Tag: Computers

  • The Rise of AYANEO in Handheld Gaming Market

    The market of handheld gaming has been booming considerably in the past few years. Mobile Gaming was always a trend, since the days of Nintendo’s Game Boy. However, we did not see much competition in this field during the past ten years. That started to change with the Nintendo Switch, which saved Nintendo after the disastrous Nintendo Wii U. It also gave the company a unique position in the video game market. With the trending PC gaming, many companies started to consider building their own portable PCs that could run games as handheld consoles. That gave birth to devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG, and many of AYANEO consoles.

    AYANEO is a brand that has been trending recently with the launch of multiple handheld PCs promising compelling gaming experience while on the go. The Chinese brand was f0unded in 2020 and quickly stole the headlines due to its interesting handheld gaming devices. AYANEO has been building a diverse portfolio of handheld consoles in the past years. Currently, it offers powerful handhelds that are comparable to expensive PCs with strong CPUs and GPUs and also has some modest options for mobile gaming and cloud-gaming services.

    AYANEO
    Arthur Zhang, CEO at AYANEO

    The market of handheld consoles is booming, and AYANEO has interesting plans for the future. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with AYANEO’s CEO, Arthur Zhang. Join us in this interview as we delve into this company’s journey in the trending market of handheld PCs. Learn more about AYANEO’s history in this field, and what the company has in tow for the future.

    QUESTION

    Could You Tell us A little about AYANEO, Its History and How it began its journey in this gaming field?

    Arthur Zhang: I can briefly talk about the origins of our first official product. Our AYANEO founding team had a dream to create a high-performance Windows handheld gaming device many years ago. It was at that time when AMD’s mobile processors made significant advancements, and with a mentality to give it a try, we contacted AMD and informed their China team about our desire to create an outstanding Windows handheld gaming device using AMD processors.

    We were unsure if AMD had plans to develop dedicated processors for handheld gaming devices at that time, but they provided us with unprecedented support and assistance, ranging from product development to the resources of the supply chain. AMD even had their friends act as product managers to help us create the world’s first Windows handheld gaming device based on AMD processors.

    Today, you can see that AMD processors have already taken a leading position in the Windows handheld gaming field, and we have become a well-known handheld gaming brand globally. Our collaboration has been a win-win situation, and we maintain a good working relationship. We will continue to work together in creating even more powerful Windows handheld gaming devices.

    Question

    The market of gaming handhelds is trending lately with so many new releases. Could you give us more details about AYANEO and its push into the handheld market, and what are the brand’s goals in this competitive field?

    Arthur Zhang:

    Our goal is simple: to create the purest Windows handheld gaming device in the world because the essence of handheld gaming is about having fun. We hope that AYANEO users can experience the purest joy on our handheld gaming devices.

    Of course, as our company grows, we plan to launch more categories of products to satisfy the diverse needs of users within our capabilities. We aim to provide users with a comprehensive product line based on insights into their demands. Currently, we have established product lines for Windows handheld gaming devices and Android handheld gaming devices, offering gamers a wide range of choices. In the future, we will further expand into other product categories to meet the needs of more users.

    Question

    With competition rising continuously, with more and more players joining the market, what are AYANEO’s plans, will continue investing on powerful hardware to challenge the competition?

    Arthur Zhang: With the entrance of some major brands, competition in the handheld gaming field has indeed become more intense than before. But this situation confirms that our strategic judgment from two or three years ago was correct, so from the very beginning, I never limited AYANEO’s development strategy to a small field or a specific product type.

    Increasing investment in technology research and development to create more competitive products is definitely part of our future development strategy. Based on this, we will also build a more comprehensive product line based on insights into user needs, providing users with segmented product choices.

    AYANEO
    AYANEO’s product line

    We have already established product lines for Windows handheld consoles and Android handheld consoles, providing gamers with a wide range of choices. In the future, we will further expand into other categories to meet the needs of more users.

    Question

    The AYANEO Pocket Air is the company’s first Android handheld. It’s also great for cloud gaming, the company plans to invest more on handhelds made for cloud gaming services?

    Arthur Zhang: Regarding the Android handheld gaming category, we have clear plans and will introduce more exquisite Android handheld gaming devices to provide users with a first-class software and hardware experience. For example, the previously announced AYANEO Pocket S will be equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen2 flagship processor, featuring high-end material craftsmanship and artistic design, making it a beautiful and powerful high-end Android handheld gaming device.

