A horrible day in Irish history, for many many reasons. I’m not going to go into the details, plenty of proper current affairs news outlets will discuss that. But one area I’m interested in is the impact smartphones is going to have in the fallout of the Dublin riots.
An Garda Siochana has today requested that members of the public contact Store Street Garda Station if they have any video footage from the Dublin riots.
In a post on Instagram, the Gardaí said they are “appealing to the public for video footage and content related to last Thursday’s serious public disorder in Dublin City Centre that will assist in our ongoing investigation”.
The post continues with details of how this will be done, saying you should “send your contact details to store.street.public@garda.ie” before adding they “would be very grateful if you could also help us by sharing this message with those you know”.
They also pointed out that you should not send footage yet, just make contact to say you have some form of digital content that may be of interest.
I reached out to the Garda Press Office for clarification on one point; would members of the public risk losing their personal devices in the event their footage be deemed of interest. This will not be the case. The Press Office confirmed that once you get in touch, “appropriate arrangements will then be made for downloading of the relevant footage only”. In addition, they stated that the “handing over of personal devices will not be required.”
This is an interesting development from Gardaí but not a massive departure from common practice. We often see requests for dashcam footage when a serious crime has been committed. Given the public outrage towards the riots and the quality of smartphone cameras today, it’ll be interesting to see what fruit this bears. This comes alongside fast-tracked plans to introduce body cams and the use of AI-powered facial recognition technology following the Dublin riot.
Spider-Men, Spider-Men, PS5 exclusive Spider-Men! That’s right, Peter and Miles have swung their way back to the virtual streets of New York City and this time they’ve left the old jet-engine roar of the PS4 behind for good. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the latest (and so far, 5th not counting re-releases) step in Sony’s long farewell to the PS4, fully embracing the power that the current generation of hardware can offer. It certainly makes full use of the beefiness of the PS5’s internal systems in the graphics and performance department but do the story and gameplay manage to capture the same magic of the first title? Does it iterate more on the franchise than Miles Morales did? Is Spider-Man the bodega cat still around? The answer to these, I’m happy to report, is a resounding yes! I’ll be doing my best to keep this review as spoiler-free as I can, but I’ll probably be spoiling Spider-Man 2018 and Spider-Man: Miles Morales so if you haven’t played those you should go do that before coming back here!
First Impressions are Everything
Spider-Man 2018 had everything going for it when it launched. It promised an exciting, engaging way to navigate the NYC skyline. It was being developed by long-time fan favourite devs, Insomniac Games. It was able to effortlessly ride the wave of Spider-Mania that the Marvel Cinematic Universe revived. Given those three elements, it was almost guaranteed that the game would succeed both commercially and critically. And it did! I loved the game so much that I upgraded to the next-gen version when the PS5 launched and fell in love all over again.
Again, when the shorter follow-up, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, launched it was able to ride the hype train that newer, fancier hardware brought with it. While it may have played it safe in terms of gameplay innovation or major changes to the established canon from the first game, it was absolutely one of my top games of the year.
Insomniac’s third Spider-outing, similarly, does not disappoint. I already knew I was going to enjoy the game but the news that it would be a PS5 exclusive title only excited me more. It was finally time to see what a fully realised New York was like without having to ensure it wasn’t too grand for the PS4 to handle. It almost goes without saying for many games these days but when I first booted it up, I was greeted by the settings menu asking whether I wanted to experience the game in Performance or Fidelity mode. I initially chose Fidelity mode because I knew I’d most likely change over to Performance mode once I’d seen the full glory of the graphics. I just prefer a higher framerate if I can have it.
Mr Sandman…big on my screen…
The initial impression of the graphical side of things was impressive. Glass and reflective surfaces were suitably ray-tracey and the detail on some of the textures was a thing of beauty. I don’t think it was an accident that Sandman was the chosen villain to start the game with. A behemoth made up of millions of tiny particles. What better way to show off the fancy new tech you’ve been playing with recently?
As I mentioned in my Miles Morales review you could hardly think of a better environment to show off graphical fidelity than New York City. What with its myriad reflective surfaces, its abundant traffic, and its bridges spanning over the East River showing off what Insomniac can do with regards water physics. You’re able to get a better view of the city than ever this time around due to one of the game’s biggest mechanical changes!
Amazing Gameplay
The key strength of this franchise since day one has been its traversal mechanics. The ability to swing and crawl and launch yourself off practically any surface was mind-blowing when we first got our hands on it. The fact that this new way of moving was balanced with the need for something to latch on to (unlike some previous games where you can inexplicably web-swing from thin air), with the opportunity to achieve some truly breakneck speeds if you timed your swings right was a marvel (no pun intended). Thankfully the same web-slinging we all know, and love is back with the addition of a few unlockable abilities to help you quickly gain altitude or speed. Same old same old.
