Switch Pro not so Pro

Nintendo announced the new version of the Switch console. Everyone was expecting the Pro version, but Nintendo had different idea. They updated the screen to the OLED technology and made it a little bit bigger (7-inch), but it's still only 720p. Beside the screen, they bumped the storage from 32GB to 64GB. And that's it. The rest of the console is the same - it still has the same CPU, RAM and bad joycons :(  

Although the internals have not been upgraded, this model includes an adjustable stand for tabletop play, and the dock also got the Ethernet port.

To be honest this new model is disappointing. It is basically the same console that costs $50 more for a better screen. It might be an option for people who wants to buy their first switch, but if you already have one, there is no need to replace it.

If you are, for some reason, waiting for the Switch OLED model, it will be available for $350 on October 8th.

Image credits: Nintendo

Another Space Race?

The SpaceX has won the races for launch of the first reusable rocket and first manned mission on privately built rocket. But apparently the space race continues. SpaceX,  Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic try to fly a civilian into space.

At the moment, it looks like Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has the high ground. They plan to launch on the July 20th. Bezos will be joined by his brother, as well as Wally Funk - one of the “Mercury 13” veterans. There is one other passenger but we still don't know who that is.

While the Blue Origin is preparing for launch, Richard Branson apparently will try to fly into space before the Bezos. On July 11th, he will be on board of the fourth crew test flight of the Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity spaceplane.

If they succeed they will be first, so it's either super clever or crazy. But, who knows maybe you need to be a little bit crazy to achieve something.

SpaceX tries to keep away from this scramble, and stick to their original plan. The "Inspiration4" mission will launch  4 civilians to orbit on September 15th.

Although SpaceX might be last in this race, their mission will provide the best Space experience. The mission will last for a couple of days and will be in low Earth's orbit. Where Blue Origin and Virgin's mission are only to the edge of the space, to give passengers a few minutes of weightlessness.

Image credits: Marek Piwnicki

Windows 11

Microsoft has announced Windows 11. Here are the most important features:

• New UI, including new Start Menu,
• The brand new store and support for Android apps on Windows,
• Snap Layouts -  allowing to easily arrange multiple windows,
• Faster and smaller updates,
• Microsoft Teams and Xbox Game Pass are now built into the system,
• Windows Widgets is an AI driven personalized feed,
• Auto HDR adds HDR to DirectX 11 and 12 games,
• Improved support for stylus and voice commands/dictating,
• It's a FREE update!

It all looks very good, but there is one catch - the system requirements. Windows 11 will require a 64-bit PC with UEFI firmware that is Secure Boot capable. It also needs a  Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 module. Some versions of Windows also require an Internet connection to complete the setup process.

iPhone rumors

There are some new rumors surrounding the 2022 iPhones:

• Apple will discontinue the 5.4-inch “mini” size,
• There will be only 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch size,
• Both new models will have improved wide-angle camera with 48 megapixels,
• Apple may include an under the screen Touch ID sensor for some models,
• Apple also plans to release a new iPhone SE that will support 5G.

Image credits: Microsoft

E3 2021

This week we had a virtual E3 conference. Here are the games that were presented:

• Far Cry 6
• Elden Ring
• Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
• Life is Strange: True Colors
• Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin
• Starfield
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
• Forza Horizon 5
• Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life
• The Outer Worlds 2
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
• Redfall
• Somerville
• They Always Run
• LAST STOP
• Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
• Metroid Dread

Image credits: Electronic Entertaiment Experience

WWDC 2021

This week Apple held a virtual WWDC conference, and here is what was announced:

iOS 15

• FaceTime got a grid view, blurred backgrounds, and weblink to schedule a FaceTime call that  will work on PC or Android,
• SharePlay allows to play videos, movies, TV shows,  music, and screen sharing during FaceTime calls,
• Spatial audio is now supported thought the system,
• Focus will manage notifications based on their importance and what we are doing at the moment,
• Live Text allows to search and copy a text from photos,
• Wallet will support virtual keys allowing opening cars or hotel room from the phone, also it will support virtual personal IDs and driving licenses,
• Weather app has been rewritten and now has deeper integration with Dark Sky service,
• Apple Maps got a new design with more detailed information about the roads, for example you can see the road signs, cross walks, and even 3d version od bridges and overpasses,
• Safari has been redesigned, but most importantly it supports 3rd party extensions,
• Siri can now work on the device, without internet connection and it's faster than ever.

iPadOS 15

• New Home screen is now working like on iOS - widgets are now always visible, we can hide apps or even entire pages, and there is App Library
• Multitasking got easier with new controls,
• Notes now has a system wide feature called Quick Note that allows to create a quick note from any place in the iOS or iPadOS. Also the collaboration features has been added to notes, including mentions and activity view,
• Translate support language auto detection and support handwriting.

watchOS 8

• Mindfulness - the Breathing app has been extended with meditation features,
• Sleep can track the respiratory rate and show the results in the Health app,
• Workout app now supports Pilates and Tai Chi,
• Photos got new tools to make a watch face with a photo look even better,
• Home app has been completely redesigned,
• Apps can now take an advantage from Always-On display.

macOS Montgomery

• Universal control allows to use the same keyboard and mouse to control multiple macs or iPad,
• Shortcuts from iOS have finally arrived on macOS,
• FaceTime, Safari, Photos got similar updates to iOS versions.

Image credits: Apple