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Thursday, September 30, 2021

Protect that beautiful, big 12.9-inch iPad Pro screen

You've got the biggest, most beautiful screen on a mobile device, and you'd like to keep it pristine. A screen protector might be a good idea. Whether you prefer tempered glass, plastic, or even liquid, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best screen protectors for 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 2018 and later. And yes, these screen protectors will work perfectly with the 2021 iPad Pro as well.

Most popular

Tech Armor Ballistic Glass Screen Protector

Staff favorite

With this screen protector, you get screen responsiveness, protection from bumps/fingerprints/scratches, easy bubble-free installation, and the full clarity of your device's screen. Tech Armor is one of the most popular screen protector brands for good reason.

$15 at Amazon

Hardend protection

amFilm Glass Screen Protector

This tempered glass screen protector is thick enough to protect your screen from some pretty big bashes but won't interfere with Face ID. It comes with a special installation kit to help make sure you don't end up with bubbles or dust marks.

$15 at Amazon$16 at Walmart

For artists

PaperLike Screen Protector

Get the look and feel of paper on your iPad Pro with a PaperLike Screen Protector. It's perfect for art, note-taking, and anyone using an Apple Pencil or other alternative stylus.

$11 at Amazon

Plastic protection

Supershieldz Screen Protector

If you'd like something a bit more solid but still extremely lightweight, this PET material screen protector adds almost no bulk or weight to your iPad. It's not going to be as protective as glass, but it will certainly prevent scratches. You get three in this package. Note that this is a matte screen protector.

$8 at Amazon$9 at Walmart

Glass protection

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Plus

The company behind the InvisibleShield Glass Plus has made a name for itself by creating high-quality tech accessories, much like this 12.9-inch iPad Pro screen protector. The Glass Plus is made from smooth tempered glass, which offers remarkable touch sensitivity while keeping things crystal clear for viewing. It also features oil-resistant technology to keep fingerprints at bay as you tap away.

$65 at Amazon$65 at Best Buy

Keep it protected

If you want protection that you can see and feel, I'd recommend the Tech Armor Screen Protector. This is a known brand that makes quality products you can trust. If you're an artist looking for a more natural feel when using the Apple Pencil or a supported stylus on your iPad Pro, try Paperlike for a, well, paperlike experience.

If you want something thick enough to protect your screen, then the amFilm Glass Screen Protector is a good pick. It won't interfere with Face ID, and it can hold its own against some pretty heavy hits. Just take care to follow the instructions when installing to avoid any unwanted bubbles. No matter what kind you're looking for, we're sure one of these best screen protectors for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be the perfect fit.


OWC's Thunderbolt to Dual DisplayPort Adapter runs two 8K monitors at once

What you need to know

  • OWC has announced a new adapter that takes a single Thunderbolt port and runs two 8K displays off of it.
  • Thunderbolt to Dual DisplayPort Adapter is available now for $78.

You might be limited to 30Hz, though.

OWC today announced a new adapter that can take a single Thunderbolt port and turn it into two DisplayPort 1.4 connectors, perfect for powering up to two 8K displays at the same time.

The adapter, which is available for $78 from OWC, is a little black puck that can be used with Macs as well as iPads, although the latter is limited to just a single display.

With the new OWC Thunderbolt Dual DisplayPort Adapter, you'll be amazed when your eyes see up to 8K resolution delivered by the OWC Thunderbolt Dual DisplayPort Adapter. By utilizing the latest DisplayPort 1.4 technology, this high-performance adapter delivers up to 4x higher resolution than DisplayPort 1.2. All you need is a single Thunderbolt port to plug it in, and this little wonder's compact size and bus-powered convenience will open a world of possibilities.

In terms of resolution, users can expect 4K at 60Hz for the most part, while 8K at 30Hz is as much as you're going to get if you're using two monitors — and even then, only with Display Stream Compression (DSC) enabled.

  • Single display up to 8K @ 30Hz or 8K @ greater than 30Hz with DSC
  • Dual display up to 4K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 144Hz with DSC, or 8K with DSC

Additionally, the new adapter is BUS-powered, meaning you won't need to take an additional power supply when you're on the move.

Whether you're using this with an iPad Pro or a Mac, this is a great addition to anyone's arsenal if they need to spend time powering external displays and have a Thunderbolt port to spare.


Apple releases 'Device Support Update' for macOS Big Sur machines

What you need to know

  • Apple today released a 'Device Support Update' for macOS Big Sur.
  • The update adds support for updating and restoring iPhones and iPads.

