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Recently, many crypto projects have emerged with various methods for earning tokens, and two have gone viral, signaling a strong… Continue reading Play-to-Earn Crypto Makes a Resurgence with Trending Tokens Like Hamster Kombat and PlayDoge
The post Play-to-Earn Crypto Makes a Resurgence with Trending Tokens Like Hamster Kombat and PlayDoge appeared first on ReadWrite.

Recently, many crypto projects have emerged with various methods for earning tokens, and two have gone viral, signaling a strong comeback for Play-to-Earn cryptos.

These two projects are Hamster Kombat and PlayDoge. Hamster Kombat, a new Telegram-based crypto game, is reviving this trend.

Thousands of players are engaging with the game to win tokens as rewards, increasing the demand for projects that offer crypto earnings.

Meanwhile, PlayDoge’s ongoing presale is attracting continuous attention and investment from smart traders and big investors.

What is Hamster Kombat and how does it work?

With over 150 million players, Hamster Kombat is an innovative Telegram-based play-to-earn (P2E) game that merges tap-to-earn gameplay with company building to unlock cryptocurrency rewards.

The concept of Hamster Kombat is straightforward. Players assume the role of the CEO of a growing crypto exchange and aim to make it the top exchange in the hamster world. Players earn points every time they tap on the screen, which they can use to upgrade their exchange.

These upgrades function like a real business. Using accumulated points to enhance the exchange helps it grow and generates more points passively. Upgrades can include adding new tokens to the exchange or participating in marketing efforts like podcasts.

The developers plan to generously reward players for their efforts in making Hamster Kombat a rapid success. They have announced plans for an airdrop for players, speculated to occur in July.

Since its launch in March, the game has gained immense popularity, particularly after the recent Notcoin airdrop, another project following the same game model. While Notcoin players could directly convert their in-game points to tokens, Hamster Kombat developers have indicated this may not be the case for their airdrop.

Token distribution will depend on factors like play rate, passive points generation, and the growth level of the game exchange. Specific details remain unclear, and the airdrop schedule is also vague.

Hamster Kombat has effectively leveraged social media to boost its project. Recent tweets have engaged the community, helping to build a massive following. This community growth could increase the native token’s value after its launch post-airdrop.

experts say playing Hamster Kombat reduces stress and improves your mood

experts: pic.twitter.com/5aZxwnyssO

— Hamster Kombat (@hamster_kombat) June 22, 2024

PlayDoge – Another trending Play-to-Earn crypto

When a single crypto project gains massive traction, other high-potential projects in the same category often gain popularity as well. This appears to be the case with PlayDoge, which has now reached the $5 million mark in presale fundraising.

Its position as a hybrid P2E meme coin has generated significant excitement, highlighted by its rapid presale momentum. The current price is $0.00511, but this will increase in one day or when the total raise hits $5.4 million. Buy $PLAY with BNB, ETH, USDT, or credit cards directly on the official PlayDoge website.

The project features an engaging storyline that forms the basis of its theme. In this narrative, the Doge mascot mysteriously disappears, only to reappear within the PlayDoge app, creating a unique virtual world where users can reconnect with their favorite Doge, now called PlayDoge.

Players and investors are invited to nurture their virtual PlayDoge pets, reminiscent of the nostalgic Tamagotchi experience. This nurturing aspect is central to the PlayDoge platform, which offers a play-to-earn ecosystem where users can care for their PlayDoge and engage in various games.

These games provide opportunities to win rewards, adding an exciting incentive for active participation. Staking is also available for presale buyers, allowing them to profit simply by being early to the project.

Holders can earn an impressive 135% APY by depositing their tokens in the staking contract. However, as more tokens are staked, the APY will decrease. Over 138 million $PLAY have already been staked, reflecting the community’s eagerness to earn more tokens.

Despite being in its presale stage, the project has already showcased its exciting gameplay and amassed a large community. With such growth, the PlayDoge project’s native token, $PLAY, could see a significant increase in value once it officially launches.

For those seeking an alternative to the Hamster Kombat project that offers a genuine game-like experience, PlayDoge stands out as a top contender. Users can stay updated by following PlayDoge on X or joining its Telegram.

To take part in the $PLAY token presale, visit playdoge.io.

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So a couple of days ago Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive dropped their six-minute overview video of Warhammer 40K: Space… Continue reading Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 overview – we’ve seen just six minutes and already can’t wait for September
The post Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 overview – we’ve seen just six minutes and already can’t wait for September appeared first on ReadWrite.

So a couple of days ago Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive dropped their six-minute overview video of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 and everybody was playing Shadow of the Erdtree. But having watched these six minutes a few times now, there is definitely a circle around September 9th here at Readwrite Gaming Towers.

