This is default featured slide 1 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 2 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 3 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 4 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

This is default featured slide 5 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.

Saturday, July 31, 2021

How to take on Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

Mega Ampharos has found its way into Pokémon Go!

Mega Evolution has come to Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids. Mega Ampharos is coming back to Mega Raids soon, and we here at iMore know everything you need to know to beat this Mega Raid and get your own Mega Ampharos. Also be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Originally discovered in the Johto region of Gen II, Ampharos is an Electric type that doesn't much resemble the sheep-like Mareep and Flaaffy it evolves from. However, when it Mega Evolves, Mega Ampharos regains some of its fluff. In addition to a fluffy mane and tail, Mega Ampharos also gains a Dragon typing, making it one of only three Pokémon with Electric and Dragon typing.

In terms of Pokémon Go, Mega Ampharos is somewhat of a letdown so far. It has a single Dragon type Legacy move, putting its performance well behind that of Mega Charizard X. As for its Electric typing, Mega Manectric outperforms it in many cases. Still, there is always the potential for new moves, so I wouldn't count Mega Ampharos out just yet.

What are the best counters for Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

As an Electric and Dragon type, Mega Ampharos is weak to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy type attacks, and resists Flying, Steel, Fire, Grass, Water, and Electric type attacks. It is capable of dealing Electric, Rock, and Fighting type damage. Lacking any Dragon type moves, your best bet is to focus on Dragon type counters.

Garchomp

The best non-Shadow counter for Mega Ampharos is Garchomp, a Dragon and Ground type pseudo-Legendary from Gen IV. Its first stage, Gible has been featured in Eggs, and Raids, not to mention a Community Day, so most active players have at least one or two already powered up. As a Dragon and Ground type, Garchomp resists Mega Ampharos' Electric and Rock type attacks, and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you'll want your Garchomp to know, but if your Garchomp knows Earth Power don't TM this move away! This Legacy move also works well here and will require an Elite TM to get back.

Zekrom

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom performs very well in this Raid. As the only other Dragon and Electric type in Pokémon Go, Zekrom takes quarter damage from Electric type attacks and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Unfortunately, this Legendary Pokémon was released in the middle of a global pandemic and so many players don't even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. Still, if you have it, you'll want your Zekrom to know Dragon Breath and Outrage for this Mega Raid.

Rayquaza

No list of Dragon type counters would be complete without the king of Dragons itself, Rayquaza. A Flying and Dragon type, Rayquaza resists Mega Ampharos' Fighting type attacks, but takes super effective damage from its Rock type attack. Having been featured in a number of events and Raids, most players have at least one or two already powered up for this fight. If you're bringing Rayquaza to this Mega Raid, you'll want Dragon Tail for its fast move and Outrage for its charged attack.

Haxorus

Originally discovered in the Unova Region of Gen V, Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew. Axew is quite uncommon in Pokémon Go and so many players still don't have a good Haxorus already powered up. As a pure Dragon type, Haxorus resists Mega Ampharos' Electric type attacks and brings no relevant weaknesses to this Raid. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw is the moveset you'll want your Haxorus to know for this Mega Raid.

Salamence

Another pseudo-Legendary Dragon, Salamence is the final evolution of Gen III's Bagon. As Bagon has been featured in Eggs, Raids, several Events, including a Community Day, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, most players have at least a couple Salamence already powered up. Salamence takes half damage from Fighting and double damage from Rock. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you'll want your Salamence to know for this Mega Raid.

Palkia

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl and the upcoming Pokémon Shining Pearl, Palkia performs quite well in this Raid. As a Water and Dragon type, it has no relevant weaknesses or resistances for this Mega Raid, and with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor, it can deal super effective damage against Mega Ampharos. It's only had two runs in Raids, but if you have one powered up, it will serve you well in this fight.

