According to a report from Business Insider, a Canada-based online brokerage company that is backed by hometown rap hero Drake is reportedly valued at $4 billion.
Wealthsimple, the company that has other famous Canadian investors including Michael J. Fox and former pro-baseball player Dwight Powell, received over $600 million during its last funding season. According to the report, the app for the company will be the Canadian version of Robinhood.
“More than two million Canadians use Wealthsimple to grow their money, file their taxes, pay their friends, and make their financial lives better,” said CEO Mike Katchen. “This investment will fuel our growth so we can reach millions more and ensure that everyone has access to the simplest, most powerful financial products and services, no matter who they are or where they are in their financial lives.”
The announcement of Apple’s AirTag was met with a lot of positive reactions, but its best feature is seemingly its most concerning one due to a potentially dangerous loophole.
If you’re that person who always seems to misplace things like your keys, then Apple’s AirTag is the perfect investment for you because the device helps you precisely track down missing items or even your pets with the help of tracking software and your iPhone, of course.
When the tracking device was first announced, Apple made sure to address possible misuse of the AirTag in the form of potential stalking but, as with anything it does, was very vague with the details in regards to privacy protections built into the system. The issue with the AirTag is that it could be an affordable tool for abusers to keep tabs on their victims, being that one AirTag only costs $29, with a four-pack costing $99.
Now, normally if someone places an AirTag without your knowledge, your smartphone is supposed to send you an alert telling you that an active AirTag is in your area or on you. The alert is supposed to come rather quickly for iPhone users when you arrive at your home address or a location you frequently visit if you happen to have an unknown tag on you. But it could take up to three days for that same message to be sent to Android users.
FastCompanyshared concerns from a nonprofit that focuses on the issue of domestic violence.
“Technology often comes with unintended consequences, explain representatives from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a leading nonprofit with the goal of ending violence against women. NNEDV sits on advisory boards for Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Uber and has consulted for both Google and Apple in the past (but not on AirTags). The organization’s representatives say that while Apple AirTags are a cheap, easy-to-use product to find a lost item, they are also a worrisome surveillance tool that could be leveraged by an abuser to discreetly track a partner. An AirTag simply needs to be slipped into someone’s bag or jacket pocket to track exactly where they go.”
“So abusers who live with partners using Android can constantly pair and re-pair an AirTag so that it won’t set off an alert, a problem so core to the design of AirTags I’m skeptical it can be fixed with a software tweak.”
“Three days won’t work if you’re going home every day to the same person tracking you. . . . That’s a learning space [that] hopefully Apple will consider and work to build in protections with that threat model,” says Corbin Streett, technology safety specialist at NNEDV. “[Apple] is thinking about the threat model where it’s a stalker who is walking by someone on the street they don’t know—that stranger danger model—but what about when it is the person you come home to every day?”
It definitely sounds like something Apple needs to address immediately.
The gaming headset market is an extremely crowded one, with tons of options for gamers to choose from. Xbox has decided to throw its name into the hat with its own premium headset that delivers a solid user experience.
Microsoft’s $99 headset is a sleek yet simple offering that takes its cues from the next-gen console the Xbox Series X while working with other consoles like the Xbox Series S, older Xbox One models, plus Windows PC and comes with features that make them stand out among the crowded field of headsets from other companies like HyperX, Turtle Beach and Sony.
Simply Sleek
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
Immediately you will notice the very sleek design once you take the headset out of the box. Like the Xbox Series X, the headset has a matte finish that, unfortunately, is very prone to collecting fingerprints. But, the headset is very attractive with nice details like the Xbox logo on the right earcup and the signature neon green rings around each earcup that definitely lets you know this is an Xbox peripheral.
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset Spinning Dials
One feature that I absolutely loved is the fact you can adjust the volume and game/voice balance by simply turning the spinning dials located on each ear. The right ear handles the headset’s master volume, while the left ear lets you fine-tune the voice chat and game balance. You can easily restore it to a neutral setting by turning the dial to the middle. A click will let you know that has been achieved.
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
Unlike many other wireless headsets, Xbox decided the fewer buttons, the better, and on this matter, we agree. There is one long green power button that doubles as the pairing button located on the left earcup. On the right earcup, users will find the single USB-C port to charge the headset.
