GTA V was made with 270 million dollars, and since its release, the game has sold 160 million copies, making it the second-best-selling game of all time.
The script of GTA V was about 3,500 pages long and included 1,60,000dialogue lines, almost double the previous instalment of the series, GTA IV.
The GTA V is very realistic that cuts and bruises will remain on the body once you get discharged from the hospital, and stubble will grow in time if you shave your head.
The actor Steven Ogg, who voiced Trevor Philips in GTA V, was often seen wearing only his underwear to remain in character while recording the voice-over.
GTA V allows you to change the phone’s settings from ringing to vibrating when you receive a call on your phone.
Elvis Presley has a role to play in GTA III, the newspapers you found on the ground feature an article, ‘Zombie Elvis Found’ with a photo of the King of Rock and Roll.
The characters Ryder and OG Loc from the Grand Theft Auto – San Andreas were modelled after famous rappers Eazy-E and Ja Rule, respectively.
The Grand Theft Auto franchise is known for lifelong scripts and dialogues, but strangely, the lead character of GTA III does not say anything throughout the entire game.
The GTA franchise only features two minor characters, the first one in the GTA Vice City, a baby named Mary-Beth Williams and another in GTA IV, named Jill Von Crastenburg.
Rockstar Games has suffered many GTA-related lawsuits from citizens all over the world, totalling over $1 billion thus far.
The Grand Theft Auto series’s latest and most loved game has everything you could ask for – from a design, storytelling, and technical perspective. GTA V (online) was released in 2013, but even after a decade, it remains trendy and competes with other newly released identical games. Set in a fictional Los Angeles called Los Santos, the game offers three playable protagonists – Trevor Philips, Michael De Santa and Franklin Clinton, each with a different perspective and distinct background.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
When Rockstar Games released GTA San Andreas on PS2 and Xbox, it was a breathtaking moment for every single gamer. The city was based on Los Angeles and other areas, while the story follows the journey of a former gangster Carl “CJ” Johnson, who returns home and pulls back to his infamous gang following his mother’s murder. The game was one of the most stylish and enjoyable games ever released, thanks to the well-created characters, dialogues, and sound design.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Sometimes, I think, maybe, I repeat, maybe, the guys who have developed the GTA franchise over the years have a significant influence of Tony Montana on them. Hope, you have seen Al Pacino’s cult classic movie Scarface; if not, go on and have a shot of it first and then play GTA Vice City. The game was released in 2002 and takes you back in time to 1986. The lead character of Vice City, Tommy Vercetti, looks like a 3D characterization of Tony Montana.
Top 5 GTA Characters
Carl “CJ” Johnson
Trevor Philips
Tommy Vercetti
Niko Bellic
Michael De Santa
Why is the GTA gaming series popular amongst gamers?
Opulent Storyline
All the games that came under the three universes of Grand Theft Auto are loaded with a powerful storyline and unforgettable characters, which keeps games returning to the game, even after they have finished all the missions. The game allows you to buy supercars and commit crimes that you can’t afford and do in real life. The multiplayer game also allows you to speed up as much as you want, buy a jet, speedboat or perhaps anything you want.
Stressbuster
In one of our articles, “The Psychological Benefits of Gaming in the Workplace”, we’ve already discussed how playing video games helps players develop problem-solving and spatial skills. The Grand Theft Auto franchise enables players to have a better mood by allowing them to do whatever they want, whether walking on the beach, running like a maniac, having a few drinks, riding a superbike or taking a dog on an evening walk.
Excellent Graphics
Do you know what makes a game popular? Outstanding Marketing and Quality Graphics! Every game of the Grand Theft Auto cosmos offers top-notch graphics, and sometimes, you get the sensation of viewing an actual city. The world portrayed in the GTA games, especially in the games released after GTA Vice City, is very appealing – the people walking around, the placement of the buildings, and all the objects appearing real, making the game a treat to the eyes.
Controversies
We know publicity is always upright for businesses, be it negative or positive, it’s definitely going to bring the people to you. Everyone who plays video games is aware of Grand Theft Auto’s existence, as it is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. The game was, is and will be a part of controversies, which makes Rockstar Games’ life easier than ever. They don’t have to promote the game, as the controversies surrounding it create hype among people.
Fantasy World
Who doesn’t want to live their life on their terms? Everyone wants to have fun in their way, especially teenagers, but not everyone can afford to live on their terms. When you can’t go out and do whatever you want, you turn back and play Grand Theft Auto, as the game allows you to do almost everything and live a fantasy life. Nobody cares when you get busted, you can have the fanciest homes, weapons, cars, boats and everything under the sun.
While I’m struggling to write an intro for the article, two of my colleagues are having the time of their life. We have been playing games for ages, as it has always been a favourite pastime of human beings. Now, tell me, from where do we learn the tactics to combat crisis-like situations? Of course, through the games, they prepare our minds on how to tackle real-life problems, block our fears, and, most importantly, how to have a winning attitude.