Well, it would be if it weren’t for the glorious return of Spidey’s iconic web wings, straight from his early days. These are an absolute revelation. They allow for consistent straight-line speed ideal for chasing baddies on the run, as well as being a relatively relaxing way to get around New York. Now, these wings aren’t for flight, only gliding. This means you can be limited in your travel distance if you don’t plan your route properly. Thankfully there are plenty of wind-tunnels, updrafts, and slipstreams that will carry you along or give you a little altitude boost as you go. In fact, thanks to these it’s possible to glide from the southernmost tip of the financial district all the way up to Peter’s new home in Astoria.
The Web Wings are iconic, I will beaccepting no notes on this.
These changes to how you get about make fast travel even more redundant than it was in the first two games. Normally this would be a cause for celebration. Fast travel is kind of a last resort in a lot of games when the act of immersing yourself in a virtual world is a bit of an inconvenience. In Spider-Man 2 though it’s an absolute wonder. Usually, fast travel isn’t actually fast. It’s just fast-er than going on foot. In Spider-Man 2, though? It’s not just fast, it’s instantaneous. I only did it once just to experience it myself. I opened the map, held a button and I was immediately teleported to my destination. Absolutely no loading times at all. If there was any way to show off how far PlayStation tech has come, this is it.
Traversal isn’t the only mechanical change, however. Combat abilities that first appeared in Miles Morales have returned with a whole suite of tricks for Peter as well. He’s sporting his extra mechanical arms from Civil/Infinity War (depending on if you’re a comic or a movie person) to give him a hand whenever he’s in a pinch. Presumably made of some kind of nanotech, these arms appear and reappear in the blink of an eye so they’re not always hanging around out of Peter’s back. These arms allow you to launch enemies into the air, pummel enemies with a flurry of rapid blows, or even launch yourself towards an enemy and throw them towards the nearest solid object. Miles, of course, is still generating enough electricity to power an NYC borough so that’s his deal once again.
Now it won’t come as any surprise to anyone who’s seen any trailers for the game or, hell, seen the box art, that Peter joins forces with a Symbiote (spoiler alert, it’s Venom, bet you didn’t see that coming) during the course of the game. As you’d expect this unlocks a new suite of abilities for him to do some truly devastating damage with as the story progresses.
Now, the stealthy MJ missions that many people complained about in the previous game are back. However, these have also been given an update to allow MJ to deal some damage of her own. They’re nowhere near as tedious as they were last time, and I even enjoyed one or two of them. There’s even one where I found I was able to just run straight by a whole mess of enemies without any difficulty which got it over and done with quickly enough!
And that’s really it as far as core mechanics go. The rest is basically unchanged from the previous titles. The open world now includes areas on the far side of the East River, meaning there’s an even bigger sandbox in which to find collectibles, enemy bases, science experiments, and combat challenges. All of these are unlocked as you progress through the story and are then available to you whenever you feel the need to get some extra XP or upgrade materials. The combat is that familiar Arkham-style mix of attack, parry, and dodge that dozens of other games have used at this point. Again, apart from one or two new enemy attack types, no big changes here!
Too often, sequels will add mechanics or pad out the open world just for the sake of following a “more is more” design philosophy. I think a more conservative approach really helped Spider-Man retain a lot of what made the series great in the first place. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for one or two additional extras that are definitely worth having!
Spider-Story Tme
The strength of the Spider-Man franchise, since its debut over 60 years ago, has always been its characters. Happily, that has carried through to the modern day. The character arcs we see in this game are excellent from start to finish. The most dramatic, of course, is Peter Parker himself who is taken to some dark places once he puts on his infamous black suit. He really embodies the “Bully Parker” we often see as his ego takes over while the Symbiote is whispering into his ear. Miles works as a brilliant foil here, doing his utmost to keep his Spidey mentor on the straight and narrow. He certainly has his work cut out for him, though, as Peter quickly goes to a dark place, eventually growing to a near-antagonist due to the influence of the black suit. I’ll keep some of the details close to the chest so as to prevent any spoilers, but Peter not only becomes more self-centered but also much more violent with his opponents. Safe to say this causes massive conflict within Miles as to when to step in and put a stop to Peter. The student/teacher dynamic can be a tough one to navigate when you feel like your teacher is in the wrong. Even tougher when your teacher is possessed by an alien bent on global domination.
Mary Jane gets a good story to herself as well. Caught between the want to do what’s right and the need to pay the bills she struggles with the idea of working for, inexplicably, the biggest selling paper in New York, the Daily Bugle. Unfortunately, the anti-Spidey rag is owned and operated by the Marvel equivalent of Alex Jones, J. Jonah Jameson. We also get an insight into how MJ feels about her relationship with Peter when it won’t always be certain that he’ll be able to hold down a steady job and pay the bills.
