Reviews of the iPhone SE went live this morning, and overall, it’s a hit. ZDNet sister site CNET already reviewed it, with Patrick Holland saying the SE is “not only a wonderful iPhone but one of the best budget phones you can currently buy.” Now, combine that line of thinking with businesses who are looking to cut back on costs while still ensuring their employees are always connected, and the iPhone SE is poised to be hit with consumers and business users alike.
At $399, with the latest A13 Bionic processor, new camera features, and battery life that should be more than enough for most — it’s hard to go wrong with this budget-tier iPhone.
While we wait for ZDNet contributor Matthew Miller to write up his full review of the iPhone SE, I thought I’d share some quick thoughts after I got my hands on the SE a couple days before it’s official launch on April 24.
Apple’s iconic home button and Touch ID are back.
Jason Cipriani/ZDNet
I really miss small phones
It’s been years since I’ve owned or regularly used a phone with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches, but after a couple of hours setting up and using the iPhone SE, I now remember why I resisted jumping on the phablet train years ago.
Smaller phones are just easier to manage, whether it’s throwing it in your pocket, or when using it with a single hand.
For example, iOS 13 included a gesture keyboard, and I’ve yet to use it more than a couple of times. That kind of keyboard lends itself to single-handed use, and trying to hold the iPhone 11 Pro Max with one hand while gesture typing is just begging for the phone to take a tumble. With the iPhone SE, I’ve swipe-typed several times already, and it just feels natural.
Sadly, with phones like the S20 Ultra and OnePlus 8 Pro showing that manufactures are only continuing to push the size limits of phones, it doesn’t look like small form factor phones with high-end features are about to make a comeback.
I don’t miss Touch ID, but it has its place
I’ve said it before, but I simply prefer the ease of use that Face ID brings to Apple’s lineup. I pick up or wake up my device and by the time I swipe up on the screen, my phone’s unlocked and ready for use. Touch ID is similar, in that I press the home button and it simultaneously unlocks and takes me to the home screen. It’s sure to be a useful tool, especially right now when wearing a face mask in public renders Face ID useless.
I still prefer Face ID, but we’ll see how I feel about Touch ID after a week or two of use.
Jason Cipriani/ZDNet
The camera has potential
I need to fully test the camera before I give any hard opinions, but the first few pictures I captured have looked good. Apple has implemented a lot of machine learning and AI into making the iPhone SE’s camera take better photos than what we saw with the iPhone 8.
The biggest change I’ll have to learn to deal with is getting used to the smaller display and how it impacts framing a photo. This is, admittedly, something I’m only even aware of because I’m coming from the iPhone 11 Pro Max and its 6.5-inch screen. For someone who has been using something like an older iPhone 6, you won’t even notice.
However, it’s worth mentioning for those who are thinking about downsizing with their next upgrade. A smaller screen is more manageable, sure, but it also means there are undoubtedly adjustments that will need to be made when completing routine tasks.
Don’t worry about performance
I made a quick run of Geekbench 5’s CPU benchmark on the iPhone SE and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Remember, both phones have the A13 Bionic processor.
The iPhone SE scored 1,338 on single-core and 2,971 for multi-core. The iPhone 11 Pro Max? It scored 1,322 for single-core and 3,462 for multi-core. In other words, at $399, you’re getting an iPhone with performance nearly on par with the $1,200 iPhone 11 Pro Max. That’s just crazy.
Jason Cipriani/ZDNet
More to come
We will have a full review soon, and I’ll follow that up with more thoughts after I’ve spent some quality time with the iPhone SE and acclimated to a smaller device. It’s going to be a challenge, but a fun one at that.
I’m curious about battery life, overall camera performance, especially in low light situations, and whether I miss having multiple cameras.
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.
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.
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.
