Boxing Day deals are starting to emerge at some Canadian wireless providers. Telus flanker brand Koodo is kicking things off with a strong start: get 40GB of data for $50/mo.

According to Koodo’s website, customers can get the $50/40GB plan by signing up for the provider’s new $65/mo 40GB plan and taking advantage of a $15 bill credit. Unfortunately, the bill credit only lasts 15 months. Moreover, Koodo’s website has some… odd math related to the deal. $15/mo for 15 months works out to $225 in total savings — Koodo’s website advertises $275 of savings, but you have to dig into the fine print to discover that number includes waiving Koodo’s $50 connection fee, something it already does for online orders.

Koodo’s plan page, on the other hand, lists “$254 in bill credits over 15 months ($16 off/month), and I’m frankly not sure where Koodo got those numbers (besides, $254 divided by 15 is actually about 16.93).

Along with the $50/40GB plan, Koodo has bumped its $60/10GB plan up to 20GB of data. The plan page also lists it as having access to the bill credit but again notes $254 over 15 months. As noted above, those numbers don’t really make much sense based on the other details available on Koodo’s website. MobileSyrup has reached out to Koodo for clarification about what’s going on here.

Either way, $50/mo for 40GB of data isn’t a bad deal, although it certainly pales in comparison to the Black Friday $45/50GB plan, which will last 24 months. If you missed out on the $45/50GB, then this $50/40GB plan might be your next best option. At the same time, it might be worth waiting to see if anything better comes along — some of the better Black Friday options were only available in-store or launched on Black Friday itself. We might see a repeat of that with Boxing Day offers. Plus, at the time of writing, Fido and Virgin Plus hadn’t rolled out anything comparable. It remains to be seen if they match or beat the Koodo plan.

Naturally, the Boxing Day deals started rolling out the day after I wrote a comparison of carrier plans at the end of 2022 to the beginning of the year. You can check that out here.

You can check out Koodo’s plans here.

As 2022 is coming to a close, Pornhub has released its Year in Review wrap-up.

As the largest adult entertainment site, Pornhub reports it has over 150 million daily active visitors, and because of this, there’s no shortage of new trends, searches and interesting stats to highlight.

As part of Pornhub’s Year in Review, the site has provided a full rundown of stats pertaining to Canada. First up is the overall placement as far as traffic is concerned. Canada once again finds itself in the Top 20 Countries listed by traffic. In 2022, Canada fell to the eighth spot, overtaken by Germany. The U.S. is listed in first place, with the U.K. in second.

Time spent per visit is also broken down by Pornhub. The average time on the site per visit is estimated at nine minutes and 54 seconds, a decrease of 20 seconds when comparing 2021’s stats. Canada’s average falls slightly short at nine minutes and 28 seconds. However, Egypt leads the charge with 11 minute and 12-second average.

Next, let’s take a look at traffic per device in Canada. This year, Pornhub reports that 75 percent of Canada’s traffic is made by way of mobile devices. Desktop usage continues to dwindle, with this year’s usage at a reported 20 percent in the country. Tablet usage is firm at five percent. As far as operating systems worldwide, it’s a close race. However, Android users snuff out Apple with a 51.5 to 48.3 percent split. “Other” is listed as 0.2.

Image credit: Pornhub

Demographics is also a highlight in this year’s Year in Review. Pornhub reports that the 18-24 group encompasses 22 percent of Canada’s visitors. 25-34 make up the majority with 27 percent. 35-44 comes in at 20 percent. 45-54 lands at 14 percent. 55-64 tallies up to 10 percent. 65+ rounds out the demographics with a mere six percent.

Image credit: Pornhub

Another interesting metric to look at is the worldwide traffic of gaming consoles. Once again, PlayStation players reign supreme in this race. This year, PlayStation saw a 20.6 percent increase in traffic, putting the platform at 73.1 percent. Xbox’s traffic numbers fell this year, with the console now at 25.5 percent in second place. PS Vita and Nintendo (Wii U and 3DS) are listed in third and fourth, both at 0.8 percent, respectively.

Speaking of video games, Pornhub has a laundry list of ‘Most Searched Video Game Characters.’ The top five include ‘Overwatch Dva,’ ‘Minecraft Jenny Mod,’ Overwatch Widowmaker,’ ‘Resident Evil Lady Dimitrescu,’ and ‘Overwatch Mercy.’ The top five ‘Most Searched Video Games’ include Fortnite, Overwatch, Genshin Impact, Minecraft and Pokemon.