The video is narrated by Oliver Hollis-Leick, the Creative Director of the project and he talks us through some of the things we can expect to do and indeed come up against when the follow-up to the 2011 game arrives.

So what did we learn? Well, less than two minutes in we were getting excited by the devs unique “swarm technology” which allows them to render hundreds of enemies on screen at the same time, all of which can be blasted to bits. Historically when we have seen this many enemies on screen it ends up being like a stop-motion animation with frame rates melting your GPU, but on the video at least, this looks cool af.

“You’ll face seemingly endless waves of crawling, running, and swooping enemies as far as the eye can see.” Okay, we’re in. This looks cool.

I was actually a great enjoyer of last year’s Warhammer 40K: Darktide and a lot of this video made me think fondly back to playing that and wishing it could have had some of the things we are seeing here.

With a Story Mode to complete and then a highly-replayable Co-Op Mode where you can play as any of six classes which you can then customize to the Space Marine of your dreams. Fancy sniping? Sure. Want to get more into the thick of the action, that’s easy too.

Playing alone or with up to three others, there is nothing at the moment that makes me think this won’t turn out to be one of my favorite games of the year.

There’s so much more in the video so I urge you to watch it and then wishlist the life out of it.

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 arrives on September 9th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S

The post Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 overview – we’ve seen just six minutes and already can’t wait for September appeared first on ReadWrite.

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We love a bit of sim gaming realism here at Readwrite Gaming and we know many of you do too.… Continue reading Boeing-endorsed Flight Seat from Next Level Racing lets you turn your games room into a fighter jet
The post Boeing-endorsed Flight Seat from Next Level Racing lets you turn your games room into a fighter jet appeared first on ReadWrite.

We love a bit of sim gaming realism here at Readwrite Gaming and we know many of you do too. We have looked at DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator lately and love the idea of players building their own cockpits at home.

If you are going to do it though you need to make it look realistic and that’s where this new gaming seat from Next Level Racing might come in. Despite the company name, NLR does cover flight sims with its gear too, but when this press release arrived this morning, it caught our attention because it takes its Flight Seat Pro to the, well next level with a licensed tie-in with Boeing and also giving it a military makeover perfect for games like DCS World.

We are going to be running a series of features soon about the best gear for building your home cockpit and throwing one of these in there could get you off to a great start

The seat even comes with a harness for extra immersion and the center position of your flight stick and mount for your throttle will make playing, even in VR a breeze.

Major HOTAS brands such as Virpil, VKB, or Thrustmaster all come with different mounting holes on the bottom of their equipment, which is annoying, but the Flight Seat Pro Boeing Military Edition comes with flight plates compatible with a wide range of sticks and throttles to hopefully remove the problem and save you breaking out the power drill.

If you want to go the whole hog and have money to burn, Next Level Racing also has a series of motion platforms you can bolt this to that will throw you around as you fly through the sky – maybe that harness will come in handy after all.

The Flight Seat Pro Boeing Military Edition is finished off with Boeing branding and starts at £649 and is available from Next Level Racing, but it should also be available from other online retailers shortly.

The post Boeing-endorsed Flight Seat from Next Level Racing lets you turn your games room into a fighter jet appeared first on ReadWrite.

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Analysts predict a bullish 2024 for PEPE, especially following a substantial bull run last month, while the new meme coin… Continue reading Is the PEPE Dip a Buying Opportunity or Should You Consider SEAL for a Potential 100x Return?
The post Is the PEPE Dip a Buying Opportunity or Should You Consider SEAL for a Potential 100x Return? appeared first on ReadWrite.

Analysts predict a bullish 2024 for PEPE, especially following a substantial bull run last month, while the new meme coin Sealana captures the spotlight with its upcoming launch.

This article will explain PEPE’s price movement using technical analysis and market conditions to identify potential buying areas during the market pullback.

Additionally, it will cover a highly promising presale with the potential for a 100x return, which has already raised over $5 million.

PEPE price prediction

In a recent article on cryptonews.com, it discusses Pepe’s significant price retracement amidst a broader market crash, with major meme coins experiencing a 10-15% drop. This decline stems from the substantial hit taken by Bitcoin, which was expected to pull back after reaching all-time highs.

Pepe, the third strongest meme coin after Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, is experiencing volatility in line with Bitcoin’s price action, with a significant decrease over the past 24 to 72 hours. Instead of panicking, consider potential buying opportunities, as Pepe is expected to perform well in the upcoming altcoin season.

With a market cap of around $4.8 billion, down from an all-time high of $7 billion, Pepe’s price has significant upside potential. This represents approximately a 34% move to the previous all-time high, which is quite achievable.

