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Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Better AI, better everything

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It’s that time of the year again. Chipmakers have started to reveal what their latest offerings are, powering the next wave of flagships. Finally, it’s Qualcomm’s turn. During the Snapdragon Summit 2022, the company unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Last year, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a major revamp to the company’s lineup of premium chipsets. Powered by an improved processor, the chipset introduced a vast variety of applications including advancements in 5G connectivity and AI capabilities. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 pushes this even further.

With an upgraded Hexagon processor, the chipset features 4.35 times faster AI performance compared to the previous generation. It is also the first to use INT4, an AI precision format. Also, with an advanced Sensing Hub and AI Stack, smartphones can now support custom wake words and more AI-ready tools.

Further, with an AI-capable Cognitive ISP, the chipset can detect individual elements in a photo, improving on each one using software. Samsung’s ISOCELL HP3, the first 200-megapixel sensor optimized for the chipset, will take brilliant shots, and can shoot 8K HDR at 60fps.

Using a better Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU, the chipset can play games up to 25 percent faster and 40 percent more efficiently. It also supports the Unreal Engine 5 Metahuman Framework and hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

For entertainment, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports Snapdragon Sound technology, supporting spatial audio and 48kHz lossless streaming. Additionally, the chipset’s Snapdragon X70 5G modem and FastConnect 7800 connectivity system can support 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connections. Finally, it will keep users secure with an improved Snapdragon Secure system, offering the best in cryptography and key isolation.

Qualcomm promises that devices will come by the end of the year through ASUS, HONOR, OnePlus, OPPO, Sony, vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE.

SEE ALSO: Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 4 Gen 1

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

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Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

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Gaming

Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support

PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.

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Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.

For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.

If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.

Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.

Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.

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Entertainment

PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2

Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost

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The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.

The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.

Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.

What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.

Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.

The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.

The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.

Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.

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