Month: April 2022

Enlarge / The front of the 2022 iPhone SE. (credit: Samuel Axon)

Apple released a small iPhone software update Thursday to address an issue iPhone users have struggled with since iOS 15.4 reached devices. Users took to forums, Reddit, social media platforms, and Apple support channels to complain that their iPhones’ batteries were draining unusually quickly after updating to iOS 15.4. With the update, Apple now says the issue is fixed, along with a couple of issues with accessibility features.

Here are Apple’s brief release notes for the update:

This update includes the following bug fixes for your iPhone:

• Battery may drain more quickly than expected after updating to iOS 15.4
• Braille devices may become unresponsive while navigating text or displaying an alert
• Made-for-iPhone hearing devices may lose connection within some third-party apps

Thursday’s update comes roughly two weeks after the launch of the new iPhone SE and iOS 15.4, which was likely the last major feature update before iOS 16. iOS 15.4 gave users the ability to use Face ID while wearing a face mask, introduced a gender-neutral American English voice for Siri, and added a plethora of new emoji, among other things.

Enlarge / Will E3 ever come back, either physically or digitally? (credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images)

Update 4:22 pm EDT: The ESA confirmed to Ars “that there will also be no digital E3 showcase in 2022,” but the organization promises that “a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience” will return in summer 2023 to “celebrate new and exciting video games and industry innovations.”

An ESA spokesperson told Ars:

Our members look to the ESA to deliver an experience that revitalizes the event in a new and exciting way,” “That’s why we are using this time to shape plans for 2023 and are working with our members to ensure that the revitalized showcase sets a new standard for hybrid industry events and fan engagement… We look forward to the individual showcases planned for 2022 and will join the community in celebrating and promoting the new titles being presented. ESA made the decision to focus its resources and use this time to shape our plans and deliver an all-new experience that delights fans, who have the highest expectations for the premier event in video games.

Original story 3:35 pm EDT: E3’s years-long spin down the drain has become more drastic due to a major cancellation to all “E3”-related events this summer.

Enlarge / The near-final version of the upcoming Dyson Zone mask-and-headphones system. (credit: Dyson)

In an announcement timed dangerously close to April 1, Dyson confirmed this week that it is working on the Dyson Zone, one of the most intense consumer-facing masks we’ve ever seen. What’s more, the company elected to combine this face-mounted air purifier with its first noise-canceling headphones—which contribute to the filtering process.

At least one outlet says it tested this perfect addition to your Mega Man cosplay project, which suggests this is an actual product and not an April Fool’s joke. Curiously, the world’s first face-on impressions of the device, as provided by The Verge, recount the company’s press release spiel before getting to the heart of why a face-dominating system like the Dyson Zone has us apprehensive.

“The Zone headphones are very big and noticeably heavy,” The Verge’s Chaim Gartenberg says, and a single look at this head-mounted system clarifies why that might be the case.

Enlarge / Roccat Burst Pro Air. (credit: Roccat)

Some of the most advanced wireless mice are on the heftier side, making constantly pushing them around a lot of work. A lighter mouse, on the other hand, is easier to travel with. One trend has companies cutting holes into their mouse chassis to trim ounces, but the wireless gaming mouse Turtle Beach sub-brand Roccat announced today manages to lighten the weight and avoid honeycomb holes.

Roccat’s Burst Pro Air weighs 2.86 ounces (81 g), a big weight reduction compared to powerhouse wireless productivity mice, like the Logitech MX Master 3 (4.97 ounces / 141 g) and Razer Pro Click (3.73 ounces / 106 g). All three mice let you use a USB-A dongle for your wireless connection, as well as Bluetooth, and are rechargeable. But the Burst Pro Air’s weight class makes it a reasonable consideration for anyone tired of heavy mice. Those ounces can add up, whether you have a medical issue or have just been at the PC for a while.

Gaming brand Roccat designed the mouse for PC gamers who’ll be swiping, flinging, flicking, and clicking rapidly, taking the design from its wired Burst Pro. But unlike some other ultralight gaming mice, such as the Glorious Model O- Wireless (about 2.43 ounces / 69 g) or SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless (2.4 ounces / 68 g), the Burst Pro Air doesn’t have open gaps in its chassis.