Currently, Pepe remains above several key support levels, indicated by the yellow lines on the chart. These lines represent higher low market structure points, suggesting that as long as Pepe stays above these levels, it maintains a bullish market structure.

The most recent higher low is about 20% below the current price, indicating a potential further decline before hitting a strong buying area. Historically, these higher low points provide significant support and price action, making them ideal accumulation zones.

For those considering dollar-cost averaging into Pepe, the current price level is a reasonable entry point. Previous all-time highs and horizontal support levels suggest that bullish momentum could be building. If Pepe can break out from its current falling parallel channel, it could lead to a substantial upside of around 177%.

Pepe offers a mix of caution and opportunity. While the current market conditions are volatile, strategic buying and careful technical analysis can potentially yield positive results. Meanwhile, the Sealana presale presents an exciting investment opportunity in the meme coin space.

Sealana presale ends soon – Does $SEAL offer investors a possible 100x return?

One of the most anticipated crypto presales of 2024 is nearing its end this coming Tuesday. With just three days left, investors have a limited opportunity to purchase $SEAL tokens at $0.022 each.

The Sealana ($SEAL) presale has become the talk of the crypto community, having already raised over $5 million. Potential investors can visit our guide on how to buy Sealana tokens here.

Scheduled to conclude at 6 pm UTC on June 25th, this presale is generating significant buzz and investor excitement, with some enthusiasts predicting 100x returns upon the token’s exchange listing. You can explore the potential future of Sealana by checking out our $SEAL price prediction.

The potential for new Solana-based meme coins is well-established, thanks to the blockchain’s low trading fees and high scalability, making SOL meme tokens highly sought after by both whales and retail investors alike.

Following the successes of Dogwifhat, Bonk, and Book of Meme, investors are eagerly seeking the next 100x meme coin on Solana, and many experts believe Sealana fits the bill. Sealana distinguishes itself by eschewing the overused narratives of dogs and cats prevalent in the meme coin market.

The project presents a fresh idea featuring a funny mascot – Sealana, a chubby and patriotic seal. The website jokingly portrays Sealana as a seal deeply immersed in the Solana Sea, spending all his time on the PC trading meme coins.

His obsession with Solana’s memes has changed him; humorously, he’s seen munching on chips and tuna in a messy living room. This humorous take has connected well with fans of meme coins. Yet, Sealana’s antics don’t stop there.

In one playful meme from a recent X post, the mascot was even seen being interviewed by a popular talk show host.

As the #Presale countdown continues, everyone wants a piece of #Sealana! 🦭 Ellen DeGenerate got hers! 🎤 Sealana did not hold back! 🔊😤 He stated his mission of Lambos, Massive Gains & Freedom loud and clear! 🚀

Send $SOL now and tell him where to appear next! 🎧🦭 #MAGA #USA pic.twitter.com/kq0TOZTNY3

— Sealana (@Sealana_Token) June 22, 2024

Crypto whales recognize the potential of a meme coin that can entertain, and Sealana’s eccentric behavior has certainly caught their attention. Potential buyers are encouraged to follow Sealana’s X and Telegram accounts for the latest updates.

Visit sealana.io to take part in the $SEAL token presale.

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The wearable market is as competitive as it’s ever and gadget addicts have been left wondering when the leaked renders… Continue reading Pixel Watch 3 XL: Release date and leaks
The post Pixel Watch 3 XL: Release date and leaks appeared first on ReadWrite.

The wearable market is as competitive as it’s ever and gadget addicts have been left wondering when the leaked renders of Pixel Watch 3 XL will be launched.

Giants like Samsung, Apple and Huawei all have wearable smartwatches that seek to perfectly complement not only their flagship smartphones but also their user’s everyday lifestyle.

Google is also seeking to gain a foothold in the wearable market after successful entries with the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. However, unlike their competitors, both previous wearable editions have been available in just one size.

That appears to be changing this year as rumors surface of a Google Pixel Watch 3 XL to be released alongside the more standard version and Google Pixel 9 flagship handset range.

Pixel Watch 3 XL: What we know so far

We’ve seen leaked renders of the Pixel Watch 3 XL in June 2024 and, barring some very minor design tweaks to cater for a larger wearable, the results are largely underwhelming for fans who were hoping for something…different.

Given the lack of stark differences between the Pixel Watch 3 and its XL relative beyond size, there is an assumption that there won’t be much more to get excited about beyond what we already know about Google’s next wearable and, currently, we still know very little.

Design

Google’s first edition Pixel Watch gained plaudits for its simple, elegant design when it was released in October 2022. Since then, Google hasn’t swayed from that design at all, with the Pixel Watch 2 being an almost identical version 12 months later.

In today’s wearable market, going three years without any significant design changes is a risky move but, Google appears to have taken that risk and run with it.

