Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duels has proven to be one of the most popular mobile spin-offs of the trading card franchise, providing a highly-competitive online multiplayer experience (with the benefit of enhanced animations, of course). As such, the game has received new updates which add to in-game content and overall player experience.
Among the new updates to the game is the “Duellist Cup,” a new two-stage event that lets players earn several rewards, including currency gems, for example. Duellists who manage to complete the first half of the Duellist Cup will be entered into a ranked second half, with even more potential rewards. It should be said that the event is only up until August 21.
There’s also a newly added Solo Mode dubbed “The Invincible Beetroopers,” which is based on the Beetrooper Scout Buggy monsters, marking their in-game debut. The game will now have “Casual Duels” as well, letting players battle it out without affecting their rank. The update also brings in a new batch of accessories which include the “Destiny Hero” icon, a “Token Collector” protector, “Vivid Abyssal” duel field, and a “Trishula” mate.
Additionally, the game will receive new changes to certain animations, as well as the game’s user interface.
In an interview with Nikkei, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa says that, while semiconductor supply issues are looking to improve for the remainder of this fiscal year, next year looks more “uncertain.” This follows the publication of Nintendo’s financial report for Q1 2022-2023.
In last week’s financials, Nintendo reported a 22.9% drop in profits for April – June 2022, but the company also reassured people that it would not be increasing the price of the Switch and that the semiconductor shortages would improve over the summer and autumn period.
Furukawa says that Nintendo will “work out the best strategy” as it goes along and that it’s doing its best to “procure high-quality products at an appropriate price”, but that things are only clear for the remainder of the current fiscal year:
“With cooperation from various business partners, we’re on track for improvement from the latter half of this summer. But in terms of our sales forecast of 21 million units for the fiscal year through March 2023, we only have a clear production outlook for this year. Beyond that, things are uncertain.”
This cooperation means that Nintendo Switch supply should improve for the rest of the year, as Nintendo already laid out in its latest financial report, but it’s unknown what the demand and supply will be like next year. Furukawa also states “I can’t say specifically what is in short supply”, but that Nintendo will still be selling all three Switch models — Standard, Lite, and OLED.
While Furukawa once again reassures that Nintendo isn’t considering a price increase “at this point”, the President was asked about rising material and shipping costs.
“For the time being, our OLED model will continue to be less profitable than our other models. Costs have undoubtedly increased for shipping not only by air, but also by sea. We’re thinking about what we can do.
The weak yen may be seen as a benefit for Nintendo, since such a large share of our sales comes from abroad, but our overseas promotional and staff costs also go up. We’re making more inventory purchases in foreign currencies to counter that.”
While the yen is indeed weakening, costs across the world are also rising, causing Nintendo to consider more options, including — as Furukawa states above — buying more inventory in other currencies.
And even though a large percentage of sales come from abroad, Furukawa brings up the issue of shipping costs, and the company needs to think of a way to get around this.
The OLED costs more to produce, and, while it’s more expensive than the standard model (and frequently the best-selling Switch console week-on-week in Japan), it’s only marginally more so.
Still, despite any potential issues with supplies, semiconductors, and prices, Furukawa believes that “hit software” in the latter part of the year will help the console massively, specifically citing Splatoon 3 (9th September) and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (18th November ).
Other major platform exclusives coming out for the remainder of 2022 are Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and Bayonetta 3, while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 has a chance of squeaking in before the end of the financial year (March 2023) as it’s tenuously dated for Spring 2023.
What are your thoughts on Shuntaro Furukawa’s words? Do you think the semiconductor shortage will improve more next year? Let us know in the comments.
The biggest challenge facing the growing number of clamp-on gamepads that promise to turn your smartphone into a handheld console is their limited compatibility, especially when it comes to fitting your phone. The Gamevice Flex wants to change that with a modular design that can be reconfigured to support almost any phone, even when inside a case.
A couple of months ago, Razer revealed a new version of its smartphone gamepad, but what made the Kishi V2 worth the upgrade wasn’t the Backbone One-inspired rigid extending bridge on the back, but the simple inclusion of swappable rubber inserts that allowed the controller to be used with not just thicker smartphones, but those with a protective case on them. As neat as the idea of turning a smartphone into a powerful gaming system is, smartphones are expensive and worth protecting with a case, and having to pry a phone out of that case every time you want to play a game just isn’t worth it .
Unfortunately, at launch, the Razer Kishi V2 only supported Android devices, and its compatibility with devices in a case was limited. That’s a big downside that Gamevice, the company who originally partnered with Razer to make the Kishi, wants to remedy with a new clamp-on controller of its own called the Flex.
