Mayhem Studios has announced the closed beta of their much-anticipated battle royale game — Underworld gang wars. After the conclusion of their recent community playtest, the gaming studio is gearing up to enable the gameplay to a larger audience who can get a chance to experience the game first-hand. Registration details for closed beta The registration for closed beta has started and gamers can access it by filling in the form here.Mayhem Studios has also released the new cinematic trailer that gives a sneak peek into the game, the lead characters, the different hotspots and the closed beta announcement. Watch the Underworld gang wars trailer here
Underworld Gang Wars (UGW) Closed Beta Trailer | Rooted In India| Battle Royale Game | Mobile Game
Underworld gang wars: Details Mayhem announced the game last year. The game studio claims that this is one of its kind battle royale game developed specifically to incorporate Indian elements not only in the theme and characters but also flaunt game hotspots that are deeply rooted in India. The gameplay will unfold in a first-person perspective, providing fans with the opportunity to explore all 16 distinct hotspots, including the fort, the ghats, and the mandi, marking the representation of Indian locations in a AAA game for the first time. Players must align themselves with either The Velvets or the Bhokal Toli, assuming the role of gang members to progress in the game. Additionally, a diverse array of weapons, including innovative choices like the hammer and the Katta, is available, promising to elevate the overall gaming experience. Speaking on the announcement, Ojas Vipat, CEO, Mayhem Studios, “We are excited to announce the close beta and make the game available to a larger audience. We look forward to seeing the reaction of UGW fans who have shown us great love and support ever since we announced the title’’. He also added, “Our goal is to not only develop high-quality games and gaming related IP in India but also build unique titles that make a substantial impact on the gaming industry, both domestically and internationally. UGW is the first step towards this direction”.
Domestic D2C charging solutions brand Urbn has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new compact Magnetic Wireless power bank. The new Magtag power banks come with 10,000 mAh and 5,000 mAh capacity. Both of the products have been launched under the company’s premium range category, ‘black edition’.
Urbn Magtag power banks: Price and availability
The Magtag power banks with 10,000 mAh and 5,000 mAh capacity are priced at Rs 3,499 and Rs 2,499, respectively.Users can buy these products at Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Vijay Sales, and Urbn’s own D2C platform, Urbnworld.com. The power banks will be available in black, blue, and purple colour options and are backed by a one-year replacement warranty
Urbn Magtag power banks: Key specs
The 10,000mAh MagTag power bank supports Power Delivery (PD) compatible fast charging that claims to charge devices from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. The latest Urbn MagTag is also compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. The power banks feature the innovative MagTag ring, which comes bundled with each box. It can be used to charge both iPhones and
Android phones with wireless charging capability. Customers can attach the MagTag ring to their phone case for a seamless charging experience. MagTag power banks also support pass-through charging. With this technology, the power banks can charge themselves while charging a phone. This feature ensures that both devices are getting charged simultaneously. The 10,000mAh and 5,000mAh variants take 3–4 hours to get fully charged. The power bank with 10,000 mAh capacity supports 15W wireless and 20W wired charging speeds. Meanwhile, the 5,000 mAh variant has a more compact form factor and supports only 12W wired charging speed. These new accessories also include dual output charging capability, Strong Magnetic Hold to maintain a stable connection throughout the charging procedure and are BIS certified. The Times of India Gadgets Now awards: Cast your vote now and pick the best phones, laptops and other gadgets of 2023
Samsung plans to start manufacturing laptops at its facility in Noida later this year, according to a top company executive. The South Korean tech conglomerate already manufactures its smartphones in the country — these are sold domestically as well as exported — and is already making preparations to begin assembling laptops here. Samsung currently produces its laptops in China and Vietnam, and the laptop models that it plans to produce here are expected to be sold in the Indian market.