The Symbiote can exert an extreme degree of control over its host. Pic unrelated.
The Symbiote’s final host (i.e., this continuity’s Venom) undergoes a similar character change to Peter. Interestingly, we see that the change happens even when they’re not in possession of the Symbiote, growing to resent Peter for taking away what they see as rightfully theirs. I guess this is standard for Spider-Man villains all things considered. Spider-Man does what’s expected of him, someone takes personal offence to this, and that person then becomes moustache-twirling villain. This time, however, it feels much more personal, with Venom’s final goal acting as a perversion of the host’s initial vision of their place in the world.
The game’s deuteragonist, Kraven is also a well-rounded character in his own right. While he doesn’t really have much of an arc he’s very well fleshed out. His motivation isn’t as straightforward as “I want to hunt the ultimate prey”, even though that’s how it seems at first. He and his hunters really make for formidable enemies, and they really make for welcome additions to this Spidey-canon.
It can’t be ALL Good
As I mentioned, Spider-Man is a character with a 60-year history. That’s more than half a century of character arcs, suits, stories, and memes to draw from. It references iconic moments in the franchise’s history like the cover of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man’s debut) and the Spider-Men pointing meme. That’s why I’m so disappointed to report that the variety of unlockable suits in this game really isn’t what I’d hoped for. Of the 35 suits available for Peter, a full 12 of them are from the movies. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the movie suits. The new take on the classic suit is great, Tom Holand’s first Stark suit is still one of my favourites, and the Raimi webbed suit is forever burned into my millennial brain. Miles, I have no such problem with. He gets so many suits that we haven’t seen before. Now, I’m sure we’ll see more suits in the future if there’s DLC or a title update, as we saw in the past but to have a third of Peter’s wardrobe taken up with stuff we’ve seen a million times before, especially when they don’t even take advantage of the new palette-swap mechanic is more than a little disappointing.
Pictured: An important piece of Spider-Culture
It’s also a bit of a let-down that the podcasts that will frequently play over Miles and Peter’s network aren’t saved in your collections menu tab as they were before. Often if you’re listening to a JJJ rant or a wholesome episode of the Danikast and come across a crime or a quest (side or main), the audio will cut out never to resume. It would be nice to be able to go back and hear what you missed out on. Spider-Man is, after all, known for his quips and jabs at Jonah so to hear him mouth off is always a treat.
Finally, (and this is less specifically a gripe I have with Spider-Man 2 and more a general annoyance with open-world games,) it’s very difficult to strike a balance between side-quest completion and story pacing. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be wanting to explore all the side quests as and when they become available. Unfortunately, this can lead to some weird situations like Miles saying, “Oh I need to check on Pete right now!” followed by the player saying, “but I’m gonna go hunt for a dozen little Spider-Bots first,” immediately afterwards. Again, this isn’t a Spider-Man-only problem, but I think it would be beneficial if there were some missions that had to be followed up on immediately or that would only allow you to accept side quests you find along the way.
Final Recommendations
All those minor gripes aside I absolutely adore this game. In a year where we got some astonishingly good titles this one really stood out to me as one of the best. The fact that it’s a tight, contained narrative really helps as well. It doesn’t turn into a multi-hundred-hour slog like Tears of the Kingdom or Starfield. The move to better hardware has really paid dividends for Insomniac and this game was more than worth the wait. I’m so excited for any potential DLC we may be getting or, if not, their upcoming Wolverine game. If you liked the first two games, or just love Spider-Man in general you really need to pick this game up. The story will have you on the edge of your seat, tearing up or open-mouthed slumped on your couch. The gameplay is as tight and as fluid as ever. Also, as I said, Spider-Man the bodega cat makes his glorious return. What’s not to love?
Being a tech reviewer is a funny old job. I struggled to get excited about phone launches any more because they’re all a bit samey. Instead, I now find things like chargers fascinating. My annual pilgrimage to IFA in Berlin this year brought the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 140W 4-Port GaN Wall Charger onto my desk and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s ideal for anyone who has a MacBook (or any USB-C charged laptop) and travels regularly with lots of different gadgets. While a bit on the pricey side, it will justify that price tag to many.
Why I Love Belkin’s 140w 4-in-1 Charger
I travel with way too much tech. I’m just back from a trek around Norway and I was regularly carrying my MacBook, phone, two powerbanks, the charger for my Whoop Band, earbuds and even a charger for my sunglasses – I know, ridiculous. The funny thing is, I’d even argue I was travelling light on this trip with no phones for testing and no iPad. Normally, this would mean I bring several chargers and EU adapters too.
