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Apple’s iPhone 13 Range, Pricing & Release Info

Technology

Kevin Smith

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September 15, 2021

Apple’s iPhone 13 Range, Pricing & Release Info

Another year goes by, another iPhone range comes into the mix. Maybe i might be a bit biased towards Android these days as they seem to be leading the way, but Apple are definately keeping up with new developments year by year…but this year’s new Apple iPhone 13 range, just doesnt seem to have that edge it has in recent years.

While there are some upgrades compared to the current iPhone 12 range, it doesnt seem those upgrades are ground breaking compared to what Apple has done in the past. A smaller notch, brighter display, faster A15 bionic chip, better battery life are all well and good to keep up to date, but the one thing Apple has really stepped up overall is their camera game.

The iPhone 13 mini promises 1.5 hours of longer battery life, while the iPhone 13 promises 2.5 hours of extra endurance. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max also promise 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours of extra juice, respectively.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 13 Pro delivers 120Hz ProMotion displays and an all-new camera system that includes a 6-element, ultra-wide lens and 3x optical zoom. You also get macro photography capabilities, larger batteries and a new sierra blue color.

Here are the top new features for the iPhone 13 Mini & iPhone 13:

iPhone 13 mini starts at $1199 and iPhone 13 at $1349 with 128GB of storage.
The new iPhone 13 features a smaller notch that’s 20% smaller than iPhone 12.
The design features a new diagonal camera layout, and the cameras capture 40% more light. The ultra-wide camera lets in more light, too.
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini will come in five new colors: pink, blue, midnight, starlight and Product Red
The displays on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are 28% brighter, with 800 nits of brightness.
The iPhone 13 and offers cinematic video (portrait mode), which delivers movie-like video recording that changes the focus on the fly to various subjects.
5G connectivity should get better with support for more bands.
The iPhone 13 mini promises 1.5 hours of more battery life, and that goes up to 2.5 hours for the iPhone 13.

Here are the top new features for the iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max:

The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $1699, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max at $1849. Plus, there’s a new 1TB storage option.
There’s a new ProMotion display on the iPhone 13 Pro series that scales from 10Hz to 120Hz, and it’s designed to respond dynamically.
There’s a new telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, a new 6-element ultra-wide lens that lets in more light, and a wide camera with a 2.2x improvement in low light.
The iPhone 13 Pro is capable of macro photography with extreme close-ups, and all of the cameras now support Night mode.
A new TrueDepth camera system is 20 percent smaller for a shrunken notch, and there’s a textured matte glass on the back.
The iPhone 13 Pro comes with a bigger battery so you should expect longer endurance. The Pro is rated for 1.5 hours longer and the Pro Max 2.5 hours longer.
A15 Bionic chip promises the most powerful graphics ever with 50% better performance than competing phones (rated).
A new Super Retina XDR display supports up to 1,000 nits for better outdoor brightness.
The iPhone 13 Pro comes in graphite, gold, silver and new sierra blue.

Overall, it seems like Apple is keeping pace with the likes of Samsung, but still lacking in some areas. If you have the current iPhone 12 range, i would wait till the next generation next year before upgrading, but anything prior to that, this would be a good upgrade.

The iPhone 13 release date is September 24 for all four models. The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be available to pre-order on Friday, September 17.

Hawkeye Official Trailer Release

Pop Culture

Kevin Smith

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September 14, 2021

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Time to get excited again Marvel fans. Wasnt that long ago, back at the end of July, we had a first look at the upcoming Hawkeye series with some photos. Now, we finally have a first look at Hawkeye in depth with the first official trailer. While we are deep into the What If…? series on Disney+, Marvel Studio is already starting the marketing for the next round of TV.

The series sees Jeremy Renner reprise his role as Clint Barton (Hawkeye) in the post “blip” world who ends up teaming up with young archer Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfield) who wants to be a superhero like Barton. Set around Christmas time, Clint is getting back to the family life for the holidays when a presence from Barton’s past (the time spent between the events of Infinity War & Endgame in the “blip”) threatens to derail more then the festive spirt.