TM Roh, Samsung’s Mobile Division President, stated at a media briefing (via Mint) on Monday that the company is preparing to manufacture its laptops in the country. “Noida is a very important production base for Samsung. It is the second largest base for Samsung. There may be some changes at the plant to optimize it as per the global demand but what remains unchanged is the fact that it is an important base for us,” he said.
Last September, it was reported that Samsung was preparing to produce its laptops in the country a month later, at its Noida facility. While it appears those plans were delayed, the company has now confirmed that it will produce its laptops in India.
However, before the three-month period was up, the government reversed its decision and said it would not impose the licensing requirement on imports of laptops and computers. At the time, the government said it would only monitor inbound shipments of these laptops.
Last May, the government announced the PLI 2.0 scheme for IT hardware with an outlay of Rs. 17,000 crore. India reportedly imported computers and laptops worth $7.37 billion (roughly Rs. 61,300 crore) in 2021-22, which fell to $5.33 billion (roughly Rs. 44,300 crore) in 2022-23.
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Apple’s Vision Pro is just a couple of days away from launching, and while Apple has highlighted some astonishing apps that are coming to the device, there have also been questions over how many apps will be available for users upon release. Well, we now know that one of the best iPhone apps will be among that number, and it could provide you with a great way to use Apple’s mixed-reality headset.
The app is the ever-popular Carrot Weather. As the name suggests, this app provides you with forecasts, weather warnings, and everything in between. It’s known for its caustic sense of humor – your reports are delivered by a robot whose outlook ranges from gentle to misanthropic – and that’s helped it stand out among a slate of other excellent weather apps.
On the Vision Pro, though, Carrot Weather is going to do something a little different. According to screenshots posted by the M1 Astra account on X (formerly Twitter), Carrot Weather will come with a floating planet Earth that shows the weather at whatever global location you select, as well as mini-games you can play via an tool at the bottom of the app window.
That comes in addition to the range of weather data you’d expect from an app like this, including temperatures, wind speeds, sunrise and sunset times, and more. That information will be displayed in a large floating window that shows far more data at a glance than the Carrot Weather iPhone app is able to do.
As spotted by MacRumors, Carrot Weather developer Brian Mueller said the floating globe would be the “marquee feature” of the app and that “it’s just really cool being able to look at a globe floating in your living room.” It shows one of the ways the Vision Pro may let apps do things they never could on an iPhone or iPad.
Is the Vision Pro selling well?
(Image credit: Grailr)
It comes as news emerged that Apple has reportedly sold around 200,000 Vision Pro headsets in the first 10 days since pre-orders opened on January 19 (via MacRumors). Given pre-release predictions, that seems like an impressively high figure, but there is a caveat to those numbers.
Analysts had previously predicted that Apple would sell about 400,000 headsets in the entire first year of its availability. Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo, meanwhile, forecast that Apple would produce between 60,000 and 80,000 units for the device’s launch, suggesting that even Apple was unprepared for the level of demand.
That said, Kuo also claimed in a later report that Apple sold between 160,000 and 180,000 headsets during the pre-order weekend. That suggests that demand might have slowed in the days since then, as Apple has now apparently hit 200,000 units sold after 10 days.
The big question is whether Apple can sustain Vision Pro demand throughout the year. A large number of those 200,000 sales would likely have come from developers, hardcore Apple fans and early adopters. Will Apple be able to sustain this level of sales going forward, or will interest slowly die off over time? We’ll be watching closely.
Oculus Quest 2 fitness games are a great way to combine exercise and gameplay. They are one of the most innovative ways we can use VR technology, and they can provide the motivation to pick up an exercise routine and stick with it when just jogging around the block didn’t do the trick.
With a range of different themes, exciting gameplay and clever use of player psychology, the developers of Oculus Quest 2 fitness games show their understanding not just of people who love video games, but also how to use gamification to get us to do something that’s good for us. Using VR for your living-room workout has never been easier, either – if you don’t own a Quest 2 headset yet, we can help you with the best Meta Quest 2 deals and how to connect your Quest 2 to a PC to play VR games available outside the Quest 2 store.