Since smartphone gaming came into existence, the amount of time spent playing video games has increased drastically. I’ve often heard the management scolding the employees cause they were playing games, but the management should understand one critical factor of playing games – gaming in the workplace help us create social bonds and make learning more engaging. Also, it profoundly evokes multiple areas of their brains and develops coping mechanisms for difficult situations.
When someone indulges themselves completely in the game, their brain releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Being a gamer helps you to get your mind going, as gaming involves a lot of thinking and decision-making. When you’re playing a game like PUBG, where 100s of players are involved at one time, you have to think on a different tangent, strategize, and analyze quickly, otherwise, you won’t have a chance to shout out loud, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.
Gaming is just a software form of life, where for a specific time, we live in a world of uncertainty and fight for our goals. When you win the game, it brings a lot of satisfaction and helps you have better mental health, and having a happy-satisfied employee is quite rare in current times. Allow the gamers to play their favourite games for at least half an hour a day, and they’ll do wonders in their assigned work, as getting a specific gaming hour during work is already a win-win situation for them.
The leaders and managers don’t realize that a dopamine boost in your employees’ brains only benefits the company, as gaming in the workplace eventually increases productivity. Just think of a scenario, what your mind asks for after lunch? A quick nap, right? Well, when you work for 3-4 hours, it’s obvious you’ll become tired by noon, and it needs instant energy. At such times, a quick game sounds good over a nap. So, let it be, allow your employees to play games, and you’ll soon witness magic in their work.
Being born in the 90s has its perks. We’ve lived happily in a time of no mobile phones or huge desktops and witnessed the evolution of smartphones or slim laptops throughout our teenage years. Thankfully, we’re probably the last generation who spend more time playing outside than inside, but we’re also the first ones who played video games, which makes us guileless culprits.
Super Mario Bros.
As adults, we can go through every difficulty to save our beloved person, but where do we learn these tactics for dealing with the complications? Of course, from our favourite Italian-American plumber Mario, who goes through every level dealing with different enemies on the way, only to save his princess. Thanks to Mario and his fraternal twin brother Luigi, who helped every sibling to have a happening childhood.
Contra
I’ve seen siblings fighting over while playing Super Mario Bros, but I’ve seen the same siblings teaming over while playing Contra, and the reason, you know it. Set in the 27th century, the game was a story about two soldiers named Bill Rizer and Lance Bea going to war against the alien invaders seeking to destroy the Earth. The series debuted in February 1987 and had a lot of young fans during its peak.
Virtua Cop 2
I remember the day I bought my first computer and eagerly awaited to install Virtua Cop 2, one of my favourite games to date. The game features three levels where you’ve to kill many opponents of the E.V.I.L. Inc. organisation without taking hits or shooting hostages (who react in a hilarious way). Every level ends with a boss battle and one extra final boss battle. Those were the days!
Duck Hunt
The shooter game was quite trendy in India during the mid-2000s, and kids used to fake cry in front of their parents only to have a Duck Hunt cassette in their homes. The video game was developed and published by Nintendo for the first time in 1984, and it was one of the first video games that came with a physical gun called – the NES Zapper to help you shoot ducks that appear on the screen.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, or, in short, GTA: Vice City, is the game that influenced school kids to bunk school and brought them to the nearest cyber cafes. The fourth main entry in the GTA series was an adventure ride set in 1986 within the fictional Vice City and follows the rise to power journey of the mobster Tommy Vercetti. Thanks to the cheat codes, which always came in handy whenever we were in trouble.
Cricket 07
Back then, the craze of cricket was not limited to the T20s. When we were kids, we played cricket outdoors and indoors, thanks to EA Sports, who developed and published the game. The game was massively popular among the cricket-playing nations as it offered many spectacular features like creating a new player with attributes, limited overs matches (50, 20, 10 or 5 overs), 4-day first-class matches and full-length test matches.
Road Rash
Born in the 90s and haven’t played Road Rash yet? Only a fool will fall into the trap of your words. Road Rash was one of the best motorcycle racing video games of the 20th century as the game offers to punch, kick and steal weapons while racing and how could you forget the epic battle between racer and patrol police? The last game of the series was released in 2009, Road Rash (Java), and with that, the epic racing journey halted for good.
Project IGI – I’m Going In
Nowadays, every kid is obsessed with PUBg, but back then, it was Project IGI. The tactical first-person shooter video game was popular among teenagers but received mixed reviews from critics due to poorly programmed A.I. and the lack of multiplayer features. The game was loved by the players for its sound design and graphics, thanks to the game engine software.
We call them grandparents cause they have the power to say “yes” even when our parents say “no”. When everyone was worried about what to do and how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, there were some carefree grandparents who neglected the crisis and focused on learning and playing video games. You won’t believe it, but these guys, especially the ones in the 55-64 age group, have broken some records and emerged as the fastest-growing demographic of gamers.