While the trailer doesnt give away too much in terms of who the bad guys are, who’s after Clint? etc we know from what we saw, this is going to be action packed and thrilling. We do know, that at the end of Black Widow in the post credit scene, it was setting up something to unfold in Hawkeye which might lead to who’s really behind whats going on? Is Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) behind this with the help of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (aka Madam Hydra from the comics played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) after the death of her sister Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)

Either way, this looks good and will keep Marvel fans hanging for more as Disney+ keep ramping up the Marvel Phase 4 calendar leading into 2022 with many more TV shows in the pipeline

Hawkeye will hit Disney+ on November 24th 2021.

Let us know what you think fans, are you excited for this one?

PlayStation Showcase 2021 Event

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September 13, 2021

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The PlayStation Showcase 2021 takes a quick look into the future of PS5. The PlayStation Showcase 2021 event went for approximately 40 minutes and included updates from PlayStation Studios and some of the industry’s most imaginative developers, for games releasing this holiday and beyond.

God of War – Ragnarok

The PlayStation Showcase did not disappoint. Offering up an insight into the premiere of God of War – Ragnarok.

The trailer was filled to the brim with familiar faces like Atreus. New ones as well, and of course Kratos brutally taking down his enemies. Blood? I’m pretty sure you asked for more to make this an instant classic.

The God of War – Ragnarok trailer also provided some insight into the story to come. Being able to see Father and Son team back at it again through a rigorous quests and enemies. The deep story which can only result in joy by conquering in flames for what may be the end of the Nine Realms.

How this all turns out is our guess but definitely an anticipated title for PlayStation.

Spider-Man 2

Sony has revealed Insomniac Games is working on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. The trailer for most leaving us in “Awe.”

Spider-Man 2 features two major Spider-Man villains making their debuts in Insomniac’s Marvel universe, and that’s just not all.

Playing Spider-Man on PS4 loving every minute of it. Making a sequel was not going to be an easy task to take on. What we can expect from Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ latest team-up? Team up battle system?

So many questions that need answering is VENOM friend or foe? We will keep you posted stay close to this story.

Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic

If you don’t know this is one of the most phenomenal Star Wars games to grace a platform. A long awaited remake release for many fans to be able to play again from its humble beginnings.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is set 4,000 years before the events of the original trilogy. Introducing a new story of new heroes and villains in an epic struggle for the fate of the galaxy.

And it’s a console exclusive on PlayStation 5 at launch.

Grand Theft Auto V

You know the game you know the story, If you haven’t met my mates Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Bringing us back to Los Santos paving its way by looking better then ever.

Unfortunately being delayed until March 2022 with no definite release announced. This will mark the 3rd console it will be released on spanning almost a decade.

Wolverine

Our first teaser from Insomniac Games and while they capitalize on the success of Spider-Man 2. It gives us a great insight into what we could expect and how game-play could look like.

Unfortunately there wasn’t any in-game game-play for us to dissect over. But does certainly have the right Hero of sorts out of Marvel’s mutants i believe.

And because there was no release date and still in early development expect this title later in the year maybe to grace us before Christmas?

Keep you posted and watch this space.

Giving us a glimpse to see what titles to expect over the year and heading into the Christmas period.

Plenty to look forward to and to stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous PlayStation articles, click here and for other Pop-Culture features, click here.

LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block

Pop Culture

Jay Mijares

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September 11, 2021

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The LEGO Group has announced the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block, a new set packed with nostalgia from the Nintendo® video game that takes Super Mario and LEGO fans on a trip down memory lane. Arriving twenty-five years on from the initial launch of the iconic Super Mario 64 video game, the ? Block set features a large brick-built ? Block that opens to reveal four different, but instantly recognisable levels from the game: Peach’s Castle, Bob-omb Battlefield, Cool, Cool Mountain and Lethal Lava Land.