For comparison, there are noticeable design changes between Samsung’s first Galaxy Watch which was released in 2018 and the Galaxy Watch 3 in 2020. Apple, too, has tweaked the design of its iconic wearable over the years.

But Google appears to be standing firm on the design for their third edition Pixel Watch, with a domed glass design, digital crown and single button above it.

Image: OnLeaks/Android Headlines

Display

The Pixel Watch 3 XL will reportedly have a 1.45-inch display, compared to the 1.2-inch display on the Pixel Watch 3. Android Headlines also believe it will be thicker, with the full dimensions of the body being 45mm x 45mm x 13.89mm. This is to make room for a bigger battery and more sensors.

To cater for the larger watch body, it will come with a larger band attachment. Bands for the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 3 XL won’t be interchangeable.

Specs

Given the larger watch body allowing for a larger battery, we should expect to see a vast improvement in battery life in the Pixel Watch 3 XL.

There are currently no confirmed reports of what to expect from the battery performance but, several months ago, South Korean quality assurance website 91mobiles listed documents that were reportedly the Pixel Watch 3’s battery specs, coming in at 307 mAh. That’s larger than the Pixel Watch 2’s 304 mAh battery.

It’s therefore safe to say we should expect something even larger for the Pixel Watch 3 XL.

Features

We don’t yet know about any new features that will be exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3 XL, which is fuelling the belief that this is not intended to be a ‘Pro’ version of Google’s wearable offering.

We do, though, have a few insights into what to expect from the Pixel Watch 3, which means we can safely expect to see the same features in the XL edition.

Rumors suggest Google will be improving its Watch Unlock feature, which enables a Google smartphone to be unlocked automatically when a trusted Google Pixel Watch is nearby. Recently, 9to5Google uncovered hidden code that suggests Android is planning for the feature to function through ultra-wideband (UWB), alongside Bluetooth support.

UWB would lead to a faster and more accurate unlocking experience but, obviously, you would need a smartphone with UWB compatibility for it to work.

Additionally, we’re expecting enhanced fitness and health tracking via Wear OS 5. The additional sensors and larger battery in the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 3 XL make this almost a given.

There are also rumors that there will be deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem, including Google One and Fitbit Premium.

When will the Pixel Watch 3 XL be released?

Google is expected to launch the Pixel Watch 3 XL alongside the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel 9 smartphones in October 2024.

How much will the Pixel Watch 3 XL cost?

Given this is a larger model, we should naturally expect the Pixel Watch 3 XL to be priced higher than the Pixel Watch 3 XL.

Early reports are pointing towards a $379 price point for Wi-Fi and $429 for LTE. That’s not much more than the reported pricing strategy for the Pixel Watch 3, which isn’t expected to change from the Pixel Watch 2 – $349 FOR Wi-Fi and $399 for LTE.

Given there’s only a $30 difference in price between the two sizes, that further fuels the belief that the Google Pixel Watch 3 is not intended to be a Pro version and is, simply, just a larger version for those looking for something bigger, but not necessarily better.

Featured Image: OnLeaks/Android Headlines

The post Pixel Watch 3 XL: Release date and leaks appeared first on ReadWrite.

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Over the past 24 hours, WIF, a Solana-based meme coin, has seen a significant price decrease, leading investors to wonder… Continue reading WIF Price Plunges – Can This Solana Meme Coin Bounce Back and Reach $5?
The post WIF Price Plunges – Can This Solana Meme Coin Bounce Back and Reach $5? appeared first on ReadWrite.

Over the past 24 hours, WIF, a Solana-based meme coin, has seen a significant price decrease, leading investors to wonder whether the drop will continue or if it can reach $5 in the coming weeks.

Today, we will discuss the recent price movement of WIF using technical analysis, determining whether it signals a bearish trend or if it can bounce back and reach its all-time high from almost three months ago.

Besides WIF, we will also explore one of the top choices among the best crypto presales today: PlayDoge. We will dive into its features and potential to become the next big meme coin.

WIF price prediction

dogwifhat (WIF) remains a top-four cryptocurrency with a 24-hour trading volume of $300k, despite a 25% drop this week. However, there are positive signs; it is up 6% over the past 72 hours.

The overall crypto market is recovering from recent declines, with Bitcoin up 1% and Ethereum up 5%, currently holding at $3,500. dogwifhat trades at $1.79 with a $1.8 billion market cap, placing it in the top 50 cryptocurrencies.

Over the past week, it has dropped 25%, and over the past month, it’s down 45%. Looking at the yearly trend, the token is moving in a downward direction. This decline might continue unless new support levels emerge or compelling reasons motivate investors to buy in, as the community alone is not sustaining its value.

