Month: February 2023

‘They are right’: The Mandalorian director admits some season 3 fan theories are true

The Mandalorian director Rick Famuyiwa suggests that some Star Wars fan theories about the show’s third season are correct.

Rick Famuyiwa has admitted that some fan theories surrounding The Mandalorian season 3 are 100% true.

Speaking exclusively to TechRadar, the Star Wars show’s director-executive producer confirmed that some fans had correctly guessed parts of The Mandalorian season 3‘s story, character introductions, and how it’ll tie into other projects set in the galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars fans shouldn’t get too excited about finding out which theories are true, though. Given the secrecy around the Disney Plus show’s latest season, Famuyiwa declined the opportunity to provide specific examples. Instead, he chose to praise the global Star Wars fanbase for their tenacious detective work – even if some of their hypotheses are wide of the mark.

“I’m always fascinated by our fans,” Famuyiwa said. “I’m among them, because I know from both our show and other shows, and things in this world, that detective work and [having] that gusto is pretty spectacular. 

“Oftentimes you’re surprised by how accurate it is. You go ‘Wow, I can’t believe they pulled that’. Other times, it’s completely way off. But I think the energy of it all is exciting. I would say that some fan theories are on point and some aren’t. I can’t confirm which is which, but they are right in some ways.”

This is the way – to keep fans guessing

There are lots of Mandalorian season 3 fan theories out there (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

A show as popular as The Mandalorian, particularly one that’s set in Lucasfilm’s legendary sci-fi franchise, will draw more than your average amount of fan theories, rumors, and other online speculation. And with industry insiders and other leakers, well, leaking information and on-set images during and after a show’s principal photography has wrapped, it’s becoming easier for some fans to hypothesize how a series’ next installment could play out.

The arrival of official footage – such as The Mandalorian season 3’s official trailer, which debuted in January 2023 – only adds more fuel to the fire. Of course, trailers are released to drum up excitement ahead of a movie or show’s release, and most fans recognize that. However, some fans – us included – will really dig into what the footage means, cross-referencing it with leaked material, and trying to connect the dots.

It’s understandable, then, why key members of The Mandalorian‘s crew, including Famuyiwa, have to be so careful about what they say. As Famuyiwa revealed, he’s as likely as any other fan to take a quick peek to see what online rumors are floating around. Unlike us, though, Famuyiwa confirmed that he tries his best “not to get deep into the rumors because I don’t want to go down rabbit holes”. We hear you, Rick.

Potentially big spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3 follow after the tweet below.

#TheMandalorian & #Grogu The new season starts streaming Wednesday on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/dVlRB5evWEFebruary 27, 2023

See more

However, some fans just can’t help themselves, and plenty of rumors about The Mandalorian season 3 have emerged online in recent weeks. 

There’s talk that the official trailer’s Jedi tease is a Baby Yoda-based flashback to Order 66, which could mean Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker – last seen in Obi-Wan Kenobi – makes a crowd-pleasing cameo. Legendary actor Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) is set to feature in some capacity, too, and some leakers might have already spoiled the surprise by suggesting he’s portraying an elderly Mandalorian chieftain.

Then there’s talk about Boba Fett playing a supporting role, especially after Din Djarin’s appearance in The Book of Boba Fett, and given that The Mandalorian season 3 is set to explore Boba and Din’s home world of Mandalore in greater detail.

We’ll find out if these rumors – and the rest – are true once The Mandalorian‘s third season starts airing on March 1. One thing is certain, though: it’ll still feature in our best Disney Plus shows list, regardless of which predictions are proven correct.

For more Star Wars coverage, find out how to watch the Star Wars movies in order. Alternatively, read up on everything worth knowing about Ahsoka Tano‘s forthcoming live-action TV series.

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Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 Plus Is $350 Off Today Only – CNET

Grab this powerful tablet that can handle work, streaming, games and more for just $500 — and it comes equipped with its own stylus.

Grab this powerful tablet that can handle work, streaming, games and more for just $500 — and it comes equipped with its own stylus.

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Microsoft Teams is finally putting an end to your potty mouth

No more filthy language on Microsoft Teams calls thanks to new profanity filters.

Telling your boss what you really think of them on a Microsoft Teams call could soon be a thing of the past after the company announced a new update aimed at censoring some of user’s more unfortunate utterings.

