Engaget Summary (2023-05-16 07AM)

Source: After two years of updates, the HomePod mini is actually pretty good

Summary
The Apple HomePod mini has improved significantly since its original release in 2020, with added functionality such as active temperature and humidity sensors, smoke and CO2 alarm detection and access to third-party music services. The recent 16.4 software update has addressed reliability issues and improved Siri’s responsiveness.

Fact
💡 The HomePod mini now has unlocked temperature and humidity sensors, allowing users to check conditions in a room and automatically toggle smart home devices.
💡 Recurring automations using Siri have been added in the 16.3 update.
💡 Matter support has been included, making it compatible with a wider range of smart home devices.

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Source: The best Xbox games for 2023

Summary
Engadget suggests the best Xbox games for someone who is picking up an Xbox today, whether it’s a Series X, Series S, One X, or One S. The list includes games exclusive to Microsoft and cross-platform showstoppers that play best on Xbox.

Fact

🎮 Deathloop is stylish, accessible and fun. It involves you being trapped in a day that repeats itself until you break the loop by efficiently murdering seven main characters. The online multiplayer is also addictive, with roles being flipped and you playing as Julianna, hunting down Colt.

🔫 Overwatch 2 still has a steep learning curve but indulging in playing it is worth it. It involves players forming a team of six and competing in objective-based multiplayer matches across various maps.

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Source: Apple now helps you discover concerts in Maps and Music

Summary
Apple Maps and Apple Music now offer concert discovery features. Apple Maps offers over 40 curated “Guides” highlighting hot concert venues in 14 major cities around the world. You can also browse upcoming shows at those venues through a Shazam discovery module that taps info from Bandsintown. Apple Music includes a Shazam module to let you browse a musician’s upcoming shows. A new Set Lists section lets you listen to tracks played at specific tours.

Fact

🔍 Apple Maps has over 40 curated “Guides” for concert venues in 14 major cities around the world.

👨‍🎤 Apple Music now includes a Shazam module to let you browse a musician’s upcoming shows.

🎶 Apple Music’s new Set Lists section lets you listen to tracks played at specific tours.

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Source: Logitech’s G Cloud Gaming handheld arrives in Europe

Summary
Logitech’s cloud gaming handheld device, G Cloud, is now available to purchase in Europe for €359 / £329. Designed for cloud gaming, its limited specifications include a mid-range Qualcomm 720G SoC, 4GB of RAM, Bluetooth 5.1/WiFi 5, and a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen and gamepad controls.

Facts

🎮 The Logitech G Cloud resembles handheld devices like Razer Edge and Ayaneo Air Pro.

💰 Logitech’s G Cloud retails for $300, but sells for $350 and comes with additional features, including virtual button mapping, dead zones, and official support for ShadowPC.

🌍 G Cloud is available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

🎁 Up to six months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a month of NVIDIA GeForce NOW Priority and a month of Shadow PC are included with the device.

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