Apple's rumoured HomePod with a display might come in 2024

Photo: Apple

We've heard about Apple's plans to release a low-end iPad that serves as a smart home display. But it looks like that isn't the only IoT (Internet of Things) device in the works. Rumours suggest we may see a HomePod sporting a display. Apple analyst Ming-Chu Kuo reports the company is working on a HomePod with a 7-inch panel, which we could see within the first half of 2024. Chinese supplier Tianma will reportedly manufacture its display. And the device "could enable tighter integration with Apple's other hardware products" and signify a "significant shift in the company's smart home strategy."

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Spotify redesign includes vertical video feeds

GIF: Spotify

Earlier this week, Spotify held its Stream On presentation to preview what's coming to the audio streaming service. The major changes include a revamp of its app design. It's what some have called the "TikTok-ification" of Spotify. Instead of getting a static carousel of playlists and recommendations, you get visual and audio previews of albums, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks in this endless feed. This style and the previews will be integrated into the search function, too.

Spotify also plans to integrate a pre-save feature within the app, which is what artists have used through third-party services before to gather data and contact information on people excited about their music. One of the recent changes, Spotify made to the app is the beta launch of a personalized AI guide named DJ, which is being tested here in Canada.

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'RoboCop: Rogue City' release gets pushed back to Sept. 2023

Image: Teyon

RoboCop: Rogue City was expected to come out this June. But developer Teyon announced during its Nacon Connect stream that the game will come out in September instead. We do get a new gameplay trailer for the title, which has plenty of that gore and over-the-top violence you've seen in the RoboCop movies. The game will tell an original story where this cyborg police officer (once again played by Peter Weller) tries to clean up the crime-ridden streets of Detriot. RoboCop: Rogue City will come to the Sony PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

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Microsoft released a 'velocity green' hoodie, too

Image: Microsoft

If you loved Microsoft's velocity green controller, you can get a comfy bright green hoodie to go with it. Microsoft puts the signature colour on a CAD 91.95 sweatshirt. If you pre-order now, you can get it as early as March 12. This cotton hoodie comes in small to XXXL sizes. As an extra touch, there's a little four-leaf clover stitched on the sleeve for some extra gaming luck.