The video conferencing platform is working on a new filtering control that will allow users to choose whether they see profanity or not in Microsoft Teams Live Captions.

The new addition will let users toggle profanity filtering on or off during a call, protecting them from any potentially foul language throughout, if they so choose.

Mind your language

In its entry in the official Microsoft 365 roadmap, the feature is described as “in development”, with an estimated general availability date of May 2023, meaning sensitive users won’t have too much longer to wait to block out profanity.

“With the newly introduced toggle for turn on/off profanity filtering, users will now be able to control whether they want to continue to leverage the profanity filtering capability provided out of box, or, if they want to see every word as-is,” Microsoft noted in its description.

On release, the feature will only be available for Microsoft Teams users on Desktop and Mac devices, although it’s likely that a further launch on other platforms may follow soon.

The update is the latest improvement to Microsoft Teams as the company looks to ensure its platform remains user-friendly.

The company opened up its live captions feature to all users in March 2022, having previously kept them for paying customers only.

The feature was then taken to a whole new level with the September 2022 launch of live translated captions. Available in a range of languages, Microsoft Teams users will be able to select live captions in the language of their choice, helping them gain better understanding with other participants.

It also recently launched so-called “intelligent translation” for Microsoft Teams Mobile users, meaning mobile users will be able to quickly translate messages in a foreign language, making sure there’s never any delay or errors.

Check out our rundown of the best online collaboration tools available

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The Galaxy Ring could be Samsung’s take on the health-tracking Oura Ring

Samsung might be working on a Galaxy Ring health monitor that would compete with the likes of the Oura Ring.

Samsung might be developing its own smart ring, a wearable that could monitor your health and fitness data in a similar way one of the best fitness trackers.

Like the Galaxy Buds, Galaxy S23, and Galaxy Watch 5, the new smart ring would likely use the brand’s typical naming convention and be called the Galaxy Ring. Not many details are known about it yet, but the trademark filing that revealed its existence described Galaxy Rings as “smart devices for measuring health indicators and/or sleep in the form of ring” (that’s translated from Korean).

This description sounds a lot like existing smart rings such as the Oura ring. In our four-star Oura ring review, we commended its impressive array of health sensors, although it is fairly expensive compared to a typical smartwatch at $299 (about £230 / AU$420) – and that price tag can feel like an especially tough pill to swallow when you consider that smartwatches are more useful than rings thanks to their screens.

However, rings have their advantages too. For one, they tend to last longer on a single charge than a smartwatch, and they also tend to be more of a fashion item.

Do you want a Galaxy Watch or a Galaxy Ring? (Image credit: Future)

As much as I love the capabilities of my Fitbit, it’s not the nicest-looking wearable – especially not compared to my favorite analog watch. So whenever I have to dress smart, it’s not hard for me to find a reason to swap my fitness tracker out for a tech-less option.

However, while I’m unlikely to need fitness stats while wearing a suit – it’s hardly suitable attire for a 5km run or 99% of sports – both fitness trackers and watches are now packed with sensors that monitor a variety of health figures and other data, some of which can potentially save lives.

Electrocardiogram tech in wearables allows them to pick up if you have an irregular heart rhythm – an early sign of some serious health issues – and the Apple Watch 8 includes crash detection, which can automatically send an alert to emergency services if you’re in an accident.

With a smart ring, we can have the best of both worlds – we can wear a more conventional watch that suits our style, and still monitor our vital health data. Plus, if Samsung does enter the smart ring market we might see the tech come down in price, making rings an even more appealing option.

Trademark filings don’t guarantee that we’ll ever see the product in question – there’s a chance that Samsung is simply claiming the name before some other brand tries to make a Galaxy Ring of its own – but given the growing interest in fitness and health wearables, we wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung (along with other device makers) has a smart ring on the way.

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Corsair K100 Air Gaming Keyboard Review: A Sleek Design for a Steep Price – CNET

This ultrathin mechanical gaming keyboard does it all and looks good doing it, but all those features don’t come cheap.

This ultrathin mechanical gaming keyboard does it all and looks good doing it, but all those features don’t come cheap.

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iPhone 15 USB-C Accessories to Have Limited Data and Charging Speeds Without Apple’s MFi Certification

Apple’s iPhone 15 series will officially only support USB-C accessories that have been certified by Apple’s own Made for iPhone (MFi) program, potentially limiting the functionality of accessories not approved by Apple, an established leaker has now claimed.