    Gizchina News of the week


    AYANEO Air

    Of course, we will also release Android handheld gaming devices with different positioning and forms. They will not only be great for playing retro games but, as you mentioned, will also provide excellent experiences for cloud gaming and streaming games.

    Question

    Which product will be AYANEO’s flagship against the likes of Steam Deck and ROG Ally?

    Arthur Zhang:

    If we consider screen size, AYANEO 2S would be a good choice. Compared to Steam Deck and ROG Ally, AYANEO 2S has a higher screen-to-body ratio and exquisite narrow bezels, offering a more comfortable grip with its ergonomic design.

    However, as I mentioned, AYANEO aims to build a more comprehensive product series to compete in the market. Currently, we have AYANEO KUN with a larger screen size and stronger performance, as well as the more lightweight and portable AYANEO AIR 1S. They, along with AYANEO 2S, cover the diverse needs of gamers. We will continue to iterate on different series of products and constantly improve our product quality to meet industry challenges.

    Question

    The Company has plans of making more affordable handhelds in the future?

    Arthur Zhang: We have made attempts in this aspect, such as the Intel and Mendocino versions of AYANEO AIR Plus, which were well received by many gamers. The Android handheld gaming device Pocket AIR is also a cost-effective choice. Of course, we prioritize providing gamers with a high-quality comprehensive experience, which places higher demands on both software and hardware, making cost control a significant challenge.

    However, these challenges also drive us to make continuous progress. Therefore, we will always do our best to provide gamers with cost-effective products. Next, we will launch handheld gaming devices with different price ranges, but regardless of the price, we will strive to deliver a first-class experience to gamers.

    Question

    Arthur Zhang: What do you think are the competitive advantages of AYANEO over other brands at this stage?

    When it comes to AYANEO, I believe many gamers first think of our leading industry design capabilities and aesthetics, which are our prominent advantages at the moment. However, our strengths go beyond that. Since our first official product, AYANEO handheld gaming devices have had top-quality screens in the industry. We have also collaborated with Guli Technology to develop innovative hall-effect joysticks, providing AYANEO handheld gaming devices with superior control experiences compared to other competitors.

    We have also developed the AYASpace management software specifically for Windows handheld gaming devices, offering a professional and comprehensive handheld gaming software experience. The new AYASpace 2 and the AYASpace retro game management frontend on Android handheld gaming devices allow gamers to experience convenient handheld and game management features.

    Question

    Recent AYANEO consoles have been showing a beautiful design that makes them unique when compared to competition. Can you guive more details about AYANEO’s design philosophy for the design of its consoles?

    Arthur Zhang: It’s actually quite simple. In terms of exterior design, we pursue an ultimate elegant and original design. We have high requirements for design styles and color schemes, which often require us to put in a lot of effort in structural or material innovations to achieve the desired effects. In addition to that, we were the first brand to introduce colorful and artistic design styles to Windows handheld gaming devices.

    We were the first to incorporate classic retro elements into Windows handheld gaming devices, creating the highly acclaimed “Retro Power” color scheme. Later, we collaborated with the trendy brand B.Duck to launch various stylish B.Duck limited edition color schemes, initiating a wave of limited edition color schemes for Windows handheld gaming devices. We have become more proficient in creating appealing color schemes and combine them with high-end craftsmanship and materials to ensure that AYANEO handheld gaming devices have excellent visual and tactile experiences.

    Of course, we do not blindly pursue industrial design to the extent of neglecting practicality. In fact, each of our handheld gaming devices applies a considerable amount of ergonomic design. For example, the sliding full keyboard SLIDE and the flip handheld gaming device FLIP both provide keyboards that offer the most comfortable experience according to user habits. From the streamlined design of the handle to every detail of the body, we carefully optimize to ensure that gamers can have a comfortable experience.

    Question

    So far what has been the feedback coming from the audience when it comes to your efforts in industrial design?

    Arthur Zhang: Thanks to our persistence in industrial design, many gamers and media are full of praise for the appearance of the AYANEO handheld console. Even compared to some major brands, they express a greater preference for the design of our handheld console. To receive recognition from gamers for our pursuit of ultimate industrial design is the best reward for us.

