Epic Games has just announced that Fortnite and other Epic Games titles will be leaving the Samsung Galaxy Store. This is in protest of Samsung’s decision to block side-loading by default on their Android devices, which Epic Games considers anti-competitive.
The decision above is a response to revelations in the US Epic v Google lawsuit about Google’s proposals to Samsung to limit competition in the Android app distribution market. However, there is a silver lining, as Fortnite is set to return to iOS devices in the European Union.
Additionally, the Epic Games Store, a platform for PC games, is coming to Android devices globally and iOS devices in the European Union. This is great news for developers, as Epic Games is offering them favorable terms, charging a 12% fee for payments they process and 0% for third-party payments.
Epic Games is also planning to make their own mobile games, including Fortnite, available on other mobile stores that offer what they consider to be fair deals to all developers. The company claims to be taking a stand against stores that act as “rent collectors” without offering robust competition or fair treatment to developers, even if those stores offer special deals for Epic’s own games.
Excitingly, Epic Games also announced that their mobile games will be available on AltStore for iOS devices in the EU, and they plan to announce support for at least two other third-party stores soon.
This shift in strategy is due to Epic’s long-standing advocacy for fair competition among stores on iOS and Android. They believe that progress is being made globally through regulations like Europe’s DMA and similar laws in the UK and Japan, as well as regulatory investigations worldwide and the victory in the Epic v Google lawsuit in the US.
As the operator of the Epic Games Store, they claim to want to take advantage of this opportunity to offer developers a great deal on their platform. Furthermore, thee company is urging its user-base to stay tuned for further updates as they prepare to roll out their mobile launch.
This year, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra was proclaimed as one of the best mobile flagships for its camera performance. Sadly, the device remains a China exclusive, but its successor is expected to reach international markets. Now, a company executive has given clues about the thickness and battery capacity of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra.
Zhou Yibao, product manager of the OPPO Find series, confirmed that the X8 Ultra is in development. While he didn’t offer many technical details, he confirmed that the device will have a slimmer profile than the current Find X7 Ultra. For reference, the latter has a thickness of 9.5 mm, being one of its points to improve. However, it seems that thickness will not be an issue on the next-gen model.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra will be thinner than the X7 Ultra, but with more battery
That said, it’s impressive that the company will reduce the thickness of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra while increasing its battery capacity. The X7 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh cell, a standard figure among modern flagship mobile devices. However, this year, big Chinese companies are taking this section to a new level. According to Yibao, the smartphone will have a battery of around 6,000 mAh.
Recently, OnePlus unveiled a 6,100 mAh battery powered by proprietary Glacier technology. Glacier allows higher density batteries, which translates into greater capacity in less space. In fact, the 6,100 mAh Glacier battery is said to have similar dimensions to traditional 5,000 mAh batteries. Oppo and OnePlus are “sibling” companies and usually share technologies. Therefore, Oppo will probably turn to Glacier technology for the battery of its Find X8 Ultra. This would explain the reduction in thickness and the giant increase in capacity.
Yibao also confirmed that the body of the device will have IP68 certification. Other expected specs include a quad-curved OLED LTPO display (120 Hz, QHD+) and a powerful rear camera system with two periscope sensors.
We’ve been covering news about an AI-powered search engine from OpenAI for the past couple of months, but rumors dried up for a bit. Well, it’s no longer a rumor; OpenAI’s search engine is now official, and it’s called SearchGPT. This is good news for people who were waiting for this, but it’s bad news because most people are going to have to continue waiting.
OpenAI’s search engine is here, and it’s called SearchGPT
Already, OpenAI’s already cornered the generative AI market with its powerful models. That has Google in a huff, but it hasn’t touched the search engine market yet. That’s Google’s bread and butter, no matter how much it’s been messing up the algorithm.
In OpenAI’s case, this search engine will be just like any other search engine, but with an AI twist. Rather than being like a traditional search engine that relies on specific keywords, SearchGPT will be able to understand natural language.