Finally, Pornhub reveals the ‘World’s Most Viewed Categories.’ In Canada, ‘Lesbian’ is the country’s most searched category. It just so happens that the category is also in first place in ‘Most Viewed Categories of 2022.’

More details on Pornhub’s Year in Review can be found on its website.

It should be noted that Pornhub’s parent company MindGeek was founded in Quebec. In 2020, the platform removed content from unverified users following a New York Times investigation that revealed several inappropriate and illegal videos, including some involving minors. Visa and Mastercard then cut ties with all of Mindgeek’s websites.

Image credit: Pornhub

Source: Pornhub

The holidays are drawing near, and many of us are scrambling to find those perfect gifts. Luckily, MobileSyrup is here with another annual gift guide for great Android accessories. 2022 saw the release of some very top-notch Android phones. With them, a new lineup of phenomenal devices is used to support the device, and the user is available.

We’ve ventured into every corner of the internet to find the best Android accessories, perfect for gifting. Whether you’re looking for a more extravagant gift for under the tree, a stocking stuffer, or otherwise, we have you covered.

From chargers to mobile game controllers, headphones, and more, here is your Android accessory gift guide for 2022.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+

The  Galaxy SmartTag+ is Samsung’s compact tracking device that can be attached to everyday items. We’ve all misplaced something, whether it’s a wallet, a set of keys, etc. The Galaxy SmartTag+ can be attached and located by using Bluetooth LE on a smartphone. Ultra-wideband technology helps users pinpoint the location of misplaced objects.

Even if an item is out of range, users can use the SmartThings Find Network on their Galaxy phone to pinpoint where they’ve lost their item. Galaxy SmartTag+ is compatible with most contemporary Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 Plus, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Buy Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ for $49.99

Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller for Android

With cloud gaming technology really taking off, there’s no better time to gift a mobile gaming controller. The Razer Kishi V2 gives a console-like experience when controlling your favourite games on an Android device. This mobile controller pairs well when using services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, etc.

The Razer Kishi V2 mimics the control layout of the Xbox Wireless controller with an asymmetrical thumbstick layout. Face buttons and a D-pad are present. Additionally, the controller supports triggers and shoulder bumpers. The controller also offers full integration with the Razer Nexus App, which consolidates all compatible games.

Buy Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller for Android for $129.99

Pixel Buds Pro – Charcoal

This year, Google launched its Pixel Buds Pro earbuds. The premium audio buds from the Pixel maker have gained a lot of critical approval. The Pixel Buds Pro integrates Active Noise Cancellation technology with its Silent Seal. This ensures a tighter yet comfortable fit in the user’s ear, drowning out the organic sounds of everyday life. Plus, a transparency mode can be activated if the wearer wants to hear their surroundings.

Pixel Buds Pro also supports custom 11mm speaker drivers, Volume EQ, and offers up to 11 hours of audio playback on a single charge. Though, up to 31 hours can be gained thanks to the charging case. The earbuds also feature respond-to-text commands, hands-free control of music, and more.

Buy Pixel Buds Pro for $259.99

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Overhead Headphones

We can’t forget about over-the-ear headphones. A pair that stand out are the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones. Built with integrated noise-cancelling support, Sony utilizes Dual Noise Sensor technology to suppress distracting noises surrounding the user.

Sony Music Studios Tokyo helped co-develop the headphones’ Edge-AI, which upscales compressed digital files in real-time. In addition, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones support speak-to-chat functionality, stopping music automatically when speaking. This enables users to continue wearing the headphones without impacting a conversation. Sony also promises up to 30 hours of playback on a charge. 10 minutes of quick charging can equate to five hours of playback.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Overhead Headphones for $427.32

Belkin Quick Charge Wireless Charging Stand

Belkin’s Quick Charge Wireless Charging Stand is a compact charging stand, offering up to 15W of power. The charger is compatible with any Qi-certified device. This means the Belkin charger works with Samsung Galaxy phones, Pixel devices, and many more. Additionally, smartwatches can also make use of the charger.

On the front of the charger is a small LED light that indicates the device’s charging status. It can charge a phone no matter the orientation, whether it’s placed vertically or horizontally. It’s also compact enough that it can be placed on a desk, side table, or shelf.

Buy Belkin Quick Charge Wireless Charging Stand for $37.57

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker

Pivoting from headsets to speakers, Anker’s Soundcore is a great gifting option. It’s fairly compact, making it a great travel companion. It’s able to provide deep bass levels with clarity and low distortion. This is thanks to two high-sensitivity drivers. The speaker can withstand drops and has a waterproof rating of IPX5.