With its unique combination of nostalgic game moments, creative possibilities and surprising functions, the ? Block set is a unique way for fans to rediscover the magic of Super Mario 64.

The introduction of the ? Block is the latest build on the unique partnership between the LEGO Group and Nintendo®, which has introduced an entirely new way to play with LEGO bricks through the popular LEGO® Super Mario™ product line. The LEGO Super Mario universe launched last year with a Starter Course featuring an interactive LEGO® Mario™ figure, which players can use to collect digital coins and enjoy instant responses via LED screens and a speaker. Earlier this year, the LEGO Group launched the LEGO® Adventures with Luigi Starter Course to encourage social play as the two characters can now interact with one another and jointly collect even more coins. The LEGO Super Mario universe also
includes a series of Expansion Sets and Power-Up Packs, allowing builders to expand, rebuild and create unique levels in new interactive ways for endless fun.

As well as including levels from the Super Mario 64 game, the ? Block set includes several micro-figures of iconic characters that can be placed in the detailed scenes, such as fan-favorites Mario and Princess Peach. For interactive play, fans can also add their LEGO Mario or LEGO® Luigi™ figures for unique music and sounds from the video game, plus seek out the hidden Power Stars that reveal secret reactions from the figures. Hints for how to find the Power Stars can be found in the Building Instructions.

The full list of items included in the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block set announced today are:
● Brick-built ? Block with 2,064-pieces.
● Several LEGO® Super Mario™ micro-figures including: Mario, Princess Peach, and King Bob-omb, as well as a Chain Chomp, Big Bully, Mr. I, Lakitu, Mother Penguin, Li’l Penguin and more.
● Four detailed, buildable versions of Super Mario 64 levels: Peach’s Castle, Bob-omb Battlefield, Cool, Cool Mountain and Lethal Lava Land.

LEGO fans will be able to get their hands on the LEGO Super Mario 64? Block set exclusively from LEGO Retail Stores and LEGO.com.au from the 1st of October. From 2022 it will become available at other leading retailers around the world. The recommended retail price for the LEGO® Super Mario 64? Block set is $289.99 AUD.

To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous LEGO articles, click here and for other Nintendo features, click here.

The Matrix Resurrections Full Trailer

Pop Culture

Kevin Smith

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September 10, 2021

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Was only a matter of days ago, we got a first look at the upcoming 4th installment in The Matrix saga with a sneak peak at The Matrix Resurrections. But now, finally…we have the first full look into The Matrix Resurrections. After 18 long years, its time to hack back into the mainframe and enter The Matrix.

Keanu Reeves returns to the Matrix franchise as its hero, Neo, reprising his role from the first three films. Carrie Anne Moss also returns for the fourth installment to reprise her role as Trinity. The all-star cast also includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick, Christina Ricci, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ellen Hollman, Lambert Wilson, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Lana Wachowski returns to direct Resurrections, from a script she co-wrote with David Mitchell and Aleksander Hemon.

The trailer doesnt give too much away about the storyline. It starts with Thomas Anderson aka Neo sitting with a psychiatrist (played by Neil Patrick Harris) discussing dreams which arent dreams. A reuniting with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) is also shown however they dont actually know each other in this life. Warners Bros did share this however giving some insight for fans:

“The Matrix Resurrections” is a continuation of the story established in the first MATRIX film. It reunites Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as cinematic icons Neo & Trinity in an expansion of their story that ventures back into the Matrix and even deeper down the rabbit hole. A mind-bending new adventure with action and epic scale, it’s set in a familiar yet even more provocative world where reality is more subjective than ever and all that’s required to see the truth is to free your mind.

20 years after the first film, the franchise that helped define pop culture at the turn of the century is back for a continuation and extension of the original movie. The Matrix remains in the zeitgeist as a film that has changed the way we look at cinema and reality itself. With its game changing action and visual effects, The Matrix helped pave the way for films to follow.

