'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

LG Tone Free with UVnano charging case is now available in Canada

LG introduces its first true wireless earbuds in Canada. The LG Tone Free is available in two models—HBS-FN4 and HBS-FN6—with the former retailing for $149.99, while the FN6 goes for $199.99. Both are available at Best Buy, Amazon, and select mobile carriers.

The flagship HBS-FN6 earbuds come with what LG claims to be industry-first: a UVnano charging case. In the age of COVID-19, where personal hygiene is paramount, the case promises to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on the part of the earbud closest to the inner with just a 10-minute charge.

The tech on the charging case is based on a new ultraviolet-light test protocol developed by microbiology experts at UL. They claim the UV light reduces the bacteria on the earbuds' speaker mesh by 99.9% during the powered charging cycle.

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