Dragonite

The Gen I pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite is a great choice for this Mega Raid. Having been around since the beginning of Pokémon Go, featured in a number of events, including a Community Day, in Special Research, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, there is just no good reason not to have an entire team of Dragonite already powered up. As a Dragon and Flying type, it resists Fighting, while taking double damage from Rock. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moveset for this Raid, but Dragon Claw, Dragon Breath, Dragon Tail, or Draco Meteor could all work well if you don't have the TMs to spare.

Dialga

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Diamond and the upcoming Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Dialga performs quite well in this Raid. As a Steel and Dragon type, Dialga resists Rock and Electric type attacks, but takes double damage from Fighting. Like Palkia, Dialga has only had two runs in Raids, but if you have it, you'll want it to know Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor for this Mega Raid.

Latios

Another Legendary on the list, Latios was originally discovered in the Hoenn region of Gen III. This Legendary Pokémon has been available several times over, so most Trainers have plenty of Candy to power it up. As a Dragon and Psychic type, Latios resists both Fighting and Electric type attacks and has no weaknesses Mega Ampharos can exploit. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the ideal moveset for this fight.

Reshiram

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram makes for a great counter to Mega Ampharos. Reshiram has only had one run in Raids and that was during a global pandemic, so many players don't even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. Still, if you have Reshiram, this Dragon and Fire type resists Electric type attacks, but takes double damage from Rock. Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves you'll want your Reshiram to know for this fight.

Mega Pokémon

In a vacuum, none of the Mega Evolved Pokémon that can work here compete with the top counters. However, even with their lower damage, it is a good idea to bring one along for the Mega Boost. Mega Charizard X, Mega Abomasnow, Mega Altaria, or even another Mega Ampharos will boost same type Pokémon on the field making them perform even better, so if you can bring one along, do so. If you can coordinate with the rest of your Raid party, even better.

Back ups?

Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:

  • Groudon with Dragon Tail and Earthquake
  • Mega Charizard X with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
  • Landorus (Therian forme) with Mud Shot and Earthquake
  • Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
  • Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Mud Shot and Earth Power
  • Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
  • Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
  • Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
  • Mega Abomasnow with Powder Snow and Weather Ball
  • Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
  • Giratina (Origin forme) with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
  • Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
  • Goodra with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
  • Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Blizzard
  • Golurk with Mud-Slap and Earth Power
  • Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse
  • Mega Altaria with Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam
  • Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
  • Mega Charizard Y with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
  • Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
  • Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
  • Mega Ampharos with Charge Beam and Dragon Pulse
  • Flygon with Dragon Tail and Earth Power
  • Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche

Shadow Pokémon?

The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:

  • Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
  • Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
  • Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
  • Shadow Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
  • Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Earth Power
  • Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
  • Shadow Weavile with Ice Shard and Avalanche

Note: Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Salamence, and Shadow Mamoswine outperform every other Pokémon in the best counters list. Shadow Mewtwo and Shadow Flygon also perform on par with the other best counters.

How many players does it take to beat Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

While two top level players with the best counters can technically beat Mega Ampharos, it is an extremely difficult Raid to duo. Additionally, the faster you can complete the battle, the more Mega Energy you will be rewarded with, so I recommend tackling any Mega Raid with as many players as you can safely gather. However, if you cannot safely coordinate with other players, you should be able to win with four Trainers.

Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:

  • Rain will boost Mega Ampharos's Electric type attacks.
  • Cloudy Weather will boost its Fighting type attacks and your Fairy type counters.
  • Partly Cloudy Weather will boost its Rock type attacks.
  • Wind will boost your Dragon type counters.
  • Snow will boost your Ice type counters.
  • Sunny/Clear Weather will boost your Ground type counters.

Questions about taking on Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on this Mega Raid? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one every was!

Pokemon Go


Read More

All current Raid Bosses in Pokémon Go August 2021

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

Here's every Pokémon you can challenge in Pokémon Go Raids right now.

While you can catch plenty of Pokémon in the wild and hatch plenty of Pokémon in Eggs in Pokémon Go, Raid Battles are where you get some of the best and most powerful Pokémon in the game. While some of the Raid bosses are common and weak, Raids are also one of few ways to encounter Legendary Pokémon, Mega Pokémon, and certain rare species.