The cryptocurrency market is inherently volatile, with frequent dips and rises. Analyzing the charts, analysts have identified previous strong resistance at the $1.40 mark, but recent trends have broken this level downward, raising concerns about a potential sell signal.

Despite this, WIF has a massive following of over 90,000 followers actively engaging and posting memes on its X account, indicating substantial potential. dogwifhat has shown signs of growth with recent posts from Bitstamp and new exchange listings.

This is just the beginning… 🐶🧢 $WIF@Bitstamp@RobinhoodApp https://t.co/0r25Vw54DJ pic.twitter.com/Iz3nLeYot8

— dogwifcoin (@dogwifcoin) June 19, 2024

If WIF gets listed on major exchanges like Robinhood or Binance, it could significantly push the project upwards to $5. However, without such listings, a downward trend might continue.

Technical indicators currently show a bearish trend, with most suggesting a strong sell. The news is also bearish, with analysts setting a $1 target for dogwifhat. However, early investors are still reaping rewards, as is typical in volatile markets where early adopters benefit the most.

While dogwifhat is currently facing a downward trend, it is unlikely to crash to under $1. Similar to Turbo Token, which saw a reversal after a dip, investors are likely to buy in at low prices, potentially leading to a bounce back.

PlayDoge presale nearly raises $5 million

PlayDoge’s success demonstrates the project’s significant potential for the future. The innovative meme coin is approaching a major milestone, with its presale nearing the $5 million mark. In just over three weeks, PlayDoge has already raised over $4.8 million.

PlayDoge combines the popular sectors of gaming and memes, offering a Play-to-Earn (P2E) platform that distinguishes itself in the crowded crypto market. It capitalizes on the nostalgia of the iconic Doge character and the beloved 90s digital pets, Tamagotchi.

In this game, users can own, feed, train, and play with their digital Doge pets using a smartphone application, removing the need for a separate handheld device. This modern take on Tamagotchi offers upgraded features and the added benefit of earning cryptocurrency.

Players earn $PLAY tokens by completing a series of classic 2-D games, accumulating experience points (XP) and rewards. Players who achieve the highest XP scores earn additional bonus rewards, making the gameplay both engaging and lucrative.

The success of simple, Web3-based games like Notcoin’s tap-to-earn gameplay demonstrates that complexity isn’t necessary for success. PlayDoge’s accessible and rewarding gameplay could attract a wide audience, making it highly popular.

One standout feature of $PLAY is its multi-chain staking capability on both the BNB Smart Chain and Ethereum, unlike most multi-chain tokens that offer rewards on a single chain. This rare dual-chain approach provides a significant advantage for a broader range of investors.

$PLAY holders can use the PlayDoge staking dashboard to view and manage rewards across both chains, highlighting why smart money traders are increasingly drawn to PlayDoge.

With these features, PlayDoge is rapidly making its mark in the cryptocurrency world, reinforcing its potential for long-term success. Now is an excellent time for investors to consider adding $PLAY to their portfolios. To take part in the $PLAY token presale, visit playdoge.io.

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As flip and foldable smartphones become more and more popular in the smartphone market, it’s surprising that we’re still waiting… Continue reading iPhone Flip: Release date, specs and everything we know so far
The post iPhone Flip: Release date, specs and everything we know so far appeared first on ReadWrite.

As flip and foldable smartphones become more and more popular in the smartphone market, it’s surprising that we’re still waiting for Apple to throw its hat in the ring with its own iPhone version.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Google Pixel Fold and Motorola Razr+ are just some of the leading phones in this corner of the smartphone market right now and, as things stand, Apple are quite happy for that to remain the case. For now.

Why hasn’t Apple released a flip phone yet?

Apple are never too bothered about being first to market with their products. It’s always about quality. They’d rather be last to market with the best product and, perhaps, this is why they’re taking so long with the iPhone Flip.

We can safely assume there won’t be an iPhone Flip this year, with the iPhone 16 models coming later in 2024.

Regardless, here’s what we know so far.

iPhone Flip: What we know so far and rumors

From patent leaks, foldable glass samples, Apple Pencil compatibility suggestions and loads more, rumors centered around the iPhone Flip do appear to vary depending on the source.

However, it’s fair to say they all point towards Apple doing its best to ensure its version of the flip phone is not only the best on the market, but also breaks new ground when it comes to design, durability and quality.

Design

In February 2019, Apple filed patents with the US Patent and Trademark Office that showed various designs for a foldable handset. Some included large internal displays with single folding hinges, while there was also one that included two hinges, three displays and a Z-shaped folding style.

Furthermore, in March 2020 a patent was discovered which suggested Apple may be considering a foldable with two displays, separated by a single hinge. This particular patent also made reference to “joint operating mode” which allows for a single screen to be joined by a magnetically connected secondary display. This points us towards Apple thinking of a foldable tablet, but we can’t be sure.