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
Microsoft boasts that you can get about 15 hours of gameplay out of the headset, and for the most part, that is accurate. If you happen to run out of juice during a gaming session, you can plug the headset in for about 30 minutes, and that will give you about four hours of use.
You can also link multiple devices to the Xbox Wireless Headset at one time, so basically, you can take a call while playing at the same time. One convenient but also annoying feature is the fact Xbox Series X or whatever console the headset is connected to will turn on when the power button is pressed. Something to pay attention to when you want to use the headset to listen to music or take a Zoom call.
As for comfort, the Xbox Wireless headset is lightweight and very comfortable to wear but will have to “broken in” first. The earpads feature soft memory foam covered in faux leather with similar padding underneath the headband to ensure a comfortable fit during long gameplay sessions.
Mic Check 1, 2
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
The microphone is long and narrow plus can be adjusted but not removed. It can be muted via a single button located underneath it. A LED indicator is located on the tip of the mic that gives you an indication that the mic is muted or not. If the light is on, your mic is hot. When the light is off, the mic is not in use. There is a smart feature called “auto-mute” that is supposed to silence your mic when you’re not talking. While it does “work” I highly recommend just pressing the mute button just to be safe.
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
When it comes to performance, the Xbox Wireless Headset delivers quality voice chat when used on Xbox. Over PC, it’s okay, but there is room for improvement. We recommend sticking with HyperX’s headsets when it comes to that department.
Super Bass
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
When it comes to sound, the Xbox Wireless Headset will not have you asking where the bass is? Because it’s present and accounted for. While playing games like Doom Eternal, Outriders, the explosions and gunfire sounded very heavy, and while the rock-heavy soundtrack from Doom Eternal hits pretty hard. While playing MLB The Show 21, how well voice comes through on the headset, the play-by-play chatter, and background crowd noise is crystal clear.
If that is something you’re not feeling, you can adjust it via the Xbox Accessories app. The Xbox Wireless Headset also works with Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X to enhance your sound experience. Windows Sonic is built-in, while Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X require a separate subscription purchase through the Xbox or Windows store.
Final Verdict
Source: Bernard Smalls / Xbox Wireless Headset
While they are not on the same level as Sony’s Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, which gives gamers a next-gen experience in the sound department, Xbox’s wireless headset is definitely a solid pickup for $99. You get a bunch of premium features without having to break the bank as you normally would have to for a good wireless gaming headset. There is still room for improvement, but it’s nothing a few software updates can’t correct.
Like the Xbox Series X, the Xbox Wireless Headset is also sold out everywhere, so keep checking retailers for restocks.
Source: Samsung / Galaxy Book Pro 360 & Galaxy Book Pro
Samsung’s new Galaxy Book laptop lineup is taking its cues from Galaxy smartphones.
This year, Samsung has been very busy. The company recently launched its new affordable Galaxy A Series smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (the best smartphone on the market), the excellent Galaxy Bud Pro earbuds. Now, the Korean tech giant is rolling out a pair of new laptops.
Wednesday (Apr.28), Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Book Pro 360 ($1199) and Galaxy Book Pro ($999) laptops. The new laptops are a combination of powerful performance and the mobile DNA of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. These new computing devices feature AMOLED displays that Samsung promises will take your “entertainment to the next level” by delivering rich colors and sharp screens, something we have become used to from Samsung by using their smartphones while at the same time not jacking up your eyes.
Source: Samsung / Galaxy Book Pro
The displays are Eye Care-certified by SGS and produce less blue light emissions than standard LCD screens. With the help of Intelligent Color Engine, it “will automatically fine-tune your color space depending on the task at hand.” Both models come with 1080p screens and come in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch options.
What sets the new Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 is the design. The Galaxy Book Pro is the standard clamshell designed laptop that is $100 cheaper, while the Galaxy Book pro 360 is a versatile device that users can convert into a tablet, has a touch screen, and comes with its own S-Pen.
Both models are Samsung’s thinnest laptops yet, coming in just over 11 millimeters thin and only weighing about 2 to 3 pounds, a huge plus for someone who always carries their laptop with them everywhere, and that is most people today.