Not surprisingly, the Flex looks like the first generation of the Kishi, with an asymmetrical joystick layout and a flexible adjustable strap on the back connecting both sides that also securely holds the gamepad to the phone. Unlike the Kishi V2’s change to a rigid bridge connection, the flexible strap also allows both sides of the Gamevice Flex to be attached to each other, creating a smaller footprint when not attached to a smartphone.
What actually gives the Flex its name, however, isn’t that strap, but the inclusion of various spacers of different sizes and materials that help the controller securely fit a wide variety of smartphones and phone cases. The spacers also help ensure the Gamevice Flex’s USB-C or Apple Lightning connector is positioned at the proper height to connect to an inserted smartphone, even while the device is still in a protective case, which often adds quite a bit of thickness around the connection port.
Gamevice promises the Flex gamepad can be used alongside thousands of different smartphone cases, and specifically mentions brands like OtterBox, Urban Armor Gear, Casetify, as well as first-party case offerings from Apple and Samsung. That being said, if you’re using a folio-style case with a flap that covers the screen, you’ll still need to pop it off to use the Gamevice Flex. The controller also isn’t compatible with folding phones, like those from Samsung and Motorola.
The only thing not flexible about the Gamevice Flex is that you’ll need to choose between either the $100 USB-C version designed for Android devices, or the $US110 ($153) MFi-certified Apple version made for iPhones with Lightning ports. Being able to swap the connector type as needed would be a neat trick, but the better solution is for Apple to finally adopt USB-C for all of its mobile devices.
I got the chance to fly to Melbourne this week for a lil’ ol’ games event run by VicScreen showing an exquisite selection of upcoming titles, all originating from Victoria (and boy, are my arms tired!).
With a developer showcase at Thornbury Picture House and a demo showcase at Paper House Studio, VicScreen took the opportunity to celebrate the mighty fine work coming out of its state ahead of Melbourne’s International Games Week in October.
This very cool event meant that I got the opportunity to gush over the spectacular work of our indie developers here in Australia, but also got the chance to play some demos and get even more excited!
Folks, I SEES ITvideo games!
With the opportunity to play these games and talk to the developers, I thought it would only be fair to get you in on the hot goss, so here’s my experience from VicScreen’s event.
Cult of the Lamb
You know I’ve got my review out for this one. It’s already a favorite for me.
There’s truly not much else I can say about it that I don’t go over in the review, or haven’t talked about in my interview with Julian Wilton, the game’s creative director.
Cult of the Lamb is out on all platforms on August 12th (tomorrow!).
Future Folklore
Image: VicScreen / Kotaku Australia
Unfortunately, there wasn’t a demo for Future Folklore (developed by GUCK) as it’s still in the very early stages of development.
However, talking to GUCK’s cofounders, Hayley and Kati gave us a look into their plans for the game and how they’re working towards making the games industry a place where First Nations folks can thrive and tell their stories the way they want to.
Future Folklore will be a mobile-based immersive sim that focuses on Care of Country and healing through a distinctly Aboriginal lens, and is set in a futuristic Australian-inspired land filled with unique flora and fauna.
Hayley explained that Future Folklore initially didn’t start as an interactive project, but the more it developed, the more opportunity they saw for First Nations creatives to be able to create a game with a strong focus on culture and Indigenous storytelling.
They also noted that what was important for GUCK and Future Folklore was not to create a project purely for ‘optics’ representation, but instead allow for Aboriginal creators to make a game about their culture, for the culture.
I’m absolutely stoked to see what GUCK have in store with Future Folkloreso you can stay in the loop by following them on Twitter.
Kinder World
Image: VicScreen / Kotaku Australia
Kinder World is just lovely. It’s like a hug from a friend. Talking to Lauren and Jack from Lumi Interactive gave me a deeper look into how a lot of love and care went into a sweet little mobile game made to only be played for a little time each day.
Kinder World is a mobile game all about healing, being kind to yourself and others, and taking care of houseplants with the help of a large and adorable Samoyed doggy called Samy.
The game is currently in Early Access for iOS and Android, and has garnered quite the following online due to it just being plain nice. Fortunately, Lumi Interactive also got a freakin’ huge lump of funding recently, so it can only go up from here.
Described as a “crowdhealing” game, Lauren explained to me that the inspiration for Kinder World came from their team seeing just how these past few years have taken a negative toll on our collective mental health.
