Latest news with #TheShortcut
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Digital Trends
The iPhone 17 Air could be as powerful as the 17 Pro, but with a catch
We're less than a month away from Apple's rumored iPhone 17 launch on September 9, and we're learning more about all four upcoming phones every day. Previous rumors have confirmed that Apple is expected to launch four phones, similar to the last few years, but with a key difference: there won't be a Plus model. Instead, it'll be replaced by the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's forthcoming ultra-thin competitor to the Galaxy S25 Edge. Recommended Videos A new post on Weibo from Fixed Focus Digital (via TheShortcut) suggests that Apple may follow Samsung's lead by using its most powerful processor in the iPhone 17 Air, despite its thickness, with a key catch that's likely designed to aid in thermal management. A partial upgrade to the processor Samsung's ultra-thin candybar phone — and the ultra-thin Galaxy Z Fold 7, which followed last month — both use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, which is the most powerful Android chipset we've tried; however, both also throttle the CPU and GPU performance under resource-intensive loads to prevent overheating. The report from Fixed Focus Digital suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will use the same A19 Pro chipset planned for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but with a difference: one fewer GPU core. Instead of the six-core GPU used by the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the Air will feature just five cores. In actual practice, this is likely to mean a drop in overall graphics performance, but the iPhone 17 Air should still be able to run the latest games. It's worth noting that this is the first we've heard about Apple using a more powerful chipset in the iPhone 17 Air. Given the phone is expected to be just 5.5mm thick — 0.3mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge — it was widely expected that it would launch with the standard A19 chip planned for the regular iPhone 17. However, Fixed Focus Digital has a track record of accurate Apple leaks near launch, so this could yet come to fruition. Given that the iPhone 17 Air will be incredibly thin, it's quite likely that Apple will have to throttle both CPU and GPU performance at times to ensure the phone doesn't overheat. A redesigned vapor chamber that's both shallower and wider, paired with a graphene-looking thermal pad above the SoC, helps the Galaxy S25 Edge manage its thermals; I can't wait to see what approach Apple takes.
Tom's Guide
05-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders — how to get an invite at My Nintendo Store
We all want to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as going to your favorite retailer and adding one to your cart. The demand for the console has vastly exceeded the supply. Nintendo will offer some pre-orders directly, but there are some requirements you must meet — and even then, you'll only have a chance to get one based on luck. They'll start on May 8 for those who have registered interest and meet all of Nintendo's requirements (don't worry, they're not too extreme). If you're looking to get a Switch 2 from Nintendo, you'll first need to head to the company's How to buy Nintendo Switch 2 page. The top of the page has links to some of the most popular U.S. retailers, but your chances of getting one from any of them are slim. Towards the bottom of the page, you can register your interest in pre-ordering a console. You must log in with your Nintendo account and select whether you want to pre-order the Mario Kart bundle or just the console (you can't change your mind once you've locked in). As shared by The Shortcut, there are four key requirements you must meet if you want to be chosen for a console: Most of those shouldn't be too restrictive to dedicated Nintendo fans, but having a paid Nintendo Online membership might bump out quite a few people. It doesn't specify 12 months of continuous membership, so it seems that as long as you've had 12 months of on-and-off time, you should be able to register. If you register, the first batch of invites will go out on May 8, and you'll have 72 hours to purchase your console once you get an invite. If you don't jump in during that period, Nintendo will move on to other people who've expressed interest. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
If you preordered a Switch 2 you might want to buy a new Pro controller ASAP
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. You probably didn't get your hands on a Switch 2, but if you did, there's something you ought to be aware of. You know that old Pro controller you have lying around from last generation? Yes, the one with the thumbsticks so worn down they're bordering on F1 tire-level slick. Well, it works with your brand-spanking-new console! Sort of... The good news is that old Nintendo Switch Pro controllers are indeed compatible with the Switch 2, so you'll be able to retain your competitive advantage in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate without buying a new one. The bad news is you won't get the full functionality. As spotted by Matt Swider, who runs the deals blog The Shortcut, old Pro controllers will have full functionality with games but won't be fully compatible with consoles. Per Nintendo: "These accessories can be used by connecting wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2. They can be charged by connecting them to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable." However: "You cannot exit sleep mode on Nintendo Switch 2 using the HOME Button on Nintendo Switch controllers." Save $10 on the special edition Pluse Cipher Xbox Controller for Amazon Gaming Week. We called the Xbox Wireless Controller the best-designed and most comfortable gamepad for playing games across all genres. Features: Hybrid D-pad, share button, textured grips, custom button mapping, USB-C port, works with PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox OneView Deal Yes, you read that correctly: you cannot turn your new Switch console on using your old Pro controller's home button. Needless to say, that's.... very annoying. Getting your butt up off the couch to press an on/off button in this day and age? Might as well trade in your car for a horse and start greeting your friends as "kind sir." This bad news means, if waking your console with a button is a priority for you, you'll have to buy an entirely new Switch 2-specific Pro controller for $85. That's not ideal, considering the console itself is $450 and games are now $80 to $90, but you do at least get some perks for being forced into new hardware. The Switch 2 Pro controller might not be a huge departure from the previous generation, but it does have a couple perks that could make it worth your while. One of them is Hall Effect joysticks, which differ from regular joysticks since they don't actually make contact with the controller's internal hardware. Instead, they use magnets that create a degree of separation on the inside which vastly reduces the wear and tear and should greatly increase your controller's longevity. As someone who abuses controllers playing Super Smash Bros. I personally wouldn't mind a more durable piece of hardware, even if it means spending another $80. On top of Hall Effect joysticks, the new Pro controllers also have faster charging so that means less time waiting around for controller to gather steam when you inevitably forget to charge in between uses. I don't mean to spin the annoyance in a positive light. Nintendo is definitely turning up the heat on its fans in pretty much all regards. Games are more expensive, hardware is more expensive, accessories are (slightly) more expensive. And that's not even factoring in tariffs, really. Unfortunately, this seems to be the way things are going, however, and I guess if we're going to be forced into buying new hardware the best silver lining I can find is Hall Effect joysticks. The Switch 2 is Nintendo's priciest console since the SNES and people are not happy A Nintendo Switch 2 price hike before launch is possible. Here's what happened. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks great, but there's a reason I won't go back to console gaming