Since being introduced in 2012, first-party and MFi-certified Lightning ports and connectors have contained a small integrated circuit that confirms the authenticity of the parts involved in the connection. Non-MFi-certified third-party charging cables, for example, do not feature this chip, often leading to “This accessory is not supported” warnings on connected Apple devices.

Apple is widely expected to switch out the Lightning port for USB-C on iPhone 15 models, and earlier this month, a rumor out of China suggested that the replacement USB-C port would continue to have a Lightning-like authentication chip, despite USB-C ports on Apple’s iPads having no such chip.

In a tweet posted on Tuesday, ShrimpApplePro appeared to corroborate the rumor by claiming that “USB-C with MFi is happening,” and that Foxconn is already mass producing accessories like EarPods and cables that conform to the Apple certification.

Yeah usb-c with MFI is happening Foxconn already in mass production accessories like EarPods and cables pic.twitter.com/1ka9CRlY93— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (@VNchocoTaco) February 28, 2023

The authenticator chip is there to encourage customers to buy genuine iPhone peripherals, while Apple receives a commission on MFi-certified accessories and the MFi program makes it easier to expose counterfeit and potentially dangerous accessories.

Despite these advantages, the concern from a user perspective is that Apple could use the MFi program to limit features like fast charging and high-speed data transfer to Apple and MFi-certified cables. And that is precisely what AppleShrimpPro believes we should expect. “Cables with no MFi will be software limited in data and charging speed,” said the leaker in a follow-up tweet.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the USB-C port on the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus will remain limited to Lightning/USB 2.0 speeds, while faster transfer speeds will be exclusive to the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max models. ShrimpApplePro’s tweets add a new complexion to Kuo’s prediction.

Cables w no MFI will be software limited in data and charging speed— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (@VNchocoTaco) February 28, 2023

ShrimpApplePro accurately leaked the hardware design of the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models, giving them an established track record for rumors. Earlier this month, the leaker said the iPhone 15 Pro will feature even thinner bezels around the display. ShrimpApplePro also previously claimed that at least one iPhone 15 model will feature a titanium frame and curved rear edges, which could mirror the curved bezels.Related Roundups: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro

Tag: ShrimpApplePro

Related Forum: iPhone

This article, “iPhone 15 USB-C Accessories to Have Limited Data and Charging Speeds Without Apple’s MFi Certification” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple’s iPhone 15 series will officially only support USB-C accessories that have been certified by Apple’s own Made for iPhone (MFi) program, potentially limiting the functionality of accessories not approved by Apple, an established leaker has now claimed.

Since being introduced in 2012, first-party and MFi-certified Lightning ports and connectors have contained a small integrated circuit that confirms the authenticity of the parts involved in the connection. Non-MFi-certified third-party charging cables, for example, do not feature this chip, often leading to “This accessory is not supported” warnings on connected Apple devices.

Apple is widely expected to switch out the Lightning port for USB-C on iPhone 15 models, and earlier this month, a rumor out of China suggested that the replacement USB-C port would continue to have a Lightning-like authentication chip, despite USB-C ports on Apple’s iPads having no such chip.

In a tweet posted on Tuesday, ShrimpApplePro appeared to corroborate the rumor by claiming that “USB-C with MFi is happening,” and that Foxconn is already mass producing accessories like EarPods and cables that conform to the Apple certification.

Yeah usb-c with MFI is happening
Foxconn already in mass production accessories like EarPods and cables pic.twitter.com/1ka9CRlY93

— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (@VNchocoTaco) February 28, 2023

The authenticator chip is there to encourage customers to buy genuine iPhone peripherals, while Apple receives a commission on MFi-certified accessories and the MFi program makes it easier to expose counterfeit and potentially dangerous accessories.

Despite these advantages, the concern from a user perspective is that Apple could use the MFi program to limit features like fast charging and high-speed data transfer to Apple and MFi-certified cables. And that is precisely what AppleShrimpPro believes we should expect. “Cables with no MFi will be software limited in data and charging speed,” said the leaker in a follow-up tweet.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the USB-C port on the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus will remain limited to Lightning/USB 2.0 speeds, while faster transfer speeds will be exclusive to the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max models. ShrimpApplePro’s tweets add a new complexion to Kuo’s prediction.