Pairing via Bluetooth 5.0, users can connect their Android device to the speaker and play their favourite tracks. Anker ensures that connectivity is maintained in up to 66ft distances. Plus, the Soundcore speaker offers up to 24 hours of audio playback on a single charge.

Buy Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker for $49.99

Power-7 Adaptive Fast Charging Wall Charger Block

For those that prefer a hardwired charging experience, Power-7 has an efficient set of wall charging units. This pack comes with two USB-C cables and fast-charging wall blocks. The charging cables are compatible with any USB-C device, including Samsung Galaxy S22 series, S21, and models since the S8. Pixel devices are also supported alongside LG, Moto, and other brands.

Power-7 claims that devices can charge from zero percent to 60 in only 40 minutes. The USB-C cords are designed with an aluminum housing and nylon braided design. This typically helps avoid faster wear and tear of silicon cables and other products experience. Finally, the chargers ensure protection from over-current, over-voltage, over-heat and short-circuit issues.

Buy Power-7 Adaptive Fast Charging Wall Charger Block for $24.99

Gikwbc Power Bank 38800mAh LCD Display Portable Charger

Of course, we can’t forget about the on-the-go charging solutions. The Gikwbc Power Bank is very slick and compact. It supports charging with four USB output ports and Dual USB-C inputs. Once again, this charger is comparable with Galaxy phones, Pixel, LG, and other Android devices.

What notably stands out is the inclusion of the small LED screen. This helps the user track the charging status of their device. It’s a rather novel addition that sets it apart from other portable chargers on the market. Gikwbc also provides a three-year warranty for the power bank.

Buy Gikwbc Power Bank 38800mAh LCD Display Portable Charger for $43.95

USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable

A perfect accessory for a stocking stuffer is a USB-C cable. There’s always a use for one, and it’s a cost-effective gift to give. The Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A 2.0 cable is compatible with a large array of Android phones and devices. It has a power output of up to 15W. Plus, transfer speeds clock in at 480Mbps.

Buy USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable for $12.18

Zhiyun Smooth 5 Gimbal Stabilizer Tripod

For content creators, photo nuts, or travellers, this stabilizer tripod can be a perfect gift. This stabilizing rig can help improve videos captured using its anti-shake structure. The tripod offers a three-axis stabilizer and can support even larger phones at high and low angles.

The tripod utilizes an easy-to-use adjustment wheel to adjust the parameter value in both selfie and standard shooting modes. Thanks to its onboard buttons, users can swap modes, use its fill light controls, and access the joystick for more controls while filming and taking photos. The tripod offers up to 25 hours of battery life and only requires two hours to charge.

Buy Zhiyun Smooth 5 Gimbal Stabilizer Tripod for $209.00

PopSockets: PopGrip with Swappable Top

It’s not an Android accessory gift guide without a nod to the PopSocket. We’ve all seen them and likely know their benefits. For the uninitiated, PopSockets have become a go-to for those that want a one-handed smartphone experience. Users simply apply the PopSocket to the back of their phone using the adhesive socket and reposition as needed.

PopSockets enable users to hold larger phones with one hand without straining their wrists as much. PopSockets can also prop a phone up like a stand when watching videos. When not in use, users can press down on the PopSocket to have it flat against the phone and/or its case.

Buy PopSockets: PopGrip with Swappable Top for $14.99

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Amazon discounted the Echo Dot yesterday by over 40 percent and today the company has slashed the prices on its smart home speaker Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.

Check out the deals here:

Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) for $99.99 (save 41%)
Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) in Charcoal for $99.99 (save 41%)
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) in Charcoal for $54.99 (save 45%)
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) in Deep Sea Blue for $54.99 (save 45%)
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) in Glacier White for $54.99 (save 45%)

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Source: Amazon Canada

Maryland is the most recent state to ban TikTok in government agencies, Amazon accused of stealing delivery driver tips, and the EU sets a deadline for device manufacturers to switch to USB-C for their data and charging ports

 

That’s all the tech news that’s trending right now. Welcome to Hashtag Trending. It’s Tuesday December 13th and I am your host, Ashee Pamma.