Being a guy who prefers public transportation to commute, I’ve seen a lot of drama happening around, especially in the local trains of Mumbai. One day, I was commuting from Dadar to Mulund, and then at one station, a guy in his 60s boarded the train and sat next to me. He laid back in his seat and started playing Call of Duty instead of opening the newspaper like regular older people. I was amazed, what a GRAND moment it was, unbelievable!
Another day, while chilling out with friends at the park, I met another old guy who later joined some of my friends in PUBG, and to my surprise, he celebrated his win by saying ‘Winner Winner Chicken Dinner’. The 63-year-old guy was a retired police officer and alone mostly in life as all the family members were working. He told us he got to know about the online gaming world through his grandson during the pandemic and has never looked back.
While playing online games such as PUBG for about 20-25 hours a week, he met some of the coolest and nicest guys, and over the period, they’ve become his friends, even though he hasn’t met them in person. Thanks to online gaming, the veteran officer is now a member of a few WhatsApp and Telegram groups, where they discuss games, life, and many things which I’m not allowed to reveal here. In many ways, playing games with youngsters helps older adults to stay updated with the time.
You must have at least one elderly member in your family or extended family who likes to play Candy Crush, Solitaire, Angry Birds, Ludo, Subway Surfer, Carrom, or Sudoku. Back then, in the late 90s, these guys were fans of games like Snake and Bounce. The elders love playing these games as they are simple, easy to learn, don’t require too much effort, and offer a temporary escape from reality. Thanks to supportive grandchildren who help these grand-people understand the gaming world better.
The Benefits of Gaming:
Due to safety concerns, not all senior citizens are allowed to walk out of their homes, making their lives pretty sedentary. They miss going for a walk, meeting friends for lunch, and many other things which improve their emotional and mental health. According to several studies, seniors who play video games regularly or occasionally have greater well-being and social functioning than non-gamers. Being a regular gamer also helps to fight loneliness and depression.
Video games significantly impact their emotional, physical and cognitive quotient. The global percentage of people with Alzheimer’s dementia is about 11%, which means 1 in 9 people above the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. When older people play video games, it helps them have an active memory, along with mental flexibility and multi-tasking, as gaming involves a lot of brain-related tasks assisting senior citizens in decreasing their Alzheimer’s risk factors.
Lastly, who doesn’t like to have fun in life? We all need a little enjoyment in life, and talking about senior people – they have spent many years working hard without thinking twice about their wishes. They are desperately in need of a break from mundane life. So, before your grandparents forget who you are, introduce them to the gaming world, and once they get attached to the video games, no one’s gonna stop them cause no one has the guts to say “no” to them.
Gamescom 2022 had a lot of announcements. We are not including the Lies of P, Callisto Protocol, or Outlast trials, as these were announced way before the show. Nonetheless, the number of games teased is plenty to desire a current-gen console or upgrade one’s PC for that crisp detailed game plays.
Dune Awakening
The trailer that we got for dune awakening doesn’t give us anything in terms of gameplay, we do know it’s an open-world survival MMO, and apparently, that’s going to put thousands of players on every instance of the planet. the trailer showcases a hero taking on a giant sandworm. it was a pretty impressive piece of, well, probably CGI, to be completely frank. Still, Dune Awakening could be an intriguing title if it indicates what it may look like. We don’t have an official release date for this game; we do know it’s coming to pretty much all major platforms, so we will keep our eyes open.
Everywhere
The ex-GTA producer Leslie Benzies’s new company announced a game called Everywhere. Everywhere is a pretty vague concept, isn’t it? So, of course, they would issue a press release clarifying what the game is! Everywhere seamlessly blends gameplay, adventure, creativity and discovery in an all-new multi-world gaming experience that redefines how players connect in the digital world around them, which is crystal clear now. In the course of the trailer, you see a large number of different things that seem like third-person shooting, a lot of sci-fi, and maybe even a little racing. There’s a lot when they say Everywhere. Let’s not get hyped over something vague. There’s a lot of top-notch talent on top of Leslie Benzies, a former GTA producer, and it seems like they’re not shying away from colour and possibly genre.
Moonbreaker
A new miniature building turn-based digital tabletop strategy game. this one comes to us from Unknown Worlds, the developers behind Subnautica. It’s a tabletop game like Warhammer 40k, and you get to make miniatures and paint them. And the painting is a big part of Moonbreaker like there’s some element that is just weird in a good way. Somebody interested in that would be more attracted to building miniatures, so there’s a kind of tactile inertia or life that they give the figurines in a battle. Which is appealing, but again it’s quite weird. It’s got a different charm and is landing in early access on September 29th.
7. Atlas Fallen
The gameplay actually kind of reminded me of final fantasy xv. I don’t know if the entire game will take place in a desert, but I do like the desert setting combined with the characters. The character design is just fantastic it reminds me of old-school final fantasy; that’s probably why, obviously with a completely different, more modern style sensibility. What we saw within this little CGI movie is something that could play out within the game. It could end up being a really interesting take on a sort of fast-paced magical action game where you’re holding up bridges and fighting big monsters.