Just before setting off, Belkin sent over the brand new 140w charger they had just launched at IFA. I was immensely excited because in the box you get a UK plug, along with EU and US plugs too. With the press of a button, I could plug this in in Norway, just like I had in Ireland hours previously. The real win comes with the number of ports Belkin has squashed onto this charger.
Here it is in action while I waited for a flight from Bergen to Oslo.
The BoostCharge Pro 140W 4-Port GaN Charger, as the name suggests, has four ports; 3 x USB-C and 1 good old-fashioned USB-A. They can all be used at the same time because the charger, despite its relatively slim profile, is massively powerful. MacBook owners will scratching their heads right now. The standard MacBook charger is about the same size and offers just one USB-C port. This is down to Belkin’s GaN technology and Apple only recently released its own GaN chargers.
Gallium nitride (GaN) is a semiconductor material that is being used in the development of new types of chargers. The science aside, GaN chargers are smaller, lighter, and more efficient than traditional silicon chargers. They are also able to charge devices faster.
Belkin is uses this technology to bring this one charger to beat them all across 4-ports.
BoostCharge Pro 140W: The 4-Ports
The 4 ports on Belkin’s charger behave differently depending on how many devices you are charging. Thanks to the combination of GaN and USB-C Power Delivery, each USB-C port has guaranteed power transfer rates. Basically, that means that no matter how many devices you plug in, each port will do at least what it says on the tin.
For example. The top, most powerful, USB-C port on the plug is the one I use for my MacBook because it can deliver up to 140w of power. My MacBook tops out at 87w so that’s plenty of power, while newer MacBooks and laptops can charge faster, using up to the full 140w. That is assuming you are only charging your MacBook, but if you are you could be getting from 0% to 50% battery in just 30 minutes in the right conditions.
But you can have several devices plugged in at once and this changes how power is distributed by the charger. This diagram makes it much clearer than my words:
Here, you can see that if you plug your MacBook into the top port, and it supports it, you’ll get 140w fast charging. Plug your phone into the fourth port and the laptop rate of charging will drop slightly to 100w to distribute the charge rates evenly but fairly across devices that need more power; thank you USB-C Power Delivery (PD).
Travelling with a partner? They could charge their MacBook while you charge yours. Both will run at 65w, the top two ports’ minimum rates. All the while you could still charge a phone on the fourth port at 12w. Naturally, you could also plug your phone into a USB-C port for more power too.
Ultimately, this one charger with interchangeable plug fittings, was the only charger I used while travelling. It charged my MacBook, phone and everything else I carried, on trains, in airports and in hotel rooms for a week. It takes a bit of getting used to know my laptop charger is also my phone and wearable charger, but trust and you shall be rewarded.
What I Didn’t Like About Belkin’s 140w 4-in-1 Charger
I’m lucky enough to have been sent this to test out, but I can’t lose sight of the fact that most will need convincing on the price. This will set you back €165 from Amazon. That’s no small price for a charger. Realistically, you probably already have these chargers, so that’s really €165 for the nice-to-have consolidation of all those chargers into one device.
While it’s a technical marvel thanks to GaN and PD technology, it’s still a sizeable piece of kit. EU sockets never feel fully secure when holding in heavy chargers. I didn’t actually have any issues with this, but can’t help but feel someone will, or someone will have a socket somewhere this thing simply won’t fit into because of other plug layouts.
The only other thing I can think of is that while it’s environmentally friendly, I feel Belkin could have included more reading material in the box. The general market needs some more education on chargers. Companies just started dropping this from boxes and hoped everyone knew what they’d need to buy. Most people don’t really think about wattage and ports when charging. Understanding all of that is really what makes the pricetag on Belkin’s 4-port so justified.
Belikin BoostCharge Pro 140W Charger: The Verdict
This is a contender for one of my favourite pieces of tech in 2023. I travel quite a bit and have lots of different tech. This one charger frees up a lot of space in my bag. Not only that, Belkin makes good reliable products and is officially supported by Apple along with other manufacturers too.
I appreciate that it’s not cheap. But I also know some people out there will read this review, look at the features I’ve highlighted and think that price is a steal for the convenience this charger offers. It’s also not a bad gift idea for someone who travels a lot!
One other scenario is if you just need to buy a new USB-C laptop charger in general. Apple’s own charger is €105 so for a bit more you could get the only charger you’ll ever need.
Power Delivery technology is somewhat future-proofed too, so this will be your charger for many years to come.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has taken us on countless historical adventures, from Renaissance Italy to ancient Greece and even briefly Ireland in good auld Valhalla. Now, with the release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage for the PlayStation 5, the series sets its sights on an entirely new and mysterious setting and the series goes back to it’s routes with a shorter less time dumping title. In this review, we’ll explore the sand-swept landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Mirage and delve into the intriguing blend of history and mythology that it offers.