Cables w no MFI will be software limited in data and charging speed

— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (@VNchocoTaco) February 28, 2023

ShrimpApplePro accurately leaked the hardware design of the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models, giving them an established track record for rumors. Earlier this month, the leaker said the iPhone 15 Pro will feature even thinner bezels around the display. ShrimpApplePro also previously claimed that at least one iPhone 15 model will feature a titanium frame and curved rear edges, which could mirror the curved bezels.

Related Roundups: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

This article, “iPhone 15 USB-C Accessories to Have Limited Data and Charging Speeds Without Apple’s MFi Certification” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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The best gaming mouse to upgrade the way you play, according to gamers

Whether you’re exploring intense and immersive virtual worlds or obliterating foes with your buddies by your side, any self-respecting gamer knows that a quality gaming mouse is an absolute necessity. This basic computer accessory has become more sophisticated as it evolved for the needs of gamers, and adding a fast, responsive mouse to your gaming setup can make all the difference. There are a lot of options out there, however, so we’re here to break down what you need to know so you can pick the best gaming mouse to take your gameplay to the next level — both literally and figuratively speaking.
Why should I get a gaming mouse?
The best mice for gaming often have sensors that are designed to be more responsive and accurate than your average computer mouse. In turn, a quality gaming mouse will improve your response time.
They also tend to have more programmable buttons that you can customize, so you don’t have to switch over to your keyboard and risk ruining your flow.
What should I look for in a gaming mouse?
There are many factors to consider before choosing the best gaming mouse for your needs. To figure out which are the most important, we spoke to Kiernan Ensor, Esports Coordinator and Head Coach at the University of Delaware; Paul Tuthill, Director of Gamezo, an online resource for gamers seeking how-to guides for a wide range of games and platforms; and Jay Melamed, CEO and co-founder of XP League, the premier youth esports league in North America.
First and foremost, Tuthill suggests sticking with well-known brands, namely SteelSeries, Razer, and Logitech. He lauds these fan-favorite brands for their vast selection of gaming mice that run the gamut from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. 
“[But] don’t go for something completely unknown as there were cases when mouses came with hardware-installed cheats,” he warns.
Ensor and his esports teams at UD agree, noting that great brand reputation is also a determining factor when it comes to high-quality components that will stand up to long-term gameplay.
In addition to trusted brand names, the most important features to focus on can be separated into two groups: ergonomics (the exterior) and technical specs (the interior). First up, we’ll break down all the ergonomic aspects to consider.

Grip. Ensor and his teams came to the consensus that gamers need to first define their grip style before choosing a gaming mouse. Palm grip tends to be the most common, but claw grip and fingertip grip styles are utilized for maximum efficiency and accuracy during different types of gameplay. Knowing your grip style will help you find a suitable gaming mouse.
Shape. Since you’re probably going to spend hours playing, you want something that’s comfortable in your hand and that caters properly to your preferred grip. Some gaming mice are more symmetrical and rounded, like a typical computer mouse found in an office setting, while others are more angular.“Every gaming mouse is ergonomic these days, but the shape can vary,” says Tuthill. “Take your time physically trying out mice of different shapes if you can. And don’t suddenly switch from an office-shaped mouse to something that looks like a cyborg — such change can hurt your wrist.”
Size. Similar to the importance of shape, you’ll also want to consider the size of your gaming mouse compared to the size of your hand and your grip style. The size can also have a direct correlation to price.“Some models have mini versions that are cheaper and more tempting to buy,” Tuthill notes for gamers on a budget. “Still, an average hand shouldn’t have any problems with using a mini mouse unless you have a personal preference for larger ones.”
Weight. The weight of a mouse can affect balance and center of gravity. Many casual gamers find that this isn’t a big deal for them, but professional gamers tend to be more precise. It’s really up to personal preference, but seasoned gamers often lean toward lightweight models to reduce wrist fatigue and increase gliding speed for maximum competitiveness. You can even find a gaming mouse with adjustable weight.
Handedness. Many gaming mice are made with right-handed users in mind, though some of the more popular styles do offer left-handed versions. They can be more difficult to find, however, so it may be best to seek out a gaming mouse with an ambidextrous design. Melamed notes that the younger gamers he works with tend to benefit from these smaller, ambidextrous gaming mice as they fit more appropriately in their hands.
Buttons. A gaming mouse can have a simple button interface, much like a standard computer mouse. Or, it can have 10 or more customizable buttons along its sides for making quick in-game actions. This will be dependent on the types of games you play, says Ensor, but it’s important to keep in mind regardless.