It's a minor but worthwhile update.

Apple today released a macOS Big Sur "Device Support Update" to Mac users around the world, although the update is what can only be described as minor.

Apple says that the update is all about adding support for restoring and updating iPhones and iPads and it's likely that the release adds new iPhone 13 and iPad mini-specific icons and literature for the newly-released products.

While far from the best Mac update we've ever seen, this is an important one that ensures all of Apple's new hardware is better reflected when connected to a Mac running macOS Big Sur.

It isn't clear how long macOS Big Sur will be the most current version of the Mac's operating system, of course. Apple's new macOS Monterey update is set to arrive any day now, although Apple is yet to give anyone any kind of date as to when that might happen. The smart money is on a release within the next few weeks, with Apple possibly holding off until the rumored 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks are also ready to be announced.

Those new notebooks will feature mini-LED screens for the first time while improved Apple M-series chips should also be part of the package. This is expected to be the biggest Mac notebook refresh in a while with all eyes on Cupertino to see what's next.


Everything we know about Metroid Dread (so far)

Experiment status report update: Metroid project "Dread" is nearing the final stages of completion.

Metroid Dread is happening. This game's fascinating 15-year history finally comes to a head, as we can again set foot into the armored boots of Samus Aran. Metroid Dread is, to put it bluntly, a big deal. It's the first 2D Metroid in many years, and it's finally pushing the story forward after many other games have danced around catching up to Samus chronologically instead of filling in prequel stories and being set in-between other existing games. Metroid Dread could even end up being one of the best Nintendo Switch games available.

Announced at Nintendo's E3 2021 Direct, Metroid Dread is real and coming very soon for the Nintendo Switch. So regardless of whether you're familiar with the story behind Metroid Dread or you're a newcomer eager to see what the hype is all about, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch.

Samus is back

Metroid Dread

$60 at Best Buy $60 at Amazon $60 at Walmart

A sequel years in the making

The long-rumored 2D Metroid is actually real and is coming very, very soon. Players will finally get to see a new chapter in the story of Samus Aran.

What is Metroid Dread?

Metroid Dread is the latest game in the Metroid franchise, both in terms of games released and the story of the series. However, unlike the first-person shooters in the Metroid Prime sub-series, Metroid Dread goes back to the 2D format that spawned the "Metroidvania" genre.

Metroid Dread is the 13th game in the Metroid franchise, not counting the Metroid Prime Pinball spin-off. Metroid Dread is being co-developed between Metroid: Samus Returns developer MercurySteam and the Nintendo EPD internal division.

What's Metroid Dread's development history?

Metroid Dread was first mentioned in Game Informer in June 2005. After that, the game faded into myth, being internally canceled twice at Nintendo. Various industry "insiders" would share updates on when the game would re-emerge. IGN even reported that Metroid Dread existed, with Nintendo continuing to avoid the topic of the game altogether.

After the shocking announcement of Metroid Dread during E3 2021, Nintendo shared a video on the development history of Metroid Dread, explaining that the game was initially canceled all those years ago because the team didn't feel the technology of the time was enough to do the idea for the game justice. However, Nintendo became impressed with MercurySteam's work on Metroid: Samus Returns, with Nintendo designer Yoshio Sakamoto feeling this team could help make everything work.

Metroid Dread story?

Metroid Dread is the latest point in the Metroid storyline and is a direct sequel to Metroid Fusion. In that game, Samus is sent down to the planet SR388, a planet explored in Metroid: Samus Returns, and is attacked by a parasite known as X, which infects her central nervous system, nearly killing her. Luckily, the Galactic Federation can manufacture a vaccine from the cells taken from the infant Metroid that Samus adopted on Zebes.

Upon recovery, Samus discovers that some of her power suits were too integrated with her body to remove during surgery, dramatically altering her appearance. The infected pieces of Samus' power suit are then sent to the Biologic Space Laboratories for analysis, but when an explosion rocks the BSL, Samus is sent to investigate.

On the BSL, Samus discovers that the X parasite has overrun the station and that a variant parasite, known as SA-X, is mimicking her appearance. Samus travels through the facility, discovering that the Galactic Federation intended on replicating Metroids, the life-sucking alien lifeform that Samus exterminated. She also finds that the base's computer is actually the uploaded consciousness of Samus' dead mentor, Adam Malkovich. Using help from the computer, Samus sends the base on a collision course with SR388, destroying both the X parasite and the Metroids once and for all. Samus survives, but her body has been dramatically altered, once by the Metroids and again by the X parasite.

