Saturday
Oct012022

Amazon Echo Studio gets improved spatial audio processing tech

Source: Amazon

There hasn't been an overhaul of Amazon's "best-sounding speaker," but Amazon has released an over-the-air update for the Echo Studio. It gets new spatial audio processing technology and frequency range extension to improve its stereo sound. Nedim Fresko, VP of Amazon devices, told The Verge in an interview that the Echo Studio mimics the performance of a hi-fi stereo system. Meanwhile, its frequency range extension technology delivers improved performance, deeper bass, and better midrange clarity. 

Amazon plans to bring its spatial audio processing to the Echo Show 15 and other compatible Echo devices in the future. If you haven't gotten your hands on the Echo Studio yet, Amazon released a new Glacier White colour option for $259.99.

Saturday
Oct012022

Google reportedly scrapped a Stadia-exclusive 'Death Stranding' follow-up

Source: Kojima Productions/505 Games

At this point, you might have heard that Google is closing its Stadia cloud gaming service. One of the things that possibly caused its demise is the lack of blockbuster exclusives on the platform. It got access to big titles like Red Dead Redemption 2Destiny 2, and Cyberpunk 2077, but these games were available elsewhere. And if the rumours are accurate, Google might have spurned the chance to get an exclusive title from one of gaming's biggest names. 

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Saturday
Oct012022

Google to shut down Stadia in January 2023

Source: Google

Here's another Google project that's met its untimely demise. The company announced it is closing the doors on its cloud gaming service, Stadia. The platform will stay live for players until January 18, 2023. But the Stadia store has already been shut down. Google plans to refund all Stadia hardware purchased through the Google Store alongside any games and add-on content bought from its store. Google expects to complete those refunds by mid-January. Stadia Pro subscriptions are not eligible for a refund. But you won't be charged during the shutdown period and can access the games you redeemed as a Pro user until everything is wound down.

Google shuts down Stadia because it "hasn't gained the traction with users" it expected. Those working on the Stadia team will move to other departments in the company. Stadia vice president and GM Phil Harrison says Google sees the opportunity to apply Stadia's technology in other parts of the company. It also intends to "make it available to our industry partners, which aligns with where we see the future of gaming headed." If you have additional questions, Google explains this further in an FAQ.

Source

Friday
Sep302022

Amazon Kindle Scribe is a writing-friendly e-reader

Source: Amazon

Amazon's newest e-reader brings writing capabilities to the Kindle. The Kindle Scribe isn't just made to replace traditional paper books. Instead, it wants you to do away with paper entirely. According to Amazon, it's "perfect for reading and writing, even in direct sunlight." Its 10.2-inch display gives you room to "take notes and [keep a] journal, and makes it easy to adjust font size and margin width for improved reading comfort."

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