By approaching development with a focus on care, Lumi Interactive worked with mental health and wellbeing professionals in order to get the right idea about how a game like this could benefit others, and just from a few minutes of playing it, I could feel it immediately .
The game asked me what I looked forward to in the morning, and I genuinely had to think about it. After giving my answer and watering my new monstera plant, it grew a leaf. After that leaf, I got a message in a little leaf heart fortune-cookie thing which came from another player, wishing me a beautiful day. It was nice. It made me smile.
Wood & Weather
Image: VicScreen / Kotaku Australia
In playing the demo for Wood & Weather, I put all the wooden cars available into the lake. It’s legal to do this, and nobody will stop you. The same is true in real life.
Wood & Weather is a ‘demi-god simulator’, as described by one of its developers Terry. Based around the Melbourne landscape, you play an omnipotent hand that can control the weather, and does so to see what effect it has on the wonderful little wooden people that live in the land.
what makes Wood & Weather special is not only the playful nature of how it looks at the effects of climate change, but how the team at Paper House are tracking their environmental toll and ‘making an effort to reduce their impact’ during the development of this game.
The game was also originally about pizza. The whole plan was to make a game about a pizza place. However, Terry is a huge weather-head. He just loves the stuff. and so, Wood & Weather was born.
You might also know Paper House Studio from their previous title paperbark for iOS, which is a beautiful little game where you play as a wombat surviving in the harsh Australian summer. Very good stuff.
Paper House’s weather obsession is infectious, and the short demo of Wood & Weather was an absolute delight. I can’t wait to see this one out on PC and consoles.
Wayward Strand
Image: VicScreen / Kotaku Australia
Wayward Strand is a game built to be played over and over again to get the whole experience, and I’m not sure if my poor, sensitive little heart can take it. I’ll still play it, though.
The old folks you meet in the game are all so unique. In saying that, some of them are also incredibly rude. But also, some of them are very sweet.
As well as having fantastic voice acting from legends like Michael Caton, the old folks personalities and daily activities have such attention to detail.
It truly feels like you’re a teenager stuck on a flying hospital with old people who are either fascinated by you or think you’re fucking annoying.
Ghost Pattern, the team behind Wayward Strandseem to know all about care and compassion when it comes to gameplay, as well as real life.
As we know, the title was delayed to next month as the team had no interest in succumbing to crunch, and the developers explained that in a wild turn of events, the community that has grown around Wayward Strand was incredibly supportive with their decision. You love to see it.
Wayward Strand will release on PC and consoles on September 15th.
Way to the Woods
Image: VicScreen / Kotaku Australia
Remember Way to the Woodsthat beautiful little indie title about a deer and fawn which was showcased at E3 2019 as part of Xbox’s pre-E3 showcase?
Well, it’s still coming!
If you’re anything like me, this game has popped into your mind every now and then. ever since seeing Way to the Woods at E3, it’s stayed fresh in my mind as such a lovely little idea.
Fast forward to this week, and sole developer Anthony Tan is still working hard on Way to the Woods. He started working on the game in 2015, when he was only 16, and wouldn’t have been able to keep it going without the support of VicScreen.
The reason it’s taken a while to produce? For one thing, Anthony’s making it all on his own. For another, he’s grown up making this game, and he explains that the plans for what he wanted the game to be have changed over time.
However, after a bit of a wait, I was able to play a short build of the game, and I’m very, very excited for what’s in store. It’s a narrative adventure game akin to stray (with a little bit of magic) where you, the deer, and your little fawn must use the energy of your surroundings to find your way through an unfriendly environment.
We didn’t get too much info on it, but the current planned release window is within the first quarter of 2023.
Big shouts out to VicScreen for putting on such a sick event and to all the super talented devs for showing off their work, it’s a good time to be a fan of Aussie games!
Google’s Multitask Unified Model (MUM) algorithm is now capable of identifying when multiple high-quality sources agree on the same fact.
This update to MUM is part of a more significant effort to improve information literacy across the web.
A Google-supported survey conducted by the Poynter Institute finds that 62% of respondents encounter false or misleading information every week.
To help people separate fact from fiction, Google is applying several changes to search results.
Here are the complete details about the updates Google announced today.
Improvements To Google’s MUM Algorithm
With improvements to the MUM algorithm, Google can understand when multiple sources on the web come to a consensus.
What does this mean for search results?
Google will now fact-check its featured snippets to see if other reputable sources agree with the information.