Which Pokémon, you ask? Well, the line-up changes pretty often. Each new event brings new and different Raid Bosses, and Niantic frequently changes them up just for fun. Lucky for you, we've got the whole list right here, and be sure to chek out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you're fully equipped on your Pokémon Journey!

  • Note: Any Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny is indicated by an asterisk.

Mega Raids in Pokémon Go

On August 27, 2020, Niantic introduced Mega Evolution and with it Mega Raids. Mega Raids are a class unto themselves, providing some of the most challenging battles yet. Mega Pokémon get a massive stat boost, and in some cases new typing as well. From June 1, 2021, only one Pokémon will be appearing in Mega Raids at a time.

If you need help with August's Mega Raids, we have the following guides:

After completing any of these Mega Raids, you will be rewarded with the chance to catch the normal version of that Pokémon, as well as a bunch of Mega Energy - the species specific currency used to Mega Evolve your own Pokémon. The amount of Mega Energy you win is based on how quickly you can complete the Mega Raid so you want to invite as many people as possible to these Raids. Additionally, Mega Raids can give you Shiny Pokémon, unlike encountering these evolved Pokémon normally.

Like other Raids, Mega Raids also rotate out. Currently, you cannot battle in the following Mega Raids right now:

Five Star Raids in Pokémon Go

The Five Star tier is typically reserved for Legendary Pokémon and usually the most sought after of public Raids. They're more difficult to beat than lower star ratings, but if you have enough players to do it, the rewards at this level are the best. As a reward for completing global challenges during Pokémon Go Fest 2021, Shiny Dialga and Palkia are available for the first time in the Ultra Unlock Time and Ultra Unlock Space events. The final Ultra Unlock event will feature a surprise Pokémon.

  • If you need help beating Dialga*, check out our Dialga* Raid guide.
  • If you want to prep for Palkia*, check out our Palkia* Raid guide.

Additionally, if you want to prep your counters in advanced, you can find all of our Legendary and Mythical Raid guides here:

Three Star Raids in Pokémon Go

Three Star Raids are fairly easy to take down, and many high-level players can do them with just one or two buddies. Still, they're worth a decent chunk of XP and other rewards. The current line up of Three Star Raid Bosses include:

  • Magneton (1+ Trainers)
  • Aerodactyl* (2 Trainers)
  • Porygon2 (2+ Trainers)
  • Golurk (2 Trainers)

One Star Raids in Pokémon Go

Just about any player able to Raid can solo a One Star. These are all super easy and, unless this is one of your very first Raids, you'll spend more time waiting on the counter for the battle to start than you'll actually spend in the battle itself. However, if you need to complete a lot of Raids fast, these are the ones you want to aim for. Plus, they provide the easiest way to get some of the rarer first stage Pokémon.

Raid Invitations and Remote Raids in Pokémon Go

As the global pandemic slowed Pokémon Go play and Raids in particular during the early part of 2020, Niantic began to implement new features to make Raids more accessible. Now Trainers can purchase Remote Raid Passes, which allow them to take part in Raids that aren't within range for a normal Raid Pass. These Remote Raid Passes will let you join in any Raid you can see on the screen. Additionally, Remote Raid Passes allow you to join into any Raid a Friend invites you to. Raid Invitations were added shortly after Remote Raid Passes, allowing Trainers to invite up to five of their Friends to join in a Raid from anywhere in the world.

EX Raids in Pokémon Go

An Exclusive or EX Raid is a special sort of Raid you can only participate in by invitation. Invitations are given to players who battle at EX eligible Gyms during a time of high traffic with some small bit of luck on top. Otherwise, invitations can be shared between Ultra and Best Friends. If you have a high-level friend who gets one, they can invite you to the EX Raid as well. The last EX Raid Boss was Regigigas, the leader of the Regi Titans Trio; however, Niantic has currently suspended EX Raids in the interests of public health concerns.