Sakamoto promises that things won't be as confusing as they seem in Metroid Dread, explaining that new players will be brought up to speed quickly thanks to the game's prologue. Dread seems to focus specifically on Samus' relationship with the titular Metroids and the X-parasite. It might not be the end of Metroid games, but it's definitely a colossal finale as far as this chunk of the story goes.

"The series has chronicled the uncanny relationship between these Metroids and the heroine Samus, but this game will mark an end to that story arc. We're hoping fans of the series will wonder "what does 'mark an end to the story arc' mean?" as they play the game," says Sakamoto.

Metroid Dread trailers

Nintendo unveiled the first trailer for Metroid Dread at E3 2021:

At the Sep. 2021 Nintendo Direct, the developers showed another trailer for the game:

Metroid Dread gameplay

Metroid Dread is a 2D sidescrolling game in a genre popularly referred to as "Metroidvania." This is a portmanteau of Castlevania and Metroid, two games that helped popularize the design format. In Metroidvania, the gameplay is set in a 2D world, where the player character collects different weapons, tools, and abilities that open up new pathways that aren't initially accessible.

Nowadays, Metroidvanias are a popular genre of choice in the indie scene, and there are many excellent games in the genre, like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Hollow Knight, and Axiom Verge. In addition, many developers of Metroidvanias encourage exploration and offer players a sense of discovery as they naturally explore the world around them.

Metroid Dread weapons available for Samus

Samus has never been more powerful than she is in Metroid Dread, but she'll have to use every weapon at her disposal if she wants to stay ahead of the EMMI. Samus can free aim as well as her melee counter, first introduced in Samus Returns. She also has a new Dash Melee move that can ram into enemies without losing momentum and a slide to move through tight spaces or beneath certain enemies. Finally, of course, Samus' arm cannon and missiles make an appearance as well.

She has a new ability, called Phantom Cloak, that will hide her from the EMMI's scans and a unique Spider Magnet ability that will allow her to scale walls. Returning from Metroid Prime Hunters is the Omega Cannon. This temporary power-up supercharges Samus' arm cannon for a powerful attack and is currently the only thing that can stop EMMI in its tracks. There will be more powers and abilities to discover as we get closer to release.

Is Metroid Dread connected to Metroid Prime 4?

No, while Metroid Prime 4 is set in the same canonical storyline as Metroid Dread, they're not related. Metroid Prime shifted the series into a first-person perspective, while Metroid Dread is a return to the iconic 2D Metroidvania presentation. The Metroid Prime games are also set well before the events of Metroid: Samus Returns, while Metroid Dread is finally moving the story forward chronologically.

Will there be Metroid Dread amiibo?

Yes, Nintendo also announced two amiibo that will release alongside Metroid Dread. The amiibos are of Samus in her new power suit and the EMMI in a two-pack set. Each amiibo also grants special abilities in the game. According to the GameStop amiibo description, scanning the Samus amiibo will give you an extra energy tank to increase your health by 100 and can be tapped again to receive health once per day. Likewise, the EMMI amiibo grants Samus a Missile+ tank, increasing her missile capacity by 10, and can be tapped again to replenish some missiles once per day.

How much does Metroid Dread cost?

Metroid Dread cost $60 and is available for preorder now. While it's available digitally and physically, if you're willing to spend $80, you can grab the special physical edition of the game that comes with a steel bookcase, art cards, and an art book.

When does Metroid Dread release?

Metroid Dread is set to be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch owners on Oct. 8, 2021.

Samus is back

Metroid Dread

$60 at Best Buy $60 at Amazon $60 at Walmart

A sequel years in the making

The long-rumored 2D Metroid is actually real and is coming very, very soon. Players will finally get to see a new chapter in the story of Samus Aran.


Will my iPhone 12 case fit the new iPhone 13?

Best answer: No. The iPhone 13 is just slightly thicker than the iPhone 12, the button placement is different, and the camera module on the iPhone 13 is just slightly larger than the iPhone 12.

Just slightly off

Apple has announced the new iPhone 13, and it's a beauty. It appears to be about the same size and shape as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. So, will your new iPhone 13 fit in your old case if you're upgrading from the iPhone 12?