Maryland is banning the use of TikTok and other China and Russia-based platforms in the state’s executive branch of government. The Republican governor announced an emergency cybersecurity directive to prohibit the platforms’ use, saying they could be involved in cyberespionage as well as government surveillance and inappropriate collection of sensitive personal information. According to NPR, this move comes just one week after South Dakota banned state employees and contractors from accessing TikTok on state-owned devices, citing its ties to China. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on Monday asked the state’s Department of Administration to ban TikTok from all state government devices it manages. In August 2020, Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts blocked TikTok on state electronic devices. The U.S. armed forces also have prohibited the app on military devices.

 

A Washington, D.C. attorney on Wednesday announced a lawsuit against Amazon accusing the company of stealing tips from the e-commerce giant’s delivery drivers and deceiving the customers about who was receiving the tips. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) required Amazon to pay just over $61 million to drivers deprived of tips from customers between 2016 and 2019. The company claimed drivers could make $18 to $25 an hour while also receiving 100 per cent of the tips they earn. The FTC statement reveals that Amazon also told its customers that “100 per cent of your tips are passed on to your courier.” The FTC claims that the company eventually began taking driver tips. A CBS News report says that in 2016 the company secretly switched to a variable-pay system in which drivers’ earnings could fluctuate based on an internal algorithm, regulators allege.

 

The European Union has set a deadline of December 27, 2024 for device manufacturers to switch to USB-C for their data and charging ports. Apple will have to stop using the iPhone Lightning connector at some point before then. This decision had already been made but a date had yet to be set until now. According to Tech Radar, this new date means that Apple could get away with retaining Lightning for the 2024 iPhone 16, but the 2025 iPhone 17 will have to include USB-C. These rules do not apply to devices that only charge wirelessly so if Apple could make the iPhone 17 completely portless, it would rely on Wi-Fi for data transfer and wireless charging to charge the phone. 

 

According to new research from Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, an ingredient that naturally occurs in coffee may be able to make semiconductors run faster. The researchers formed a thin layer of caffeic acid on a gold electrode within an organic semiconductor, through a process called vacuum deposition. This ingredient was able to boost the semiconductor’s current flow by up to 100 times, measured via a process called the Kelvin probe method. The caffeic acid formed on the electrode surface, and the caffeic acid molecules spontaneously lined up on the electrode surface, enabling faster current flow. The researchers believe that this discovery could have practical applications such as the development of fully sustainable organic semiconductor devices. 

That’s all the tech news that’s trending right now. Hashtag Trending is a part of the ITWC Podcast network. Add us to your Alexa Flash briefings or your Google Home daily briefing. Make sure to sign up for our Daily IT Wire newsletter to get all the news that matters directly in your inbox every day. Also, catch the next episode of Hashtag Tendances, our weekly Hashtag Trending episode in French, which drops every Thursday morning. If you have a suggestion or a tip, drop us a line in the comments or via email. Thank you for listening, I’m Ashee Pamma. 

The post Hashtag Trending Dec 13 – Maryland TikTok ban; Amazon accused of stealing driver tips; EU sets deadline for to switch to USB-C for their data and charging ports first appeared on IT World Canada.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is ranked number one on the platform since its release on December 9th.

Del Toro tweeted this with the website FlixPatrol, which monitors the rankings of movies and TV shows on different streaming platforms,

#1 NETFLIX movie in the world!!! pic.twitter.com/Zjz3fvxiCQ

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) December 11, 2022

The site indicates that Del Toro’s Pinocchio beats other new films like Troll, Lady Chatterley’s Lover and more. According to GamesRadar, the Netflix movie is number one worldwide in the UK, Mexico, the Phillippines, South Africa and Belgium. In Canada, it’s ranked number two.

Pinocchio is the story of a father who magically wished to bring a wooden boy to life in Italy.

The voice cast includes Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Cate Blanchett, and Finn Wolfhard.

Source: Guillermo del Toro,

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have been on the rise for some time now, with a global spike in gas prices. In my home province of Nova Scotia, EV adaption has seen exponential growth. With nearly every car manufacturer entering the EV space, we will only continue to see EV adoption climb. However, perhaps you or someone in your life already has an EV or will be taking ownership of one soon. In that case, as always, MobileSyrup has your back with a holiday gift guide!

Although Teslas currently make up the majority of electric vehicles on the road, this gift guide aims to provide you with ideas for an EV owner of any brand. I also avoided including large purchases like Tesla charging adapters and EV home chargers. While these do too make great gifts, I want this guide to have reasonably affordable items that people will rationally give.

Here’s MobileSyrup’s 2022 EV gift guide:

Safety Gear

While no one ever wants to be stranded on the side of the road, accidents and emergencies happen. Although there are some excellent premade emergency kits, I recommend using the Federal Government’s “Get Prepared” emergency car kit website as a guide to making your own.