Setting and Story
Assassin’s Creed Mirage transports players to the heart of the mesmerizing and enigmatic world of Baghdad. Set in a lush and vibrant interpretation of the Arabian Peninsula, the game offers an enticing mix of historical authenticity and mythical storytelling. The narrative is rich with intricate political intrigue, as you become embroiled in the conflicts between warring factions, all while uncovering ancient secrets that have the power to reshape the course of history. It’s a bloody great storyline with you taking our titular tile Bashim through a city that is in the middle of political upheaval and as anyone who has played in the past will know this is when the Order do their work.
Gameplay
The core gameplay mechanics that have become the hallmark of Assassin’s Creed remain intact in Mirage. As a nimble assassin, you’ll navigate the sprawling cities and treacherous terrains with grace, executing acrobatic parkour moves and employing a wide array of weapons and tools. Combat feels fluid and engaging, with new combat maneuvers that add depth to the experience. Really the game plays and feels so much like the abolsutely iconic Ezio series, which by the by is available on the PlayStation Premium package.
Graphics and Performance
Assassin’s Creed Mirage leverages the power of the PlayStation 5 to deliver a visual feast but then again Assasins Creed games have always been gorgeous, it’s one of my favourite things about them if I’m being fully honest. The environments are breathtaking, from bustling cities to the sprawling deserts. Character models are highly detailed, and the lighting effects contribute to a cinematic experience. Load times are virtually nonexistent, and the game runs smoothly, offering a next-gen visual spectacle that is sure to impress.
Open World and Exploration
The game’s open-world design encourages exploration, with a vast and detailed map to traverse, albeit nothing to the same scale as Valhalla, while Valhalla might be my second favourite PS5 game just after Spider-Man, even seasoned gamers will admit it was a beast of a game. The Arabian Peninsula and this Middle East feel is filled with hidden treasures, puzzles, and challenging obstacles. The freedom to roam and discover the world at your own pace is a highlight of Mirage, providing a sense of immersion that fans of the series have come to expect.
The Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a compelling addition to the long-running franchise. Its captivating setting, intriguing story, and a combination of history and mythology create a unique and immersive experience. With the power of the PlayStation 5 behind it, the game offers stunning visuals and smooth performance.
While it retains the core elements of the series, Assassin’s Creed Mirage introduces enough fresh ideas to keep the franchise feeling innovative and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned assassin or a newcomer to the series, Mirage is a journey well worth embarking on, offering a captivating blend of history, myth, and adventure that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
In the world of sports gaming, the annual release of a new EA FC title has become a highly anticipated event. EA FC 24, the latest instalment in the series, is here to once again grace our screens with virtual soccer glory. But for those who’ve followed the series closely, you might find yourself in familiar territory. In this review, we’ll delve into EA FC 24 the newly titled game that replaces the iconic Fifa series, exploring both its enduring strengths and the incremental changes that shape this year’s gameplay.
Gameplay
When you first step onto the virtual pitch in EA FC 24, you’ll experience a sense of déjà vu. The core gameplay mechanics that have defined the series remain largely intact and by intact I mean they are pretty much the exact same as what we have come used too, and if you’re a seasoned player, the controls will feel like second nature. Passing, shooting, and dribbling are as smooth as ever, making it easy for both veterans and newcomers to pick up the game and start having fun right away.
However, it’s worth noting that EA FC 24 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. The gameplay experience is strikingly similar to last year’s edition, and the changes introduced are more of an evolution than a revolution. Some minor tweaks have been made to player movements, ball physics, and AI behavior, but these enhancements might not be immediately noticeable to all players.
Graphics and Presentation
One area where EA FC 24 continues to shine is in its presentation. The player models, stadiums, and atmosphere have been beautifully rendered, bringing a sense of realism to the virtual soccer world. The lighting and weather effects create a visually stunning experience, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of a thrilling match.
Modes and Features
The game maintains its impressive selection of modes, including Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Pro Clubs or Clubs as it’s known these days (also my personal favourite game mode), offering a variety of ways to enjoy the game. Ultimate Team, in particular, remains a fan-favourite for most if not myself, I despise the EA push for micro-transactions which this game mode thrives on, allowing you to build your dream squad and take on online opponents. It’s in these modes that EA FC 24 manages to keep things fresh, introducing new challenges and events that add some excitement to the familiar formula.
The Verdict
In the grand scheme of things, EA FC 24 is a solid addition to the series, offering the same high-quality soccer experience we’ve come to expect. It’s a game that can be immensely enjoyable, especially for those who haven’t dived into the series in a while. However, for those who’ve been loyal followers, the changes might feel somewhat underwhelming. It’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and while this approach ensures a certain level of consistency, it can leave fans yearning for more substantial innovations.