No more Four and Two Star Raids in Pokémon Go

Prior to Mega Raids being released, Pokémon Go had two other Raid types: Four Star Raids and Two Star Raids. Four Star Raids were combined with Three Star Raids, while Two Star Raids were combined with One Star Raids. The difficulty remained at Three and One Star levels, while increasing the rewards, making all of these battles more accessible.

Raid Questions?

Do you have any questions about which Pokémon are in Raids right now? Is there a Pokémon you're hoping will come to the line up next? Drop us a comment below, and be sure to check guide our Complete Pokédex, to be sure you're well equipped for your Pokémon journey!

Pokemon Go


Read More

Make sure you have all the ports you need for your Mac with a USB-C hub

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

Current MacBook Pro models only have USB-C ports, including the excellent 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020). While USB-C is a fantastic technology, this could leave you wishing for some of those missing port options (especially USB-A). To prevent frustration, make sure you pick up a USB-C hub so you can still plug in all your essential Mac accessories. Here's a list of the best MacBook Pro USB-C hubs.

Best for most people

Satechi USB C Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter

Staff Favorite

Satechi's multi-port adapter doesn't support high-speed data transfer or dual-4K displays. But it does have just about everything else you'd need to run your peripherals with your MacBook Pro. Things like SD and microSD card readers, 4K HDMI, Gigabit, and three USB-A ports.

$80 at Amazon $90 at Best Buy $80 at Walmart

Great value

Anker USB C Hub for MacBook, PowerExpand Direct

This is the little hub that could. It's nearly as powerful as a docking station but costs a fraction and doesn't take up almost as much space. It has two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a micro SD and SD card reader, a USB-C port for high-speed data transfer, and a USB-C port for up to 100 watts power delivery.

$60 at Amazon

Most ports

TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter with Ethernet

With USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, you can charge devices, connect external hard drives, plug in a keyboard, and a whole lot more. The HDMI and VGA ports allow you to connect to a big-screen display or TV for 4K support. On top of all that, there is also a Gigabit Ethernet port, TF and microSD card readers, and a USB-C port. Are you dizzy yet?

$43 at Amazon

Ultra Slim

HyperDrive Pro 8-in-2

For a sleek-looking hub, take a peek at HyperDrive's unique hub style. It snaps right into place in your two MacBook Pro ports, turning it into eight different ports (including replacing the two USB-C ports you lost). It supports 40Gbp/s data transfer, 5K display, HDMI, SD, micro SD, mini DisplayPort, and USB-A. You'll never have to dangle your dongle from the side of your MacBook Pro again.

$100 at Amazon

It's all there

Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock

This impressive find offers a connection for a wide range of devices, including USB, HDMI, UHS-II SD Card, 3.5mm audio, and more. Connect and charge USB devices via high-speed USB-C (up to 10Gbps) and USB-A (up to 5Gbps).

$250 at Amazon

Budget offering

vilcome USB C Hub Adapter

Transform a single USB C or Thunderbolt 3 port into an 8-in-1 USB-C hub with 3x USB 3.0 ports, 1x 4K HDMI, 1x Gigabit Ethernet port, 1x SD card reader, 1x microSD card slot, and 1x USB-C Power Delivery charging port.

$28 at Amazon

Best MacBook Pro USB-C hubs: Which one is right for you?

Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). When it comes to USB-C hubs, we use Satechi USB-C Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter because it's small, versatile, and reliable.

Other favorites, like the budget-friendly vilcome 8-in-1 and port-heavy TOTU 11-in-1, also come highly recommended. When choosing a hub, make sure it offers the ports you require and go from there. Don't over-buy, however. If you don't need certain ports, try to avoid buying a hub that includes them and save yourself some cash.


Read More

Outages reported for Apple's App Store, iTunes, Apple Music

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

Not working for you? You're not alone.