When you enter your search query, the search engine will give you an AI-generated answer in ChatGPT style. However, it will source a couple of links. There will be a button off to the side that will surface more links that you can follow.
What’s neat about this search engine is that you’ll be able to ask follow-up questions about what you just searched. So, it’s just like using ChatGPT, but it links out to other sources and provides additional information.
Can’t wait to use it? Well, you’re going to have to
This search engine isn’t available to everyone just yet. If you want to use SearchGPT, you’ll need to get on the waitlist. Go to the official website if you want to join the waitlist. We have no idea how long you’re likely to be on the waitlist before you can use it, but you might want to join ASAP to get the best spot that you can get.
When this launches, you can bet that Google will take notice. The company has the most popular search engine in the world, and some people call it a monopoly. It’s about time that it had some competition. However, we wonder if OpenAI is the company to give it the competition.
A new subscription bundle is available for movie and TV fans, offering access to Disney+, Hulu, and Max at a discounted price. Customers can choose between an ad-supported plan for $16.99 per month or an ad-free plan for $29.99 per month. The bundle offers a vast selection of content from a variety of popular brands, including ABC, CNN, DC, Discovery, Disney, Food Network, FX, HBO, HGTV, Hulu, Marvel, Pixar, Searchlight, Star Wars, Warner Bros., and many more.This new bundle is a result of a partnership between Disney Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery. It offers a convenient way for subscribers to access three popular streaming services through a single monthly subscription. The bundle provides a significant savings compared to the cost of subscribing to each service individually. The ad-supported bundle costs $16.99 per month, while the ad-free version is priced at $29.99 per month. Subscribing to each service separately would cost significantly more, making the bundle an attractive option for those looking to save money.To promote the launch of the new bundle, a national marketing campaign has been launched across various platforms. The campaign highlights the diverse range of content available through the bundle, showcasing fan-favorite TV series, films, and characters from each streaming service. The campaign will run across national broadcast, social, digital, and owned-and-operated channels.
One of the key benefits of the new bundle is the vast array of content available to subscribers. The three streaming services offer a wide range of genres and interests, from animated films and family-friendly shows to documentaries, dramas, comedies, and more. In addition to the existing library of content, the bundle will also offer access to upcoming premieres and new releases.
The ad-supported plan offers a more affordable option for those who don’t mind occasional commercials. This plan provides a great value proposition, especially for viewers who primarily focus on the content and are less concerned about ad interruptions. On the other hand, the ad-free plan caters to viewers who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience. Personally, the ad-supported tier seems just fine to me, as the price difference between both plans seems miles apart. Now, the question that remains is, will I watch these networks enough to justify the expense.
One of the new features on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (part of One UI 6.1.1) is Drawing Assist. It’s part of the Galaxy AI suite of features, and it’s honestly pretty fun to mess around with. I’ve been surprised at how realistic the photos look after an, admittedly terrible drawing job.
We expect that Drawing Assist will make its way to other Samsung devices when the One UI 6.1.1 update rolls out more widely – including the Galaxy S24 series. But for now, it’s limited to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. In this article, we’re going to show you how you can use Drawing Assist to really make your photos come to life.
How to use Samsung Drawing Assist
To get started, open the Gallery app and choose a photo that you want to edit.
Now tap on the Galaxy AI icon at the bottom; it should be right in the center.
Next, tap on the “Sketch to Image” option that appears on the left side of the image.
In this next step, you’re going to draw what you want to add to the image. Could be a sun, moon, a car, train, plane, air balloon, person, really anything.
Once you’re finished drawing, tap on “Generate“.
After a few seconds – generally less than 30 seconds – Drawing Assist will present you with a few options.
If you find one you like, simply hit the “Save as Copy” icon at the bottom, and it will save it as a copy of that photo and add an “AI generated content” watermark to the bottom left corner of the photo.
If you don’t like what you are presented, you can edit your drawing and Generate again, and keep doing that til you find something you do like.