In summary, EA FC 24 is a competent soccer simulator with impressive graphics, engaging game modes, and fluid gameplay. However, its similarities to the previous installment may leave some wanting more in terms of innovation. If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, you’ll still find much to enjoy, but if you’re seeking a significant leap forward, EA FC 24 may not fully satisfy that hunger.
It’s that time of year again when the leaves start falling, and the virtual gridiron beckons. Madden 24 has arrived on the PlayStation 5, promising more bone-crunching tackles, jaw-dropping touchdowns, and strategic football action than ever before. But is this iteration a game-winning drive or a punt to nowhere?
Madden NFL 24 is close but no cigar, always hinting at greatness but never quite achieving a standout year for the series. Following a relatively gentle revamp last year Madden NFL 24 primarily focuses on refining its core elements while addressing fan concerns, or at least attempting to. Credit where it is due, Madden 24 does bring in some notable improvement but, sadly even though glimpses of brilliance occasionally shine through and gameplay remains acceptable, the nagging sensation persists that transformative alterations won’t materialize until EA provides EA Tiburon with the necessary time and resources for substantial changes. More of the same so really, but let’s dive into the mud and see what it’s all about.
Graphics
Madden 24 on the PlayStation 5 is a pretty game, credit where it’s due the graphics are exactly what you would expect from the Madden series. The player models are incredibly detailed, from the sweat detail to the mud splatters on their uniforms. Stadiums look like they’ve been plucked right out of Sunday Night Football, with dazzling lighting and an attention to detail that immerses you in the game.
The animations are fluid and lifelike, and the attention to detail extends to the grass stains on the players’ pants. Madden 24 is a testament to the PS5’s power, showcasing the potential of next-gen gaming in all its glory.
Gameplay
Madden 24 sticks to the tried-and-true formula, the gameplay is as solid as ever, if not spectacular. The “Real Player Motion” technology ensures that players move realistically, making each tackle and juke feel authentic.
The Franchise mode is as deep as ever, allowing you to take your favourite team from the bottom of the rankings to Super Bowl champions. The Career mode also returns, offering a satisfying RPG-like experience as you rise through the ranks from a rookie to an NFL legend. I actually quite liked this mode, for me it took away some of the slowness of the other game modes such as Franchise.
However, Madden 24 doesn’t revolutionize the gameplay formula. It’s more of a refinement than a revolution, which might disappoint some long-time fans looking for a fresh take on the series, like myself.
Audio
The sound design in Madden 24 deserves some praise. The roar of the crowd, the crunch of helmets colliding, and the play-by-play commentary all add to the immersive experience. The soundtrack features a mix of classic tunes and modern hits that provide the perfect backdrop to your gridiron adventures.
One minor gripe is that the commentary, while solid, can get repetitive after a while. You’ll hear the same anecdotes and catchphrases more times than you’d like, but it’s a minor annoyance in an otherwise well-crafted auditory experience.
The Verdict
Madden 24 for the PlayStation 5 delivers a solid game, definitely nothing spectacular, don’t get me wrong I enjoyed my time playing it, the graphics are stunning, the gameplay is tried and tested and yet it just feels like its missing that something to take it from a good game to a great one.
While it may not bring a revolutionary change to the series, it’s a touchdown for fans who crave the thrill of virtual football.
We miss Huawei from the Irish mobile market. While it’s understandable that faith in the brand was more that a little rocked, the technology and pricepoint Huawei introduced was good for competition. Honor has some origins in Huawei, but today is a completely different company with no ties to Huawei. So are we back with great spec and tech at a good price?
The Honor 70 Lite is a budget smartphone that offers decent features for its price. It has a large 6.5-inch LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus, 4GB, 128GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery. The rear camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor, an 2MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor along with a front-facing camera with 8MP.
Design and Display
The Honor 70 Lite has a stylish design with a curved back and a textured finish. It is available in three colors: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, and Titanium Silver. The display is a 6.5-inch LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. It is sharp and bright, and it handles colors well. The bezels are relatively thin, but there is a noticeable chin.
The phone features one of my favourite biometric things too; a fingerprint reader in the power button on the side. It’s such a natural position for screen unlocking. Plus it keeps the cost of the phone down
Performance
The Honor 70 Lite is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus. This processor is not the fastest on the market, but it is still capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games. It is also 5G-ready, so you can take advantage of faster data speeds if you live in an area with 5G coverage.
Camera
The Honor 70 Lite has a triple-lens rear camera system. The main sensor is 50MP, which is good for capturing sharp and detailed photos. The ultrawide sensor is 8MP, which is useful for taking wide-angle shots. The macro sensor is 2MP, which is good for taking close-ups of small objects. The front-facing camera is 8MP, which is good for taking selfies and video calls.