What you need to know

  • A couple of Apple services are experiencing issues.
  • Users on Twitter and DownDetector are reporting outages on Apple Music, iTunes, and the App Store.

Users of Apple Music, iTunes, and the App Store are reporting problems using the service, according to both DownDetector and Twitter.

As you can see from DownDetector users there is a large spike in users reporting outages on iTunes, the App Store, and Apple Music as of Saturday afternoon, at around 1 pm ET:

Searches of all three services on Twitter also indicate that users are experiencing issues. Apple's system status page states that all of these systems are currently online and working, so this could be a very small, temporary blip affecting a small portion of uses.

Interestingly Apple has only just resolved outages on the App Store and iTunes, as well as Apple Pay, on Friday. On Thursday a large outage on Snapchat occured, and some Apple services were impacted too, from that report:

If you are having issues with Snapchat right now, you can relax. You definitely are not alone.

According to Down Detector, over 70,000 Snapchat users have already reported an outage with the app in the evening of Thursday, July 29 (as of the writing of this article).

It's currently unclear if all users are experiencing the same or potentially different issues accessing or using the app. It is also unclear exactly what the issue is that is affecting so many people right now. Snapchat has also not acknowledged or provided information about a fix for the problem. It appears that the issue is not related to just Snapchat. Users on DownDetector are reporting issues with a number of services including the App Store, Apple Store, Twitter, and Instagram.

If there are ongoing issues at Apple, there's nothing we can do except wait it out until the services come back online.


Read More

Nintendo news this week: A Joy-Con drift fix and Pokémon Unite issues

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

Nintendo news of the week.

I swear this year just started, but apparently we're almost to August. While we've tried to beat the heat this week, several things happened in the Nintendo world, including some news regarding a Joy-Con drift fix and new updates heading to some Pokémon Switch games. Plus, one of Nintendo's mobile games is getting shut down for good. Some of this is pretty straightforward, but other parts have bigger ramifications that impact Nintendo fans.

Goodbye Dr. Mario

On Tuesday, we learned that Dr. Mario World, which has been available for iOS and Android since 2019 will be getting shut down in November. It's had me thinking about a few years ago when the Wii U was floundering and the Nintendo Switch had just launched. Nintendo was pushing out a bunch of mobile games like Super Mario Run, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Fire Emblem Heroes, some of which have gone on to become highly successful. People thought Nintendo was about to drop out of the console game and solely become a mobile developer. However, years down the line the Nintendo Switch has proven them wrong. In fact, the company seems to be moving away from mobile gaming.

Nintendo pumped out fewer mobile games this year than the previous few years, and while it still supports several of its apps it seems to me that it's not really focusing on new mobile gaming ventures. Of course, when it comes to Nintendo games, Pokémon is a Ponyta of a different color. Pokémon Go is run by Niantic and Pokémon Unite is run by The Pokémon Company, so they don't actually count as Nintendo mobile games.

An end to Joy-Con drift?

Many of us, including myself, have experienced Joy-Con drift — the problem where your video game character moves without you touching the controller. This frustrating issue has basically been around ever since the Nintendo Switch first released and players have been trying to figure out how to fix Joy-Con drift ever since. Nintendo has even been sued repeatedly over the issue and though the company refuses to admit there is a problem, there is a dedicated Joy-Con repair ticket on the Nintendo Support page.

This month, a newly-discovered fix from Youtube user VK's Channel has given players afflicted with Joy-Con drift new hope. The fix centers around the idea that the contacts around the joystick get worn down over time. This makes the analog stick incredibly sensitive to any pressure and thus leads to signals going through when they shouldn't.

VK's Channel's solution is to open the controller and put a small bit of padding between the metal casing on the analog stick and the plastic Joy-Con casing. This makes it so the warn-down components can no longer send a signal quite as easily and has stopped drift on a number of Joy-Cons. Though, It remains to be seen if this is just a quick fix that will only work for the short term or something that lasts. Either way, it's worth trying. A small bit of cardboard or foam padding is a whole lot cheaper than buying brand-new $80 Joy-Cons.