Pandu Nayak, Google’s Vice President of Search, explains how advancements to the MUM algorithm make this possible:
“Our systems can check snippet callouts (the word or words called out above the featured snippet in a larger font) against other high-quality sources on the web, to see if there’s a general consensus for that callout, even if sources use different words or concepts to describe the same thing. We’ve found that this consensus-based technique has meaningfully improved the quality and helpfulness of featured snippet callouts.”
Further, MUM can help Google more accurately determine when queries are better served without featured snippets.
As a result of this update, Google is reducing the triggering of featured snippets in these cases by 40%.
Helping Searchers Identify Trustworthy Information
Along with the update to MUM, Google is introducing additional features to help searchers find information they can trust.
Expanding ‘About This Result’
Google is expanding the ‘about this result’ feature with more context, such as:
How widely a source is circulated
Online reviews about the source or company
Whether another entity owns the company
When Google’s systems can’t find adequate information about a source
Image Credit: Screenshot from blog.google/products/search/information-literacy/, August 2022.
About this result is now available in the Google app and in more languages, including Portuguese (PT), French (FR), Italian (IT), German (DE), Dutch (NL), Spanish (ES), Japanese (JP) , and Indonesian (ID).
Content Advisories About Information Gaps
A new advisory in search results will alert users when there’s not enough reliable information available for a particular query.
Google shares an example of a search related to a conspiracy theory triggering the new content advisory:
Image Credit: Screenshot from blog.google/products/search/information-literacy/, August 2022.
Source: Google Featured Image: Andrii Yalanskyi/Shutterstock
TGIF: There are so many great savings to enjoy. (Photo: Amazon)
Finding a great deal at Amazon just feels so amazing. That’s why our team has scoured the mega-site to put together a quick-and-dirty list of the top deals for you. So what are today’s best Amazon deals? Well, you can score a fan-favorite robovac for more than $100 off. How ’bout a mega-popular TV at a $160 discount? Or maybe you need a new air fryer that also happens to be $40 off. There’s a lot to explore! Let’s have a closer look at these stellar Amazon deals, shall we?
This handy air fryer has a non-stick basket that’s dishwasher-safe for fast and easy cleanup. Enjoy four presets: Air fry, Broil, Roast and Reheat.
“It’s been hot this summer and I didn’t feel like firing up the oven, but I cook all of my own food and I do a lot of baking,” said a happy customer. “There hasn’t been anything that I wasn’t able to cook in this air fryer. I’ve baked, made roasted veggies, baked whole chickens, BBQ spare ribs, French fries, chicken nuggets, anything and everything.”
With these headphones, you don’t have to be tethered to your device, but still get a solid stream of music and podcasts for nearly two days. That’s pretty impressive, considering that most wireless headphones tap out after about 30 hours.
“The Beats Solo3 is absolutely the BEST headset I’ve ever owned!” a shopper shared. “I’ve had many headsets over the years to do my job. Now that I’m changing careers and moving into online teaching I need a headset that is of very high-quality sound with the ability to send and receive calls and to be wireless…Beats Solo3 fits the bill. It is exceptionally comfortable to wear for many hours at a time. The battery life is phenomenal.”
Want a vintage-style sneaker that goes with everything? You found it. Fans rave that Reebok’s Princess sneaker is comfortable and cushy, with a grippy rubber sole to help you go the distance.
“I love these shoes, have worn them for years,” said a happy customer. “I have a bad foot, and they are so comfortable and are wide enough not to crunch your foot but not so wide your foot slides around.”
This robovac uses Eufy’s patented BoostIQ technology to navigate your house, from hardwood floors to rugs and beyond, with smooth transitions. It never loses suction, but if it senses the need for extra suction — say for crumbs on the kitchen floor or dirt embedded in the rug — it amps up its power to get the job done.
“I was skeptical an automatic battery charged vac could really do a good job; boy was I wrong to worry. This thing has an appetite for dirt and debris,” said a five-star fan. “And what fun to send Eufy (we named her Ethel) around the house, doing all the vacuuming while we watch our favorite shows or read. Ethel does a fantastic job of cleaning my carpets (my house is 90% carpet) and she’s so easy to clean her dirt bin out, and clean her roller if hair wraps around it.
Save nearly 40% off these fan-favorite sheets. They feature bamboo viscose fabric blended with microfiber to keep you cool and sweat-free overnight. A deep pocket fitted sheet will cover most mattresses. Choose from a huge range of fade-resistant shades.
“Bedsheets are super comfortable,” said a five-star fan. “They’re smooth, soft and wrinkle-free…by far my favorite sheets to date.”