    Of course, it’s not just gamers, professional organizations have also given us high praise. In October, the AYANEO 2S, which features a borderless design, won the 2023 Japan G-Mark Design Award. To receive recognition from the prestigious “Eastern Design Oscars” known as the Japan G-Mark Design Award is the best proof of our industrial design strength.



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  • Dungeon Fighter Online X SNK crossover reveal shows off cool animation featuring a bunch of their fighting game characters











    It could be because we all follow the genre a lot more closely than others, but it certainly feels as though fighting game publishers / developers have been pushing for more crossovers lately, especially outside of the realm of versus fighters.






    Neople recently announced a new crossover event coming to their long-running Dungeon & Fighter MMO title (known as Dungeon Fighter Online over here) to join forces with multiple SNK fighting game series.









    Thanks to Gatoray, we can check out the neat animated trailer for the reveal intercut with some snippets of gameplay.


    Taking some cues from the classic King of Fighters opening, the trailer features a smattering of KOF and Samurai Shodown characters doing battle against some DNF / DFO counterparts including Kyo Kusanagi, Haohmaru, Billy Kane, Charlotte, Galford, Iori Yagami, Benimaru, Athena Asamiya and at least the sprites for Mai Shiranui and Rugal Bernstein.



    Some of their opponents may look a bit familiar too if you’ve played DNF Duel.


    Unfortunately, finding more information about the collaboration has proved difficult, so we don’t know when the event is coming or what exactly it includes at the moment.


    There’s also no mention of it on the official Dungeon Fighter Online website, so it’s unclear if or when the DNF X SNK promotion will leave Asian territories.




    This isn’t the only SNK crossover incoming either, as the Street Fighter 6 X King of Fighters Allstar event was also recently unveiled too.


    With SNK’s “Universe Project” in the works, hopefully we’ll soon see an actual King of Fighters, Fatal Fury or Samurai Shodown anime in the not too distant future.












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  • Elon Musk says investors in X will own a quarter of xAI

    X owner, Elon Musk is very active on X and sometimes, he reveals some big information on the platform. Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently unveiled his newest AI business, X.ai. Musk held a Twitter Spaces event in early July to reveal the project, which he says will be a game-changer for investors. In a recent tweet earlier today, Elon Musk revealed that investors in X will own 25% of his AI company, xAI.

    xAI

    Musk’s xAI was formed a few months ago. According to Musk, the reason for launching xAI was to “understand the true nature of the universe.” This month, xAI launched its first AI product, Grok. The meaning of Grok is “understanding intuitively or empathically, establishing rapport”, “communicating sympathetically or sympathetically and experiencing enjoyment”. Musk believes that compared to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing Chat, the biggest difference between Grok is its sense of humour.

    What is X.ai?

    X.ai is an AI company founded by Elon Musk in April 2023. The company’s researchers will focus on science while also building applications for enterprises and consumers. On November 3, 2023, Musk announced that xAI would debut its technology on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The company has not shared many details about its intentions, but it has said that its team will work closely with Twitter, now called X Corp., and Tesla, as well as other companies “to make progress towards our mission”.

    What does X.ai mean for investors?

    Elon Musk has positioned X.ai to compete with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, which are behind leading chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude. X.ai researchers previously worked at OpenAI, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and DeepMind. According to Nypost, seven of the 12 employees making up the new company previously worked at OpenAI, including Igor Babuschkin, a former research engineer at DeepMind and OpenAI. With researchers that have such huge experience, there are expectations that xAI will do well. These researchers should bring their wealth of experience to the development of the company.

    Gizchina News of the week


    Elon Musk xAI

    How much of X.ai belongs to X Corp (Twitter) investors?

    On November 19, 2023, Elon Musk revealed how much stake X Corp (Twitter) investors will own in his AI venture, xAI. According to CoinGape, X Corp (Twitter), investors will own a quarter of xAI. This disclosure has significant implications for X Corp investors. This is because it directly ties their financial interests to the success and growth of xAI. With a 25% ownership stake, these investors stand to gain or lose alongside the fortunes of xAI. Whether or not investors will see having a stake at xAI as a good deal remains under wraps.