Source: Samsung / Galaxy Book Pro 360 & Galaxy Book Pro
The devices also keep Samsung’s mystic energy. The Galaxy Book Pro comes in Mystic Blue and Mystic Silver, while the Galaxy Book Pro 360 arrives in Mystic Navy and Mystic Bronze, delivering two of the most elegant and sleek-looking devices on the market. Both Galaxy Book Pro models feature new redesigned Pro Keyboards that, according to Samsung, will limit the noise of pounding keys throughout the day.
Source: Samsung / Galaxy Book Pro 360 & Galaxy Book Pro
When it comes to connection ports, the Galaxy Book Pro features one Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, one standard USB-C port, one USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. The Galaxy Book Pro 360 also has one Thunderbolt 4 port, two standard USB-C ports, headphone jack, microSD card reader, plus an optional 5G SIM slot. The Galaxy Book 360 has an advantage over the standard Galaxy Book Pro model with the ability to connect to faster cellular networks in supported areas. At launch, it will be Wi-Fi only. 5G variations will launch sometime later this year.
Under the hood, both models come with 11th Gen Intel Core processors, up to 16GB of RAM that should handle multitasking with 512GB of solid-state drive storage. The 15-inch Galaxy Book Pro 360 does come with an optional 1TB drive. Both models also feature a 720p webcam and Dolby Atmos speakers.
Taking cues from Apple when it comes to its devices seamlessly working with each other, Samsung also brings that same energy. Galaxy tablet users can now use it as a secondary display for the Galaxy Book Pro, just like how Mac users do the same with their iPad through Apple’s sidecar tech.
Galaxy Smartphone users can also easily transfer photos to their Galaxy Book Pro or Pro 360 without having to worry about losing any special effects like super slow motion. Swapping your Galaxy Buds Pro between your phone and Galaxy Bud Pro also is easier thanks to Easy Bluetooth eliminating the need to go into the PC’s Bluetooth menu. There is also a Smart Switch feature that allows instant transfer of settings and files from your old, old Windows laptop to your Galaxy Book.
Both the Galaxy Book Pro and Book Pro 360 are now available for pre-order via Samsung, which will ensure you get it when they being shipping on May 14. If you order directly through Samsung, you can get either a $150 eCertificate or a free pair of Galaxy Buds Pro.
A new Marvel-based fighting game? Made by the same studio that brought us Mortal Kombat 11 and Injustice? WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT.
According to the digital grapevine, a new Marvel fighting game is in the works, and NetherRealm Studio is allegedly behind it. If this is indeed the case, it will be the first game since 2017’s Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite and would mean that NetherRealm is not currently working on the follow-up to Injustice 2: Gods Among Us.
The report comes from Daniel Richtman (via Stealth Optional) and doesn’t bear much in the form of details, so please take all of this with the tiniest grain of salt while at the same time being excited at the possibility that such a game could exist. Richtman says that the game is currently in development for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and possibly PC. There is a solid chance that PS4 and Xbox One owners won’t even get a chance to stiff this game.
For those who have been thirsting for Injustice 3, this news might not sit well with you because it means NetherRealm is putting all of its focus into this rumored Marvel game. But, Comicbook.com is adding more fuel to the fire by suggesting there is a slight possibility that NetherRealm could be working on a Marvel vs. DC fighting game.
That would be crazy.
Again, this is just mere speculation, but something definitely worth keeping in the back of your mind. Crazier things have happened.
Athletic wear and gaming have gone hand in hand as of late, so this latest collaboration between ANTA and HyperX makes all the sense in the world.
The two companies have one thing in common, they both work with Boston Celtic forward Gordon Hayward, so the decision to work together on this limited-edition box was a no-brainer. It brings together the two things that Hayward love’s to do, and that is playing basketball and gaming.
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
Inside the box is a limited-edition pair of Hayward’s signature basketball sneakers from ANTA, the GH2 “HyperX” and HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset. The sneakers feature some unique gaming-inspired details that help them easily stand out from other shoe silhouettes. The GH2 are draped in HyperX’s black and red colorways and have a unique printing process that showcases black-red gradient effects.
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
The inspiration behind the design is pulled straight from the circuit board that you can find inside HyperX’s products like headsets, keyboards, mice, and the HyperX logo, which can be found on the shoe’s heel pictured above.