Insignia’s Smart Fire TV is a bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. This TV features crisp visuals at four times the resolution of full HD, along with access to more than one million streaming movies and shows. The voice remote uses Alexa, so you can search for your favorite show or play music, just with the power of your voice.
“Super deal!” said a happy customer. “Perfect performance, picture, sound, controls, the works. This is a great deal!”
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Looking for more great Amazon home deals? Check these out:
outdoor
Aocktobar Waterproof Sandproof Beach Blanket
$10$13Save $3
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
$369$430Save $61
Coleman 4-Person Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
$158$185Save $27
Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
The truck is available in a range of variants suitable for both metropolitan and construction site applications.
UD says the emphasis for the newest Quon variant was driver safety.
UD Trucks Australia has announced the latest evolutions of its Quon truck. The heavy-duty vehicle boasts increased performance and a range of new safety features
UD says the Quon is equipped with an 11-liter driveline with power ratings between 390 and 460hp depending on the variant. While torque is 2250 Nm for the 460hp model, and 2000Nm for the 400 and 430hp variants.
UD says the Improvements are aimed at minimizing driveline drag, and as a result, achieve better fuel efficiency.
The new Quon features a Euro 6 emissions compliant 11 liter engine as well as a 12-speed ESCOT Automated Manual Transmission. While 8 liter Quon variants have the choice of ESCOT or a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission.
One of the safety features added across the Quon 8-liter and 11-liter range is a function UD calls Stop & Driver Initiate Go, that automatically controls speed and aims to reduce driver stress and fatigue.
Other improvements include a revised Traffic Eye Brake System and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that triggers an alarm to alert drivers when they unintentionally leave the lane and UD Stability Control that automatically detects and adjusts engine output and braking to retain truck stability.
UD says all Quon models will be equipped with UD’s BSIS (Blind Spot Information System which can monitor the left-hand side of the truck and detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles.
Vice President UD Trucks Australia, Lauren Pulitano says the latest Quon truck is all about worksite safety.
“The evolution of the Quon continues. This latest iteration of our best-selling vehicle proves that performance and driver comfort don’t have to compromise safety and efficiency.
“This truck sets us well on the way towards our goal of zero accident and zero emissions in the future.
“The Quon already exceeds Euro 6 emissions standards and now coupled with significant fuel efficiency gains these latest improvements are yet another step towards providing sustainable options for Australian transport operators.
“Many of our vehicles are operating in the urban environment for their entire working day, navigating city streets, laneways and construction sites right in the midst of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
“These latest safety advances help make our cities a safer place to be and the Quon our safest truck yet,” says Pulitano.
The UD Quon is available in 4×2, 6×2, 6×4 and 8×4 configurations across a wide range of wheelbases to suit rigid and prime mover applications.
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Who doesn’t love a tech sale? Right now, eBay is running a sale on its official Microsoft storefront, where you’ll be able to take an extra 20% off a wide selection of Microsoft products as well as MSI, Razer and Samsung PC gear.
To claim your additional 20% off on any of the following items from eBay’s Microsoft sale, you’ll need to use the code SAVFAV20 at checkout.
To help you find only the best deals to spend your hard-earned dosh on, we’ve rounded them all up below.
The best laptop and monitor deals
Image: MSI
If you’re hoping to find a new laptop or monitor, whether it’s for marathon gaming sessions or work, Microsoft’s eBay store has got you sorted. In particular, there are quite a few MSI laptops on sale for up to $700 off.
You’ll be able to work from any angle with ease thanks to this MSI Summit E14 Flip laptop that’s on sale. Not only does it sport 360-degree rotation, but it also features fast-charging capabilities and an ultra-long battery life. Perfect for productivity and efficiency.
The best keyboard deals
Image: Razer
This Razer BlackWidow V3 keyboard is green, in the spirit of halo-infiniteand that’s all we need to know.
Aside from being a worthy aesthetic addition to any gaming set-up, buying this special edition keyboard will get you a bonus in-game gift: a Deathly Poison Weapon Coating. And who doesn’t love a goody?
The best mouse deals
Image: Microsoft
This Microsoft eBay sale is the perfect opportunity to nab a new mouse for your desk if that’s something you’ve been putting off for too long.
Check out a couple of our top sale picks below, especially the much-loved Razer gaming mice.
The best earbuds and gaming headsets deals
Image: Aftershokz
Whether you need a pair of earbuds to go running in or some headphones that will immerse you in the open-world desktop game you’re playing right now, Microsoft’s eBay sale has more than enough choices to check out.