And that’s Drawing Assist. It’s a pretty cool and entertaining feature, but I can’t say I’d really ever use it that much.
Since the first Galaxy Ultra model, all devices in the lineup have used the same battery capacity. So, many fans of these phones have been waiting for improvements in this section for a long time. However, the latest leak about the Galaxy S25 Ultra battery could be disappointing.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra arrived in 2020 with a 5,000 battery. Samsung hasn’t changed this figure since, so even the latest Galaxy S24 Ultra uses a cell with the same capacity. As reported by Digital Chat Station on Weibo and Ice Universe on X, the South Korean giant will keep the tradition on the next-gen model.
Galaxy S25 Ultra may have the same battery capacity and charging support as the S20 Ultra
Not only that, but Samsung would also leave the device’s charging capabilities unchanged. That is, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5,000 mAh battery would support 45W of wired fast charging. The reports do not mention the wireless charging power that the device will support. However, it will probably be the same 15W as the S24 Ultra.
If those numbers look familiar to you, it’s because they’re exactly the same since the Galaxy S20 Ultra. It is possible that the cell has received technological improvements to optimize its operation in new generations. However, the battery capacity and support for fast charging have not changed at all.
Currently, big names in the industry have been stepping up their game in terms of battery capacity for flagship devices. BBK companies (like OPPO and OnePlus) have a 6,100 mAh cell whose thickness is similar to that of 5,000 mAh batteries. So, Samsung would be falling far behind compared to the latest flagship standards in terms of battery and charging.
Samsung would be keeping the same battery capacity for design reasons. The company would be looking to slim down the Galaxy S25 Ultra as much as possible. Leaks claim that the device will be just 8.4 mm thick. However, there are users who would prefer to maintain the current thickness if it means better battery life.
Google Maps has just introduced an accessibility alert feature that will alert users of outages at public transit stations that could make it more difficult for those with disabilities to access these locations. The update is available on iOS, Android, and desktop devices. Initially, it’s rolling out in New York, Paris, Seattle, Boston, Budapest, and Brisbane.The alert feature will inform users of issues such as broken elevators, which could make it difficult for people in wheelchairs to access certain platforms. This information can be particularly useful for those who rely on accessible routes and want to plan their trips accordingly. For example, those who use wheelchairs, have strollers, or are carrying heavy luggage can use this information to avoid stairs.The update aims to enhance the inclusivity and usability of Google Maps by providing users with information about accessibility issues at transit stations before they arrive. It empowers users to make informed decisions about their routes and avoid unexpected obstacles.
Selecting a wheelchair accessible route in Google Maps plus alerts when outages arise | Images credit — CNET
To access the accessibility alerts on Google Maps, users first need to activate the “wheelchair accessible routes” option. This can be done by following these steps:
Enter your desired destination in Google Maps.
Tap the three dots located in the upper-right corner of the app, next to the starting location.
Select “Options.”
Tap on “Wheelchair accessible.”
Once this option is enabled, users will see alerts next to any route options that might have accessibility issues. Clicking on an alert will reveal more information about the specific issue. For example, users might see a notification about an elevator outage at a particular station.
As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that it caters to the needs of all individuals. By integrating accessibility features into its platforms, Google is setting a positive example for the industry and working towards a future where technology truly benefits everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Some Windows users may see a BitLocker Recovery screen after applying the Microsoft patch Tuesday updates. BitLocker is a Windows security feature that encrypts entire drives. It prevents someone that has obtained a stolen or lost device from reading the files stored on that drive.
Unfortunately, though, Microsoft launched an update this month that has caused problems for some Windows systems. Without telling the public what, exactly, has gone wrong, Microsoft provided some details about what might happen on the Windows release health dashboard.
Affected systems are running Windows 10 and 11 or one of the server versions (Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008.). And the affected systems are very likely to have Device Encryption enabled.