What specs are important for a gaming mouse?
Once you’ve determined the ergonomics best suited to your gaming style, you’ll want to dig deeper into the technical specs of your gaming mouse. These are the inner workings that determine how smooth and responsive your gaming mouse is, so keep an eye on the following as you shop:

DPI/CPI. The dots per inch (or, more accurately, counts per inch) determine how sensitive your gaming mouse is to movement. The number indicates how many steps are counted by the mouse’s sensor while moving across one inch of space. The higher the number, the more responsive the mouse is to your movement. You can find a mouse with DPI counts up to 20,000, though most gamers don’t need one that’s quite that sensitive; anything over 2,000 is considered pretty good.
Sensor Type. The two types of sensors in a gaming mouse are laser and optical. Laser sensors are more sensitive, while optical sensors are more accurate. Some mice have one type of sensor while others are equipped with both.

Polling Rate. Measured in Hz, this is the rate at which info is sent from the mouse to your computer. Higher rates indicate better responsiveness, resulting in smoother gameplay.
Customizability. Ensor’s esports students are also mindful of the software that comes with a gaming mouse. This is what will dictate your ability to potentially customize the DPI and the functions of the buttons. On higher-end models, you’ll also be able to customize the RGB for colorful effects and boost the overall aesthetic appeal of your gaming mouse. (Certainly not a requirement, but still cool to have.)

Is a wireless mouse good for gaming?
One final factor to consider as you shop for the best gaming mouse for your setup is whether or not you want a wireless gaming mouse. 
“Initially, almost all hardcore gamers opted for wired, as any delay in action would cause issues,” says Melamed. “[But] this has since been improved with higher-end wireless mice and is no longer an issue.”
Indeed, the latest-model wireless gaming mice are incredibly competitive and often favored by pro gamers. Still, it should be noted that wireless mice generally cost more than wired mice, which need to be plugged into a port on your computer via a USB cable. 
Also, be sure to pay attention to battery life if you opt for a wireless gaming mouse. The last thing you need is to run out of power mid-game — or, even worse, mid-tournament.
Which gaming mouse is best for me?
We get it; those are a lot of specs to consider. If you’re still not sure what would be best for you, Melamed points out that your preferred style of gameplay can help determine the type of gaming mouse you should choose.
For example, if you play a lot of first-person shooter (FPS) or multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, you’ll need a gaming mouse that is incredibly accurate and precise, with a high DPI sensor. You may want to go with a particularly lightweight design to capitalize on ultra-quick reflexes, too.
If you tend to play massively multiplayer online (MMO) or real-time strategy (RTS) games, Melamed instead suggests leaning toward a gaming mouse with lots of customizable buttons along the side to quickly and easily queue up hotkeys and macros.

Whether you’re exploring intense and immersive virtual worlds or obliterating foes with your buddies by your side, any self-respecting gamer knows that a quality gaming mouse is an absolute necessity. This basic computer accessory has become more sophisticated as it evolved for the needs of gamers, and adding a fast, responsive mouse to your gaming setup can make all the difference. There are a lot of options out there, however, so we’re here to break down what you need to know so you can pick the best gaming mouse to take your gameplay to the next level — both literally and figuratively speaking.

Why should I get a gaming mouse?

The best mice for gaming often have sensors that are designed to be more responsive and accurate than your average computer mouse. In turn, a quality gaming mouse will improve your response time.

They also tend to have more programmable buttons that you can customize, so you don’t have to switch over to your keyboard and risk ruining your flow.

What should I look for in a gaming mouse?

There are many factors to consider before choosing the best gaming mouse for your needs. To figure out which are the most important, we spoke to Kiernan Ensor, Esports Coordinator and Head Coach at the University of Delaware; Paul Tuthill, Director of Gamezo, an online resource for gamers seeking how-to guides for a wide range of games and platforms; and Jay Melamed, CEO and co-founder of XP League, the premier youth esports league in North America.