This list offers a variety of Quest 2 fitness games in order to find the workout that’s best for you – from rhythm games to dancing and boxing, there is something here for everyone.
(Image credit: Beat Games)
Beat Saber
This rhythm game is a workout for body and brain
Not only is Beat Saber one of the best VR games out there, it’s also one of the best ways to get fit using a VR headset like the Quest 2. Its deceptively simple gameplay sees you slice red and blue blocks in time to popular music tracks using dual laser swords; it’s like an aggressive version of Guitar Hero. You’re also forced to dodge around and under floating barriers that head your way.
Beat Saber ask you to prove both your musical ear and your stamina, as you’re swinging your arms and dodging to the music. It’s a whole-body workout, and you’ll be sure to feel the burn throughout your whole body especially on higher difficulty levels that increase both the speed the blocks come flying at you and their number. However, Beat Saber also makes you feel very cool with your sabers, and before long you’ll enter a flow state where you just want to keep improving. It’s a simple concept, implemented so effectively that the workout part will seem like an afterthought, at least until your muscles scream the next morning. Thanks to the great music selection Beat Saber offers, it’s easy to keep pushing yourself further and further so you can achieve your goals.
(Image credit: Harmonix)
Dance Central
Hit the club in VR
Dance Central takes you and your friends to your own private club where you can choose exactly which songs you dance along to. This is one of the more casual Quest 2 fitness games, as Dance Central neither gives you a set regimen or particularly strenuous move. However, not everyone enjoys that kind of workout, and any exercise is good exercise. You can see Dance Central either as the start to your Quest 2 fitness journey or simply a fun way to get some exercise in.
Thanks to its decently sized and diverse tracklist – with the option to purchase more songs for your library – dance Central does a great job of getting you moving. It also helps that Dance Central looks great and has a large set of moves, so even if it’s not for the sake of working out and more about learning how to be a better dancer, this game is a genuinely great option.
(Image credit: Alzan Studios)
Holopoint
A satisfyingly challenging archery workout
Ever wanted to feel like Hawkeye or Katniss Everdeen? Holopoint arms you with a simple bow and arrow as you try to clear through waves of targets that fire back at you as you destroy them, or attack you if you don’t break them fast enough.Targets can appear anywhere, so you’ll have to stay on your toes if you want to clear all 30 waves in its challenge mode and get the highest score possible.
This mixture of upper body and lower body movement is sure to get your heart racing. The effect that is compounded by the need to aim and fire with speed to beat increasingly difficult levels. What starts off as a fairly gentle warm-up quickly morphs into an intense Quest 2 fitness game that is sure to test your reaction and physical skills, making it a perfect addition to our list.
(Image credit: Liteboxer)
Whereas other options on this list are games with a workout component, Liteboxer is designed with working out in mind. This is the VR version of the Liteboxer at-home boxing concept, which is less approachable than the Quest 2 fitness game because it requires a boxing stand in your home. As a fitness app, Litebixer comes with perks other Quest 2 fitness games may not offer, such as trainer-led workouts and access to a community group of likeminded fitness enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a specificall boxing-focused fitness game, Liteboxer is currently the most authentic option out there. Thanks to an agreement with Universal Music, there is also a Beat Saber-style mode that lets you swing your fists to the beat of a large selection of songs. If you want to give Liteboxer VR a try there’s a free seven-day trial period. To continue beyond this you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription cost of $18.99 (around £14.50).
(Image credit: Cloudhead Games)
Pistol Whip
Shoot your way to fitness
Inspired by shootouts in popular action movies, Pistol Whip lets you shoot enemies to the beat, and even offers a story campaign to keep you going. While there is more of a game to enjoy here in in Boxlite for example, Pistol Whip is designed with exercise in mind. You’ll need to move your arms swiftly to aim at foes or drop and re-raise them in a flash to reload mid-combat. In areas filled with enemies, you’ll also find yourself having to move your whole body as swiftly as you can to dodge oncoming fire and keep your avatar alive. To avoid surprise attacks, you will always have to hold your gun at the ready – a stance that can be quite strenuous the longer you have to hold it.