You can find out if you have Device Encryption enabled by looking at:
Settings
Privacy & Security
Device encryption
If Device encryption doesn’t appear under Privacy & Security, it isn’t available for your system.
Under normal circumstances you wouldn’t see the BitLocker Recovery screen unless you enter the wrong PIN too many times or when you’ve made some hardware or firmware changes.
If you are affected by this faulty update, you will be presented with a screen similar to this one when you boot the system.
BitLocker recovery screen
On the screen, you’re asked to Enter the recovery key for this drive. Windows will also show a recovery ID to identify your key. Keep it handy since you may need this to find the recovery key.
How to get the recovery key
On another device, you can log in at https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey with your Microsoft account ID that you use on the currently affected system. Once logged in, you’ll see a list of the devices registered to that ID showing:
The Device name
The Key ID
The Recovery Key
Which drive type (OSV drive is a Primary drive containing the Operating System. FDV drive is a Secondary drive)
Key upload date
Find the Recovery key you need by looking for the Key ID that matches the Recovery key ID shown in the BitLocker Recovery screen and enter the Recovery Key listed behind that Key ID in the BitLocker Recovery screen.
Once you’ve entered the correct Recovery Key, your system should boot to the normal login screen.
We don’t just report on threats—we remove them
Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your devices by downloading Malwarebytes today.
As we get closer to Google’s launch event on August 13, we’re starting to see more and more leaks coming out. Including a set of promo images that Onleaks and 91Mobiles have just put out, for the entire Pixel 9 lineup.
These promo images confirm that there will be a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and a Pixel 9 Pro Fold – two of which, Google themselves have already confirmed. The Pixel 9 will sport a 6.3-inch display, with the Pro models coming in 6.3 and 6.9-inch sizes, and of course the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have a 6.3-inch and a 8-inch display. These were all confirmed yesterday, in other leaks.
The entire lineup will also sport the Tensor G4 chipset, with 16GB of RAM across the board – with the exception of Pixel 9, which will be 12GB. The Pixel 9 Pro models are getting a whopping 42-megapixel front-facing camera, while the Pixel 9 gets a 10.5-megapixel and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is sporting a 10-megapixel front-facing camera. The Pixel 9 Pro will also stick with the same cameras as the Pixel 8 Pro, which includes a 50MP primary, 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto camera. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 has a 50MP primary and a 48MP ultrawide. Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto.
Google Pixel 9 is “designed for AI”
In Google’s marketing material it is also claiming that the Google Pixel 9 is designed for AI, which should come as no surprise since this Google. And it’s also 2024 so everything is designed for AI. Google is providing Pixel 9 users with Gemini Advanced included at no extra cost, for 12 months. There’s also a new feature called “Pixel Screenshots,” which will help “you save info that you want to remember later – like events, places, and more.” It’s sort of like Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature, but more watered down.
As expected, the Pixel 9 series will also be receiving seven years of updates, similar to the Pixel 8, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Finally, the new Pixels also get EMergency SOS, which will send you crisis alerts about nearby fires or floods. Google also claims that this can thrwart malware and phishing scams.
This is shaping up to be a pretty big launch by Google, if not the biggest launch that the Pixel brand has ever seen.
In June, Chargeasap launched the Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger as a minor upgrade over its 270W GaN (gallium nitride) charger. It is the world’s first and smallest 280W charger yet. The upgraded power brick features four output ports — three USB-C and one USB-A — and a built-in OLED display that shows real-time charging speeds for each port separately. You get up to 140W of charging from one port. The firm supplies the charger with four different plugs (with interchangeable converters), ensuring a perfect fit in the wall socket everywhere. In this review, we look deeper into the Chargeasap 280W Charger’s everyday performance, portability, build quality, and other features.