6. Lords of the Fallen
A kind of soft reboot sequel to the 2014 Lords of the Fallen. The original was a pretty successful game, and you’d think it’d be a sequel. It’s kind of been up in the air, so it’s also probably not the project that was announced as Lords of the Fallen two back in 2014. The Lords of the Fallen takes place a thousand years after the original, so it’s an effective reboot for the most part. It’s definitely got the look of a souls/borne type game. The story will involve exploring interconnected realms. Umbrella and axiom, apparently the realms of the living and the dead, the original was also a souls-born souls-like type. It looks like we’ll have to wait to find out when the game hits all major platforms sometime in 2023.
Killer Clowns from outer space
The producer of Friday the 13th, the game it’s a multiplayer horror game. First, Killer Clowns, outer space is a silly franchise. It’s a horror franchise but a silly one, and it should, in all actuality, make for a silly horror experience. Let’s be clear: the weapons in Killer Clowns from outer space could be a lot more fun than the weapons on Friday the 13th. it’s going to land on all major platforms in early 2023.
4. Destiny 2 – Lightfall
To be frank, now we know what the next expansion for destiny will be; it’s a cyberpunk one. The final battle in the light versus dark saga has Kallus coming back, fighting side by side with the witness attempting to destroy the traveller, and apparently, it’s on Neptune in a cyberpunk city. There is also the addition of a grappling hook in the strand subclass. It seems like an attempt to breathe a little bit of life into Destiny 2 after it’s been going on for a long time.
Where winds meet
This looks like a game looking to compete with the ghosts of Tsushima. It is a very different-looking game like it evokes the idea of the ghost of Tsushima, but the aesthetic is also very Chinese. You can actually choose occupations in this game. Like becoming a doctor, or an architect, you can even become a very good orator, a public speaker who can convince NPCs to follow them. These are intriguing additions to an open-world stealth combat game. it sounds like there’s a lot of freedom, and that’s what the developers kept emphasizing when various other people interviewed them. If this turns out to be something where you can do a whole bunch of stuff, and the combat turns out to be as good as it looks in the trailer, take my money!
Phantom Hellcat
An absolutely fantastic-looking hack-and-slash. There’s a ton of visual style here in phantom hellcat. It’s a 2d platformer that transitions into this 3d really close quarters, almost like platinum games looking hack and slash stuff, and that sounds fantastic to me. That is a combination of two types of games, and again it’s something that looks absolutely great.
Dead Island 2 and High on Life
This game was announced almost eight years ago. It would be easy to assume that a game announced eight years ago wasn’t happening, even though there have been few clues that it’s still being developed throughout the years. It looks like a hack-and-slashy type of first-person shooter with zombies. We know what Dead Island is at this point, and if they managed to wow us with Dead Island 2, nothing like it.
Sharing the number one spot is High on Life, a Rick and Morty-voiced and world-based Sci-Fi first-person shooter. The world is filled with interactive sarcasm, and the most intriguing part of the gameplay is talking weapons with a personality of their own. For instance, the starting pistol is based on Morty, while the crazy knife, which does multiple other things like grappling, etc., has a personality like a death-crazed Rick. Great to see this level of interactive madness getting one High on Life.
Samsung launches 5 new products – Fold 4, Flip 4, Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro and Buds Pro 2
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event witnessed the launch of 5 new products from the house of Samsung. An iterative update to the existing line-up of foldable devices, the new Galaxy Fold 4 and Galaxy Flip 4 have improved to match performance and style as per consumer demand. Samsung also announced the updated Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and an exciting take on rugged watches for outdoor use, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Alongside these launches was an improved and innovative Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2. Let’s take a quick look at what has improved compared to their predecessors.
Samsung Galaxy Fold 4
The Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 was well received after their Note series feature, the S-Pen, was introduced as a part of the package. The Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 improves over the Fold 3 in many more minor iterative changes. The most significant change is the reduction in the overall weight of Fold 4, weighing 263 gms compared to 271 gms of Fold 3.
This is Samsung’s lightest Fold series phone since its inception in 2019. The outer construction is aircraft-grade aluminum, while the glass sandwich now consists of Gorilla glass Victus and 18% stronger ultra-thin glass. The dimensions and form factor largely remain identical to the Fold 3, while the hardware leaps in terms of processor, display, camera and software. Running on Android 12 over an improved Samsung One UI, the Fold gets an interesting taskbar with multi-window support and flex mode.