Pistol Whip’s presentation is great – it accurately mimics a cinematic sharpshooting fantasy, and the rhythm game aspect helps to keep you motivated. It#s an intense experience that can feel like more of a workout than Beat Saber or a similar VR game. Pistol Whip is also highly customisable, allowing you to switch up your workout to suit your exercise needs.
(Image credit: Oculus)
Sports Scramble
A Wii Sports-style collection of fun games
This family-friendly sports game for the Quest 2 is the best way to enjoy virtual sports from the comfort of your own home. Sports Scramble allows players to enjoy games of bowling, tennis, and baseball in VR. The game’s Scramble mode spices things up by randomly morphing balls, bats, and even courts into different sports equipment and settings at random mid-match. One minute you’ll be playing regular tennis, the next you’ll be whacking a basketball over the net with a fish. While you can choose to play more traditional versions of the sports, opting to play with random elements gives Sports Scramble a fun element that makes it a great party game.
While Sports Scramble needs at least 6.5ft (or 2m) of space so you can play without fear of bumping into anything, it offers the ideal light exercise for all ages. the presentation is cute, the scramble feature keeps you on your toes, and even without it you get several different workouts all in one neat package.
(Image credit: Crytek)
The Climb 2
If you can climb it, it’s included
Featuring stunning and dynamic environments, The Climb 2 is one of the best fitness games for the Quest 2. It simulates the full outdoor climbing experience including pulling yourself up, jumping up ledges and shimmying along in tight spaces.The Climb 2 will test your physical and mental resolve even from the safetly of our living-room as you attempt to scale its challenging, obstacle-filled climbs alone or in multiplayer.
The mechanics are incredibly engaging, and while they can take a little getting used to (those that suffer from motion sickness may be left feeling woozy at first) the experience is worth it.
(Image credit: Mighty Coconut)
Walkabout Minigolf
A relaxing an beautiful minigolf sim
Not every sport is about achieving peak physical fitness, and no game among Quest 2 fitness games exemplifies that better than Walkabout Minigolf. It’s what it says on the tin – you get to enjoy a range of beautiful minigold courses in VR, either alone or with friends.
The courses are not only visually stunning, but also good fun to play, the controls are incredibly realistic and handle well. Just like with real minigolf, Walkabout Minigolf can be relaxing and mediative alone or fierce competition with others. Either way, by playing this you can improve your real-life golfing skills as as well as on the real green.
Quest 2 fitness games: FAQ
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Does Oculus Quest 2 have free workout games?
If a Quest 2 fitness game offers a subscription service, such as Boxlite or FitRX, you can play that game for free during its trial period. Most Quest 2 fitness games may notnot be free, but they can can be yours with a sinple purchase.
Can you lose weight using Oculus Quest 2?
Just like with any regular exercise, you can lose weight with Quest 2 fitness games in VR, too. Check what exercises are best for your weight loss journey, then pick from the the many different VR fitness games available.
Apple appears to be working on a new operating system called homeOS, and while we don’t know exactly what products will run it, given the name it looks like Apple could be planning a revamp of its smart home ecosystem.
MacRumors has discovered a few references to ‘homeOS’ in the latest developer beta of tvOS 17.4. Those references don’t include any clues as to what the OS is capable of, but given that the name is appearing in code for other operating systems it’s likely that Apple is testing its compatibility ahead of a planned launch.
As always, until Apple officially announces homeOS there’s no guarantee we’ll see it released publicly, and even if a smart home revamp is on the horizon, Apple could call the operating system something else; ahead of the Vision Pro launch Apple looked set to call its software xrOS or realityOS – even trademarking these names – before settling on VisionOS.
