Nothing phone (2) gets a major software update before it hits stores

Photo: Nothing

Nothing phone (2) has just launched this week, but it already received a software update with many improvements. Nothing OS 2.0.1 enhances the battery, charging, fingerprint, face unlock, wireless charging, network, and camera features. It also includes bug fixes. 

Notable changes include improved battery and charging performance in extreme conditions, Face Unlock and fingerprint reader improvements, and better network stability. It also gets camera enhancements like 2x zoom support in portrait, optimized HDR, lag reduction when shooting videos, and more. The security patch level remains at June 2023. The Nothing phone (2)'s price starts at CAD 929 and will come to stores on July 17.

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Google Assistant gets a new look on Android Auto

Image: 9to5Google

Android Auto brings a new design for Google Assistant. Version 10.0 of the feature shows a glowing animation with Google colours when you use voice commands. It's similar to the design first seen on Pixel phones (and then brought to all Android devices). The Google Assistant logo appears beside the All Apps button, while the voice command text appears above the taskbar.

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Major Nelson says goodbye to Microsoft and Xbox after 20 years

Larry Hryb, also known as "Major Nelson," is leaving Microsoft after 20 years as one of the most prominent faces of Xbox. He has been involved in many Xbox marketing activities, from the original Xbox and Xbox Live to the Xbox 360 and beyond. He thanked the millions of gamers who have included him as part of their lives.

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FTC fails to stop Microsoft’s mega-merger with Activision Blizzard

Microsoft's USD 69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty, cleared a significant hurdle on Friday when a U.S. appeals court denied the FTC's request to halt the deal. The FTC argued that the deal would harm consumers and competition in the video game industry, but a district court judge and an appeals court both rejected that claim. Microsoft offered 10-year licenses to rivals like Sony Group to address the FTC's concerns.

The deal—the largest in video game history—still needs approval in Britain, where the competition regulator is reviewing a new proposal from Microsoft. The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority extended its deadline for a final ruling to August 29. But it hopes to reach a decision as soon as possible. The merger agreement expires on July 18, after which either company can choose to walk away unless they negotiate an extension.

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