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
Wearers can see the word “GAMER” on the lacing system, and it showcases the partnership between HyperX x ANTA.
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
Speaking about the limited-edition collaboration Dustin Illingworth, head of influencers and esports at HyperX, added:
“We are thrilled to be working with ANTA on this limited-edition HyperX x ANTA Gordon Hayward box. HyperX joins forces with ANTA to showcase Hayward’s passion for basketball and esports with a collection that reflects his love for the game, on and off the court, and captures the HyperX core belief – WE’RE ALL GAMERS.”
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
As far as getting your hands on the bundle, you might be out of luck in that department. Only a few were made and given away in a contest. If you come across one, you might have to pay a grip, BUT you can purchase the sneakers directly from China through ANTA’s website for only $160.
Source: Bernard Smalls / ANTA x HyperX
We look forward to more collaborations between the companies and hope they continue to look this good.
Since launching in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has transformed the handheld gaming experience with its hybrid console and tablet-like configuration. One of the system’s top party games, Super Mario Party, just got a pretty nifty update that most Nintendo fans are seemingly excited about.
The Nintendo team announced the change via Twitter and also their support page, laying out the new features coming to the popular party game. Given that this is the first update for the game in well over two years and just the second overall, the news is certainly big for Switch users.
Check out the update notes below:
You can now play the following modes over the internet:
Important: To play over the internet, a subscription to the paid Nintendo Switch Online service is required.
Playing over the internet
To play over the internet, select either Mario Party, Partner Party, or Minigames, then select Online Play.
There are two ways to play over the internet: Friend Match, where you can play with Friends, and Private Game, where you can play with anyone using passwords.
The combinations through which you can play over the internet are as follows:
・Up to 1 player per system (you can play with between 2 and 4 players)
・Up to 2 players per system (you can play with between 3 and 4 players)
If two players are each playing on their own systems, they cannot play with two players using a third system.
Playing over the internet supports the Invite Friend feature. If you select Invite Friend on the screen at which you’re waiting for rivals, your selected Friends can join from the Online Play Invites on their user-page icon in the top left of the HOME Menu.
・Online Mariothon does not support the Invite Friend feature.
When playing over the internet, all 20 characters and all maps are available, regardless of your current in-game progress.
When playing over the internet, 70 of the total 80 minigames are available to play.
The following 10 minigames are not available when playing over the internet.
・Strike It Rich
・Time to Shine
・Take a Stab
・All-Star Swingers
・Rhythm and Bruise
・Pep Rally
・Wiped Out
・Fiddler on the Hoof
・Clearing the Table
・Baton and On
Play data won’t be saved when playing over the internet.
Super Mario Party did have online play prior to this update but the feature was limited to just a handful of the minigames. This effectively opens up the world of Super Mario Party to a global pool of co-players and competitors, and the joy and requisite hate that’s being expressed on Twitter at the moment is impassioned and comical at times.
While mask-wearing keeps us safe and rona-free, it is a nuisance when it comes to unlocking our iPhones. Apple’s latest software update, iOS 14.5, rectifies that issue, but there is a catch.
Apple announced today that iOS 14.5 is rolling out for iOS and iPadOS and features a ton of improvements to its devices. The biggest one being the ability to unlock your phone without having to input the unlock code because of mask-wearing. Due to having to mask up throughout the day because, yes, we are still in a pandemic, unlocking your iPhone has become a chore, but no more, thanks to iOS 14.5 not requiring a Face ID match or passcode.
To utilize the feature, you have to own an Apple Watch, unfortunately, which is a bummer for those who don’t care for smartwatches or don’t care about Apple’s wearable. For it to work, you have to be wearing your Apple Watch before setting your iPhone to unlock automatically. You must also have watchOS 7.4 installed on your watch as well.
We still wished Apple’s iPhones had a fingerprint scanner like Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G smartphone.
Another big feature is App Tracking Transparency which allows you to decide if an app can track your activity “across other companies’ apps and websites,” which is primarily used to hit with those creepy ads showcasing items you were looking at. Apple shared a video alongside the announcement of the new feature to explain how it works.
Facebook is BIG MAD and has called out Apple over App Tracking Transparency, claiming it gives “a false tradeoff between personalized ads and privacy.” The reality is Facebook makes a lot of money off app tracking, and this could significantly hurt Facebook’s ad business.
