News
Galaxy Note 9 reportedly burst into flames inside a woman’s purse
This doesn’t seem right
Since the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, Samsung has been very careful with their batteries. The latest Galaxy Note 9 is promised to have a safer battery despite the increase in capacity. However, there’s an alleged incident of the new phone bursting into flames in New York.
Diane Chung, a real estate agent from Long Island, filed a lawsuit which could be the first report of a Note 9 catching fire.
Her story according to the lawsuit filed in the Queens Supreme Court goes like this: Just after midnight of September 3, Chung was in an elevator of a Bayside building when her brand new Note 9 “became extremely hot.” She stopped using the phone and put it in her bag.

Suddenly, “She heard a whistling and screeching sound, and she noticed thick smoke” from her purse. She put the bag down and tried to empty it, burning her fingers as she grabbed the smoking Note 9.
She was “extremely panicked” and trapped alone in the elevator when she dropped the phone, now emitting thick smoke, and started smashing elevator buttons. When she reached the lobby floor, she kicked the burning phone out of the elevator.
Luckily, a good Samaritan stepped in and grabbed the phone with a cloth and threw the phone into a bucket of water. The unfortunate incident left her unable to contact clients and ruined all her stuff in the bag, claims Chung, who called the experience “traumatic.”
Chung wants unspecified damages and a restraining order against the sales of any Galaxy Note 9 phones.
Samsung is aware of the report and was swift to give a short statement. “We have not received any reports of similar incidents involving a Galaxy Note 9 device and we are investigating the matter,” a Samsung spokesman said.
Given Samsung’s troubled history with big batteries, it’s not wise to ignore any similar reports. But, it’s also wise not to immediately believe that this is going to be a second installment of the Samsung’s battery disaster. It could be an isolated defect, but we can’t tell for sure.
Gaming
Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming
Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.
Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.
As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.
It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.
To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.
To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.
SEE ALSO: Fallout on Prime Video: What inspired producers to create series
Excitement over new technology is normal. However, when the dust settles, the rose-tinted glasses come off and reveal the potential concerns of using this new technology. Smart glasses are going through that phase now. While these glasses are all the rage now, some concerned establishments are now banning them. Case in point, the entirety of New York has just banned smart glasses in all of its courts.
In the United States, it’s already prohibited to record video or capture photos inside a court building. Naturally, the world is more complicated now. Anyone can just flaunt eyewear that can capture images for them, leaving bystanders none the wiser. As a result, the state of New York, according to Syracuse, has introduced a blanket ban for all smart glasses in all courtrooms. It’s the first state to do so across all courts.
Under the ban, users will be forbidden from even bringing these wearables into the building. This also includes smart glasses with prescription lenses. Those with affected eyesight can come back with a regular pair of glasses.
It’s a very interesting time for smart glasses. Especially for creators, the wearables have become a popular way to discreetly record events. Users don’t need to fiddle around with their phones or bring a bulky camera around.
However, it’s also a concern for privacy and cybersecurity. Though most of these wearables have a distinguishable LED indicator when they’re recording, they can also be modified to disable these indicators. As a bystander, you can be recorded without your knowledge.
SEE ALSO: ARTMS Heejin shows KPop concert day through Ray-Ban Meta glasses
HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.
Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:
- Genshin Impact
- Honkai Impact 3
- Honkai: Star Rail
- Tears of Themis
- Zenless Zone Zero
In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.
Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:
- Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
- Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
- Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
- Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
- Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
- HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases
Tickets will be available in the following categories:
- 1-Day Pass
- 1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
- 4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)
Venue details:
- Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
- Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
- Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
- Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
- Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
- Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403
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