Popular news this week
- Windows11: The next version of Windows leaked this week. That’s right, Windows 11 is already here, ahead of Microsoft’s expected launch on June 24th. What we saw from an early build – which you can download and install yourself – is a new look and style with major UI changes in the menus. Toolbars and the Start Menu. Even the Windows 11 wallpapers leaked – the blue ripped background (see above) is the new default wallpaper, it seems!
- Oppo-OnePlus integration: Pete Lau, Co-Founder and CEO of OnePlus and Chief Product Officer at Oppo, announced this week that OnePlus will “continue to integrate” [its] Organization with Oppo. “Although the explanation was that the companies would consolidate some teams that are already working closely together, it is not clear why and what exactly that means. However, OnePlus will remain” independent “and Oxygen OS will continue to exist outside of China , the latter has been one of the top success stories for OnePlus over the years, with an internal OnePlus memo leaked later in the week that revealed a few more details.
- Samsung’s next launch: One date for Samsung’s next big hardware splash this week was August 3rd. At that time, the company could launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Watch 4 series, which shipments may begin on August 27th.
- Apple watch: Reliable reports have given us a glimpse of what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 7, which is expected later this year. Some early details of the 2022 Apple Watch also surfaced, possibly with more health tech.
- Nintendo: We didn’t see a new Nintendo Switch Pro from the Japanese giant at E3 2021, but here’s everything Nintendo showed on its direct stream, including new footage for the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild from the year 2017, Metroid Horrors and more. The sequel to Breath of the Wild “is aiming” for a release in 2022, which may have disappointed fans hoping for another foray to Hyrule this year. One more thing: the real name of the game remains a secret as the official title could reveal too much (IGN).
- Leica: The camera manufacturer Leica is now a smartphone brand. His first smartphone is a Sharp Aquos R6 from the Leica brand, which has a major change in the camera array on the back. It is only available in Japan for the time being.
- Tamagotchi: The 90s are back! The Tamagotchi is celebrating a comeback with a new Tamagotchi smart wearable, which will be launched in Japan this year. It looks cuter than ever, and it should be harder to forget to feed your virtual pet when it’s on your wrist. Could it be a hit 25 years after the original? In the meantime, here are 10 virtual pet apps that you can use to take care of some loving pixels.
reviews
- OnePlus Nord CE test: a little less north for a little less money. It’s not inherently bad, but the competition is fierce. In the price range, value is everything.
- Apple TV 4K (2021) Review: A Worthy Upgrade You May Not Need.
- Huawei FreeBuds 4 Review: A mid-range option in Huawei’s range of true wireless earbuds and in this “open-fit” style with no silicone tips, but there are better options.
properties
- “If the Nord CE is the future of OnePlus, the future looks bleak,” writes Dhruv Bhutani.
- My phone made me afraid to change my passwords: “A recent security breach prompted me to update my passwords – thanks to a cell phone notification,” writes Eric Zeman.
- Take a visual tour of Google’s first permanent retail store in NYC, then decide whether Google’s retail storefront is a game of vanity under its Big Apple headquarters or the start of a new retail branch.
- The lithium mine against the wildflower, a rare, fragile type of buckwheat (Wired).
- Electric vehicles will not save us: I disagree with some of the things presented here, but the problems with cars are not just going away (Medium).
Tech calendar
- June 24th: Microsoft “See What’s Next for Windows” event that, ah, might have spoiled a touch!
- June 28th – July 1st: MWC 2021
- 19.-23. July: Game Development Conference (GDC)
Tech tweet of the week
So, HBO Max had a little problem with email this week … which fits into a meme I can’t stop enjoying:
I did it right pic.twitter.com/hXtXbPYjcb
– Dan Hon (@hondanhon) June 18, 2021
All the best,
Tristan Rayner, Managing Editor.