Blink twice if is coming this year!?

— Paul J (@1PaulJ_) June 13, 2020

Leaker Jon Prosser further fuelled reports of an upcoming iPhone Flip on Twitter in June 2020.

Another leaked patent, unearthed in in 2018 by PatentlyApple, shows a device with a foldable display that doesn’t completely fold half-and-half, but instead leaves a small strip at the bottom for things like notifications and other information (below).

(Image: USPTO)

Therefore, it’s quite clear Apple are toying with various design ideas and are seemingly leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the right design to enter the market with. The first iPhone Flip patent leak was unearthed in 2016 and eight years on, we’re still no closer to anything concrete.

Screen & Display

This is arguably where Apple is facing its biggest challenge. One of the biggest obstacles is the visible display crease in a foldable handset. Apple, with their notoriously high standards, are understandably investigating ways in to eradicate it.

The glass and plastic mix that Samsung uses for the Z Fold and Z Flip models shows a visible crease when folded out and, as Samsung makes a large amount of iPhone displays, Apple are likely not convinced they can do it with their help. A report in May 2024, though, suggested Apple had signed a pact with Samsung Display for a foldable device.

Corning, Apple’s glass provider, would need to create a bendable version of its Ceramic Shield screen in order for Apple to achieve what we think they want to achieve but, while they are already working on it, there’s no official launch date for it yet.

It may mean, though, that if a fix for the fold can’t be found, Apple may opt for a dual display device with a single central hinge.

But in May 2024, Design Boom reported that Apple had filed a patent for a foldable device that would have a self healing screen, which is designed to fix minor dents and scratches on its own and without the user’s help. This process uses things like heat, light or electric current to speed up the self-healing process.

In terms of size, there are different reports here, too. According to a report by The Information, Apple halted plans for an iPhone Flip around 2020, as it pivoted attention towards a folding iPad with an 8-inch display. This is further backed up by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Meanwhile, one leak suggests the display is likely to be 7.3-inch or 7.6-inches across. Elsewhere, there are also rumours that it could be nearer 7.9-inches and that the foldable display could be on the outside of the handset, like the Huawei Mate Xs 2, and would likely be a large enough display for Apple Pencil compatibility.

Features & Specs

One recent patent won by Apple details a self-preserving mechanism, which will enable the hing to close mid-drop and, in turn, protect the screen from damage.

Apple is also toying with plans to use a color e-ink display on the outside of the handset. That would go along way in preserving battery life.

From a specs perspective, we should naturally expect nothing less than 5G support, strong battery life and high end processing capabilities.

Software and Capabilities

This would all depend on whether Apple opts to launch with a phone or a tablet for their first foldable device.

If it’s an iPhone, we should expect it to come with the latest iOS at the time of release, but with additional capabilities for a foldable device. If it’s a tablet, we should expect the same but for it to be the latest iPadOS when released.

iPhone Flip: Release date rumors

As we’ve already alluded to, there is no concrete release date but we expect to see the iPhone Flip, or some kind of alternative in 2025 or later.

We do know that we won’t see anything this year as Apple have already confirmed the iPhone 16 series will be released in late 2024 and we would’ve already heard about their plans for a foldable by now.

So it’s really still a guessing game at the moment as leakers and experts do their best to unearth more and more information about what we can expect and when to expect it.

Given Apple’s clear indecision surrounding design and format, and their search for a crease-free display, it might be safer to expect something in 2026 or later. But you just never know with Apple.

How much will the iPhone Flip cost?

This will be determined by how Apple eventually approaches the design and the materials and technology they use.

If it opts for a small foldable then it may be priced similarly to something like the iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199) but, if they go for a handset that is larger, has new technology and/or can be both a phone and a tablet, then it’s more likely to enter the market around the $2,000 price point, much like the Galaxy Fold when it debuted.

They could launch with both – a premium version alongside a cheaper model. We may then see both handsets fall at either end of the pricing spectrum.

Featured Image: iPhone Flip concept design by Technizo Concept/LetsGoDigital

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It has almost been three years since Apple released the iPad Mini 6 and fans of the tech giant are… Continue reading Apple iPad Mini 7: Release date and what we know so far
The post Apple iPad Mini 7: Release date and what we know so far appeared first on ReadWrite.

It has almost been three years since Apple released the iPad Mini 6 and fans of the tech giant are now wondering when they can expect the iPad Mini 7.

In May 2024, the tech giant released the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2, but it was somewhat surprising that a 7th-generation iPad Mini was nowhere to be seen.

