Surface Duo shipping September 10 for US$1,400

Microsoft's anticipated re-entry into the smartphone space, as well as its big showcase of its hardware technology is the Surface Duo. Announced to be coming to the US only on September 10, for $1,399 and featuring middling specs, this foldable is sparking all sorts of mixed reactions.

Surface Duo and the larger Surface Neo were teased last year and slated for release in Christmas 2020. That the Surface Duo is being made available sooner is somewhat of a surprise even if it has been leaked and teased ad nauseam by Microsoft's executives. With dual 5.6 displays that fold to simulate a larger 8-inch tablet form factor, Microsoft has avoided calling this device a smartphone and played down its connectivity and calling capability (possibly because it lacks critical components expected from flagship smartphones, namely NFC for mobile payments and 5G capability). 

The Surface Duo runs Android 10 but is slanted towards the Microsoft Launcher and Office 365 productivity and apps. A lot has been made about its revolutionary hinge, hinges being a key surface feature, as well as the various modes that the device can be used. Microsoft is aiming at enterprise with the Surface Duo, at leas that is how they are justifiying the insane price they are charging for what is essentially an underpowered smartphone. 

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'The Last of Us Part II' gets ultra-difficult Grounded and permadeath modes, more tweaks

Maybe you didn't think The Last of Us Part II was challenging when you played it. Well, Naughty Dog is living up to its promise to bring the original game's "Grounded" mode into this title. It'll be arriving via a free software update, bringing with it an equally challenging new "permadeath" mode.

Like with the original game, Grounded amps up The Last of Us Part II's intense violence to make it more realistic. The enemies in this mode are smarter, more lethal, and more aggressive. The life gauge isn't available, and just a few bullets can end your run. But, at the same time, your enemies are also more vulnerable to well-placed shots. 

You won't be able to see how much ammo your guns have unless you're reloading or switching weapons. Resources are also more scarce here, requiring you to think about how to approach battles and use stealth more.

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Xiaomi launches a see-through TV

Chinese tech company Xiaomi might not have a significant presence on this side of the globe, but its new television is too eye-catching not to share. Or rather should we talk about what we can't see? The company unveiled a transparent TV in time for its 10th-anniversary celebration. The Mi TV Lux OLED Transparent Edition looks just like a piece of glass when it's turned off. And when it's turned on, Xiaomi claims the images will look like it's floating in thin air.

Engadget believes the 55-inch transparent OLED panel is based on LG's 55-inch transparent 55EW5TF-A display, which has the same 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 10-bit colour depth. The Mi TV Lux OLED will go on sale in China on August 16 for 49,999 yuan (around CA$9,555). It's unlikely that Xiaomi will sell the TV here, but we couldn't pass up on a chance to talk about unusual tech.

Benchmark shows Google Pixel 5 running on Snapdragon 765G

Google vaguely mentioned the Pixel 5 during the recent Pixel 4a launch. But before the event, rumours were claiming that the phone will run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor. Now, a new AI Benchmark confirms the handset will run on the said chipset. The Pixel 5 is also seen to come equipped with 8GB of RAM and the yet-to-be-released Android 11.

Previous leaks claim the Pixel 5 will offer reverse wireless charging, adopt a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and a dual-camera setup at the back, and that an XL model will be available, bearing the "bramble" code name. The Pixel 5 will reportedly be priced in the US$700 (around CA$930) range. While all of that is speculation, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 5 will be making its way here sometime in the fall.

Source: GSMArena