Either way, this trailer looks epic. The special effects are once again on another level. This is going to be something special.

The Matrix Resurrections hits cinemas and HBO Max in the US on December 22nd 2021, while in Australia, we will have to wait till New Years Day (January 1st 2022) to see it.

Let us know what you think about this one?

The Matrix Resurrections First Look

Pop Culture

Kevin Smith

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September 8, 2021

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Warner Bros released an interactive teaser trailer for this week’s upcoming trailer for The Matrix: Resurrections. We first broke this back in 2019 when this was in the works, however the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the release back. While the teaser didnt give too much away, it gave us a look at a few characters along with Keanu Reeves as Thomas Anderson/Neo. It seems likely this is at least some of the audio in the teaser released for the trailer, which, depending on if you pick the red pill or the blue pill, features a voiceover from either Yahya Abdul-Mateen II or Neil Patrick Harris.

The choice is yours. Trailer Thursday at 6AM PT. Visit https://t.co/DigV2OPEoT #TheMatrixMovie pic.twitter.com/6O5173NoDX
— Warner Bros. Pictures (@wbpictures) September 7, 2021

The voiceover certainly bears some resemblance to a typical movie/TV therapy session, complete with a reference to Anderson’s inability to differentiate between fantasy and reality.

It seems likely – although it’s currently unconfirmed — that this is the latest iteration of an idea that popped up in the first trilogy — that of The One trying, over and over again, to make his way out of The Matrix, only to fail and end up back in the system to start again.

The Matrix Resurrections Kenau Reeves Neo

The Matrix is one of the most successful film franchises based on an original idea in the last 25 years. Originally released in 1999, The Matrix earned $466 million ($739 million when adjusted for inflation) on a reported $63 million budget. It spawned two sequels, a direct-to-DVD animated tie-in, some comics, and fundamentally changed the way action and science fiction were shot in the U.S.

The film, set to be released in December, will bring back Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, as well as introducing characters played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Christina Ricci, Priyanka Chopra, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Little is known about the plot, and the few times cast members have been interviewed since production began, they have been cagey about their involvement.

Once the official trailer drops, we will post it up, so stay tuned later this week!

The Matrix: Resurrections hits cinemas and debuts on HBO Max (US) on December 22 2021

Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM LEVITRACK™

Sneakers

Jay Mijares

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September 4, 2021

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ASICS are thrilled to announce the release of the Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM LEVITRACK™ sneaker which builds off of the collaborative history between the two brands. Two years in the making, this special release celebrates the international spirit of sport, tying together the things that unite us all through community and teamwork.

This spirit of cooperation between the two brands is evident in each release, but particularly in this latest offering which sees Kiko Kostadinov, side by side with Laura and Deanna Fanning, taking full advantage of the freedom provided by ASICS and its Institute of Sports
Science (ISS) to retool entire silhouettes and explore new directions with the brands classic logos and signifying ASICS Stripes.

The ISS has always been at the forefront of innovation for the ASICS brand, strictly focusing on developing technologies that enhance the performance of ASICS athletes. The team was able to apply ISS technologies, specifically the newly developed SCUTOID GEL™ cushioning, directly onto a lifestyle offering for the very first time. Which optimizes and enhances the experience for the active lifestyle consumer.

The use of the SCUTOID GEL™ technology in the Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM LEVITRACK™ is a perfect of example of the collaborative effort between Kiko Kostadinov, the Fanning sisters, and ASICS towards the realization of footwear designed to uplift and enhance the day-to-day experience of the wearer.

The trust between the two brands is evident with this multi-concept release. As with all successful teams, these two brands continually push each other forward and inspire each other to be at their best. The Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM LEVITRACK™ worldwide release is on the 30th of August 2021. In Australia these are now available at ASICS.COM.