    Potential drawbacks of xAI

    Elon Musk’s xAI, a new venture aiming to develop “general-purpose artificial intelligence,” has the potential to impact cybersecurity in both positive and negative ways. One potential drawback of xAI is the use of public tweets as a training dataset for its AI models, which raises concerns about privacy and the potential for bias in the data. Also, there are concerns about the “inverse morality problem” and the potential for misinformation in the data used by xAI. While xAI could be used to develop new and more sophisticated cybersecurity tools and techniques, it is important to remember that AI is not a silver bullet and should be part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Therefore, the impact of xAI on cybersecurity is likely to be mixed.

    Final Words

    X.ai is an AI company founded by Elon Musk in April 2023. The company’s researchers will focus on science while also building applications for enterprises and consumers. Investors who buy Arista Networks should continue to participate in X.ai. X.ai researchers previously worked at OpenAI, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and DeepMind, and collectively they contributed to key AI breakthroughs. X Corp (Twitter) investors will own a quarter of xAI. What do you think about Elon Musk’s recent revelation? Do you think it is a good idea to tie xAI’s finances to X? Will investors love this idea and put in their money? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below



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  • Player 2 being unable to customize their cosmetics as a guest is apparently intended within Mortal Kombat 1











    Mortal Kombat 1 is a game that features a ton of unlockables, with more being added every so often. While a number of these unlockables can be accessed either by playing through Invasions or Kombat League, there are also plenty of others that are effectively locked behind a paywall.






    Regardless, many of the unlockable cosmetics can only be accessed by player 1 when playing against an opponent in offline matches. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. recently commented how this is actually an intended feature of Mortal Kombat 1.









    “Please note that this is intended behavior,” said a Warner Bros. administrator to a question as highlighted by thethiny. “Player 2 should not be able to change or customize their cosmetics such as gears and palettes for both Fighters and Kameos.”


    In other words, player 2 will be unable to access any cosmetics that were unlocked on player 1’s account. However, the response continued which gave insight on a certain workaround, though it’s not one that everyone will be happy with.


    “But player 2 can have their own unlocks and progression they can use from playing the game while signed in with their 1st party account,” continued the response.


    Put simply, player 2 would have to log in with their own account rather than as a guest. Of course, this also means that players would have to play through certain modes and pay multiple times on a single, household console.


    Fortunately, however, it seems that this is only happening with cosmetics. Characters and Kameos, whether unlocked or bought, appear to be accessible by all players once acquired on a console, including the guest account.


    As pointed out in response to thethiny’s comment on Twitter, it’s actually been this way for NetherRealm Studios games since Injustice 2. Unfortunately, this intended restriction is likely going to stay in place.










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  • Meta Augmented Reality (AR) software head resigns

    Meta’s head of augmented reality (AR) software has recently announced his resignation, raising questions about the company’s future in the AR space. This development comes at a crucial time for Meta, as it strives to build hardware that can provide access to an immersive virtual “metaverse” and replace laptops and mobile devices. The departure of the AR software head has sparked concerns about the company’s ability to overcome the challenges it faces in developing AR products and bringing them to market.

    Meta Quest Pro augmented reality glasses

    A spokesperson of Meta confirmed the report to Reuters on Friday. This raises concerns about the company’s progress in developing a custom operating system for its planned AR glasses. Meta Vice President of Engineering Don Box announced the end of his tenure within the company this week. However, he did not say what his next steps would be.

    A Meta spokesperson confirmed that Box will be leaving the company at the end of the week. He also said that Box is doing so for personal reasons and that his decision will not have any impact on the product roadmap. Sources say Box is a veteran engineer and his departure could hamper progress on the operating system, a key component of Meta’s AR glasses project.

    Background

    Meta, previously known as Facebook, has been investing heavily in augmented and virtual reality technologies, envisioning a future where billions of people inhabit immersive digital environments for work, socializing, and entertainment. However, the company is doing all it can to ensure that it fixes and releases its AR/VR products.  The company is also working on a unified custom operating system for its virtual reality headsets and smart glasses. Moreover, Meta’s flagship virtual-reality game, Horizon Worlds, is in development. At the moment, with regards to the product, there is a “quality lockdown” as the company works to improve the app.

    Sources say Meta has been planning to launch the first generation of AR glasses by next year. However, they would be for internal use only and used by a select group of developers. Meta aims to launch its first AR glasses to consumers in 2027.

