News
Apple might switch to USB-C, fast charging in the future
Bye, USB-A!
If you’re an iPhone user, you’re probably gushing at how fast your Android-toting friends are charging their phones. Forever a den of exclusivity, Apple has always kept its devices behind FireWire and Lightning. However, a new rumor hints that the brand might open its doors to outsiders in the future.
According to a post from China’s social network Weibo, Apple is allegedly developing power adapters and devices that will support USB-C in the future. These devices include a new USB-C charger that includes a USB-C to Lightning cable adapter.
Currently, iPhones ship with just a 5W USB-A power adapter. Sadly, Apple’s default falls behind Android’s fast charging. Thankfully, the new iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X models already come with fast charging support. However, to activate this, users need to buy additional accessories.
The supposed new charger tops out at 18W. As such, it should natively support fast charging. If implemented, the charger should significantly cut down charging times.
Also, the rumored charger supports USB-C. While the charger will still have the Lightning cable, having a USB-C base might fast track the USB-A’s extinction across all devices. It’s important to note that the newest MacBooks only have USB-C ports.
Finally, sketches of the planned charger indicate a change in design. Whereas current Apple chargers have a prism shape, this new one will sport a more oval shape.
Of course, without an actual statement from Apple, take this with a grain of salt. The brand has supposedly cracked down on any of its internal plans leaking to the public prematurely.
However, to add to the rumor’s credibility, the charger will add validity to the iPhone’s move to USB-C support last year. Further, the cited source also mentions supply chain sources, one of the few third parties who will see planned products before launch.
If it’s coming, it should come out within the next one or two iPhone generations.
News
Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15 million
Samsung allegedly used her image without her consent.
Samsung has an unlikely rival. Dua Lipa is suing the South Korean company for using her image without her permission.
In the marketing world, brand endorsers are part and parcel of how products are pushed to the market. Famous celebrities are often asked to advertise a product for their potential star power. That said, a company needs the endorser’s consent first.
According to a new suit (via Variety), pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for using her image to endorse TVs without her consent. The South Korean brand is reportedly using Lipa’s photo on the packaging of its TVs. Lipa alleges that the photo’s usage implies that she endorses the TV, which she does not.
The complaint also alleges that Lipa asked Samsung to take down the image last year. However, Samsung’s reply was, to her, “dismissive and callous.” The brand has then continued to use the image in its packaging.
To prove her point, the suit includes anecdotes of Samsung customers who bought the TV specifically because the packaging has Lipa’s image on it. To pay for damages, Lipa is asking for US$ 15 million from the global brand for copyright infringement.
SEE ALSO: These Samsung TVs and sound devices are perfect for summer
Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.
Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.
Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.
Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.
As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.
Gaming
Call of Duty drops the PlayStation 4 starting with its next game
Is this the beginning of the end for the PlayStation 4?
When can we declare that a console is officially dead? Is it as soon as the launch of the next generation? Is it when games no longer come out on the console? Recently, Call of Duty has confirmed that the next game will not be available anymore on the PlayStation 4, which presents an important question: Is the PlayStation 4 officially dead?
Call of Duty is one of the most persistent gaming franchises today. The last entry, Black Ops 7, is still available for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Both consoles were launched over twelve years ago. (If that doesn’t make you old, the current generation was launched almost six years ago.)
As such, the franchise is one of the last stalwarts keeping the past generation alive. This week, Call of Duty, via a post on X, confirmed that the next game will not arrive on the PlayStation 4. Presumably, this also means the Xbox One.
Not sure where this one started, but it’s not true. The next Call of Duty is not being developed for PS4.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) May 4, 2026
Currently, we don’t have details about the upcoming game yet. But a new entry is confirmed to arrive later this year.
With the departure of the Call of Duty franchise, it’s fair to ask what will become of the old generation moving forward. Over the years, developers have started shying away from the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Since the franchise still maintains a steady fan base today, a lot of PlayStation 4 users might be forced to make an upgrade to play the latest entry.
SEE ALSO: PC Game Pass gets cheaper, but Call of Duty delays are coming
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