That said, this isn’t Apple’s first official reference to homeOS. The name first appeared in job listings the company posted back in 2021, before those were altered after ‘homeOS’ was spotted by reporters.
A new home for Apple tech?
The HomePod 2 (Image credit: Future)
Currently, Apple has two smart home product lines – its HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers – that use its HomeKit smart home network and the Matter standard. In our Apple HomePod 2 review, we commended the most recent release’s sound quality, but its lack of Bluetooth support and Siri’s limited usefulness make it tough to recommend as a smart speaker for a household not filled with Apple tech.
Rumors suggest that Apple could be planning to launch a third HomePod model with a screen, either releasing a standalone product, or enabling users to attach an iPad mini to their HomePod. With the scope of its smart home tech evolving, it would make sense that Apple would want to introduce a new operating system to unify its products, rather than continuing to use a modified tvOS for HomePod as it currently does.
If a new HomePod is on the way there’s no telling when or how Apple might announce it – the HomePod 2 was surprisingly announced via a press release, rather than on-stage at an event like most Apple products. But if new software is coming then we might see it announced at this year’s WWDC, Apple’s annual developer conference, which usually takes place in June.
This would give software developers the chance to find out more about the new operating system, so that they could potentially start working on apps for it. We’ll have to wait and see if the announcement is made at WWDC 2024, or another event.
We haven’t heard too much in the way of iPhone 16 rumors and leaks yet – the series isn’t expected until September, after all – but we do now have a hint at just how powerful the chipset inside Apple‘s flagship phones for 2024 is going to be.
As per tipster Nguyen Phi Hung (via Wccftech), the upcoming A18 Pro chip is scoring 3,500 in single-core tests and 8,200 in multi-core tests (where multiple tasks are carried out in parallel) on the standard Geekbench 6 software.
It’s definitely the former of those two figures that’s the most impressive: a single-core score that high puts it some 14% ahead of Apple’s own M3 chips and around 23% faster than predicted scores for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (due later this year and likely to power multiple flagship Android devices).
The multi-core scores are less impressive – by this benchmark, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to be 29 percent faster. However, as Wccftech points out, the architecture design of the chips may be different, which will impact the overall efficiency and power draw of the processors once they’re actually inside handsets.
Current models
The iPhone 15 (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have an A17 Pro chip inside, which scores 2,906 for single-core and 7,231 for multi-core, so you can see the sort of improvements that could be on the way – with the caveats that benchmarks only tell part of the performance story, and that development on the processor may not be finished yet.
The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus run the A16 Bionic processor meanwhile, so the cheaper iPhone 16 models might get the A17 Pro this time around. That said, we have heard a rumor that Apple might stick the same processor inside all of its 2024 iPhone models, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Other early iPhone 16 leaks that we’ve come across suggest that the new phones are going to get a new button for capturing photos and videos, and that certain models might be upping the amount of RAM that comes inside as well.
If these leaked benchmark scores do turn out to be accurate, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are going to be hard to beat in terms of performance – which may come in handy for all the AI features Apple is rumored to be preparing.
AI Roundup: Several notable developments took place in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) today, January 30. IIT Madras announced that it has received Rs. 100 Cr. to set up the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, AR Rahman revealed how AI was used to recreate the voice of two late singers for a song in the upcoming film Lal Salaam.
All this, and more in today’s AI roundup.
1. AI used to recreate late singers’ voices: AR Rahman
Taking to his X account, music composer and producer AR Rahman shared a post by Sony Music South highlighting how AI was used to recreate the voices of two late singers – Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed. The song, titled Thimiri Yezhuda, has been created for Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Lal Salaam. While the news left the internet divided, Rahman revealed that not only permission was taken from the families of the late singers, but also remuneration was provided.