First and foremost, Tuthill suggests sticking with well-known brands, namely SteelSeries, Razer, and Logitech. He lauds these fan-favorite brands for their vast selection of gaming mice that run the gamut from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. 

“[But] don’t go for something completely unknown as there were cases when mouses came with hardware-installed cheats,” he warns.

Ensor and his esports teams at UD agree, noting that great brand reputation is also a determining factor when it comes to high-quality components that will stand up to long-term gameplay.

In addition to trusted brand names, the most important features to focus on can be separated into two groups: ergonomics (the exterior) and technical specs (the interior). First up, we’ll break down all the ergonomic aspects to consider.

Grip. Ensor and his teams came to the consensus that gamers need to first define their grip style before choosing a gaming mouse. Palm grip tends to be the most common, but claw grip and fingertip grip styles are utilized for maximum efficiency and accuracy during different types of gameplay. Knowing your grip style will help you find a suitable gaming mouse.

Shape. Since you’re probably going to spend hours playing, you want something that’s comfortable in your hand and that caters properly to your preferred grip. Some gaming mice are more symmetrical and rounded, like a typical computer mouse found in an office setting, while others are more angular.

“Every gaming mouse is ergonomic these days, but the shape can vary,” says Tuthill. “Take your time physically trying out mice of different shapes if you can. And don’t suddenly switch from an office-shaped mouse to something that looks like a cyborg — such change can hurt your wrist.”

Size. Similar to the importance of shape, you’ll also want to consider the size of your gaming mouse compared to the size of your hand and your grip style. The size can also have a direct correlation to price.

“Some models have mini versions that are cheaper and more tempting to buy,” Tuthill notes for gamers on a budget. “Still, an average hand shouldn’t have any problems with using a mini mouse unless you have a personal preference for larger ones.”

Weight. The weight of a mouse can affect balance and center of gravity. Many casual gamers find that this isn’t a big deal for them, but professional gamers tend to be more precise. It’s really up to personal preference, but seasoned gamers often lean toward lightweight models to reduce wrist fatigue and increase gliding speed for maximum competitiveness. You can even find a gaming mouse with adjustable weight.

Handedness. Many gaming mice are made with right-handed users in mind, though some of the more popular styles do offer left-handed versions. They can be more difficult to find, however, so it may be best to seek out a gaming mouse with an ambidextrous design. Melamed notes that the younger gamers he works with tend to benefit from these smaller, ambidextrous gaming mice as they fit more appropriately in their hands.

Buttons. A gaming mouse can have a simple button interface, much like a standard computer mouse. Or, it can have 10 or more customizable buttons along its sides for making quick in-game actions. This will be dependent on the types of games you play, says Ensor, but it’s important to keep in mind regardless.

What specs are important for a gaming mouse?

Once you’ve determined the ergonomics best suited to your gaming style, you’ll want to dig deeper into the technical specs of your gaming mouse. These are the inner workings that determine how smooth and responsive your gaming mouse is, so keep an eye on the following as you shop:

DPI/CPI. The dots per inch (or, more accurately, counts per inch) determine how sensitive your gaming mouse is to movement. The number indicates how many steps are counted by the mouse’s sensor while moving across one inch of space. The higher the number, the more responsive the mouse is to your movement. You can find a mouse with DPI counts up to 20,000, though most gamers don’t need one that’s quite that sensitive; anything over 2,000 is considered pretty good.

Sensor Type. The two types of sensors in a gaming mouse are laser and optical. Laser sensors are more sensitive, while optical sensors are more accurate. Some mice have one type of sensor while others are equipped with both.

Polling Rate. Measured in Hz, this is the rate at which info is sent from the mouse to your computer. Higher rates indicate better responsiveness, resulting in smoother gameplay.

Customizability. Ensor’s esports students are also mindful of the software that comes with a gaming mouse. This is what will dictate your ability to potentially customize the DPI and the functions of the buttons. On higher-end models, you’ll also be able to customize the RGB for colorful effects and boost the overall aesthetic appeal of your gaming mouse. (Certainly not a requirement, but still cool to have.)

Is a wireless mouse good for gaming?

One final factor to consider as you shop for the best gaming mouse for your setup is whether or not you want a wireless gaming mouse. 

“Initially, almost all hardcore gamers opted for wired, as any delay in action would cause issues,” says Melamed. “[But] this has since been improved with higher-end wireless mice and is no longer an issue.”