Table of contents
Chargeasap 280W Charger Review: Hardware & Design
Chargeasap’s Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger is a massive power brick. It has a dimension of 89 x 59 x 44mm/3.5 x 2.32 x 1.73 inches and weighs 380 grams/0.83 pounds. While it feels relatively compact for what it offers, its weight doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s the first thing you’ll notice after taking the charger out of its box. The power brick is a bit too heavy to carry around in your handbag or backpack. Well, it’s certainly a better option than carrying multiple chargers. But if you travel frequently, this is something you’d want to be wary about.
Overall, this Chargeasap 280W charger has a well-built design with a smooth finish that feels premium. There is a “Chargeasap” logo on the left and right faces, while the front face has a display on the top with four output ports below it. The tiny rectangular display is a colored OLED panel that separately shows the real-time charging volts, amps, and wattage for each port. The ports are labeled C1, C2, C3, and A1, both on the display and the charger. The former three are USB-C ports while the latter is the lone USB-A port.
The USB-A port sits on the top left and has a maximum output power of 65W. The C1 port is next to it and offers up to 140W of charging speed, enough to charge your powerful new Windows laptop or Macbook. The C2 port sits directly below it and has the same output power. Finally, the C3 port is on the bottom left with a maximum charging speed of 100W. The ports are spaced well enough for easy connecting and disconnecting of charging cables. You can simultaneously plug in four cables without making the setup look overcrowded.
Some of the plug converters are built a little poorly
On the opposite face, the Chargeasap Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger has a convertible plug to draw power from the wall socket. The charger ships with the US version installed permanently, with additional plugs supplied in the box to convert it into the plug type used in your region. You get three interchangeable prongs, which should be enough to make the charger universal. The built-in prong folds into the charger’s body when connecting a converter, helping keep a compact shape. You can also fold it when carrying the charger in your bag.
While it’s a well-thought-out design from Chargeasap, pulling out the prong requires that extra bit of force and effort. You have to pull it out with your nails. If your nails are short and tidy, the prong might hurt your fingertip. If only the firm added a button or something to pull the prong out of its folded state. I also found some of the plug converters poor in build quality. If you are plugging the charger into a wall socket horizontally, the plug cannot hold it straight because of its sheer weight. I had the charger fall off the socket a couple of times. This might also damage the plug or the socket over time.
I would have also liked Chargeasap to provide users with instructions on connecting and disconnecting the plug converters. While it’s not rocket science—most users should figure it out pretty quickly—it should have printed the instructions on the box or the paperwork supplied inside the box. Maybe also add arrows showing the direction you should pull the converter when disconnecting it. Some people might end up pulling it in the wrong direction and potentially damaging the prong. These little things help enhance the user experience.
No USB cable in the box
This 280W charger from Chargeasap is designed carefully to not obstruct switches and sockets around it. Some multi-port chargers block things around them, negating their benefit of charging multiple devices simultaneously. Chargeasap deserves praise for taking care of that. However, the firm should have supplied at least one USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. The brick comes with no cable. You have to purchase them separately. Alongside the charger and plug converters, the box includes a pouch and some paperwork. Nothing more.
The pouch in question is nothing special. It’s a basic pouch with a drawstring to keep your charger, cables (that you purchased separately), plug converters (you should carry them when traveling abroad), and other accessories tucked away from your other belongings. A thoughtful addition from Chargeasap, but buyers would be happier to see a cable than a pouch. Maybe the firm thought device makers already supply a cable in the box, so we don’t need to include one. It’s no excuse, though. If I am buying a charger, I want a cable with it.
Chargeasap 280W Charger Review: Performance
The Chargeasap Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger delivers a maximum output power of 280W. As mentioned above, it has two USB-C ports (C1 and C2) with a 140W power output, one with 100W (C3), and a USB-A port with 65W (A1). However, you don’t always get the maximum speed for each port. The official specifications say C1 and C2 can simultaneously deliver 140W of power for a total of 280W. A C1/C2 + C3 combination gives you the expected maximum of 240W (140W+100W). Likewise, a C1/C2 + A1 combinations delivers 205W of power (140W+65W).