2. Generative AI helps identify merger and acquisition targets
In its annual report released on Tuesday, management consulting firm Bain & Co. said that dealmakers are turning towards generative AI to identify targets for mergers and acquisitions. A total of 300 M&A practitioners were surveyed and 16 percent claimed they had used generative AI in the past for making deals. Moreover, 80 percent of the people said they would implement gen AI within the next three years. Suzanne Kumar, a vice president in Bain’s M&A practice and a co-author of the report said, “The longer-term question is whether companies will also use Gen AI for decision making”.
3. Synechron launches ready-to-use AI solutions
Digital transformation consulting firm Synechron announced the launch of a suite of nine AI solutions that are ready to be deployed within weeks. As per the release, the Synechron Nexus is designed to span the nexus between human expertise and AI, while enabling users to automate manually intensive tasks, increase project speed, drive operational efficiencies, and reduce costs across various key business tasks. It includes tools such as Synechron Amplifai, Synechron Clarifai, Synechron Replai, Synechron Codifai, Synechron Verifai, Synechron Identifai, and more.
4. Entera Global rolls out crucial feature for Tally
AI-based accounting software company Entera Global announced the launch of a new feature for its Entera product on Tuesday. As per the release, this feature allows users to import any bank statement into Tally, streamlining financial processes and reducing the manual workload for accountants. Entera uses an AI algorithm to ensure precision in current tasks and memorize user ledgers for future actions. This feature extends its support to statements from major banks in India, including State Bank of India, AXIS, Bank of India, Canara, HDFC, ICICI, Indian Bank, Kotak, Punjab National Bank, Samruddhi Bank, UCO, Union Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and others.
5. IIT Madras to set up School of Data Science and AI
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Tuesday announced that it has received Rs. 100 Cr. to set up Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. As per a PTI report, the sum was sent by ex-alumnus Sunil Wadhwani, co-founder and CEO Mastech, Inc. and IGATE. The release says with a vision to be among the top AI-focused schools worldwide, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI also aims to advise the Government and policymakers on Data Science and AI-related policy areas.
Also read other top stories today:
AI on Apple devices? Apple is working on making AI models that can work on devices alone by making them smaller. But we may have to wait a few years for these to work to circumnavigate the “memory wall”. Know where things stand here.
AI leaders on the rise! Businesses are scrambling to appoint AI leaders with the recent boom in technology, leaving metaverse leaders in the lurch. Instead, AI is taking their place. Find out more about this shift here.
Saviour against AI! Taylor Swift’s deepfake photos went viral on X during the weekend but they’ve since been taken down. Can the Time’s Person of the Year save humanity from the dark side of AI? Know all the details here.
One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any updates from the world of technology. To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now!
Masimo, the company that sued Apple for patent infringement, is coming up with its smartwatch with a blood oxygen monitoring feature. The same function was removed from the Apple Watches – the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models – after Masimo‘s legal action. Masimo, known for its medical technologies, is not very prevalent among consumers, but it is its legal dispute with Apple that has gotten into the headlines. The Freedom was previewed by The Verge at CES 2024. The device has a round display, a navigation touch bar on the right, and a small object-selection button. It lacks Apple’s Digital Crown and the rotating bezel. The president of Masimo’s consumer health division, Eugene Goldberg, told The Verge that the aim behind the development of the Freedom smartwatch is to demonstrate the accuracy of the company’s health-monitoring technology. Goldberg explained that Masimo’s blood oxygen monitoring technology is more precise than its competitors since it considers various factors like motion, low perfusion, skin pigmentation, and poor blood flow. Currently, the pulse oximetry feature is not available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 being sold in the US, but it is available on the watches sold before the ITC’s ban took effect. Apart from the SpO2, the Freedom watch can track hydration, respiration, pulse rate, and steps. It can also detect if the user falls over and