News

Windows Phone is dead, but Microsoft tried to make it better

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A moment of silence. Joe Belfiore, who used to head the mobile division of Microsoft, took to Twitter for his announcement about the death of Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile as it’s called now.

If you own a Windows 10 Mobile device, this is hard to accept. While there’s still no official announcement directly from Microsoft, Belfiore’s tweets confirmed that they’re no longer pushing forward.

It started when a user asked if it’s time to leave the Windows Phone platform, and Belfiore subtle answered that it depends on who and what purpose it serves. The enterprise sector is still a big market for Windows Phone, so it’s not one hundred percent over, yet.

He did specify, though, that new features and hardware are not the focus of their team. No worries! Minor updates for bug fixes and security patches are still part of their gameplan. He also admitted that the low (or “too low”) volume of users is a reason for Microsoft to shut down the platform.

While we do have our own share of disappointment about the slow progress of Windows phones, Microsoft did plan to release a borderless device running Windows Phone 8.1 back in 2014. As reported by Windows Central, the Microsoft Lumia 435 could have been a game-changer. It was planned to be the first-ever borderless Windows smartphone and cost under US$ 200. It was canceled later that year.

There were prototypes and Windows Central was able to get a hold of one.Take a look:

Image from Windows Central

We’re not sure if stores are still selling Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile devices, but we strongly suggest not to buy any model now, unless you want to keep a piece of Microsoft’s last efforts to save its mobile platform.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Surface Pro isn’t just an incremental update

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Enterprise

Huawei pledges $2 billion to secure cybersecurity of hardware

It starts in Britain for now

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December 8, 2018

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Throughout the past few weeks, Sinophobia has reached an all-time high. Various countries have started banning Chinese telecommunications companies from taking over their technology market. Huawei and ZTE have faced tremendous adversity while expanding their 5G operations. Of note, the US, the UK, and Australia have stopped Huawei’s 5G plans before they could start.

It was only a matter of time before Huawei responds. Now, the company has finally promised to solve these crucial cybersecurity issues. In Britain, Huawei has met with government officials regarding their ban. Like the rest of the Western world, Britain criticized Huawei’s technology as potential backdoors for Chinese espionage.

Both parties have agreed to a compromise. To alleviate Britain’s fears, Huawei will pledge US$ 2 billion for cybersecurity. The company will then attempt to solve whatever Britain found in cybersecurity investigations.

While the United Kingdom is more forgiving, other countries are still very wary. After the initial lineup of banning countries, Japan has joined the conversation. The country is working to ban both Huawei and ZTE from 5G development as well. With that, Japan will be the first Asian country to ban both companies. Western fears are now invading the East.

At the other end of the world, Huawei is also facing another crisis. The company’s chief finance officer, Meng Wanzhou, was recently arrested for allegedly violating embargo regulations. According to Huawei, their retaliation plans in Britain were made before the arrest. Thus, the arrest is another separate battle that awaits the company after issues of cybersecurity.

Huawei is in a world of pain. Despite offering amazing products, the company can’t find any traction in hardware development. Geopolitical fears have and will continue to bog down the company throughout the rise of 5G networking.

SEE ALSO: Huawei Mate 20 Pro: When beauty meets technology

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Gaming

Crash Team Racing remaster announced for multiple consoles

Move over, Mario Kart. There’s a new racing game in town!

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December 7, 2018

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Yes, you read that right! PlayStation’s lovable bandicoot returns to the race track for another hard-hitting, kart-smashing racing game! Announced earlier during The Game Awards 2018, Sony Interactive and Activision will release a remaster of Crash Team Racing (CTR) for major consoles next year.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will feature the same elements and gameplay from the 1999 original, worked from the ground up. Beenox, the studio behind Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 spearheaded the HD remaster, retaining the core game modes the original CTR provided. The game will feature the main cast of Crash and Coco Bandicoot, Dr. Neo Cortex, Tiny Tiger, N. Gin, Dingodile, Polar, and Pura. Not only that, but the remastered CTR will also feature both offline and online play, something that deviates from the original.

The announcement came from a segment during The Game Awards 2018 in Los Angeles. A Crash Bandicoot mascot unveiled the trailer by presenting a crate that contained a trophy inside that you can find in the original CTR. This confirmed rumors from earlier this week.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will come out on June 21, 2019 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Next year marks Crash Team Racing‘s 20th anniversary, and what a way to celebrate it through the remaster.

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Accessories

Apple now sells 18W USB-C fast charger and clear iPhone XR case

More expensive than the ordinary, of course

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December 7, 2018

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Apple has a couple of interesting new items available for iPhone owners out there.

After the month-long delay, the iPhone XR finally gets an official case. For the first time ever, Apple now offers a clear protective case. Instead of leather or silicone, you can protect your colorful iPhone XR with an optically clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU case.

It’ll be probably one of the most expensive TPU cases you’ll ever purchase for US$ 39. With its expensive price tag, hopefully, it won’t turn yellow over time like other cheap third-party clear cases.

18W USB-C Power Adapter | Image credit: Apple

Those who have been wanting a fast charger for their iPhones can finally get one without spending too much. The early solution wasn’t specifically designed for iPhones and it’s not cheap either.

Thankfully, Apple is now selling an 18W USB-C Power Adapter. Although, you’ll still have to purchase a USB-C to Lightning cable separately. The new iPhone fast charger is priced at US$ 29, while the USB-C cable is an additional US$ 19.

It’ll cost you US$ 48 to charge an iPhone faster, which should come out of the box like with flagship Android phones. Keep in mind that you should be using an iPhone 8 or later model.

The new 18W fast charger and clear case for the iPhone XR are now listed on Apple’s online store.

SEE ALSO: Apple gives away iPhone XR to everyone on The Ellen Show

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