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once described AR glasses as a masterpiece, and he is working hard to build hardware that can provide an immersive virtual “metaverse” experience and replace laptops and mobile devices. Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, head of the company’s Metaverse-focused Reality Labs division, recently said that Meta is working to build its AR product that can be bought in the market. He confirms that the company may need a few years to put this product together.

    Meta Pay

    Gizchina News of the week


    Box’s work history

    Meta originally hired Box in 2021 to find a path forward after the failure of its XROS project, which was aimed at creating a unified platform for its virtual reality headsets, Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses and planned augmented reality glasses. Box split the 300-person XROS department into teams dedicated to each device line early last year. He also personally took over the team focused on AR software.

    Prior to joining Meta, Box had been with Microsoft since 2002. His last position at Microsoft was responsible for mixed reality engineering, which involved developing software for the HoloLens2 headset and related AR/VR services. Box was previously best known for leading the creation of the Xbox One operating system and later for running Microsoft’s core operating system group, which is responsible for all Windows products.

    Implications for AR Glasses

    The resignation of Meta’s head of AR software has raised concerns about the impact on the company’s AR glasses. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has described AR glasses as a pivotal part of the company’s vision for the metaverse. However, with the departure of the AR software head, there are uncertainties about the timeline for bringing AR products to market and the company’s ability to address the challenges it faces in this domain. Nevertheless, Meta states that this will not affect its progress in the AR software field. The company says that it will do all it can to find a suitable replacement and move on with the AR software project.

    Meta’s Progress in AR and VR

    Despite the challenges, Meta has made significant progress in augmented and virtual reality technologies. The company has shipped cutting-edge devices, such as the Meta Quest Pro, which incorporates mixed reality and advanced display and optics technologies. Meta’s investment in research and development for VR and AR technologies has resulted in the development of next-generation display technologies and systems for mixed reality, providing a glimpse into the future of AR and VR hardware.

    Meta Layoffs

    Future Outlook

    The resignation of Meta’s head of AR software comes at a critical juncture for the company as it navigates the complexities of developing AR products and realizing its vision for the metaverse. While the departure raises concerns about the company’s ability to overcome its current challenges, Meta’s continued investment in AR and VR technologies demonstrates its commitment to shaping the future of immersive digital experiences.

    Final Words

    The resignation of Meta’s head of augmented reality software has significant implications for the company’s AR ambitions and the development of AR glasses. As Meta continues to put its AR product that can be sold in the market together, the future of its augmented reality endeavours remains a topic of keen interest and scrutiny within the tech industry. What do you think about the resignation of Meta’s head of augmented reality (AR) software? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below



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  • NYT Connections Hints and Answers for November 20, 2023

    The staff over at NYT continues to be merciful, as the Connections puzzle today was quite easy to solve. However, for those not used to it, this can get daunting quickly. If you’re part of the new players out here, join us as we discuss all the hints, categories, and, finally, the answers for NYT Connections for November 20. So, let’s begin!

    Hint for Today’s Connections Themes

    We start by discussing a few subtle hints for the Connections themes today. So check them out below and see if you can guess some of them.

    • Yellow Category –Every religion needs leaders
    • Green Category – We evolved from them
    • Blue Category – Dips from India
    • Purple Category – Best form of flattery

    We wish we could go into more detail in this section, but these hints are the best we can share. They are all related to the categories for the puzzle today, so think long and hard before you scroll below to see the exact names. Furthermore, today’s Connections is quite easy, so we figure you don’t need an additional hint. However, if you’re still having trouble, then maybe trying these tricks to solve NYT Connections could work.

    Spoiler Warning #1: While this section included hints for the categories, the next section names them directly. Make sure to proceed only if you’re sure.

    Today’s Connections Category Names

    If you are still stuck with the categories, then maybe it’s better if we just spill the beans in this section.

    • Yellow – RELIGIOUS FIGURES
    • Green – PRIMATES
    • Blue – CHUTNEY VARIETIES
    • Purple – IMITATE

    Spoiler Warning #2: We hope you can guess the words now. However, If you still can’t, then it’s time to scroll down. The next section includes the answer for today’s puzzle; you will see all the answers in their categories. This is your final chance to solve it by yourself.

