We got the Samsung Galaxy Note 9's DeX to work with an HP Elite X3 Lapdock

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

As I've been testing the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, it occurred to me to try the DeX (Desktop Experience) feature which creates a PC-like interface when plugged into an HDMI-enabled monitor. Instead of plugging-it into a desktop monitor, I dusted off my HP Elite X3 Lapdock accessory which was designed for use with Microsoft's Windows 10 Continuum.

The Elite X3 dock is a premium accessory, it is powered by USB Type-C and connects to Windows Phones using USB Type-C as well as wirelessly. I used it briefly with my Elite X3 Windows Phone, mostly for Office 365 access.

To my surprise, plugging in the Galaxy Note 9 doesn't only enable DeX on the Elite X3 Lapdock, it gives automatic access to the keyboard and mouse.

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Apple delaying FaceTime Group chat feature for later this fall

The much heralded FaceTime Group chat feature, which promises a group chat with up to 32 people simultaneously will not be inclided in iOS 12 when that OS rolls out in a few months. Apple made the statement today saying “Group FaceTime has been removed from the initial release of iOS 12 and will ship in a future software update later this fall,” Apple notes in the release notes for iOS 12 Beta 7, which is heading out to private beta testers today."

It's not uncommon for companies to highlight hot new features to help drive developer and user interest and then shelve the feature when it looks like it won't be ready for shipping time. Many peer-to-peer chat applications offer similar group chat functionality which makes sense in a desktop environment but looks very busy on a smartphone.

Source: Thurrott.com

Bethesda clarifies it isn’t leaving Steam behind

Fallout 76

You might have heard the news that Bethesda has opted to launch Fallout 76 on its own Bethesda.net launcher instead of on Steam. It had some of you questioning whether this meant Bethesda was no longer going to release its titles on the platform. Bethesda’s Pete Hines clarified with IGN during an interview at QuakeCon that this wasn’t the case, even if the company is focused on developing its dedicated service. “We did not announce ‘all future Bethesda games will not be on Steam,’” he explained. “That is not what we saw. We said ‘this game will be available exclusively on Bethesda.net.’”

And the reason for this was that the video game publisher thought this would be “the best way for us to provide the best experience and service to our customers is to be dealing with them directly, and not through someone else.” Hines also left up in the air the idea of Fallout 76 eventually coming to Steam. He said, “Is it possible? I guess, but I honestly couldn’t give you any guarantee one way or the other on whether it will or won’t.” Now, the question is when will Bethesda let consumers try out the upcoming B.E.T.A. It hasn’t announced yet when it’ll be coming out. Fallout 76 is set to come out on November 14 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’ won’t be coming to the Nintendo Switch

If you’ve been thinking that the upcoming Tomb Raider game is making its way to Nintendo’s hybrid console, we’re sorry to disappoint but it’s not going to be making an appearance anytime soon. Eidos Montreal lead game designer told GameSpot that they currently had “no plans” for a Nintendo version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Smith said he didn’t think the game suited the platform, despite him being a fan of the Nintendo Switch. All their efforts are on putting the game out for the PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the third and last game in a trilogy reboot that started with 2013 Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics and followed by Rise of the Tomb Raider, which came out in 2016. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is expected to come out on September 14^th.