Unfortunately, no. Though the handset's overall dimensions are similar, they are not the same. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have the same height and width: 5.18-by-2.53 inches or 131.5-by-64.2 millimeters. However, the depth of the phone is different. The iPhone 12's depth is 0.29 inches or 7.4 millimeters, while the iPhone 13 is 0.3 inches or 7.65 millimeters. In addition to being slightly thicker, the volume buttons on the iPhone 13 have been moved slightly. Plus, the camera module is just about a millimeter or two wider. This means that the camera cutout in an iPhone 12/iPhone 12 Pro case will not fit around the iPhone 13 camera module.

The iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 13 appear to be the same size at first glance, so without trying on a case, it does look like the iPhone 13 would fit into an iPhone 12 case. You might be able to force it on but won't fit well enough to be functional protection for your iPhone 13.

What about other cases besides the iPhone 12?

If the case you have is older than the iPhone 12, you can forget it. The iPhone 13 isn't even close to the same size and shape as the iPhone 11 or earlier models.

The one exception is if you have a pouch-style iPhone case or sleeve. Since that case doesn't have an opening for the camera, the ones made for iPhone 12 (and possibly earlier models) and iPhone 13 will be totally interchangeable.

Of course, we have you covered if you're in the market for a new iPhone case. We've rounded up the best iPhone 13 cases for you, including a wide range of price points and styles.

Are the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro cases interchangeable at least?

No. Unlike the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, which share the same physical dimensions, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro do not. While the dimensions of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro handsets are the same, it comes down to the camera module. The iPhone 13 Pro has a substantially larger camera module than the iPhone 13 does. The iPhone 13 Pro's camera module is also much larger than the iPhone 12 Pro, so it definitely won't fit in an older case.

How about the other models, will my old cases fit for the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max?

No. The story is the same for each model: thicker handset, bigger camera module, and different button placement.

Apple's newest iPhone

iPhone 13 - various color options

From $799 at Apple

From $700 at Best Buy

From $21/month at Walmart

Get the latest

You'll need a new case, but it'll be worthwhile to protect your amazing new iPhone.


Review: EPOS H3 Hybrid lets you listen to multiple devices at once

It's a headset that can do a wired connection and Bluetooth simultaneously.

One of the biggest complications with playing online multiplayers on Nintendo Switch is the lack of voice chat. Most Switch games don't offer it, making it harder to strategize and plan with your teammates. This has led many Switch players to open Discord, Google Meets, or another program up on their phones to communicate. The problem with doing this is that you either have to choose to only connect your headphones with your phone and miss out on in-game sounds or divide your attention between the two, headphone-free.

However, this is not the case with the EPOS H3 Hybrid, which offers audio mixing. Basically, it can connect to two devices at once. For instance, you can plug the headphone jack into your phone and then connect to the Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth to both hear your friends and in-game sounds. It's one of the best headsets for any Switch owner.

EPOS H3 Hybrid

Bottom line: This headset is ideal for the multitasking gamer. It can hold a wired and Bluetooth connection at once, perfect for gaming on one device while using a chat system on another.

The Good

  • Comfortable fit
  • Audio mixing
  • Good sound clarity
  • Detachable mic
  • Black or white design

The Bad

  • Limited volume
  • Wired connection takes battery

$179 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy

EPOS H3 Hybrid: Price and availability

The EPOS H3 Hybrid comes in either black or white and has an MSRP of $180. The battery life isn't the most impressive thing in the world, but considering it can simultaneously hold a wired and Bluetooth connection, it is well priced.

EPOS H3 Hybrid: What's good

I plugged the headphone jack into my computer to test audio mixing and then connected the headset to my Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth. Honestly, this will be the way that I work from now on. That way, I can wirelessly hear the music and voice acting for any Switch games I'm testing while still being plugged into the computer where my work gets done.

Category Spec
Compatibility Mac, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox S/X, PS4, PS5, iOS, Android
Headphone frequency 20-20,000 Hz
Microphone frequency 100-7,500 Hz
Mic pickup pattern Bidirectional
Dual connectivity Yes
Removable mic Yes
Software Yes, EPOS Gaming Suite
Cable length - USB Cable 6.6 ft
- Console Cable 4.9 ft
Battery - 37 hrs (Bluetooth)
- 24 hrs (3.5mm jack)
- 19 hrs (Both)
Charging time 1.5 hours
Colors Onyx Black, Ghost White
Weight 0.66 lb
Warranty 2 years

Since Nintendo Switch games don't usually have built-in voice chat, many players opt to have Discord or some other program open on their phones to communicate with online teammates. This headset is perfect for that scenario. Plug into either your phone or your Switch and then set up a Bluetooth connection with the other device. Now, game sounds and conversations will come through your headset.