    Connections Answer for November 20

    Still can’t solve the puzzle after all the help above? In that case, the answers to today’s Connections puzzle are:

    • RELIGIOUS FIGURES – Cardinal, Lama, Monk, Pastor
    • PRIMATES – Baboon, Bonobo, Gibbon, Gorilla
    • CHUTNEY VARIETIES – Mango, Mint, Tamarind, Tomato
    • IMITATE – Ape, Mime, Mirror, Parrot
    NYT Connections November 20

    Solving today’s Connections was actually relatively easy, as I could easily connect most of the words together. However, I took a step back and started with the simplest one. Once I connected all the primates together, I nailed down the Green category. The Blue category came naturally since, as an Indian, I love all of these chutneys except Mango.

    I then actually solved the Purple category next, as mime and parrot were dead giveaways. Even though it was fairly obvious by now, I had already made the Yellow connection in my head. So I paired those words together and finally got my NYT Connections answer for November 20.

    What about you? How was your experience with today’s puzzle? Where did you get stuck if you did? Let us know in the comments below.

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  • Microsoft OneDrive 14.21.5 released and its the last update for iOS/ iPad OS 15 devices

    Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and access files from anywhere. Recently, Microsoft released version 14.21.5 of OneDrive for Apple iOS/iPadOS 15. The company also reminded users that this is the last version to support iOS/ iPad OS 15 devices. The next version will only support iOS 16 and 17.

    Since November last year, Microsoft OneDrive began to remind users that they planned to drop support for iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. In the 14.1.1 update released in February this year, Microsoft announced that OneDrive only supports iOS/iPadOS version 15 or higher. In less than a year, iOS/iPadOS 15 has no access to OneDrive.

    What is Microsoft OneDrive?

    Microsoft OneDrive is a file hosting service operated by Microsoft, first released in August 2007. It allows registered users to store, share, and sync their files. OneDrive also serves as the storage backend of the web version of Microsoft 365/Office. The service offers 5 GB of free storage space, with additional storage options available through subscriptions. The OneDrive client app provides file synchronization and cloud backup features and is available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Xbox. OneDrive is integrated into Windows, Microsoft Office, and the Photos hub in Windows Phone. This allows users to access their files seamlessly.

    The service has evolved to become the center of the file experience in Microsoft 365, offering features such as offline access, automatic photo backup, and secure storage. The next generation of OneDrive includes new file views, governance controls, creation tools, and Copilot to facilitate file management and extraction of information. The OneDrive mobile app allows users to save, edit, and share photos, videos, and files on the go, providing backup, access, and organization of files across devices. Also, OneDrive offers unlimited individual cloud storage for qualifying plans for subscriptions of five or more users.

    Gizchina News of the week


    Microsoft OneDrive can back up, protect, synchronize and access users’ photos and files on all devices. Through the OneDrive app, users can view and share OneDrive files, documents, photos, and videos with friends and family. Users can use the app to automatically back up their phone’s photos and videos, start with 5GB of free cloud storage, or upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription to get 1TB of storage.

    OneDrive Best Cloud Storage Services

    What Does This Mean for Users of Apple iOS/iPadOS 15?

    On November 16, 2023, Microsoft released version 14.21.5 of OneDrive for Apple iOS/iPadOS 15. This version will be the last to support these operating systems. This means that users of Apple iOS/iPadOS 15 will no longer receive updates or support for OneDrive after this version.

    Users of Apple iOS/iPadOS 15 who rely on OneDrive for cloud storage and file sharing will need to upgrade their operating systems to continue using OneDrive. Microsoft recommends upgrading to iOS/iPadOS 16 or 17 to ensure access to the latest version of the OneDrive app.

    Conclusion

    Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud storage service that offers a range of features for users. The release of OneDrive 14.21.5 for Apple iOS/iPadOS 15 marks the end of support for these operating systems. Users of Apple iOS/iPadOS 15 who rely on OneDrive will need to upgrade their operating systems to continue using the service. Microsoft recommends upgrading to iOS/iPadOS 16 or 17 to ensure access to the latest version of the OneDrive app. What do you think about this last OneDrive update for iOS/iPadOS 15 devices? Will you update your iOS system because of this? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below

    Author Bio

    Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience covering a wide range of tech topics. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends, providing insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers.



