, most of these are obscure reports and speculation, as the investors do not want to publicly talk of their political connections. Furthermore, the global initiative to cut back on the reliance on China is also helping JIO get global backing. Both India and the US have been taking proactive steps to reduce their dependency on China. Just recently, India banned the use of over 58 Chinese applications and services, including TikTok. In line with this stand, Reliance JIO does not have any Chinese investor on-board.

Through a statement, Ambani expressed his joy over the collaboration, calling Qualcomm a valued partner. He also stated that the companies share a common vision of building a global digital network that allows everyone to benefit from the connectivity it provides. This is the thirteenth consecutive deal for JIO, making it the most extensive continuous fundraising by any company in the world. In comparison, India’s start-ups raised just around Rs 1.10 lakh crore last year, which was also its best year. Meanwhile, Reliance Industries has now raised Rs 118,318.45 crore from some of the world’s biggest tech-space investors.

google

Google Drops Plans to Build Cloud-Computing Service for China

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China has been facing a lot of criticism in recent months for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several countries have openly called out the country for its relaxed stand, which led to the pandemic’s spread around the world. Certain countries are also now working on moving their manufacturing out of China. India too has decided to ban several Chinese apps due to border skirmishes between the two near the Nepal border. However, the most recent tech company to pull out of a Chinese partnership is none other than Google. Here’s a look at why the tech giant has abandoned plans to launch a cloud-computing platform for China.

Also Read: SnapLogic : One of the “Coolest” Cloud Platform Companies

Google Pulls Out

As per a report by Bloomberg, this will be the second project that Google scrapped with ties to China. In 2018, Google announced plans to build a search product name Dragonfly for China. However, amidst wide-spread criticism, the company dropped the high-profile project in December 2018. The new project, which goes by the codename Isolated Region, was to help countries with strict data laws, host cloud-computing services. The application would help such countries control the data flow within their borders. Therefore, the project was not a part of Google’s central cloud infrastructure but a different network. The plan was to help China oversee the flow of data across its borders while maintaining absolute privacy. 

Second Time Unlucky

The product was Google’s second attempt at establishing a high-profile partnership with China. Sources are unsure of whether the completed project would have served as a replacement to G Suite. However, rumors regarding such a product first came out in 2018. As per Bloomberg, conversations began as China needed a cloud service that would help them maintain and ensure privacy standards for the flow of data within and outside the country. When tensions between the US and China rose in January 2019, the company momentarily paused the project’s development. Existing privacy concerns and Trump’s trade war plans with China halted the project for a few months, and Google moved its focus to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. 

Pulling the Plug

After the brief halt, Google pulled the plug on the project in May of this year. The reason for the same was partly due to the worsening of ties between the US and China, among other things. As per the company’s statement, the decision came as a result of input from stakeholders in Europe, and from around the world. Google also said that Isolated Region was one of the approaches they took to addressing the world’s cloud technology needs. Talks with other countries proved to them that their paths would be better-suited, leading to the scrapping of the initial plan. The company also stated that they do not offer cloud services within China, and had no plans to offer them in the near future. 

Project Isolated Region

Project Isolated Region was not just to help countries with censoring laws, but to serve ones with strict privacy laws. Google also seems to have eyes on the European Union, which is known for its strong privacy policies. By providing insight over the flow and storage of data to government authorities, Google plans on establishing a service in an EU nation. The project would help solve issues regarding the 2018 American law, Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act. This law makes it harder for companies to deny government data reports when storing large volumes of data offshore. Since the cloud-computing project involved hundreds of employees from around the world, the plan to scrap it is a major shift in policy.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 to launch online next month due to COVID-19 crisis

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On Tuesday, Samsung hosted a live online event to announce the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series next month. Due to the horrific consequences of the novel coronavirus, many companies are forced to delay their product launches. But, Samsung has decided to launch the next series of Galaxy Note 20 on 5th August via a digital platform.

This virtual unpacking of new products will include Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Galaxy Z Flip (5G version). The product launch will be different from the events hosted before by the company especially when it is exclusively online. So, gear up, and let’s wait for the big moment to see what Samsung has got for its users this time.

Apart from Samsung other companies are also planning to take their events online. We also witnessed the shifting of WWDC20 hosted by Apple from offline to online mode this year. This might become the new normal for us amidst the pandemic.

Where and how the launch will take place?

As the company made it crystal clear that the unpacking will take place on a digital platform, Samsung will host a live event on YouTube. The streaming will take place on 5th August at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. P.T. Samsung’s official teaser has already been launched which gives us a few hints about the look of Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Apart from the Galaxy Note 20 series, the audience is expecting more from the unpacking event. The event might also include revealing tablets, that is, Galaxy Tab S lineup and so much more. It is expected that the company made suitable modifications to each of the models to be launched because last year the Galaxy Fold received criticism for its screen defects.

Galaxy note 20
Image Source: pocket-lint.com

What are the new features?

Last year, Samsung received a whole lot of negative feedback on the Galaxy Fold. After the company distributed a limited number of units to the reviewers, many problems were reported along with pointing out vast scope of improvement. So, Samsung delayed the launch to carry out thorough internal tests. Most of the issues were concerning the display and the hinge of the fold. The company has decided to unfold the second generation of the series next month. So, we expect better technology and durability this time which will balance the high price.

Some of the modifications that can be expected for the new Galaxy Fold are a glass display instead of a plastic one and a bigger internal screen. Rumors have been spread that Samsung might launch a cheaper model of Galaxy Fold besides Galaxy Fold 2.

Rumors have also come upon the surface regarding the Galaxy Z Flip and this time with a 5G version. The model of the Galaxy Flip that was released a few months later this year was a 4G phone. The new model is expected to run on a 5G network along with a Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and a bigger battery.

Regarding the Note series, Samsung is maybe planning to launch three new models, namely, Note 20, Note 20 Plus, and Note 20 Ultra. These models might have a comparatively thinner body and all of them will be run on the 5G network.

Amongst the global pandemic

No matter how big a company is especially in the phone industry, the pandemic has planted doubted in every mind. The major smartphone brands are in a dilemma if the impact will be the same as the events are gradually shifting to a virtual model. Moreover, this year the phone companies were going to break records as 5G connectivity just started entering the market. But, with the globally pandemic pinning every business down, the craze for new models is questionable. And, even after the crisis is over, the businesses will still struggle to come up on the surface.

Samsung in particular has faced a decelerating market as its new series of Galaxy S20 was launched just a few weeks before the lockdown. So, the company is now trying to make more budget-friendly phones to approach new users as well.

After August 5th, Samsung is planning to host another virtual event in September 2020

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