Indeed, the latest-model wireless gaming mice are incredibly competitive and often favored by pro gamers. Still, it should be noted that wireless mice generally cost more than wired mice, which need to be plugged into a port on your computer via a USB cable. 

Also, be sure to pay attention to battery life if you opt for a wireless gaming mouse. The last thing you need is to run out of power mid-game — or, even worse, mid-tournament.

Which gaming mouse is best for me?

We get it; those are a lot of specs to consider. If you’re still not sure what would be best for you, Melamed points out that your preferred style of gameplay can help determine the type of gaming mouse you should choose.

For example, if you play a lot of first-person shooter (FPS) or multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, you’ll need a gaming mouse that is incredibly accurate and precise, with a high DPI sensor. You may want to go with a particularly lightweight design to capitalize on ultra-quick reflexes, too.

If you tend to play massively multiplayer online (MMO) or real-time strategy (RTS) games, Melamed instead suggests leaning toward a gaming mouse with lots of customizable buttons along the side to quickly and easily queue up hotkeys and macros.

Read More 

Polar is bringing its fitness tracking tech to rival watches

Polar isn’t as big a name in fitness watches as competitors like Garmin, but it believes it has a way to extend its footprint: license its technology to those rivals. The company is now making 25 fitness algorithms available to some companies. “Powered by Polar” watches can use the brand’s activity, health and sleep tracking know-how in combination with their own hardware and services. Third parties won’t have to pour years of research into their products just to get started, Polar claims.
The first watch to use Polar’s framework is Casio’s new G-Shock G-Squad GBD-H2000. There aren’t many official details at tis stage, but the sequel to the GBD-H1000 is expected to feature a similarly chunky design while adding Polar’s fitness science and a gyroscope. It should still include solar-assisted charging, GPS and a host of sensors that include an altimeter, barometer, compass and thermometer.
Polar isn’t a complete stranger to offering fitness tech to business customers, such as online tracking tools. It has solutions for coaches, fitness classes, schools and teams. However, this is the first time it’s providing tech directly to the competition. In theory, this brings advanced fitness tracking to a wider range of devices, and might let watchmakers consider fitness products that simply weren’t options before now.
To some extent, though, this is an acknowledgment that Polar’s in-house watches aren’t the strongest sellers. The firm describes itself as a “top 10 player” in wearables, but that still leaves it trailing the heavyweights. Garmin was the only fitness-first watch brand whose shipments cracked the top five in the second quarter of 2022, according to Canalys estimates, and it had 5.5 percent of the market. Algorithm licensing could help Polar boost its profits and influence regardless of how its device sales fare.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/polar-fitness-tracking-for-third-party-watches-100045709.html?src=rss

Polar isn’t as big a name in fitness watches as competitors like Garmin, but it believes it has a way to extend its footprint: license its technology to those rivals. The company is now making 25 fitness algorithms available to some companies. “Powered by Polar” watches can use the brand’s activity, health and sleep tracking know-how in combination with their own hardware and services. Third parties won’t have to pour years of research into their products just to get started, Polar claims.

The first watch to use Polar’s framework is Casio’s new G-Shock G-Squad GBD-H2000. There aren’t many official details at tis stage, but the sequel to the GBD-H1000 is expected to feature a similarly chunky design while adding Polar’s fitness science and a gyroscope. It should still include solar-assisted charging, GPS and a host of sensors that include an altimeter, barometer, compass and thermometer.

Polar isn’t a complete stranger to offering fitness tech to business customers, such as online tracking tools. It has solutions for coaches, fitness classes, schools and teams. However, this is the first time it’s providing tech directly to the competition. In theory, this brings advanced fitness tracking to a wider range of devices, and might let watchmakers consider fitness products that simply weren’t options before now.

To some extent, though, this is an acknowledgment that Polar’s in-house watches aren’t the strongest sellers. The firm describes itself as a “top 10 player” in wearables, but that still leaves it trailing the heavyweights. Garmin was the only fitness-first watch brand whose shipments cracked the top five in the second quarter of 2022, according to Canalys estimates, and it had 5.5 percent of the market. Algorithm licensing could help Polar boost its profits and influence regardless of how its device sales fare.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/polar-fitness-tracking-for-third-party-watches-100045709.html?src=rss

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