Then shortly after this new fix had been discovered, someone opened the Zelda Joy-Cons, which released on the same day as Skyward Sword HD, and discovered that they came with foam strips inside them over the analog stick casing. Perhaps this is Nintendo doing something about the drift issue with a fix similar to the one VK's Channel mentioned. It appears that these foam strips also exist on some of the other newer Joy-Con models, but definitely not the original sets that first released in 2017. Either way, hopefully, this simple fix permanently resolves the issue that so many of us have been afflicted with.

Free update coming to New Pokémon Snap

On Thursday, The Pokémon Company announced that a free update will bring 20 additional Pokémon and three locations to New Pokémon Snap on August 3. These new characters will be joining the current list of 217 Pokémon already in the game. While we don't know who all of these new additions will be, the trailer does show us that some of them are Shroomish, Psyduck, Gyarados, Snorlax, Ho-Oh, Feraligatr, Swalot, Tropius, and Rockruff.

This update also makes it possible for the NEO-ONE car to shrink down in size and follow paths previously unaccessible. That's sure to add more variety to the kind of shots you can get, like really up close pictures of Wurmple or other Pokémon hiding out of view. I hope you're not tired of Pokémon yet because this week there was big news for yet another Pokémon game.

Pokémon Unite has a pay-to-win problem

Last week, Pokémon Unite exploded onto Nintendo Switch and has still been going strong. This week millions of users experienced the game's first big update, which had Gardevoir join the Pokémon roster as an Attacker. Now it seems that the game is in need of another update, because it definitely seems to have a pay-to-win problem.

Streamer Moistcr1tikal (penguinz0 on Youtube) spent over $220 while experimenting with Pokémon Unite's mechanics and Item Enhancers. He found that he only needed to put in about $100 to max out most of his items and become a dominating menace that no one could fight against in the battle arena. It's hard to say whether this pay-to-win structure was just an oversight or the way The Pokémon Company intended the game to work. But either way, it's infuriating players and making them ask for change. As it stands, it seems like just a few small tweaks to Pokémon stats and purchasable items could fix the problem. But that might not be fair to people who have already spent a lot of money in the game.

That's it for this week's Nintendo news. Nintendo's Fiscal Year earnings report will take place next week on August 5, so I'm sure there will be some interesting information to go over then. For now, enjoy your weekend! I hope you get to play a favorite game or find a new favorite.

Until next time.

- Rebecca Spear


Read More

Poll: How do you feel about the new Safari designs?

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

The design of Apple's Safari web browser in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey were supposed to be a triumph of redesign, yet the new update is causing lots of people lots of issues, and not everyone is sold on the new design. In our poll this week, we want to know what you think of the new design, even if you haven't yet used it yourself!

By way of background, Apple redesigned Safari across its software range, as announced at WWDC. For iPhone:

Safari gets a new design that makes controls easier to reach with one hand and puts content front and center. The new tab bar is compact and lightweight, and floats at the bottom of the screen, so users can easily swipe between tabs. Tab Groups allow users to save tabs and easily access them at any time across iPhone, iPad, or Mac. New features, such as the customizable start page and web extensions on iOS, make Safari even more personal and powerful.

Similar redesigns were in order for iPad, with a new tab bar that lets users see more of the web page that they're browsing:

Yet many of these changes have been met with hostile user responses. It seems that plenty of people on iPhone are struggling because the new floating tab bar at the bottom of the screen gets in the way of literally everything. On iPad, the new design has been amended to an opt-in model and Apple has also redesigned the macOS version, which previously meant your URL bar moved each time you selected a different tab.

So what do you make of these new designs? Do you prefer the new designs? Or are you more comfortable now Apple has made some tweaks? Perhaps you'd rather Apple hadn't touched them at all, let us know in the poll below. On mobile? Click here to view this week's poll.


