All of my opinions are italicized and sources are in blue.
A piracy and anti-DRM focused Twitter account, PC_enjoyer, recently shared a screenshot of a Ubisoft support email telling the user that their Ubisoft account had been suspended for “inactivity,” and would be “permanently closed” after 30 days. The email provided a link to cancel the move. Ubisoft’s verified support account responded to the tweet, seemingly confirming the screenshotted email’s legitimacy. I was unable to find anything regarding account closure for inactivity in Ubisoft’s US terms of use or its end user license agreement, but the company does reserve the right to suspend or end services at any time. Ubisoft has a support page titled “Closure of inactive Ubisoft accounts.” The page first describes instances where the service clashes with local data privacy laws, then reads: “We may also close long-term inactive accounts to maintain our database. You will be notified by email if we begin the process of closing your inactive account.”
Ubisoft now says that accounts which have game purchases or subscriptions attached to them are spared deletion for inactivity. The company has not explained the support message that seemed to indicate otherwise, but it has updated its policy page.
This Samsung Unpacked event was mainly focused on their folding phones, but their Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Watch also got some upgrades. Most of these upgrades are pretty minor, but still needed.
The product that has received the most changes is the Z Flip 5. The first thing you’ll notice about the new device is its much larger 3.4-inch cover display that stretches from the device’s hinge to its dual cameras. Like the one on the Moto Razr Plus, the Flip 5’s cover screen can run full Android apps. Unlike the previous generation, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 also folds totally flat and ships with an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The screen on the inside remains unchanged, featuring a 6.7-inch OLED panel. Even with the bigger cover screen, the device will retain the same price as the Z Flip 4: $999.
The Z Fold 5 did not receive the same treatment. While this device doesn’t come with as many major changes as the Z Flip 5, Samsung has still made some improvements. The Z Fold 5 also comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and an updated hinge that lets the device fold flat when closed. That means it’s a lot thinner than its predecessor, measuring 13.4mm thick (down from 14.2mm) when it’s closed shut. Other meaningful updates include a brightness boost to its 7.6-inch inner screen, which now sits at 1,750 nits. Despite these minor tweaks, the device still costs a hefty $1,799.
Samsung has a new line of tablets: the Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 Ultra. For the first time, all three tablets are getting OLED screens, as well as IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance. But aside from those updates and a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, not much is changing here in terms of key features. The sizes on the trio of tablets remain the same, with the S9 sporting an 11-inch display, the S9 Plus with a 12.4-inch screen, and the Tab S9 Ultra featuring a 14.6-inch display. In terms of pricing, the S9 starts at $799.99, while the Tab S9 Plus is $999.99, and the Ultra is priced at $1,199.99.
There are two variations of the Galaxy Watch: the Galaxy Watch and the Galaxy watch classic. The classic is bigger and has a rotating bezel. Both watches feature sapphire crystal displays and slightly larger displays. They’ll also ship with the latest Wear OS 4 and One UI 5 skin, which offer updates to sleep tracking, personalized heart rate zones, emergency SOS calling, and more. The Watch 6 Classic costs $399.99, while the regular Watch 6 is priced at $299.99.
(Images from Samsung.com)
Just like last week, Reddit tricked an AI website into writing an article about the fake game character Glorbo. This time, Redditor Rasputin_the_Warmind posted about a secret boss that has been added to Destiny 2. Two days later, the AI website gamingacharya posted an article about the Glorbo boss fight.
Apple opened applications for the Vision Pro developer kit on Monday, which means the headset will soon be in the hands of people outside of the company. Apple, however, is going to extreme lengths to ensure no details about the Vision Pro developer kit leak to the public…and to make sure one of them doesn’t get left behind in a bar. Developers who are chosen to receive a Vision Pro developer kit will be prompted to complete a form detailing all of their sizing information. As shared by Mark Gurman on Twitter, developers will use a “Measure and Fit” app that enlists the iPhone’s camera to determine sizing for things like the Head Band and Light Seals.
The product is bound by a strict agreement that outlines all of the things developers must do to prevent Vision Pro developer kits (“DK”) from ending up in the wrong hands.
Apple stated:
“You must ensure that unauthorized persons (including any family, friends, roommates or household employees) do not access, view, handle, or use the DK.
When in use, the DK should be in your positive control (on your person or within Your direct line of sight) at all times. You must ensure the DK is passcode protected. Never leave the DK unattended. When not in use, turn off the DK and store it in its locked Pelican case in a locked space that only You have access to (e.g., a locked room or closet, a safe or locked drawer).
The DK may not be moved from or taken away from its ship-to address by You or Your Authorized Developers without Apple’s prior written consent. If You will be away from Your workspace for more than 10 days, consult with Your Apple point of contact about how to keep the DK safe while You are away. You agree to restrict access to the DK to You and Your Authorized Developers, and to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard the DK from loss or theft.”
It’s unclear when the first Vision Pro developer kits will arrive to developers or how many people, if any, have been approved for the program so far.
