Nintendo will reportedly repair Switch Joy-Cons with ‘drift’ problems for free

An internal memo that got leaked reportedly instructs Nintendo customer support representatives to offer free Joy-Con repairs for units that suffer from the “drift” issue. This infamous drifting issue causes some of them to move things on the screen on their own. Customers wouldn’t need to show proof of purchase and just take them at their word. For those who paid for a previous Joy-Con repair, the customer support reps are advised to issue refunds. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the existence of this memo.

Vice got in touch with Nintendo’s customer support about this issue, and they were told to update their system’s software. They were instructed to call back if the behaviour repeated itself, which it did. They weren’t given any pushback when they called back and were told they were being sent a pre-paid shipping label to send the defective Joy-Cons in for repairs.

Roku is reportedly testing a Wi-Fi extender to improve its streaming reliability

Embed from Getty Images

Roku hasn’t really released products outside of its core offering of streaming media players. But it seems the company might release something to expand its hardware offerings—and improve its streaming capabilities. The company is reportedly testing a Wi-Fi extender called the Roku Relay. It’s designed to improve wireless connections inside a home as well as reliability while streaming. This product hasn’t been announced yet, but The Verge reports it’s being tested by users outside the company. It’s a small white gadget that plugs into a power outlet and rests alongside the wall. It’s supposed to be used with Roku devices to improve their Wi-Fi connection. It isn’t known if it can be used with other devices, too.

The Relay is being marketed as an extension of Roku players. According to the manual, it’s directing people to install the Relay halfway between the router and the TV. The launch doesn’t seem to be imminent, though. It has yet to pass the US’s Federal Communications Commission’s clearance process, which it would need before it can start selling the product.

These are the new ASUS ROG Phone II accessories

ASUS Republic of Gamers

The ROG Phone II needs some accessories to make it a worthy purchase. And ASUS prepared a few alongside the launch of the new phone.

We get the new AeroActive Cooler II, which is four times quieter than the original at 24dB. It’s designed to keep the exterior of the phone cooler and help drop temperature by 5 degrees lower. At the same time, it doubles as a kickstand, so you can leave the phone on the table and uses a wireless controller.

Click to read more ...

ASUS ROG Phone II vies for gaming phone crown

ASUS Republic of Gamers

The gaming phone segment isn’t exactly a big market. But there are several contenders there. And after a year since it launched its first model, ASUS is back with a bigger and better model. ASUS didn’t change much with the phone’s design but improved it in other respects. The ROG Phone II is the first smartphone to sport the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus chipset, a tweaked version of the 855 built for better gaming and virtual reality use. The phone now has a 6.59-inch display with a 120Hz 10-bit HDR screen with 1ms latency. It now shows images twice as fast as the 60Hz of a normal phone, but this also has 60Hz and 90Hz modes available.

The ROG Phone II also now gets a bigger 6,000mAh battery, which is one of the biggest out there for a smartphone. But if you expect to game a lot on this device, then you’ll burn through this quicker. ASUS promises up to seven hours of non-stop PUBG action on this device. And with 30W ROG HyperCharge using a standard 3A cable, it can charge up pretty quickly, too.

Click to read more ...