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  • Aelynn000 pulls off stunning cosplays of Byleth in a bikini, a bunny outfit, and her default attire











    Byleth joined Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s roster on January 28, 2020. Considering that Byleth was the eighth Fire Emblem rep in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the announcement of the character’s addition on January 16, 2020 wasn’t exactly met with critical acclaim from the Smash community, but they would eventually warm up to the inclusion.






    This fighter actually made their debut appearance in Fire Emblem: Three Houses when it was released on July 26, 2019. In terms of when each character made their debut video game appearance, this technically makes Byleth the newest character that’s playable in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.









    Considering how much development time a character typically needs, Masahiro Sakurai was actually permitted to play an early prototype version of Fire Emblem: Three Houses before it was released so that he could prepare for Byleth’s inclusion as a DLC fighter.


    This presented a tricky problem as only he was allowed to see and play this prototype, which made conveying what he wanted Byleth to do in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to the rest of the development team to be quite the challenge.


    Despite the difficulties of developing such a character and the initial lukewarm reception, Byleth would eventually become popular within the Smash community. Byleth has even become one of the main characters for one of the best players in the world, LG|MkLeo.


    As one might imagine, it can also be quite tricky for cosplayers to depict Byleth. This is especially true for the female version of Byleth.


    Needless to say, we were impressed upon seeing Aelynn000’s Instagram page where she has cosplayed as Byleth on multiple occasions. One such version is based on how Byleth appears in Fire Emblem Heroes as the “Fell Star’s Duo” unit.


    During the events of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Byleth was often referred to as the “Fell Star” by certain antagonists due to the character’s connection with Sothis, the goddess of that Fire Emblem’s world. Considering that Rhea also has a certain connection to Sothis, it makes sense that the two paired together would be the Fell Star’s Duo.


    Though Byleth is seen in a black bikini while holding instruments, she clearly isn’t defenseless. A dagger can be observed at her waist and she is known to be a practitioner of magic.


    Check out Aelynn000’s cosplay of Fell Star’s Duo Byleth below:










    While Byleth has never officially appeared in a bunny outfit, the idea of this actually being a thing has become quite popular. It works especially well when Byleth is donning her usual stoic expression.


    Check out Aelynn000’s cosplay of bunny Byleth below:




    Finally, there’s Byleth in her default attire. Although it should be noted that Byleth’s hair color has changed from dark green to a minty green. Considering what happens in the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, this is actually the more powerful version of Byleth.


    Though players can choose Byleth with minty green hair in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by choosing costume 8 (costume 7 for male Byleth), this actually has no impact on gameplay. Of course, its addition serves as a bit of a spoiler, which is something the Super Smash Bros. series is already known to do for other games.


    Check out Aelynn000’s default Byleth cosplay below:

















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  • What Is RCS Messaging? What Makes It Different From iMessage and SMS?

    In case you’re not aware, Apple has recently announced that it will offer RCS support starting in 2024. With this, one of the most confusing conflicts between Android and iOS is about to end. But the real question is, what is RCS messaging?

    RCS messaging stands for Rich Communication Services messaging. It’s a protocol that stands between the phones and mobile operations. And the overall aim of the RCS is to eventually replace MMS and SMS messaging.

    So, how is RCS messaging different than SMS? Also, how is it different from iMessage that Apple iPhone users have been enjoying for years now? Let’s take a deep dive to understand all about the topic.

    What Is SMS?

    Short Message Service (or SMS) has been one of the most ubiquitous messaging protocols for almost 38 years. It dates back to the very early days of mobile tech. And for those wondering, Neil Papworth sent the first SMS in 1992. He was an engineer at Vodafone at that time.

    SMS and iMessage

    Now, while SMS still stands as one of the most common forms of sending text, it has some notable drawbacks. For example, SMS messages have a limitation of 160 characters. But that’s not even the bad part. You can’t send any multimedia with it, which includes GIFs, videos, photos, or audio.

    To mitigate this, smartphones have turned to a support protocol called MMS. But, like SMS, it has a couple of technical limitations. That includes the small size limits. Another big aspect of digital communication these days is end-to-end encryption, which the SMS and MMS don’t have support for. And that’s pretty much where RCS messaging steps in.

    What is RCS Messaging? How Is It Different Form SMS and MMS?

