Advertisement

The Morning After: Bigger camera bumps on your next smartphone

If you want the best in imaging, it could come at a cost.

Engadget

Welcome back to The Morning After. As I mentioned last week, we’ve probably hit Peak Smartphone for the year, but that doesn’t stop the powers that be from teasing what’s already on the horizon. That might be bigger camera bumps capable of even better imaging skills, at least from Samsung. OnLeaks and Pigtou have shared purported renders of Samsung’s next flagship (whether it’s called the S21 or S30), and the camera modules look like they mean business. Even the standard version would have a three-camera bump that appears to spill over the edge, with the flash moved to the side to keep its look clean.

Samsung render
Samsung render (Steve Hemmerstoffer/OnLeaks, Voice)

Further reports claim the Ultra variant would have an even larger camera module that runs right to the edge of the phone, unlike the S20 Ultra’s suddenly compact-looking design. Camera bumps have turned into a necessary evil with cutting-edge flagships and the best imaging sensors. They also offer a prime location for scratches and dinging your phone. At this early render stage, however, most things are subject to change. Samsung will need to meet the challenge of Apple’s newest iPhones and their imaging skills.

— Mat

'Ghost of Tsushima' has another patch on the way soon

A patch for the 1.1 'Ghost of Tsushima' update will address network errors and other issues.

Morning After
Morning After

The 1.1 update for Sucker Punch’s excellent Ghost of Tsushima only just arrived, and PS4 gamers are already enjoying the New Game+ and co-op modes (as well as, presumably, petting every single dog). However, bringing the game online has introduced a few new issues, with players reporting frequent PSN / network connection warnings during play. The developers have already responded, saying a new patch is on the way “soon” to address the issue.
Continue reading.

Google Assistant will soon play podcasts from other services like Spotify

You won't be limited to Google Podcasts.

Morning After
Morning After

You might not have to depend on Google Podcasts if you’re asking Google Assistant to play your favorite audio show. Android Police and its readers have discovered that Google is adding support for third-party podcast services, starting with Spotify. You just have to visit podcast settings in Assistant to choose your provider, depending on your region. At this point, the capability is patchy, but it may be worth checking out if you depend on your Google-made smart speaker for most of your podcast listening — or Spotify-exclusive titles.
Continue reading.

Windows 10 is installing Office web apps without asking permission

You don't even get a choice about restarting your PC.

Mandatory Windows 10 updates aren’t new, but the latest example is annoying folks a little more than usual. Users and several publications have noted that Windows 10 is force-restarting PCs to install links to Office web apps that launch in Edge, including in the Start menu. This isn’t limited to die-hard Insider members — people using standard Windows 10 releases have seen the change as well.

The apps take up no storage or other resources but, until now, installing Office web apps was optional. Windows isn’t asking for your permission, let alone informing you of what’s about to happen.
Continue reading.

Sponsored by StackCommerce

A lifetime of WhiteSmoke’s grammar tool is now $40

StackCommerce
StackCommerce

NASA taps Nokia to bring LTE to the Moon

The agency awarded the company a $14.1 million contract.

Morning After
Morning After

NASA has announced it will provide Nokia with $14.1 million in funding to build out a 4G LTE cellular network that would work on the moon. NASA Associate Administrator James Reuter said cellular service on the Moon could enable communication between lunar habitats and the astronauts out exploring its surface.

The contract is part of $370 million in new Artemis funding NASA announced this week. Much of the money went to companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. 
Continue reading.

But wait, there’s more...

UK closes loophole that allowed using your phone while driving

Tesla increases the range for existing Model Y EVs through an update

After Math: Apple unveils its inaugural 5G phone amid a week of firsts

Sega's Golden Axe celebration turned into a crunch commemoration

Google Nest Audio review: A steal at $100