Safety is something many of us often either ignore or forget about. So, giving someone the gift of safety is a wonderful idea. Three specific callouts: a car emergency escape tool, LED road flares and a first aid kit. In the event of an emergency, a car emergency escape tool is used to cut your seat belt and shatter your windshield when you need to escape the vehicle.

For the possibility that you may be broken down on the side of the road at night, LED road flares help to keep your vehicle noticeable until help can arrive. A first aid kit is meant to be there, ready and waiting to address a cut or injury. Amazon has lots of options for all three of these items.

Order a car emergency escape tool two-pack for $14.99 or a four-pack for $21.99

Order the HOKENA five-pack of LED road flares for $50.99

Order the Oziral compact first aid kit for $35.99

De-Icer

Canadian winters can really suck. During my first winter owning a Tesla Model 3, I discovered the pains of stuck door handles and frozen windows. It’s almost like these cars were designed in California…Regardless, I also discovered a magical product called de-icer.

Many EVs and premium vehicles have fancy door handles or frameless windows. So, grabbing a can or two of de-icer is an excellent stocking stuffer. Spraying a little (or a lot) of de-icer thaws these components quickly, making the winter slightly less inconvenient.

Order a 500g container of Rain-X windshield de-icer for $11.99 on Amazon

MagSafe Car Mount

This next one is exclusively for iPhone users. Specifically iPhone 12 and above models that support MagSafe. While many excellent regular car mounts are available, MagSafe is really in a league of its own in terms of functionality, style and convenience.

For Tesla and Ford Mustang Mach-E drivers, Spigen makes a stylish iPhone mount that adheres to the rear of your vehicle’s display. Spigen sells two versions of their iPhone mount; a charging variant capable of charging up to 7.5W and a non-charging version.

For all other EV owners, take a look at Belkin’s MagSafe car mounts that attach to the vehicle’s AC vents. Belkin also makes two versions of their mount; a charging variant that supports charging up to 15W and a non-charging version.

Order Spigen’s non-charging MagSafe car mount for $44.99 or their charging mount for $49.99, both on Amazon

Buy Belkin’s non-charging MagSafe car mount for $49.95 or its charging mount for $139.95, both from Apple

Hand Vacuum

Our vehicles have a habit of becoming a gathering place for dirt. Before buying an EV, I didn’t care much about my car’s appearance. But now, I like it to be presentable at all times. A hand vacuum is an excellent item to help keep your EV clear year-round. It makes for a small accessory to quickly suck up crumbs and dirt without needing to haul out a larger vacuum.

Order a cordless hand vacuum on Amazon for $35.99

Microfibre Cloths

Microfibre cloths are a staple in the tech community, and now that many EVs have touchscreens, it makes sense to keep one or two in the car. Touch screens and glossy interiors, like what my Model 3 has, get smudged so quickly. Keeping a microfibre cloth on hand is nice to promptly wipe those prints away.

Order a two-pack of 12 x 24-inch microfibre clothes on Amazon for $14.49

Repair Tools

In many respects, EVs are giant electronics. These following two items are great gifts if the person you’re buying for is a do-it-yourself-er. First is the 64-bit iFixit Driver Kit. IFixit is best known for its smartphone repair tools. However, these tools are also great for working on your EV. Over the summer, I swapped out my Model 3’s air filters and unexpectedly needed a unique screw bit. Thankfully, My iFixit tool kit was there to help me out.

The 64-bit iFixit tool kit features sixty-four unique screwdriver bits, a metal screwdriver handle, and a flexible bit extender.

Second, we have automotive trim removal tools. This five-tool kit is used to remove and pry parts and trim off of your vehicle to conduct repairs or parts swaps. Included in the kit are four plastic pry tools and a metal one.

Order the 64-bit iFixit driver kit for $59.99 and the automotive trim removal tool for $11.34

EV T-shirt

Who doesn’t enjoy showing off their personal style through clothing? So, of course, you can purchase t-shirts to express your love for electric vehicles! A seller on Etsy sells t-shirts and hoodies with an icon of the J-1772 plug. Colours include black, navy and dark heather. Tesla sells a wide range of apparel on their website, including t-shirts and sweaters.

