Samsung launches first commercially available 8K TVs

While 4K might be all the rage now, we have also for a while heard of 8K TVs. And now Samsung is bringing its first line of 8K TVs to the market. The Q900R QLED 8K TV was unveiled at IFA in Berlin and comes in 65 inches, 75 inches, 82 inches, and 85 inches. Why would you even want to consider one? It’s definitely brighter and can produce even better image quality. It has as many as 16 times more pixels than the standard HD TV and is capable of 4,000 nit peak brightness. At the moment, Samsung’s Q9 series 4K QLED TVs can reach 1,700 nit peak brightness. It also offers high-dynamic range to provide deeper blacks and more vivid colors. 

Content will always be the main issue here and there aren’t a lot of 8K content available yet. But just like what’s been done with 4K TVs, Samsung also includes its unique upscaling technology. This makes use of artificial intelligence to improve picture quality of what you’re watching—whether this comes from a streaming set-top box, game console, or even mirrored content from your smartphone or other mobile devices. Samsung hasn’t released pricing for this just yet but if you compare it with the top-of-the-line Q9 series QLED 4K TVs start at US$3,300 for the 65 inches (approx. CA$4,300) so expect the 8K model to be quite expensive. 

Source: Business Insider 

Valve releases free version of ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’

If you’re still on the fence about whether you’re willing to spend US$14.99 (approx. CA$20) on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you can get the game for free. This version of the game will let you compete offline against bots and or watch matches through GOTV, the games spectating client. It is available on Steam for Linux, Mac, and Windows. 

If you do decide to buy the game, this will get you “access to online content and features, including multiplayer gameplay, official matchmaking, in-game inventories, skill groups, XP, ranks, and other online features.” This new CS:GO update also brings with it Panorama user interface as the game’s default view and a tweaked user interface to improve support for low-end machines. 

Source: Polygon

The UE Boom app removes support for Amazon Alexa

Bad news for UE Boom users who use Amazon Alexa, the company just removed support for the digital assistant on its Android app. According to a statement released to The Verge, the company wants to focus on the core functionality of the speakers. The update notes on Google Play also state that the app loses support for alarms. Some users also commented that the app also lost the ability to remotely power up UE devices. Many have left one-star reviews over the update claiming it slowed down the app. Amazon Alexa compatibility isn’t completely lost, though. The company notes it’s still available for the Blast and Megablast speakers. 

mophie introduces new charge stream wireless chargers

Wireless charging is slowly gaining popularity and with it the arrival of better wireless chargers. mophie alone just outed for different wireless chargers to address different needs. There’s a new vent mount charger, desk stand version, and two powerstation wireless chargers. The charge stream vent mount brings your device to eye level while bringing power to either device. With a wireless charging output of 10W, it can work for both the iPhone’s 7.5W and Samsung’s 9W maximum charging capacities. The vent mount retails for US$69.95 (approx. CA$92). mophie also introduced the charge stream desk mount that will let you charge your mobile device in either landscape or portrait orientation. It also has a 10W power output and will work with iPhones, Samsung smartphones, and other Qi-compatible phones.

Now, if you need something that can be untethered from a power cord, there are the charge stream powerstation wireless and powerstation wireless XL. The former has a capacity of 6,040mAh, while the latter has 10,000mAh. When you do charge your devices without being connected to a power cord, these unfortunately lose fast-charging option as it only outputs 5W of power. But if you do plug it in, it can also get 10W of power. All four chargers work with cases that are up to 3mm thick. The powerstation wireless and wireless XL go for $79.95 and $99.95, respectively. Except for the desk stand which comes in the Fall, all the other chargers are available from mophie’s store.

Source: SlashGear