In fairness, the pictures it takes do look quite washed out give the fairly high MP numbers you see above. But as with everything on this phone, you come back to getting what you pay for. The quality is naturally better in better light, curving down in low light.
Battery
The Honor 70 Lite has a 5,000mAh battery, which is large enough to last for a full day of moderate use. The phone also supports 22.5W fast charging, which can get you from 0% to 50% in just about 30 minutes.
Software
The Honor 70 Lite runs on Android 12 with Magic UI 6.1 on top. Magic UI is a pretty light and user-friendly skin, and it doesn’t come with a lot of bloatware. While Facebook, Netflix, TikTok and Booking.com come installed on the device, they are easy to remove.
The Verdict
The Honor 70 Lite is a good budget smartphone with a lot to offer. It has a large display, a decent processor, a good camera system, and a long-lasting battery. It is a good choice for someone who is looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone.
Today, T2 users began posting about notification emails from a new domain, Pebble. It’s been a slightly messy rebrand thus far with users noting both the old and new domains are currently working side-by-side. The Pebble domain has been registered in Iceland using the .is top-level domain.
I’ve been using T2 for a few months now and am excited that this might well be the platform moving into the next growth phase.
I have a working theory for the platform using an Icelandic domain too. After Twitter, now X, ploughed through change, it was deemed that they didn’t really care about users. User accounts on Pebble will now follow the pebble.is/ prefix. A symbolic gesture from the founders to say the users are what make social media work. Possibly!
My experience with T2 today date has been really positive. It’s been slow to grow, but technically it’s much more appealing than Mastodon.
I’d expect the vast majority of Ireland to be tuning into Ireland vs Tonga tonight at the Rugby World Cup. There’s a late claim for your attention from Channel 4 tonight though. A Channel 4 Dispatches episode will be investigating the allegations of five women against Russell Brand.
The five women have spoken with Sunday Times, The Times and the Channel 4 investigative team. They’ve accused Brand of rape, sexual assault and both controlling and emotionally abusive behavior.
Brand has denied the allegations, saying it was a “promiscuous” time in his life and that “during that time of promiscuity, the relationships I had were absolutely always consensual”.
How to Watch Channel 4 Dispatches in Ireland
No doubt, this is going to garner a lot of attention here in Ireland too. Brand is a big figure with several big movie appearances over the years. He’s well known so, despite the rugby, this will demand a significant amount of attention.
Russell Brand: In Plain Sight will be on Channel 4, Saturday night at 9pm. Here’s how to watch it.
If you are a Sky customer, channel 135 is Channel 4 HD where you’ll find the show. Virgin Media customers will find Channel 4 on 111.
For everyone else, you’ll be looking at streaming Channel 4 online. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to stream the show live owing to streaming restrictions. Unless you’re nifty enough with a VPN and set it to the UK. But, if you wait a little bit you’ll be able to watch it on demand.
I don’t revel in bringing the likes of this to the site. But I feel it’s important we watch these investigations and make up our own minds instead of burying the head.
Here is the Channel 4 trailer for the documentary. Please note that the video discussed instances of sexual assault
EXCLUSIVE: Russell Brand denies accusations of rape, sexual assault and controlling and emotionally abusive behaviour.
Five women share their stories with @C4Dispatches in a joint investigation with @thetimes.
A couple of years ago, I became that weird tech guy. That weird tech guy who opts for Apple over Android. As I’ve said a few times, it’s down to what Steve Jobs said many moons ago; “it just works”. My daily rider is an iPhone 13 Pro, which means this is my upgrade cycle’s natural time to get a new phone. This all means I’m going through the process thousands of you are going through. Asking myself, “should I buy the new iPhone 15?”
Introduction to the iPhone 15 Range
To loud applause, Apple pulled back the curtains a few nights ago, unveiling the iPhone 15 range. We got a new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This year has perhaps the most amount of variance between the phones with different cameras, processors and even USB-C ports across the board.
iPhone 15
I won’t dwell here too long simply because I’m really writing this article for iPhone 13 Pro users like myself. They are unlikely to be looking at the iPhone 15. If you have an iPhone 13 or earlier, your ears are pricked up at the sound of a new iPhone launch. Because, like me, you’re likely due an upgrade. Where the 15 actually offers an upgrade on the iPhone 13 is a little harder to find.
Ok, so it’s got USB-C now. Not the fastest USB-C, but USB-C nonetheless. More on that later. The iPhone 15 screen size is the exact same as it has been for iPhone 14 and iPhone 13. In fact, the display specs are nearly identical across the board.
Dynamic Island is no-longer reserved for Pro models, but I always thought that was more gimmick than innovation. I could, and do, live without it.