The Mini edition of Apple’s popular iPad range is a popular choice for casual tablet users, who enjoy the convenience a tablet offers but want something a bit more compact.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Apple iPad Mini 7 from the rumor mill, leaks, experts and more.

Apple iPad Mini 7: What we know so far

Given that it’s likely to be over three years between the iPad Mini 6 and the 7th-generation edition, we might expect to see some vast improvements to design, specs, features and everything in between in this latest edition.

However, reports point to the contrary in certain areas, most notably design.

Design

The iPad Mini 6 saw drastic design changes from the 5th-generation model to align with the iPad Pro and iPad Air design.

The word is that the iPad Mini 7 will retain its all-screen look with squared-off edges. We shouldn’t expect a design change for the Mini until we see the same thing happen to the iPad Pro and iPad Air. May’s release of the iPad Mini’s bigger siblings didn’t involve such, so we can safely assume nothing is changing here.

Display

There were hopes that the iPad Mini 7 would get an upgraded 120Hz ProMotion or OLED screen, but it’s more likely to retain its LCD screen for now. South Korean tech news site ET News is reporting that while an OLED screen is in the works for iPad Mini, it’s not expected until 2026. If the earlier release dates for the iPad Mini 7 are correct, then it’s likely OLED will debut on Mini’s 8th-generation instead.

However, Apple does plan to fix “jelly scrolling” issues, which were prominent in the iPad Mini 6.

Jelly Scrolling gives the illusion that one side of the screen is refreshing faster than the other, but Apple plans to implement several design tweaks to eradicate that issue once and for all. This may also be boosted by the rumored introduction of ProMotion ultra-smooth scrolling technology, which is currently seen on the iPad Pro, iPhone 13 Pro models and MacBook Pro.

A post on a South Korean forum in November 2021 suggested Apple placed an order with Samsung Display for 8.3-inch displays that support 120Hz maximum refresh rates.

However, analyst Ross Young doesn’t believe the iPad Mini 7 will come equipped with ProMotion because it would require a “whole new level of engineering.”

Screen Size

We saw a larger iPad Mini screen size for the 6th-generation tablet due to removing the home button. That bumped the screen size from 7.9 inches to 8.3 inches.

Currently, there isn’t anything to suggest Apple will deviate from an 8.3-inch screen size for the 7th generation.

Specs

We are expecting a processing upgrade for the iPad Mini 7, with A16 chip as Apple’s likely choice. The iPad Mini 6 boasts the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same as the iPhone 13 range. Given the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series’ have A16, it’s likely iPad Mini 7 will follow suit.

Some have been hoping for the iPad Mini 7 to come equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, previously found in the iPad Air, but that’s not looking likely at this stage.

Meanwhile, there are no expectations Apple will drastically improve battery performance with the iPad Mini 7. The 6th-generation tablet boasts a 5078 mAh capacity, which is big enough to keep things powered on for a single day, or roughly eight hours, depending on your usage.

As for storage, there are calls for Apple to increase the base storage option of the iPad Mini to 128GB, instead of the 64GB we’ve seen in previous editions. The ever-increasing size of files, due to higher quality software and cameras, means 64GB doesn’t really give you much in the way of storage in the modern age.

If Apple complies, it may also mean an increase in the higher limit. iPad Mini 6’s maximum storage option was 256GB but, if the lower end is increased, the higher end could also be increased to 512GB. That would, naturally, be more than enough space to store all your photos, books, magazines and anything else you need without having to worry about removing anything.

Camera

The camera isn’t really a selling point of the iPad mini series, but after many years without an upgrade, we might expect to finally see some for the iPad Mini 7. Rumors point towards a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front-facing camera.

When will the iPad Mini 7 be released?

As previously mentioned, many believe we’re going to be introduced to the iPad Mini 7 in the fall of 2024. That might mean a release date that sneaks into early 2025. Journalist Mark Gurman has even backed these claims up by telling us there will be an announcement before the end of 2024.

However, leaker @revegnus1, who no longer appears to be active on X, recently posted an Apple roadmap that takes us to 2027. This clearly shows plans for an iPad Mini with OLED display in 2026.

如果 @Revegnus1 的泄露为真，那iPhone真走到头了，内存与摄像头折腾折腾刀法，然后再抄抄Android世界的折叠屏，过程中搞搞VR与AR看看有没有可能取代iPhone，从iPhone4以来，除了iPhoneX，其他都在折腾内存、摄像头以及尺寸，都折腾14年了，还会继续折腾下去。 pic.twitter.com/zwgeyUmCwp

— 𝙰𝚛𝚗𝚘𝚕𝚍 (@ArnoldHaoCA) June 9, 2024

That said, there seems to be more and more expectation that a late 2024/early 2025 release is more accurate at this stage. It could just mean the iPad Mini 8 with OLED display will be in 2026 instead.

