Tech

Get a closer look at the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha in MKBHD’s hands-on video – The Verge

Published

5 years ago

February 28, 2020

It’s been six months since Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Mix Alpha, with its intriguing “surround screen” that wraps almost entirely around the phone. Now, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee (also known as MKBHD) has a more in-depth look at the prototype hardware running prototype software. And while it seems very polished for an unfinished product, a closer look reveals a few areas where its software needs some optimization and where some of its hardware doesn’t quite seem as magical as it did at the unveiling. Let’s touch on the specs first.

Unsurprisingly, the display is the main highlight here, and it’s dazzling to behold. It’s a 2088 x 2250 resolution display, wrapping all the way around the phone and meeting at a ceramic strip on the phone’s back that houses all of its cameras. Xiaomi claims that it’s a 7.9-inch display, measured from end to end, though he likens the actual size of its main section to that of an iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Mi Mix Alpha has the Snapdragon 855 Plus, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of UFS 3.0 flash storage inside. The phone also packs in a 4,050mAh battery that supports 40W fast charging.

Given that the Mi Mix Alpha has so much screen real estate, Xiaomi attempts to take full advantage of it by shifting some software functions normally constrained to a standard-sized phone screen to various parts of the display — with varying degrees of success. The left edge showcases the date and the time and offers a glimpse at notifications.

When you flip the phone around, it displays a dashboard of sorts, revealing the weather, a step counter, music controls, and the like. It’s cool, but instead of pulling down a notification shade, you’ll have to physically rotate the phone to get the same info. Taking pictures works as you’d expect, though you’ll need to twist the phone around to take selfies as it doesn’t have a selfie camera. The bright side of this awkward interface choice is that you’ll be snapping selfies with the phone’s 108MP main camera.

Xiaomi placed some digital controls for volume control and power over on the right side, and MKBHD says these need some work. He states that using these buttons can be hit-or-miss, and it’s possibly due to Xiaomi’s in-progress palm rejection algorithm, which caused some accidental presses here and in other places while using the phone. There’s a physical hardware button for putting the phone to sleep along its top edge, but there’s no easy shortcut for adjusting the volume.

MKBHD’s experience with using the phone turned up a few interesting revelations. You might assume that an all-glass build would get super slippery, but he says that it’s actually grippy. Also, he shares that the glass that wraps around the display is actually three separate pieces fused together to give the illusion of one piece. And depending on the lighting, where the pieces meet can be easy to spot with a rainbow effect that hits on the edges of the glass.

Xiaomi claimed that the Mi Mix Alpha went into “small-scale” production in late 2019, though the company hasn’t given an update on wider availability for the phone outside of China. There hasn’t been an update on international pricing, either. Xiaomi set the price in September 2019 at 19,999 yuan, or about $2,800, which is pricey for a phone with a folded screen that doesn’t actually fold.

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Tech

How Puzzle Mechanics Are Changing the Way We Play Online Slots

Published

14 hours ago

September 30, 2024

Harry Miller

Online slots have long been a favorite for casual gamers and seasoned bettors alike, offering simple gameplay combined with the thrill of potential rewards. However, as the landscape of online gaming continues to evolve, a new wave of slot games is emerging—one that incorporates puzzle mechanics into the traditional reel-spinning experience. These puzzle-based slots are changing the way players engage with the game, offering more interactive and challenging gameplay that goes beyond the usual spin-and-win formula.

In this article, we’ll explore how puzzle mechanics are transforming the world of online slots, why they are gaining popularity, and what players can expect from this innovative trend.

The Evolution of Online Slots

A Brief History of Slot Games

Slots have come a long way since the days of mechanical machines with just three reels and a lever to pull. The digital transformation brought these games online, making them more accessible and varied. Early online slot games mimicked the physical versions, with similar symbols and basic gameplay. As technology advanced, developers began incorporating themes, storylines, and special features like bonus rounds and free spins, making online slots more immersive than ever before.

What Are Puzzle Mechanics?

Puzzle mechanics in games are features that require players to solve problems, think strategically, or perform certain actions in a specific sequence to progress. Popular in genres like adventure or mobile games, puzzle mechanics are now finding their way into online slots. Instead of relying solely on luck, players can now enjoy a more engaging and mentally stimulating experience by solving puzzles while they spin the reels.

In puzzle-based slots, players might be required to match symbols in a certain way, clear the board, or complete a specific objective to unlock rewards. These mechanics provide an added challenge, requiring not just chance but also skill and strategy.

How Puzzle Mechanics Enhance Online Slots?

Increased Player Engagement

One of the key reasons puzzle mechanics are gaining popularity in online slots is that they significantly increase player engagement. Slot gacor hari ini can become repetitive after a while, with players simply pressing a button and waiting for the outcome. Puzzle elements, on the other hand, give players more control and decision-making opportunities during gameplay.

By combining skill and chance, puzzle mechanics keep players invested longer. Each spin becomes part of a larger strategy to solve the puzzle, giving players a sense of accomplishment when they succeed.

More Rewarding Experiences

Puzzle mechanics also create a more rewarding experience. In many of these games, completing a puzzle or solving a problem leads to bigger bonuses, extra spins, or unlocking new levels within the game. This contrasts with traditional slots, where payouts are often random and disconnected from the player’s actions.

In puzzle-based slots, players may be able to unlock progressive rewards by completing various stages, making each win feel more earned. The satisfaction of solving a puzzle adds an extra layer of excitement, as it’s not just about hitting the jackpot but also about progressing through the game.

A Shift in Focus: From Luck to Strategy

While luck still plays a significant role in puzzle-based slots, the introduction of strategy adds a new dimension to the gameplay. In traditional slots, outcomes are purely based on chance, with random number generators (RNG) determining the result of each spin. Puzzle mechanics shift the focus by giving players more agency over the game’s outcome.

Examples of Puzzle-Based Slot Games

Popular Titles Leading the Way

Several puzzle-based slot games are already making waves in the industry. These games combine the familiar elements of online slots with puzzle-solving features, creating a unique and exciting experience for players.

Gonzo’s Quest: One of the most popular examples of a puzzle-based slot game, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, incorporates cascading reels and multipliers that increase with each consecutive win. Players must clear symbols to uncover hidden treasures, and the puzzle-like gameplay makes each spin more strategic.
Finn and the Swirly Spin: Another example from NetEnt, this slot uses a spiral mechanic where symbols move in a swirl rather than traditional paylines. Players must clear symbols in a specific order to unlock features, creating a puzzle-like experience that requires more than just pressing spin.
Reactoonz: This game by Play’n GO features a grid layout rather than traditional reels, with symbols that explode and collapse to form winning combinations. Players must think ahead to trigger special bonuses by clearing enough symbols, making the gameplay highly interactive.

These titles are just a few examples of how puzzle mechanics are being incorporated into slot games, offering players more than just a reliance on luck.

Conclusion

Puzzle mechanics are changing the way we play online slots by adding a layer of complexity and interaction that wasn’t previously available. These games offer more engaging, rewarding, and strategic experiences, appealing to both casual players and those looking for a more involved gaming session. As the trend continues to grow, puzzle-based slots will likely become a staple in the world of online gaming, revolutionizing how we think about and play these classic games.

Business

Payments tech company Lightspeed Commerce conducting strategic review of business

Published

5 days ago

September 26, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.

The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.

Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.

A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.

Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:LSPD)

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Economy

Bank of Canada trying to figure out how AI might affect inflation, Macklem says

Published

2 weeks ago

September 20, 2024

Anne Joseph

OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.

In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.

“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.

“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”

The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.

In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.

However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.

The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.

“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.

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