Starting with the processor, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 gets the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor improving the NPU required to post-process images and videos to a new level. The camera setup is now identical to the Samsung S22 series, and a new 50MP camera with 2.0-micron pixels improves over the Fold 3’s 1.8-micron pixel allowing more light capture. The optical zoom has been enhanced from 2x to 3x, while a digital zoom of 30x improves the Fold 4’s zoom capabilities from 10x on the Fold 3. This also enables Galaxy S22 series Nightography to capture 23% brighter images in low light conditions. The triple-camera setup is further aided by improved NPU enabling AI ISP, OIS and VDIS. With a Veritas certificate of 200K folds, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 improves on the durability of its hinge. An adaptive S-AMOLED display now features a 1-120Hz refresh rate with a maximum brightness of 1300 nits. The Fold 4 continues with a hidden in-display front camera, and wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Galaxy Z Fold4
Display
Main Screen
7.6-inch QXGA+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Infinity Flex Display (2176 x 1812, 21.6:18)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold4’s Main Screen size is 7.6-inch in the full rectangle and 7.4-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
Cover Screen
6.2-inch HD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display(2316 x 904, 23.1:9)120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold4’s Cover Screen size is 6.2-inch in a full rectangle and 6.1-inch accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
Dimension & Weight
Folded
67.1 x 155.1 x 15.8mm(Hinge) ~ 14.2mm(Sagging)
Unfolded
130.1 x 155.1 x 6.3mm
Weight
263g
Camera
Cover Camera
10MP Selfie Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚
Under display camera
4MP Under Display Camera
F1.8, Pixel size: 2.0μm, FOV: 80˚
Rear Triple Camera
12MP Ultra Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚50MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚10MP Telephoto Camera
PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚*30X Space Zoom includes 3x Optical Zoom and 30x digital zoom with AI Super Resolution technology. Zooming in past 3x may cause some image deterioration
AP
4㎚ Octa-Core Processor
Memory
12GB RAM with 1TB internal storage
12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage
12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage
*Availability may vary by market or channel. Actual storage space may vary by market, model, file size and format.
Battery
4,400mAh (typical) dual battery*
*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4275mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
Charging
Super Fast Charging* : Up to 50% charge in around 30mins with 25W adapter** or higher
Fast wireless charging 2.0***
Wireless PowerShare*****Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter while it has 0% of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
***Wireless charging compatible with WPC
****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with WPC Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10 series, S10 series, S9 series, S8 series, S7 series, S6 series, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5, and wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.
Water Resistance
IPX8
*IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant.
*5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
**Availability of LTE model varies by country and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
***Wi-Fi 6E network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6E router.
*SIM card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and carrier.
**eSIM availability may vary depending on software version, region and carrier. Check with your carrier if your mobile network plan supports eSIM.
Colors
Graygreen, Phantom Black, Beige
[Samsung.com Exclusive] Burgundy* Availability may vary by market.
Samsung Galaxy Flip 4
The teaser site images created an illusion of flat sides on the Samsung Galaxy Flip 4. In-person, the sides are curved and feel more ergonomic to hold. Like the Fold 4, the Samsung Galaxy Flip 4 gets the newer improved Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and an enhanced Samsung One UI running over Android 12. The Flip 4 also gets an improved display with 18% strengthened ultra-thin glass featuring a brighter 900 nits display with dynamic S-AMOLED switching between 1-120Hz refresh rate. The glass sandwich now features a Haze glass finish for improved ergonomics. A robust set of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cameras are implemented on the Galaxy Flip 4, significantly improving overall camera performance with 65% brightness in images and videos. Night-photography also comes included on the bold new camera deco. It also gets improved AI ISP, OIS and VDIS.
The hinges have been reduced by 1.2mm, an engineering marvel from Samsung engineers. The battery capacity has improved to 3700 mAh, a 10% improvement from its predecessor Flip 3. The ultra-thin glass too has improved in strength by 18%. The new Galaxy Flip 4 also gets intuitive multi-angle capture, seamless vlogging mode and a hands-free camera experience. The cover screen gets unique customisations with improved One UI and AI responses.
Galaxy Z Flip4
Display
Main Screen
6.7-inch FHD+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Infinity Flex Display (2640 x 1080, 22:9)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Main Screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.6-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
Cover Screen
1.9-inch Super AMOLED Display*
260 x 512*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Cover Screen size is 1.9-inch in the full rectangle and 1.8″ with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
Dimension & Weight
Folded
71.9 x 84.9 x 17.1mm (Hinge) – 15.9mm (Sagging)
Unfolded
71.9 x 165.2 x 6.9mm
*The thickness of Galaxy Z Flip4 when unfolded does not include the frame of the Main Screen.
Weight
187g
Camera
Front Camera
10MP Selfie Camera
F2.4, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80˚
Rear Dual Camera
12MP Ultra Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚
12MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83˚
AP
4㎚ Octa-Core Processor
Memory
8GB RAM with 512GB internal storage
8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage
8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage
*Availability may vary by market or channel. Actual storage space may vary by market, model, file size and format.
Battery
3,700 mAh (typical) dual battery
*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3595mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
Charging
Super Fast Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30mins with 25W adapter** or higher
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0***
Wireless PowerShare*****Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter while it has 0% of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
***Wireless charging compatible with WPC
****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with WPC Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10 series, S10 series, S9 series, S8 series, S7 series, S6 series, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5, and wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.