However, combining C1, C2, and C3 ports drops the power output of the latter two to 65W (C1 still at 140). You get the same power output when combining C1, C2, and A1 ports. The charging speed drops drastically when you bring the A1 port into the mix. A C3+A1 combination, for example, drops the power to just 15W. So, it’s better to use a USB-C to USB-C cable than a USB-A to USB-C. Chargeasap has equipped the charger with a laptop-first power distribution system. It ensures 140W of power output from the C1 port regardless of which other port you use.
This is great for charging your laptop at full speed. Other ports might suffer a speed drop but the C1 will constantly deliver 140W charging speed. Well, the speed depends on the power and charging settings of your device, as well as other factors such as system temperature and maximum supported charging speed, but you get the gist. If you are only charging one device, try to use the C1 port. It supports all kinds of fast charging technologies, including PPS, PD, QC, AFC, FCP, SCP, PE, and SFCP. The last one isn’t used widely but Chargeasap still supports it.
The charger appears to lack over-charging protection
While I didn’t have a device that charged at 140W, I tested Chargeasap’s new 280W charger with various devices that supported charging speeds ranging from 5W to 100W, and it performed as expected. I got a reliable speed, comparable to the in-box chargers that came with some of the tested devices. However, the charger appears to lack over-charging protection. The display, if it shows accurate information (more on this later), indicated a 1W power supply even after the device was fully charged. There was no indicator showing a full charge.
Interestingly, Chargeasap claims protection against over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature, and short circuits. It would have been nice if the charger cut off the power supply completely as soon as the device was fully charged. Or maybe it does but the display is incorrectly showing a power draw. There was definitely no overheating issue. The charger or the wall socket never got excessively warm even when all four ports were in use. Overall, this Chargeasap power brick performed in the expected lines. No major issues to worry about.
Chargeasap 280W Charger Review: Display
The Chargeasap Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger’s display is no gimmick. The tiny screen on its front side tells you how much power your device is drawing. It lets you track whether the device is charging at its full speed or not. The screen shows the real-time volts, amps, and wattage for each port separately. The information is marked clearly so anyone can understand what is going on. The display lights up when a device is connected and goes off automatically after you disconnect the device or cut off the main power source. It’s a handy addition to this powerhouse of a charger.
The display isn’t the brightest or sharpest out there but does its job effectively. It shows four rows of information. The top row is for the C1 (140W) port, the second for the C2 (140W), the third for the C3 (100W), and the last row for the A1 (65W) port. Chargeasap has color-coded the rows to make it easy to distinguish between them. Next to the legends denoting the port are readings showing the real-time volts, amps, and wattage, in that order. The readings are spaced widely so you can easily see them when your device is charging.
According to Chargeasap, this power brick has the Navitas GaNFast NV6127 Power IC technology. The firm has equipped the charger with four of these industry-leading chips. This enabled it to offer faster charging speeds and superior efficiency in a more compact form factor. It could throw in a display alongside four US ports and yet offer up to 280W of power output, all in a package with a volume of 231 cubic centimeters or 14.1 cubic inches. Most competing solutions are bigger and heavier than this Chargeasap charger.
Chargeasap 280W Charger Review: Should you buy it?
At $219, the Chargeasap Zeus 280W USB-C GaN Charger isn’t cheap. It’s quite expensive for a charger that doesn’t give you a cable. However, the power brick still offers great value for your money. It has a solid build and a compact size with four output ports and a display. If you are constantly on the move with multiple electronic devices that need to be charged every often, this might be the perfect solution for you. Yes, it is heavy. But not if you are already packing multiple power bricks every time you are on the go.
You should buy the Chargeasap 280W charger if you:
…are looking for a compact multi-port charger with fast charging support …want a charger that offers USB-C and USB-A output ports …need a charger with a built-in display for monitoring the real-time charging speed …frequently travel abroad and need plug converters for your charger
You shouldn’t buy the Chargeasap 280W charger if you:
…want a cable in the box …prefer a lightweight design over four ports