More PC accessories deals
Image: 8BitDo
Not only is Microsoft’s eBay sale brimming with laptops, monitors, keyboards and mice to update your set-up, but they also have a number of wireless controllers, RGB lights and even rockers to really take your home office to the next level.
Don’t forget to check out the Microsoft sale here over at eBay Australia to explore more great deals on everything from MSI laptops to Razer headsets and a Surface Pro X.
The long wait for the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is ending soon. And, the developers recently revealed a new map to hype the fans, and it also excited another genre of fans.
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The upcoming game is the sequel to the 2019 reboot series Modern Warfare. Further, the new Call of Duty will follow the story of an elite squad consisting of familiar characters like John Price, Gaz, Ghost, Soap, and Farah. Further, this team will also have a new character, Mexican Special Forces Col. Vargas.
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The task force would have to control a situation after a missile strike from the US that eliminated a foreign general. Further, the elite squad would have to take care of the terrorist organization Al-Qatala and the drug cartel Las Almas. Also, the game has a thrilling multiplayer mode to entertain the fans.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II unveils an F1 circuit for multiplayer
The developers, Infinity Ward, recently unveiled a new map that would be available for Modern Warfare II’s Multiplayer 6v6 matches. Call of Duty claimed they worked on maps to give an ultimate experience to the fans. Further, the upcoming game would suit every kind of player.
The new 6v6 match map they introduced would be called Marina Bay Grand Prix. And as the name suggests, this circuit might be based on the real-life F1 circuit, Marnia Bay Street Circuit, that hosts the Singapore GP. Undoubtedly, an F1 circuit could be a great battlefield for 6v6 fights.
Twitter reactions to the Marina Bay Grand Prix map
The 6v6 map in the upcoming Call of Duty title impressed the CoD fans, as well as the Formula One fan. This Marina Bay Grand Prix map undoubtedly narrowed the wall between CoD and F1. Further, the motorsports fan showcased their excitement for the new map. Let’s look at some of the tweets from the fans.
THIS MAP ALREADY LOOKS BETTER THAN ANY MAPS FROM MODERN WARFARE!!!!
Looks clean, traditional to a sense, WOW. I literally cannot wait for this game.
There are a lot of expectations from the new Call of Duty title after the failure of Vanguard last year. Let’s hope the game lives up to expectations and impresses F1 fans. Are you excited to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 Call of Duty Games of All Time
Premium smartwatches have more or less all caught up to each other when it comes to features like heart rate tracking, smart assistants, and crisp OLED displays. So how does a company like Tag Heuer make its digital timepiece stand out? It teams up with Porsche for a special edition model that can remotely control certain features when paired to a user’s supercar.
Tag Heuer and Porsche have already teamed up for a handful of more traditional mechanical chronographs, but this is the first smartwatch the two companies have collaborated on, and the TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 Porsche Edition brings with it more than just a unique design featuring a matte black titanium case, “Frozen Blue” accents borrowed from the electric Porsche Taycan, and a custom “Circuit” watch face option that blends circuit board elements with subtle nods to race tracks. It’s not quite as subtle or ‘dressy’ as most of Tag Heuer’s offerings, but it certainly feels more modern.
Image: Tag Heuer
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor and running Google’s Wear2 OS, the TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 Porsche Edition promises up to 24 hours of battery life after a 90-minute charge, although that will vary depending on how it’s being used. Its fitness-tracking and heart rate monitoring features may knock that down a bit. Basic features include a compass, barometer, NFC functionality for tap-to-pay systems, and waterproofing to a depth of 50 meters: standard stuff for a premium smartwatch today.
Where the TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 Porsche Edition gets interesting, and might start to justify its $US2,750 ($3,818) price tag, is its added connectivity with current Porsche vehicles, including most of the car maker’s 2022 lineup and newer models. Users can add complications to the smartwatch’s face displaying their vehicle’s total mileage, the car’s current charge level and estimated range (for electric models), or just the estimated range (for gas-powered models). The smartwatch even includes controls on its OLED touchscreen for adjusting a Porsche’s air conditioning and heating, which is presumably more useful for making sure the interior is comfortable after remote starting the vehicle than making temperature adjustments on your wrist while driving.
The TAG Heuer Connected Caliber E4 Porsche Edition will officially be available starting in September, and while you don’t need to own an actual Porsche to buy one, it really seems like the only way to take advantage of its uniquely expanded functionality.
Image: Tag Heuer