comes with standard activity and sleep tracking features. So, it has most features one could find on an Apple Watch or any other smartwatch for that matter. Apple has tried to block Masimo’s Freedom watch launch while fighting to prevent an import ban on its flagship models. According to reports, Apple has claimed that Masimo started the legal battle over its smartwatch which it deemed as a “knockoff.” In its opposition filed on January 3, Apple stated that Masimo’s Freedom product is aimed directly at the customers of Apple. This was in response to Masimo’s request to pause a case that Apple had filed against them in October 2022 in the US District Court for the District of Delaware.” The iPhone maker filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo in the Delaware federal court. One of the lawsuits is related to design patents, while the other is related to utility patents. Masimo has denied the allegations and has counterclaimed against Apple for antitrust violations, false advertising, and patent infringement by the Apple Watch. The utility patents case is on hold because it involves five patents that Masimo also asserted in its ITC case. Apple argues that Masimo’s request to pause the lawsuit should be denied. In an August 2022 earnings call, Masimo’s CEO stated that the Freedom “should command 100% market share.” Apple believes that delaying the resolution of its infringement claims would allow Masimo to gain customers and build brand awareness on the back of Apple’s patented technology. Masimo’s CEO, Kiani, opposed Apple’s emergency motion to stay enforcement of the ITC’s import ban. The legal fight is primarily centred on pulse-oximetry technology, and the dispute has cost Masimo $100 million. Kiani stated that Apple had made false claims that Masimo had copied Apple’s technology. He also added that Masimo would never copy Apple’s poorly performing product or release such a product to the public. “Apple—even though they took my people, they took our property, they took our patents—their product is horrible,” said Joe Kiani. He further went on to mention that he doesn’t want to work with Apple at this point, but “it may be better for everybody if we could help them improve their product.” The Freedom Watch costs $999, which is $200 more than the most expensive Apple Watch, which is Ultra 2 and is priced at $799. So, if you want a smartwatch on your wrist that can measure your blood oxygen saturation, then you can reserve the Freedom watch for $100. It will be available under a limited-market release program during this quarter. The company plans to make the smartwatch available for purchase in the first half of 2024.
When you tune in to watch Butterfly, Prime Video’s forthcoming spy thriller, you’ll see a very familiar face: Park Hae-Soo, who was so memorable in the first season of Squid Game, is joining the cast alongside Kim Tae-hee and Nayoon Kim as recurring characters in the six-episode show.
Butterfly is based on the graphic novel of the same name and has the potential to be one of the best Prime Video series if the comic is anything to go by. It follows David Jung (played by Daniel Dae Kim), a former US intelligence operative who – surprise! – is enigmatic, unpredictable and doesn’t always play by the rules.
His life in South Korea is turned upside down when, as the official synopsis puts it, “the consequences of an impossible decision from his past come back to haunt him” and he finds himself being hunted by the sociopathic young agent Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), who is rather keen on killing him.
Star power helps Butterfly soar
As Variety points out, Park Hae-soo is a big star not just from Squid Game – in which he played Sang Woo – but also Money Heist: Korea, Prison Playbook and Ruthless Operation. And his newly announced co-stars are pretty stellar too: Kim Tae-hee is the star of multiple movies and hit shows including her breakout hit, Stairway to Heaven, while child actor Nayoon Kim has made quite the name for herself from appearances in South Korean dramas, adverts and modelling gigs.
As for the show itself, Prime Video is keeping a lot of the details under wraps but we do know that the show isn’t just about spy vs spy action. It also explores “complex family dynamics”, and the source novel has a noir-ish visual style that’s been compared to artists such as Grant Morrison.
Interestingly the protagonist in the first graphic novel is Rebecca the hunter, not David the hunted, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Reina Hardesty’s role is as fully rounded as she is in the original story. Writing in Broken Frontier, Jason Wilkins described Butterfly as “an excellent diversion from the schlock and spectacle of mainstream femmes fatales.” If the show retains the same spirit, this could turn out to be something special.