Read More

It's never a bad time to re-evaluate your App Store subscriptions

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

If you're anything like me you probably have way more app and service subscriptions than you know you do. It happens. We accumulate these things over time and while that's fine so long as we use them, it's less ideal if we find ourselves paying for services we no longer need or use. It's never a bad time to re-evaluate your App Store subscriptions.

Canceling Apple Arcade and other services like Apple TV+ are easy wins when you're looking to save a few dollars every month. The same goes for all of those apps that you started free trials for and then spent the last few months paying a dollar a week for. You don't always notice them because of the low dollar amounts — but they add up, and they do it quickly.

Now, it's important to remember that I'm not suggesting people go canceling services and apps left and right. Subscriptions are an important part of how businesses stay afloat. I've made my feelings about subscriptions clear before, and I think they're fine. I know others might disagree but to each their own.

But all apps and services need to earn their money and if they aren't doing that, it's time to get rid of them.

I'm willing to bet most people reading this have at least one subscription that could be canceled and I suspect many have quite a few more than that. Don't be afraid to have a clear out — apps only deserve your money if they're doing something for you, after all.

Now might also be a good time to work out which apps support Family Sharing, something that Apple recently enabled for in-app purchases (IAP.) Again, if you're like me, you might have duplicates here. You could be paying for the same IAP twice, for example. Speak to your family and make sure that isn't the case.

We're edging nearer and nearer to iPhone 13 time and it's going to be the best iPhone yet. Who knows, maybe you can cancel enough services to buy yourself a case for your nice new iPhone!


Read More

Review: The HyperX QuadCast S looks and sounds pretty

By  July 31, 2021  No comments

The HyperX QuadCast S is so darn near perfect, and it's just a shame that not all features are available on Mac.

I've used dozens of great USB microphones over the years for multiple purposes. Whether I'm recording my audio for the iMore Show, making a podcast, recording a few things on my acoustic guitar, or just making sure all my coworkers can hear me on video calls, I need a microphone that can work in almost all situations.

I used the HyperX QuadCast S for roughly a month, and I fell in love with it pretty quickly. I mostly have had it hooked up to my blue iMac (2021), but I did give it a test on my PlayStation 4 a few times. Its performance has been stellar, however, there are a few things Mac users should probably be aware of before purchasing.

HyperX QuadCast S

Bottom line: Even though you can't access every feature with a Mac, the HyperX QuadCast S is a stellar USB microphone that will make you sound better on video calls, recordings, and, yes, while gaming.

The Good

  • Excellent 48kHz/16-bit sound recording
  • Built-in pop filter
  • Four recording patterns
  • Mute button
  • Live monitoring through the headphone jack

The Bad

  • Not all features are available on Mac
  • Can't be removed from the shock mount

$160 at Amazon $160 at Best Buy

HyperX QuadCast S: Price and availability

The HyperX QuadCast S is the successor to the HyperX QuadCast and launched in late 2020. It is available at both Amazon and Best Buy for about $160. It ships already assembled, but you can detach the microphone from the stand and put it on any microphone stand with the included adapter.

HyperX QuadCast S: What's great about this microphone

This microphone has handled everything I have thrown at it and has always left me impressed. Although it's primarily billed as a gaming microphone, I recorded podcasts, took video calls, laid down some acoustic guitar and basic vocals using the HyperX QuadCast S, and all of that sounded stellar.

The microphone records 48kHz/16-bit audio and has three 14mm condensers, which provides enough data for post-production if you want to go that route. You can certainly pop this microphone down in front of yourself and tune your voice in lots of different ways in your favorite audio mixing program of your choice. Even though I'm not a talented audio engineer or musician, I was able to lay down a pretty simple acoustic guitar track and then record some vocals and come out with a mix that sounded pretty good. Of course, hardcore musicians are definitely not using a USB microphone to record, but it certainly works for very basic music recording in a pinch.