The J-1772 t-shirt is available on Etsy starting at $34.21, and Tesla t-shirts are available on its website starting at $40

Car Trash Bag

Whether from fast food packaging or empty drink bottles, our cars sometimes become mini landfills. A small gift you can give this holiday is a car trash bag. Femuar’s car trash bag is leakproof and is available in six different colours and patterns. This bag attaches one of the front seats and measures 9.25 by 5.25 by 10.75 inches.

Order Femuar’s car trash bag on Amazon starting at $19.99

Pet Liner

We all love our pets. However, you probably don’t love their fur. As a loving dog owner, I can say that my dog sheds like a monster. That’s why I recommend a pet liner for the back seat of your EV. Avoid the EV from being covered in drool and fur by grabbing a pet liner.

Order a pet liner on Amazon in either black or grey for $39.99

Tesla Charger Lock

Most EV owners agree that it is just poor EV etiquette to unplug another driver while they’re charging at a public station. Yet, sometimes this still does happen. Sadly, this is a more significant challenge for non-Tesla EVs. While Tesla has a built-in locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized detachment while charging, this is still an issue while using an adapter. A nice small gift to give a Tesla owner this holiday season is a charger lock for charging at a J1772 charger to prevent unauthorized unplugging.

Order a charger lock on Amazon for $11.99

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

YouTube content creator and known philanthropist Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson is coming to Fortnite. This week, players can purchase a MrBeast and MrBeast6000 skin and jump into the new Season 3 Chapter 4 update. With the arrival of his skin, MrBeast is also hosting the Extreme Survival Challenge.

In collaborating with creator Atlas Creative, MrBeast’s Extreme Survival Challenge island can be found in-game. Starting on December 17th at 12pm ET/9am PT, players can try their hand had this MrBeast-inspired challenge. Players must “avoid hazards, collect coins, and survive extreme challenges.” Doing so will earn them “Score.” Players must rack in as much Score as possible before time runs out in the match.

MrBeast’s Extreme Survival Challenge will run for a total of three hours, concluding at 3pm ET/12pm PT on December 17th. Once the allotted time has concluded, the player with the highest Score will earn $1 million USD (roughly $1.3 million CAD). However, the top 100,000 players of the tournament will be awarded the Beast Brella Umbrella cosmetic.

The challenge island goes live on December 13th, allowing players time to get a feel for what’s to come on the 17th. The island can be found on the ‘Discover’ screen or from the island code 7990-6907-8565.

Additionally, there are a series of MrBeast’s Extreme Survival Quests going live on December 13th. Coinciding with the island’s arrival in Fortnite at 9am ET/6am PT, completion of these Quests will earn players the MrBeast Gaming Spray and MrBeast Survival Games Loading Screen.

Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 1 debuted earlier this month. It notably brought the new Trail Thrasher mini-bikes, hurdle moveset and several weapon balances.

Additionally, Epic Games and Fornite have been caught in a bit of legal trouble as a class action lawsuit accusing Fortnite of being addictive has been authorized by the Quebec court. Epic Games has states that the case is “meritless” and that the company plans to fight it in court.

Image credit: Epic Games

Source: Epic Games

PlayStation is offering $35 off 12-month PS Plus memberships for new members. You’ll be able to check the PlayStation Store online or the PlayStation Store app on consoles.

PS Essential 12-month – $34.99 ($69.99)
PS Plus Extra 12-month – $79.99 ($114.99)
PS Plus Premium 12-month – $104.99 ($139.99)

Weirdly, I can’t see the deals on my end, it can be because I was once a PS Plus member though. RedFlagDeals indicates that some returning members have seen the offer on their PlayStation consoles, and the deal is not available for current members to extend their memberships.

The deal is available until December 20th.

Source: PS Store, RedFlagDeals

Apple will reportedly bring OLED display technology to its 13-inch MacBook Air, 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2024, according to often-reliable display industry consultant Ross Young and first reported by MacRumors.

In a recent tweet, Young said that he expects all three devices to feature OLED displays with support for ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. Apple’s iPad Pro line has offered Pro Motion since 2017, but this would be the first time the increased refresh rate tech would make its way to the MacBook Air.

Apple’s MacBook Pro and its Liquid Retina XDR already support 120Hz despite not featuring OLED technology. It’s unclear if OLED will also make its way to Apple’s next MacBook Pro, which is expected to feature upgraded versions of its M2 chip.

It’s believed that OLED tech will offer the iPad and MacBook Air improved battery life and a greater contrast ratio. That said, the technology is prone to display burn-in, though the issue isn’t very common with Apple’s iPhone OLED displays.

Source: @DSCCROSS Via: MacRumors