It has good sound quality, and there's hardly any sound leak either.

Speaking of which, the sound quality comes through very clearly without any static or echoes. There is hardly any sound leak either, so you won't be bothering anyone sitting next to you while you use them.

Additionally, the H3 Hybrid's microphone picks up your sounds and plays them back to you in the headphones, making it easier to hear yourself when you're talking during clamorous online multiplayers. To mute yourself, all you have to do is lift the microphone straight up, and then no one can hear you. If you don't want to use the microphone, you can detach it.

EPOS H3 Hybrid: What's not good

The battery life differs depending on how you use the headset. However, keep in mind that the headset still consumes battery even if you're using the wired connection. So you'll need to remember to charge it up between uses if you don't want it to poop out at a bad time.

Additionally, while the sound comes through nice and clear, the volume doesn't go very high. Now, this could be a good thing as it prevents your ears from hearing damagingly high sound levels. Plus, I found it gets plenty loud enough for the average person to hear. However, if you want to jam out to your favorite song, these headphones won't be able to satisfy you.

EPOS H3 Hybrid: Competition

I got to test the EPOS H3 earlier this year, and they're also an excellent option for gamers. In addition, since they only connect via the headphone jack, they're less expensive. Volume is a little limiting, though.

The EKSA E900 Pro has more of an iconic gamer look with its red and black coloring. In addition, it offers some excellent sound quality, comes with a splitter cable, and buyers will even find a faux-leather drawstring pouch to carry it in.

EPOS H3 Hybrid: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

  • You like to listen to music or chat with friends while playing Switch games
  • You want something with good sound quality
  • You want a removable microphone

You shouldn't buy this if...

  • You prefer to listen to things at loud volumes
  • You are looking for something inexpensive
  • You only need a wired or wireless connection, not both

EPOS knows how to make quality headphones and sound equipment, and that's proved once again with the H3 Hybrid. Audio mixing opens up new possibilities for gamers who like to multitask, listen to music, or chat with friends in another program while they play. It has crystal clear sound quality and looks good too.

4 out of 5

However, if you prefer to jam out to loud music, these volume-limited headphones might be unsatisfactory. Granted, this should help protect your ears, which shouldn't get discounted. Additionally, you'll need to remember to constantly charge the headset as even using it just in wired mode drains the battery.

EPOS H3 Hybrid

Bottom line: Use this headset with a wired connection, Bluetooth, or both connections simultaneously. It has a comfortable fit and provides excellent sound.

$179 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy


iPhone 13 users complain of CarPlay issues

"I had an iPhone 12 with iOS 15, everything was working fine and dandy."

What you need to know

  • Multiple iPhone 13 users are reporting problems with CarPlay.
  • Issues include music not playing properly and apps crashing

Multiple users of the iPhone 13, Apple's new best iPhone, are complaing that CarPlay no longer works for them following their upgrade.

Multiple reports over the last few days indicate lots of people are having the same issues when it comes to playing music or using CarPlay apps.

From ZDNet:

Then there's CarPlay. That just crashes for me.

A quick search of social media suggests I'm not alone here. Plenty of other beta testers who paid Apple full price are reporting the same issue.

My old iPhone worked fine.

iPhone in Canada noted similar issues Monday, with one reader complaining of issues using SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, and more. Users on Apple's Communities forums report similar, one user stating:

Even though I can start the Sirius XM app on my iPhone and play a station when I go to the app on the car's radio screen and hit favorite channels I get a message that It cannot load Sirius XM I have to go to my phone to change the channel.

Same with Amazon music I can select a track on the iPhone but if I trying to open the app on the car radio screen gives me a can not load amazon music.

This user reported issues with iOS 15 rather than a specific iPhone, and iPhone in Canada reports the 15.1 beta seems to fix the issue.

However, other users have noted that they were using iOS 15 just fine with other devices, but that it now doesn't work having upgraded to iPhone 13. Again from the support forums:

I had an iPhone 12 with iOS 15, everything was working fine and dandy.

I upgraded to iPhone 13 and now music does not play using CarPlay when I am using either Spotify or Apple Music.

Multiple reports indicate CarPlay crashing when taking or making calls or when trying to play a song across all music apps. It sounds like Apple's CarPlay woes are widespread, and can't be pinpointed right not to either software or hardware as the root cause.