Water Resistance
IPX8
*IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant.
*5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
**Availability of LTE model varies by country and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
*SIM card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and carrier.
**eSIM availability may vary depending on software version, region and carrier. Check with your carrier if your mobile network plan supports eSIM.
Colors
Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue
[Bespoke Edition] Front/Back(Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki, Red), Frame(Silver/Black/Gold)* Availability may vary by market.
Samsung Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro
Samsung Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro get a new sensor design, and Samsung promises increased durability. Software enhancements include a digital wheel that acts like a physical wheel and responds to touch on the outer circular bezels. Watch 5 is tuned for all, while the Watch 5 Pro aims to target rough usage outdoors.
A new design also brings curvature and precise body composition tracking. There’s advanced sleep coaching, multi-device experience with other Samsung devices, holistic sleep analysis, advanced sleep coaching and personalised programs on the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. Samsung has improved the battery life on the Watch 5 by adding a 13% bigger battery with fast-charge capabilities charging the Watch 5 30% faster than the Watch 4. Both these watches are now protected with Sapphire crystal, the second hardest transparent material after diamonds.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features additional functionality with outdoor data tracking. It also gets an innovative D-buckle strap and a titanium body. Users can share route details, import route files, and enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and trackback functions on the Watch 5 Pro. With 590 mAh, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro battery life claims to last 3 days on normal use and 20 hours with GPS functionality turned on.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2
Samsung makes impressive audio solutions with their TWS. Improving their line-up, they introduced the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, a 15% smaller size compared to the Buds Pro. The ANC levels have improved by 1.4 times on the new pair. Multi-device connectivity enables auto-switch functionality. The added 360-degree sound enabled by Dolby Atmos and tuned by AKG makes this an apt solution for Dolby Atmos-enabled content. The most considerable improvement has come in the form of 24-bit audio inputs transmitted as 24-bit audio outputs. This brings a massive leap in wireless connectivity for music lovers and improves the overall listening experience by a huge margin. The overall battery sits at 515 mAh with the case, while the earbuds get 61 mAh for operations. They can be powered by a USB Type-C port and also support wireless charging.
Galaxy Buds2 Pro Product Specifications
Color
Graphite, White, Bora Purple
*Available colors may vary by market, carrier or retailer.
Dimensions & Weight
Earbud: 19.9 x 21.6 x 18.7 mm, 5.5g
Charging Case: 50.1 x 50.2 x 27.7 mm, 43.4g
Speaker
Custom Coaxial 2-way (Tweeter + Woofer) peaker
Sound Quality
24bit Hi-Fi*
360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel**
*24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds2 Pro. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.
**Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later.
ANC & Ambient Sound
ANC*+High SNR Microphone (2 outer + 1 inner)**
Ambient Sound
Voice Detect*****With 3 high SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) microphones, Galaxy Buds2 Pro can eliminate small noises by capturing lower level sounds.***Galaxy Buds2 Pro can distinguish between noise and human voices. When you speak, it switches temporarily to Ambient mode and reduces media volume so that you can hear conversations without taking out your earbuds.
Battery Capacity
Earbuds: 61mAh (typical)
Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)
** The typical capacity has been tested under third party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 58mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors.
Play Time
Up to 5 hours / Total up to 18 hours (ANC on)
Up to 8 hours / Total up to 29 hours (ANC off)
*Earbuds provide up to 5hrs play time with ANC on (up to 8 hrs with ANC off), while the case provides up to 18 hours of battery life (up to 29 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds2 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings** including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors
** Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds2 Pro when it was first released, simply with the power turned on.
Talk Time
Up to 3.5 hours / Total up to 14h (ANC on)
Up to 4.0 hours / Total up to 15h (ANC off)
*Earbuds provide up to 3.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 4 hrs with ANC off), while the case provides up to 14 hours of battery life (up to 15 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds2 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors.
Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Hall, Touch, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU)
Compatibility
Android 8.0 or higher with more than 1.5GB of RAM
*Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device.
Water Resistance
IPX7
*IPX7 is based on laboratory test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Charging case is not water resistant. If the earbuds are damaged, they are not guaranteed to be water resistant. If the earbuds or your hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling or placing into the charging case.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked brings improvements to the entire line-up of current generation Fold 4 and Flip 4. The Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro with Sapphire Crystal are almost 90% stronger and more durable than their predecessor. Software enhancements charm these devices, making them a perfect blend of suitable hardware and better software. With a smaller size, better audio latency and bit rate, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 promises a significant leap in audio nirvana. What are your thoughts on these launches? Let us know in the comments below.
Starting nearly above a couple of lakhs, the Vector GP76 hosts a massive 17.3-inch, 1080p display with a 360Hz refresh rate which is phenomenal. An Intel Core i7 CPU paired with a Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and 16GB of RAM.
It’s an enticing collection of specs at this price point, but that’s not nearly enough to land you with the best gaming laptop. While there are some serious caveats to consider before you pick one up.
