Streaming devices from Roku/Google in new 4K HDR fight, and more tech news today

Your Tech News Digest via the DGiT Daily Tech Newsletter for Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

1. Buy the new Chromecast from Google before launch and the streaming box wars

We are all ready for Google’s Launch Night In event tomorrow where we will get the Google Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, with pricing and availability being the most important points. (The leaks are likely correct, but there’s more to know.)

Among other things, a new Chromecast is set to be unveiled, which for some reason is already on sale (above via Reddit):

• $ 50 for a 4K HDR and remote control streaming dongle, plus Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision that you don’t need your phone to use …
• Yes, that’s a decent upgrade over the Chromecast Ultra, which didn’t offer HDR or a remote control.
• However, the current Ultra does offer an Ethernet port for a hardwired connection, which can be useful for 4K and playing Google Stadia without the streaming device itself overheating.

In terms of competition in this area, it’s tough:

• Roku has just announced that its ultra box will finally support Dolby Vision in the new $ 100 version (Engadget).
• Roku doesn’t detail its specs beyond the basics. The new Ultra has more RAM, a better quad-core processor and a better WiFi range. The Ethernet port remains 10/100, not yet Gigabit.
• The addition of Dolby Vision was overdue given the Apple TV 4K ($ 180) and the Amazon Fire Stick 4K ($ 50), as well as the Fire TV Cube ($ 120).
• There’s also the super-customizable Nvidia Shield TV ($ 150) for more flexibility based on Android and a range of cheaper devices with fewer features.
• There’s also a new Roku Streambar, a soundbar with Roku for $ 130.
• I’m curious to see where the new Chromecast is among all of these.

2. Xbox Series X at first sight: Fast, powerful and quiet. Reviewers actually have the new Xbox with them, and initial speed tests and insights are being published. And it’s fast! (Engadget).

3. It’s official: We’re not getting a OnePlus 8T Pro, which means the OnePlus 8T is a single device start and the 8 Pro will not be superseded this year (Android Authority).

4. Dell is upgrading XPS 13 laptops with 11th generation Tiger Lake CPUs with Thunderbolt. 4. No AMD options yet, no word about the XPS 15 range (Android Authority).

5. Review of iOS and iPadOS 14: iPhone transformation, iPad iteration (Ars Technica).

6. Google is taking action against apps in its Android app store: Now a 30% cut is being enforced much more strictly and app developers are being forced to use the billing system for in-app purchases. Not just Apple now. Netflix and Spotify had previously avoided Google’s cut. Expect to hear more! (New York Times).

7. Don’t buy an Apple Watch Series 3 (Gizmodo) for the last time.

8. Mercedes-Benz reveals driving shots of its rather wild electric car prototype (Electrek).

9. I keep hearing how good the game Hades is available on PC and Switch. Here’s a review that confirms (wired) everything.

10. The palm is the new fingerprint. Amazon launches Amazon One, which lets you pay with the palm of your hand, and plans to use its palm tree recognition technology in stores, stadiums, and office buildings (The Verge).

12. The Aurors may be shifting into higher gear this week. Here’s a little guide on how to potentially watch the northern lights (lifehacker).

13, scientists find evidence of several underground lakes on Mars (space)

14. Great pictures from the best drone photography awards of 2020 (droneawards.photo).

15. ELI5: “What happens to the sweat that you do not sweat out of your armpits because of deodorants against sweat?” (R / EXPLAIN likeimfive).

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