The four polar patterns offer a lot of versatility

The built-in pop filter is a nice touch, and it really does help cut back on those harsh P, T, and K sounds while recording. However, that thin layer of foam behind the grill isn't perfect. If you like recording super close to your microphone (like within about a foot), you may notice those harsh sounds popping through a little bit. That means whilst recording for singing or music recording, you'll likely still want an additional pop filter on the QuadCast S. Still, for most everyday uses, like gaming, video calls, etc., you'll likely be just fine with the built-in filter.

A big reason for the microphone working in a lot of different situations is the various polar patterns you can record using the QuadCast S. With the simple turn of a knob on the back microphone, you can switch between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo polar patterns, making it easy to adjust for your recording needs. I had a few friends over to record a little demo using some of the different modes and was pleasantly surprised at how the QuadCast S performed. Even in the omnidirectional mode, which is notorious for picking up excessive background noise, the voices came through loud and clear sitting in the middle of my friend group.

Background noise isn't too prevalent, but still noticeable

Obviously, adjusting the gain to the correct level for the situation is important, and the HyperX QuadCast S makes that easy. With an adjustable gain knob located at the bottom of the microphone, you can turn it left to increase the gain and right to lower the gain. You can also monitor your recordings live using the headphone jack on the back, so it's easy to hear how you sound and adjust the gain on the way.

The mute button on top of the microphone is also a great feature. It's easy to tap on and off, and although I was a little worried the touch sensor might not always work, it's been flawless for me so far. Plus, when the microphone is muted, the RGB lighting turns off, giving an easily recognizable visual cue to know when the mic is on or not.

Lastly, it looks stunning. I know the RGB lighting is typically associated with the "gamer aesthetic," and some people really don't like it, but I think it's great. The rotating rainbow lighting gives the microphone that extra pizzazz that looks great just sitting on your desk or camera while you're streaming your favorite games.

HyperX QuadCast S: What sucks about this microphone

As much as I have become enamored with this microphone, the QuadCast S has one glaring issue that might be a big deal to you. HyperX's software to control the microphone called Ngenuity is not available on Mac. This means that you can't customize the RGB lighting when using the QuadCast S with your Mac, so you're stuck with the rotating rainbow pattern.

Without Ngenuity, you also can't fool around with the microphone effects HyperX offers through its software. This is less of a big deal since if you're using this mic for work that needs post-production, you likely would be using other software anyway, but it's worth noting that the QuadCast S does have some on a Mac limited functionality.

HyperX QuadCast S: Competition

As someone who has a Blue Yeti and has used it to record everything, it's probably the best-known direct competition for the QuadCast S. The Yeti has the same four polar patterns, making it just as versatile and records simultaneously audio quality (48kHz/16-bit). Plus, it also has gain control, lives monitoring via a headphone jack and a mute button.

The Blue Yeti is also a bit older, making the price typically a tad more affordable. The price fluctuates around $100 - $130, but we have seen it for as long as $90 before. Of course, it doesn't have RGB lighting, and while the metal construction is sturdy, it's also pretty heavy.

HyperX QuadCast S: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

  • Want a USB microphone for various situations
  • Like RGB lighting
  • Don't mind missing out on a few features

You shouldn't buy this if...

  • Don't like the look of the microphone
  • You need a professional studio microphone

The HyperX QuadCast S does everything it promises to do. While it certainly is not a studio-grade microphone (no USB microphone really is), it records beautiful clear audio in various scenarios, and the background noise it picks up is pretty manageable. Plus, the built-in pop filter is a welcome addition.

4 out of 5

The RGB lighting looks great, and even though you can't take customize the color without the Ngenuity software, the microphone as a whole looks great on your desk or camera.

While it isn't the cheapest microphone out there with most of the same features, the QuadCast S is a solid choice for anyone looking for a USB microphone for their Mac.

Product Name

Bottom line: Even though the Mac can't use all the features due to software limitations, the stylish look and beautifully clear audio recording make the HyperX QuadCast S is a solid USB microphone for Mac.

$160 at Amazon $160 at Best Buy


Read More