Stealth looking!
If DC comics were to design this laptop, the MSI Vector GP76 would likely be the Batman. While the MSI GS76 earns that name with its “discreet yet stealth design,” that would be a fitting name for the Vector.
Blacked out and with a robust metal finish and from the prominently raised hinges to the angled vents on the back and sides of the laptop, it gives the otherwise minimalistic laptop an aggressive look. The matte black lid is only broken by MSI’s dragon logo, which is also in black, but it draws the eye thanks to its glossy finish. There’s no flashy exterior lighting to make the Vector scream that it is a gaming laptop, yet its bulky form, makes it look like it’s meant to do some serious stuff.
The Display everyone’s been talking about!
The MSI Vector GP76’s display definitely prioritizes speed over the resolution with its 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080 screen delivering a blisteringly fast 360Hz of refresh rate that will overwhelm pro-gamers that favour fast-twitch FPS titles or racing games.
The colours are excellent with their brightness and HDR capabilities. The solid performance of the RTX 3070 Ti with its 150-watt TGP is also reflected in gaming. All games run at high FPS. Even at maximum settings and with a corresponding external monitor, 4K resolutions are flawless.
Can take a good beating!
Typing on the Vector GP76 is a pleasure with the RGB-backlit keys offering solid key travel and a springy response which is both comfortable and quick to type on. The tactile feedback is confidence-inspiring and fast typing is as buttery smooth as it can get. For gamers, the rigidity will make sure that the keyboard can take a good beating.
The keys are generally well-spaced, with the exception of the cursor keys on the right.
You have complete control over the per-key RGB lighting from the aforementioned Steelseries GG app and it allows sample light to get through the keys without excessive light bleed at the edges.
Is it a Gamers delight?
The specs make it clear, that the Vector GP76 is real gamers’ delight with its 360 Hz display and super-fast response times. In addition, the Core i7-12700H has double the power of the CPU in its predecessor and another highlight is the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti with a real power consumption of 150 watts.
The MSI Vector GP76 gives gamers a lot of what they want with outstanding performance, a great sturdy keyboard and an incredible 360Hz refresh rate display, but the painfully poor battery life and overall poor thermal performance make it dicey to recommend over some of its competition.
Now if you never, or rarely, use your laptop away from a charger and you do all of your gaming with a headset on, that changes the equation significantly. But acknowledging a few drawbacks, the rest of the package offered is solid and unquestionably delivers an excellent gaming experience.
Star Rating – 4
Good
Near class-leading performance and graphics with 360Hz refresh rate
After the rivalry between Marvel and DC, the only rivalry the young generation is curious about is PlayStation Vs Xbox. In November 2021, which is considered the sales month of the year for the video game business, Xbox beat PlayStation, of course, due to a more comprehensive range of availability and price difference.
However, if you look at the overall statistics, PlayStation has dominated the console market, especially over the last few years. The Japanese multinational conglomerate has sold 37.5 million consoles alone in the US, about 5+ million more than Xbox, which clearly shows its supremacy in the market.
Since the arrival of OTT platforms and their subscription-based services, the world has changed for a good. Offering a subscription service to the consumers is a new flex, and every company wants to be a part of it. In the gaming world, Microsoft was the first one who introduces subscription-based services.
Now following the path of Microsoft, Sony announced the PlayStation Plus subscription service with three tiers. The company is planning to launch the services by June with a reimagined PlayStation Plus, which combines the streaming service PlayStation Now with the PlayStation Plus membership.
The new PlayStation Plus will be available in three tiers:
The PlayStation Plus Essential:
Allows you to have two free games a month and access to online multiplayer. The basic package costs $10 a month and $60 a year.
The PlayStation Plus Extra:
Allows you to have the same benefits as the PlayStation Plus Essential, along with a selection of 400 PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 downloadable titles. The most-competitive package among the three tiers is priced at $15 a month or $100 a year.
The PlayStation Plus Premium:
The most expensive package allows you to have 340 more games than the PlayStation Plus Extra and will enable players to play a selection of PS2, PS3, PS3, PS4 and PS5 games over the internet. It is priced at $18 a month or $120 a year.
Games such as Death Stranding, God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Mortal Kombat 11 and Returnal will be a part of these tiers. Also, there will be a time-limited trial option, letting gamers play games on a trial basis before they decide to buy. The launch will happen in parts, first being launched in Asia, followed by North America, Europe, and then the rest of the world.
Ah! Even the thought of writing this article takes me to the lane of sweet memories. I was born in a period when the world had just started acknowledging and receiving mobile devices as a household essential. Yes, the late 90’s.
If I could recollect it all correctly, I even remember playing games on the newly arrived Reliance Landline device, which, when I look back, I feel awed. I racked my brains for what the game was called and how it felt, just like how you fidget your tooth with your tongue for that one food particle that just wouldn’t come out. In case you remember it, pass yourself a smile for old time’s sake.