How much will the iPad Mini 7 cost?

We can only go by speculation at this stage but it’s looking increasingly likely that Apple will stick with the starting price of $499 for the iPad Mini 7 with WiFi only and $649 for WiFi + Cellular.

That was the pricing strategy for the iPad Mini 6 and it was more expensive than the iPad Mini 5.

However, if we do get the OLED display after all, Apple may therefore introduce another price increase to accommodate.

Featured Image: Apple

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A 21-year-old from Ukraine has found her image has been taken and duplicated using artificial intelligence (AI) to create an… Continue reading Chinese AI turns Ukrainian YouTuber into Mandarin speaking Russian
The post Chinese AI turns Ukrainian YouTuber into Mandarin speaking Russian appeared first on ReadWrite.

A 21-year-old from Ukraine has found her image has been taken and duplicated using artificial intelligence (AI) to create an alter-ego on Chinese social media networks.

Olga Loiek, a University of Pennsylvania student, launched a YouTube channel in November last year to share her lifestyle and experiences. She was looking to build an audience for her content, but things have taken an unexpected turn.

It has emerged her image has been lifted and processed through AI programs to create a series of personas, like “Natasha” who appears to be a Russian woman, fluent in Mandarin, who wants to express her gratitude for Chinese support of Russia and to offer some products for sale on the side to earn some money.

Loiek’s content is progressing well with her channel having just under 18,000 subscribers at the time of writing, but in what is a likely sense of frustration, the fake Chinese accounts have hundreds of thousands of followers in some cases.

Things I would never say

“This is literally like my face speaking Mandarin and, in the background, I’m seeing the Kremlin and Moscow, and I’m talking about how great Russia and China are,” said Loiek. “

“That was really creepy, because these are things I would never say in life,” she added.

There is a deeper context to this story of deception through AI and that is geopolitics.

Accounts, images, and avatars like the one of ‘Natasha’ play off the close political relationship between Russia and China, with the former still at war with Ukraine following the invasion in February 2022.

At face value, Chinese social media is frequented by Russian women who want to show their warmth and respect toward China, helped by the ability to fluently speak the language. They are also looking to support the war effort by selling imported products from their country but it is all a mirage.

This is AI at work, duplicating images and taking advantage of real-world situations to influence and mislead unsuspecting people. Often the videos and the products will be targeted at single Chinese men to evoke a response and to sell.

Some of the accounts appear to have sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of products, including candies, while others even carry a disclaimer, stating AI may have been used to create the avatars.

This is another example of how AI remains a potent tool for propagating disinformation and a problem for governments and tech companies right now, not in the future.

Featured image via Ideogram

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Spotify has launched a new subscription plan for users in the United States with a lower price, but it also… Continue reading Spotify confirms new Basic subscription plan for US customers
The post Spotify confirms new Basic subscription plan for US customers appeared first on ReadWrite.

Spotify has launched a new subscription plan for users in the United States with a lower price, but it also comes with a trade-off.

The ‘Basic’ plan will cost $10.99 per month and includes all the regular features of the Premium plan except no Audiobook monthly listening time.

The change comes soon after the streaming giant pushed up the Premium tier subscription from $10.99 to $11.99, with that increase reportedly set to contribute toward the cost of audiobooks. Premium users are also able to listen to ad-free music offline, with an allocated 15 hours of Audiobook content included in the package.

In the States, the company’s largest market by revenue, other price increases to Premium included the Duo plan from $14.99 to $16.99 and from $16.99 to $19.99 for the Family Plan.

Spotify has been tipped to launch a new premium plan later this year, targeting its most devoted users with an additional charge of at least $5 per month, dubbed a “Supremium” subscription that would include high-fidelity audio. It could also contain additional tools for managing playlists and libraries.

Customer willingness to absorb price increases

The introduction of the new Basic tier could be a forerunner to further changes as the company seeks to boost its profit margins. In April, Spotify filed a 20% increase in revenue, combined with a 14% jump in Premium subscribers and a record quarterly profit.

The company is expected to announce its figures for Q2 2024 on July 24.

KeyBanc Capital Markets managing director Justin Patterson indicated to Yahoo Finance that Spotify’s customer base appeared prepared to accept further increases, with no immediate sign of a tipping point.

The investment banking and market analysis firm’s chief stated, “We look at our last audio survey, which was published just right around the time of that price increase. We actually saw that consumer willingness to absorb another price increase remained very strong.”

Patterson added, “Spotify has added a lot of value to its service over the past year with audiobooks and with new features around generative AI playlist recommendations, so it looks like this (customer acceptance of increases) should be going through relatively easily.” 

Image credit: Via Ideogram

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