The iPhone 13 Pro will feature ultra-wide-angle autofocus capability
There’s no denying Apple’s continuous investment in some of the best mobile camera tech out there. The iPhone 12 Pro range introduced LiDAR capability — next up, probably, is increased autofocus capacity in ultra-wide-angle mode.
According to recent reports, Apple is planning an upgrade for its upcoming iPhone 13 range slated for later this year (if the microchip shortage doesn’t get ‘em before launch) Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed Apple is planning to build autofocus capability into its ultra-wide sensors — a feature previously only found in the wide-angle and telephoto sensors. The feature will launch in the Pro models coming this year, after which it’ll roll out to non-Pro models in 2022 — that’ll be the iPhone 14, right?
Reports suggest that increased autofocus capacity on an ultra-wide lens will allow users the ability to capture more crisp landscape photos. “Kuo also added that the ultra-wide sensor will get a hardware refresh and use six elements, instead of five. This should result in improved low-light photos in the ultra-wide mode,” TNW reports.
Source: The Next Web
Telegram finally adds group video call feature
Telegram may be one of WhatsApp’s biggest competitors, especially following WhatsApp’s plans to change its privacy policy — the app’s been tracking behind on a few key features. Like group video calls — a feature the app announced recently, and one that’s been available in its competition’s apps for what feels like years.
New reports say that, with the new update in mind, Telegram is trying to ‘take on Zoom’. Originally, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said the app planned to push the feature out in May. Well, it’s June, and users can officially make group video calls on the platform. In addition to the new conferencing feature, users will have the ability to share their screens — a useful option to have for business calls on the go. Telegrammers can now access group video calls by heading to the camera icon on the call screen. These calls will be limited to just 30 participants for now, but Telegram’s planning on upping that number soon.
The new feature is available both on mobile and on desktop — through the standalone apps. The ability to quickly conduct video group calls, along with the new screen-sharing feature, may make Telegram a viable competitor to the likes of Zoom — it really depends on how well these updates function day-to-day.
Source: Android Authority
Apple updates its AirTag battery warning in Australia
The world is still trying to figure out whether Apple’s newest location tracking device is worth it. Combining a massive network of active position tracking access and its weird relationship with pacemakers, Apple’s AirTag launch is off to a rocky start. Now an Australian watchdog is forcing Apple to update its warnings to keep AirTags away from children.
This followed a major Australian reseller’s decision to pull the little trackers from their shelves. All because they’re not completely child-safe, as the button battery housed inside the device is easily removed. After the initial warning from said watchdog, Apple updated its warning on the packaging in the country to include a child warning. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) isn’t convinced, and it’s taken on the tech maker again. The ACCC said it was concerned “about the accessibility and security of the button battery inside the product.”
“In addition, the AirTag battery compartment’s lid does not always secure fully on closing, and a distinctive sound plays when an AirTag’s lid is being closed, suggesting the lid is secure when it may not be,” said the ACCC. Currently, the ACCC has announced that it is looking at other location trackers in the country and their safety warnings.
Source: TechRadar
Overwatch 2 on Switch will have some ‘compromises’
Overwatch 2 will launch on the world’s favourite handheld console — the Nintendo Switch, but according to developer Blizzard, development for the platform has seen more than a few challenges. According to recent reports, the development team may “make some compromises” with the final product.
The reports in question all came from a Reddit AMA over the weekend, where key members on the development team for the platform answered fans’ questions. The game’s sequel is highly anticipated, and the fact that it’ll launch on a mobile platform makes it even more hyped-up. “As hardware has advanced since the launch of Overwatch, we are extending the OW2 engine with more high-end features,” says John Lafleur as a response to how the Switch version would be able to keep up with larger gaming systems like PC and console. “Switch is a little more challenging than some, and we’ll have to make some compromises there,” the technical director added. “For that reason, some of the higher-end visual enhancements might not be visible, there. We’ll focus on making sure all of the gameplay-related features get in, first, and then accentuate with additional features as much as possible.”
We would’ve enjoyed more details on what the expected ‘compromises’ will be on the smaller platform, but devs were hesitant to drop too much information. We can expect a lower frame rate (naturally) and lower graphics output thanks to the Switch’s weaker display. That’s if we don’t see an updated console from Nintendo before launch.
Source: GamesRadar