The Beginning
It all started with Nokia’s hugely popular and successful game, Snake, introduced in 1997, as a feature on the phone. The unbeatable champion, the Avengers of mobile phones, Nokia, would have known little back then that it would become a source of cherishable memories for every millennial and early Generation Z and mark its name in history for being one of the most celebrated mobile phones.
The ‘Snake’ game, launched with Nokia 6110, signalled a new era in mobile gaming and became an entire generation’s obsession. An addictively simple game, Snake followed the basic idea of an elongating reptilian creature as it consumed more dots (supposedly food) and died if collided in itself.
I remember playing Snake when I was as young as four or five. You see it growing and pacing up with every time it eats something, and you can’t help but keep going on.
From 1997 to 2005, other widely-popular games such as Alien Fish Exchange and Space Invaders followed.
Evolution
I’ve said it earlier; I was born at an age where I could witness the evolution of mobile phones and gaming simultaneously. The smartphones were getting sleeker and lighter, with no external antenna. With the introduction of the Nokia 7650, people witnessed features like apps, sharing and Bluetooth. A long string of Symbian phones followed: the Nokia 3660, 6600, N73 and N95. Soon, everyone got their first brush with touch phones with the newly arrived Sony Ericsson P910. It had a conventional keypad, QWERTY, and touchscreen, which you could use with a finger or stylus. Touch phones were the hot talks of those days. Either everyone started buying one or craved for one.
Before the mobile gaming industry boomed, I remember being hooked to the old school 8-bit games that could be conveniently connected to the television. Ah, the days of saving up some money to buy the gaming cassettes! Today’s children will never know the thrill we got while playing games like Contra, Adventure Island, Battle City, Bomberman, Circus Charlie, and many more after a long day at school.
Stage 1
It was only in 2008 when Apple introduced its app store that dramatically changed the concept of mobile gaming forever. Almost everyone with a smartphone began downloading games on their devices. App Store turned everyone into gamers.
With the introduction of the App Store, games like Angry Birds, Plant vs Zombies, Candy Crush, and Flappy Birds became blockbusters worldwide. Games were no longer about devoted fans with expensive game consoles and high-end PC rigs. It also opened a way for the developers to get creative with games and vouch for the rising app economy.
Game developers had to now focus on making the game more interactive, more touch-friendly. Mobile phones were now becoming more than just a medium to communicate. Games such as Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, and Temple Run, broke all records by being downloaded by over 1 Billion people. It made the developer business superstars.
Stage 2
Now there was an immediate race against mobile manufacturers to launch their all-touch phones. Nobody could even come close to the iOS platform functionality until Google launched their Android operating system in 2008.
Within the next two years, there were more smart devices at cheaper rates available to people, increasing the demand for more apps and games.
It was now time for high-resolution racing games to penetrate consumers’ devices and conversations. In 2012, Asphalt reinvented the mobile gaming segment with the release of Asphalt 7. The game introduced retina display graphics for detailed visuals with matching audio output to the mobile devices. Next year, Gameloft came out with Asphalt 8, delivering console-level graphics along with a refined multi-player experience.
Mobile game graphics continued to improve over the years, with games like NOVA, Shadowgun, and Dead Trigger showcasing the improvement in graphics and how developers were catching up to hardware improvements on the phone.
Stage 3
We have surpassed easy gaming with low graphics. Smartphones are now coming with vast storage capacities with better refresh rates and high graphic facilities. Warzones are hitting the charts. It’s an age of Battle Royales!
Highly competitive online games such as Call of Duty, Halo, Fortnite are designed around high-stakes survival and allow you to talk to your teammates through audio. Games like these are currently carrying the torch when it comes to shooter games. They also come up with consistent upgrades to make the gameplay much more inclusive and exciting for users.
People are literally hooked to Battle Royales, including my ten-year-old niece, who consistently gets his ass whooped for playing it too much! Kid you not; I can’t keep my hands off Call of Duty too.
Call of Duty and Fortnite have their in-game merch available for people to buy from their ‘real’ money to dress up their ‘game characters’. Yes, if you tell your parents or grandparents this, they would probably call you crazy and cut off your income supplies. But surprisingly, these are a massive source of income for game-makers.
Future
I can, without any doubt, say that the future of gaming lies in Augmented Reality. Technology is ever-changing, and AR is said to be the future of the Internet. We have games like Pokemon Go which utilized AR at its initial stages and became an instant hit with the users.
The game’s theme revolves around catching pokemon that are pinpointed on a real-world map, and when you get to the location, you use your camera to see them in the ‘real world’ via your phone screen.
Augmented Reality gaming is a complicated yet straightforward execution of your smartphone screen to imitate an object existing in a 3D space that it does not possess in reality. The game has generated $1 billion in revenue through its AR model.
AR allows you to play virtual chess on your physical table or shoot ghosts appearing in your living room or office space. This is AR at its initial stage. We can only imagine what lies ahead!