To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other Kiko Kostadinov or ASICS features, click here.

atmos x Fxxking Rabbits x Reebok InstaPump Fury

Sneakers

Moé Mijares

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September 3, 2021

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atmos x Fxxking Rabbits x Reebok InstaPump Fury

The latest InstaPump Fury masterpiece from Reebok draws inspiration from the Fxxking Rabbits (FR2) cheeky rabbit icon and atmos, a boutique that continues to broadcast Tokyo’s sneaker culture to the world. And this time, these sneakers don’t come alone. Based on Fxxking Rabbits (FR2) brand concept of ‘clothes worn by photographers,’ this release also comes with accompanying clothes to complete the look. Check out the total outfit below.

Reebok is known for being the first brand to have a groundbreaking pump system which allowed people to adjust the fitting via air pressure. They released Reebok Pump more than 30 years ago, in 1989. This eventually led to the birth of the Reebok InstaPump Fury in 1994, a now iconic silhouette that symbolises the brand. Even after 26 years, this model remains one of the most popular sneakers.

These sneakers are a solid white, with high-class faux rabbit fur covering the upper, and padded mesh for the pump system. The pump mechanisms have the saucy Fxxking Rabbits (FR2) icon bunnies specially printed on. Just below is the brand name in silver thread embroidery. You’ll see silver Reebok logos sewn on the heel counter, and another set of Reebok logos on the forefoot.

The outsoles are a grey with a splash of light pink to complement the silver. In contrast, the air release valve is a pop of bright red. The characteristic midsole is a patterned carbon fibre plate, a trademark of the InstaPump Fury style.

The atmos x Fxxking Rabbits x Reebok InstaPump Fury will be available at selected atmos stores and at the Fxxking Rabbits (FR2) store in Harajuku from the 4th September 2021.

To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous atmos articles, click here and for other Reebok features, click here.

Cristiano Ronaldo Signs for Manchester United

Sports

Kevin Smith

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September 3, 2021

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Cristiano Ronaldo Signs for Manchester United

Ok football fans, what a crazy transfer window this has been. Who would have thought in the same summer transfer window, the 2 biggest names in football would change teams. We reported not long ago that Leo Messi made the switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and changed jersey numbers, but an even bigger name in the football world has followed suit in swapping teams, but this one is a bit more special.

Reports were flying around that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted out of Juventus and was going to sign with the current English Premier League champions, Manchester City. This was going to hurt Manchester United fans deeply, given Ronaldo’s history with the red devils. But in the final hours, Manchester United swooped in and was able to re-sign the Portuguese star and bring him home to Old Trafford on a 2 year deal. From what we saw online, alot of former United stars who played alongside Ronaldo from 2003 to 2009 were involved with this including Sir Alex Ferguson himself.

Earlier this week on the final day of the transfer window, Manchester United confirmed the 2 year deal which was included a transfer fee of 15 million euros ($24.2 million AUD), plus 8 million euros ($12.9 million AUD) in performance related add ons.

Viva Ronaldo! The fans have been buzzing since this made news earlier this week. Ronaldo done his first interview with the club answering a few Q&As for the fans. This time around Ronaldo will be coached by former United team mate, Ole Gunnar Solskjær who played alongside him from 2003-2007 before Ole retired from professional football as a player to turn his attention to coaching.

Now for the biggest news in this story, was what number will Ronaldo wear in red? United fans knew what Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani was wearing the famous number 7 for United. Cavani has since given up the number 7 to wear his international number of 21 to allow Ronaldo to wear the No.7 once again.

So what are your thoughts on this one football fans? Are we excited to see Ronaldo back in the Premier League? Is this transfer news bigger then Messi going to PSG?

The Kickz Stand’s Hit List #39

Sneakers

Derrick Narciso

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September 2, 2021

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“Majority of my collections are Jordans. Actually, about 2/3rds are Jordans!
My favourite pair out of them all is the shadow J1’s, I had been following Aleali May for a while and loved her style so these were a must have for me.
There is no particular back story behind this shot, took some photos at home as we are in lockdown, so just making the most of what we have.

—@fishnkicks_