    As mentioned earlier, RCS messaging stands for Rich Communication Services messaging. However, you may find some smartphone manufacturers referring to it as “Advanced Messaging.” No matter what it’s called, this messaging protocol resolves all the drawbacks that SMS and MMS have.

    To be exact, RCS messaging brings some of the previously exclusive features on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. For example, RCS has support for typing indicators and the read receipts. It also brings group chat support and allows the users to send high-resolution images, audio clips, and videos.

    Google Messages

    Another aspect where the RCS messaging shines is it is routed over a WiFi link or mobile data connection. But the SMS protocol still functions like a fallback, which suggests that the older protocols aren’t going to be obsolete anytime soon.

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    But one thing to note about RCS messaging is that it’s never been visualized as a competitor or replacement for instant messaging apps. After all, the RCS protocol is between the telephone carriers and the smartphone. You can enjoy all it offers by using an RCS-compatible carrier, phone, and app. When it comes to the app, Messages by Google is the most prominent.

    Where Does iMessage Stand In All These?

    While RCS messaging and iMessage may seem like the same thing, they aren’t. Apple brought iMessage out back in June of 2011. And unlike RCS, iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging protocol. What’s more important is that it only supports Apple devices, which includes iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

    However, there are some workarounds that enable iMessage to work on other devices. But none of them can offer end-to-end encryption and the security required for secure text communications. At the moment, iMessage and RCS messaging do not communicate with each other.

    Apple iMessage

    So, if an iPhone user wants to send a text to any Android device, the Messages app automatically resorts to SMS/MMS. That’s why Apple users feel like Android users are still living in the bygone messaging era. With no support for RCS messaging, there are no typing indicators, read receipts, or support for high-quality.

    However, the good news is that Apple plans to integrate support for RCS messaging on its Messages app. This will eventually make text communication between Apple and Android users feel more intuitive and seamless.

    Does RCS Messaging Support on Apple Mean the End of Green Text Bubbles?

    So, one of the ways to determine whether you’re sending a text to an Android user is through the color of the bubble. On iPhones, the texts sent via SMS show up as green bubbles. And the fact that Apple confirmed that RCS messaging is coming to Apple Messages has given the hope that the green bubble thing might finally end.

    But there’s no confirmation of that happening. RCS messaging support might only bring the ability to get a better communication experience between Android and iPhone devices. And Apple has also announced that iMessage “will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”

    However, even if Apple decides to keep showing green bubbles when you receive or send texts to an Android user, RCS support is a good thing. Also, Apple has also said that it would work with the GSMA to enhance the existing Universal Profile protocol. This improvement would focus on adding end-to-end encryption, which is always a good thing.



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  • Could Girl Fight be the worst title of the fighting game genre? Matt McMuscles investigates it to find out











    About a couple of weeks ago, Matt McMuscles took a look at Iron & Blood as part of his “The Worst Fighting Game” series. It turned out that Iron & Blood is in fact the worst fighting game that Matt McMuscles has come across so far.






    However, it seems that there is a new contender for that title. Needless to say, Matt McMuscles has decided to do a brief review of “Girl Fight,” an all-female fighting game released exclusively as a downloadable title for the Xbox 360 back in 2013.









    Back when the game was released, it was given a score of 35. This already appears to be a pretty bad start for Girl Fight considering that the recent “The Lord of the Rings: Gollum” was given a score of 34.


    According to Matt McMuscles, the characters are completely forgettable. The extent of their characters is that they’re basically just that one character is a ninja, the other is a wrestler, another is a soldier, and so on. It’s apparently a tedious process to learn about their backstories, which aren’t even that interesting.


    While Girl Fight isn’t necessarily broken, there isn’t much depth when it comes to its mechanics. Characters all play extremely similarly to the point to where a number of characters even share the same throw animations and combos.


    There is a meter system that’s used to buff characters mid match. However, Matt McMuscles notes that, while this system is unique, this system isn’t particularly interesting.


    In the grand scheme of things though, Girl Fight ranks pretty low on Matt McMuscles’ tier list that rates the worst fighting games based on how bad it is. Of course, this probably says something about the games that rank higher on the tier list than it does about Girl Fight itself.


    Check it all out below:




    McMuscles' Worst Fighting Games Tiers image #1

    Click images for larger versions









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