There is plenty of other new quality of life improvements as well. iOS 14.5 includes tons of new emojis that focus on inclusivity. The ability to watch Apple Fitness Plus workouts on a TV with AirPlay 2. You can now use the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controller on your iPad and iPhone. Every iPhone 12 model will allow for 5G connectivity in the dual-SIM mode in more countries.
Last, when you turn on your iPhone for the first time, Siri’s voice will no longer be female by default. Instead, you will be able to choose your preferred voice while setting up your device.
Unfortunately, The Academy has yet to acknowledge video games as a medium worthy of an Oscar, but the video game industry might have just found its way in.
Some video games are basically like films. Both have scripts, great stories, with amazing actors and actresses bringing characters to life. The only difference is you can directly interact with one, while viewers can only observe movies. That’s not enough to win a coveted Oscar award…yet, but video games did find a way to be recognized on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Sunday night (Apr.25), during The Oscars, the documentary short Colette won an Academy Award, a huge first for the video game industry. The doc was originally produced by Oculus Studios and EA’s Respawn Entertainment and was featured in the first-person shooter VR game Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. The game is widely recognized for its historical accuracy, and keeping with that theme, players can unlock short “Gallery” films highlighting real World War II vets as they progress through the game.
Colette, which is directed by Anthony Giacchino, which is one of those “Gallery” films, tells the story of 90-year-old Colette Marin-Catherine, one of the last surviving French Resistance members. In the film, she is convinced by a young history student, Lucie Fouble, to return to Germany after vowing never to return to the country. Once there, she visits the Nazi concentration camp where her brother, Jean-Pierre, was sadly killed.
It was acquired and distributed byThe Guardianand won the award for best short film at the Big Sky Festival, which made it eligible for Oscar contention. The film went on to win the gold statuette, not only making it the first Oscar-related video game win but a first for The Guardian as well.
In a statement speaking on the historical win, Oculus Studios director of production Mike Doran said in a statement, “The real hero here is Colette herself, who has shared her story with integrity and strength.” He further added, “As we see in the film, resistance takes courage, but facing one’s past may take even more. Allowing us to preserve this pilgrimage for future generations was a true act of bravery and trust.”
The SOURCE Magazine has announced the launch of Source Streaming, available on Apple, Google, Roku, and Amazon. The beta edition of the new streaming service has launched today.
The SOURCE has announced the VOD Streaming Channel under the mantra of “Our Stories, On Demand, For the Culture.” The launch unveils a first-class mix of new and original content as well as nostalgic, archival footage along with classic moments from Hip-Hop history.
In celebration of Black History Month, SOURCE Streaming will feature a series, Voices of the Culture, which presents historical moments and legendary speeches from icons like Barack Obama, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Shirley Chisholm, and Malcolm X.
The latest extension of The SOURCE is introduced by The NorthStar Group Chairman and owner/publisher of The SOURCE, L. Londell McMillan, who has been notable over the years as the trailblazing attorney and representative for icons such Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, as well as artist manager and entrepreneur. The brand boasts over 100 million monthly impressions each year across key interest affinities and age groups.
“It’s time for the remix. Our goal is to curate Black and Hispanic stories and use the Hip-Hop DNA of The SOURCE to present great content for all audiences,” McMillan said. “We’ve created a brand-safe home for vital films and music to be discovered, nostalgic moments to be rediscovered, and news to be broken. It’s a place where brands can reach a powerful audience and establish a genuine connection to them through The SOURCE and The NorthStar Group.”
The streaming service will feature categories such as SOURCE Originals, Films, Music, News, and Culture. The debut of the documentary film The Pursuit Of Greatness and a new scripted series title To Live & Die In Bed Stuy will be on Source Streaming. In addition, content that will serve top artists in exclusives will live on the streaming service.
Day in the Life-style exclusive videos peek behind the scenes with artists like Cardi B, Nipsey Hussle, and Lil Baby while the Uncovered vertical pulls back the curtain on SOURCE magazine cover shoots with Roddy Ricch, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled, Wiz Khalifa, and more.
Additional programming announcements will be presented in the full launch. McMillan also announced the future revival of The SOURCE Awards event in 2022.
