2020 iPhones might not come with chargers in the box

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If the rumours are true, these year's iPhones won't include chargers. iPhones already don't come with wired earbuds, but this time even the power brick might go missing. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Barclays analysts, only the charging cable will be included in the box.

Kuo believes this decision is meant to cut costs and help offset the higher price of adding 5G wireless technology. At the same time, it would be an eco-friendly approach. Environmental critics have argued that supplying power adapters to users frequently adds to the electronic waste that people accumulate as they upgrade devices. Of course, if you do need one now, you're going to have to buy it separately. But perhaps that extra cost might be enough to offset the number of adapters that end up in landfills.

Source: Engadget

Samsung Galaxy S20 series gets July Android security patch

Samsung Galaxy S20 users are in for a treat. The Galaxy S20 series are the first smartphones to receive the July Android security patch, which brings different security improvements as well as some enhancements to the device. It's worth noting that the 386.35MB July update is rolling out even though we're still in June.

The July patch introduces camera tweaks like better magnification and video stabilization. The update also lets you use Bluetooth microphones to record audio using the phone's recording app. But if you use MirrorLink, unfortunately, the update no longer supports the feature. The update has rolled out in Korea, but it isn't clear yet when other parts of the world will get it. Hopefully, it's coming to this side of the world soon.

Source: PocketNow

iPhone 12 Pro rumoured to get a 120Hz display

iPhone 12 render courtesy of Svetapple

This iPhone-related rumour has been going around, and now another notable tech leaker gives credence to the reports. According to serial tech leaker Ice Universe, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will have a display with a 120Hz refresh rate. If the rumours are true, it will help the company go up against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S20, OnePlus 8 Pro, and the upcoming Galaxy Note 20, which is rumoured to get the same refresh rate. 

The iPhone 12 Pro is expected to take advantage of the Pro Motion technology found on the iPad Pro 2020 as well as earlier models of Apple's premium tablet line. A 120Hz refresh rate would mean scrolling, video playback, and gaming will look and feel more responsive and smoother. The standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max are rumoured to retain the regular 60Hz refresh rate. The reason for not including the high refresh rate with the other models could be because they're trying to keep costs down.

Source: Tom's Guide

Report: Ottawa goes mostly cash-less during COVID-19 pandemic

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Cash is no longer the preferred method of payment for Ottawans, at least according to a new report from Square. The payments company says Ottawa is now the country's most cashless city, with its residents preferring to pay with plastic because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, 31.3% of purchases in the city were paid by cash. But since COVID-19 hit, cash sales have dropped to 1.7%. 

Now, most purchases in Ottawa are paid for with cards at a rate of 98.3%. Montreal comes in a close second at 97.2%. The highest percentage of purchases paid for with cards includes breweries, wineries and distilleries, food and drink vendors, and leisure and music entertainment.

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