However, when we get to camera, the specs go wild. The iPhone 15 retains the usual dual-camera system but ramps the megapixels up for 48MP. This blows previous 12MP models out of the water on paper but we’ll have to wait and see what that means in real world.
The upgraded hardware is also supported by Apple’s A16 Bionic Chip. This processor was last year’s iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Processor, so not to be sniffed at.
Should I Buy the iPhone 15?
If you have an iPhone 14, you should not buy the iPhone 15.
if you have an iPhone 13, you should not buy the iPhone 15.
If you have an iPhone 12 or older, you should buy the iPhone 15.
If you’re using an iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 and are still tempted, there is one exception. If you’re really into photography, a case could be made for the upgrade. I’d argue that case is overshadowed by the iPhone 15 Pro option if photography is really important to you.
iPhone 15 Plus
I earmarked the iPhone 15 Plus to be retired if I’m honest. Apple retired the iPhone 13 mini after poor sales, and I kind of thought the iPhone 15 Plus would go the same way. But here we are.
The iPhone 15 Plus offers very similar specs to the iPhone 15 but with more display to look at and a bit more battery. That’s it really. Other than that, they are the same phone. So if you’re choosing between iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus is really does only matter whether you want a big phone or not.
If you have an older phone, like the iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 12 Pro, what should you do?
Well, the iPhone 15 Plus doesn’t get Apple’s new A17 Pro chip but it does get the A16 Bionic Chip. That, and the camera upgrade that I spoke about earlier means, again, diehard photography heads might be tempted by this phone. But, again, I’d argue if you’re really into photography you should be looking at the Pro range.
Because the Plus only entered the market last year, I’m also looking at the iPhone 12 Pro. If you felt the iPhone 12 Pro was limited in screen size, the iPhone 15 Plus is a good upgrade path. The A14 Bionic is a little longer in the tooth however so I would say there are more compelling options.
Should I Buy the iPhone 15?
If you have an iPhone 14 Plus, you should not buy the iPhone 15 Plus.
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro, you should not buy the iPhone 15 Plus.
Anything before the iPhone 12 Pro leaves the iPhone 14 Plus looking really tempting for those who want some more screen size but don’t need power.
iPhone 15 Pro
This is the one I’m looking at the closest. This is the direct upgrade path for me as an iPhone 13 Pro owner. I’m tempted, but I also know people are keeping phones longer than ever before. Let’s get to it.
The biggest upgrade between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro is the camera. The iPhone 13 Pro’s triple camera system with 12MP is completely overshadowed on paper by the iPhone 15 Pro’s triple camera system with 48MP. One notable caveat here is that the iPhone 15 Pro camera isn’t the best iPhone camera any more. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has one extra trick up its sleeve with a 5x optical zoom ceiling versus the 15 Pro’s 3x optical zoom.
USB-C has been a massive talking point this year. But I rarely use cable charging at all. I use MagSafe for nearly all my charging needs. However, because Apple staggers their processors these days, the USB-C on iPhone 15 Pro is very different to iPhone 15’s USB-C. The A17 Pro chip has a USB 3 controller on-board. That means iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can handle much faster data transfers. This isn’t something I use a lot, but I use it a little bit.
Because the Pro range opens up to content creators, transferring files can be a handy feature to pump some power into. The iPhone 15 Pro’s faster USB-C port is a big shout for some.
The iPhone 15 Pro also offers some impressive gaming specs and could be a game changer; sorry. Apple’s demos showed off Resident Evil: Village seemingly being played locally and looking amazing.
When literally weighing up the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro, the 15 is going to offer more comfort, shaving 16 grams off.
Should I Buy the iPhone 15 Pro?
Ok, I probably shouldn’t but I will.
If you have an iPhone 14 Pro, you should not buy the iPhone 15 Pro.
If you have an iPhone 13 Pro, you should not buy the iPhone 15 Pro – but you will be tempted.
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, it’s probably time to grab a new phone and the iPhone 15 Pro is a great choice. I don’t see a long run way for the likes of the iPhone 14 Pro anymore.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
And then we have the weird option. I get the iPhone 15 Pro Max and why it exists. I find it too big and heavy. The camera upgrade this year adds a new layer, but am I bothered? It’s the most expensive iPhone on the market and maybe some Apple people or photographers can justify it. Personally, I can’t. Could you argue the extra battery life matters? Perhaps.
For me, the iPhone 13 Pro was the perfect choice a few years ago and it remains as such.
Should I Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
If you’ve bought a Pro Max in the past, I guess this is for you then.
If you have an iPhone 14 Pro Max, you should not buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
If you have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, you should consider the iPhone 15 Pro Max if camera specs are important to you.
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro Max or older, this is the phone for you.
