After multiple updates from Apple, with its upcoming iOS 15 and M1 support for Premiere Pro, the giant tech company has announced another software update – this time for its digital audio workstation, GarageBand for both iOS and iPadOS.

The popular music creation app now gives people a wider range to showcase their musical creativity with all-new Sound Packs from some of today’s top artists and producers. Users can learn the art of remixing within the app and even create songs with new packs full of beats, loops and instruments created just for GarageBand.

GarageBand continues to be a catalyst for music creation — making it easy for novices to get started and for seasoned pros to develop their ideas on the go. For this update, we’ve collaborated with an incredible group of artists and producers to give musicians an amazing collection of new sounds to play with, and we hope even more people will be inspired to tap into their creativity and start making music in GarageBand.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing

If you are looking to develop your remixing skills, the new GarageBand update features two in-app Remix Sessions featuring Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga. Each session includes inspirational videos from each artist including a backstory of their hit songs “Break My Heart” (Dua Lipa) and “Free Woman” (Lady Gaga). These packs also contain step-by-step instructions led by an Apple Retail Creative Pro using GarageBand Live Loops version of each song.

During the sessions, users can interact with the hits by hearing isolated vocals and individual instruments that provide the fundamental elements of a song. The touch instruments and thousands of Apple Loops available in the app will let users run their creativity, taking their remix in any direction that they desire.

Additionally, musicians may also enjoy the new update through the seven new downloadable Producer Packs created by top producers such as Boys Noize, Mark Lettieri, Oak Felder, Soulection, Take A Daytrip, Tom Misch, and TRAKGIRL.

Each Producer Pack contains hundreds of royalty-free loops, beats, instruments, drum kits, synth patches and samples that highlight the sound and vibe of each producer. Similarly, with the Remix Session, in-app video features have been included as well, with each producer offering words of encouragement to beginners and insight into their creative process.

For those interested in getting their hands on the all-new Remix Sessions and Producer Packs, you can download it for free from the Sound Library in GarageBand 2.3.11, which is the latest version of the app for iOS and iPadOS. For more information on this update, do check out GarageBand’s official site.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post GarageBand Amps Up Music Creation With New Sound Packs From Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga And Top Music Producers appeared first on Geek Culture.

Omnidesk previously introduced their popular Wildwood Collection and now the Singaporean home-grown and leading desk company is back with a new range of quality made smart desks. The Wildwood+ Collection is a new lineage to the Wildwood line that features major propriety improvements that will elevate any home and workspace.

“Building upon the overwhelming success of our recent releases, we want to continue to elevate the workspaces of our fans and with the Wildwood+ series, we intend to lift the concept of a workspace to new heights”

Benjamin Huang, Omnidesk’s Managing Director

All the tabletops under the Wildwood+ collection feature durability and strength with its additional 1-inch thickness, a 20 percent increase from Omnidesk’s usual offerings. This significant increase in thickness helps elevate the visual profile of the desk which makes it stand out in both form and functionality.

Also, the company has improved the overall strength and stability of the Wildwood+ tabletops with OmniStabilizers which are reinforced steel bars augmented vertically under the desks. This innovation will help further reduce the wobbliness as well as any possibility of warping. The number of OmniStabilizers for each tabletop varies from size to size, with longer tabletops having more for additional support.

With the sweltering tropical climate in Southeast Asia, having solid wood as a smart desk might not be ideal. Yet, Omnidesk has proactively made it possible to do so with OmniAirStrips. Essentially, OmniAirStrips are precision cut spacers placed underneath selected Wildwood+ tabletops. The spacers give the desk enough flexibility and space to naturally expand and contract without the risk of stressing other parts of the table.

Omnidesk has also improved the Grommet Landings of the tabletops, This new grommet landing now runs the entire width of the grommet cut out, making the tabletop look much sleeker and aesthetic as a whole.

The collection is made up of two adjustable desks. Starting with the company’s best-seller since its inception, the Acacia+ Tabletop is an elevated version of its predecessor. Acacia wood is revered for its inherent toughness as well as its natural smooth finish and delicate grain patterns, which makes it one of the most valuable timber varieties across the world. Acacia also possesses a naturally occurring wax coat that protects it against unwanted pests.

Starting from S$1,249, the Wildwood+ Acacia+ tabletop is available in 48-inch, 60-inch and 72-inch models.

The Pheasantwood Tabletop is another option to choose from in the new Wildwood+ collection. Pheasantwood or Sienna Siamea is a sacred and rare hardwood variety found deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia. This specific wood is named for its resemblance to the colouration and patterns found on the tail feathers of pheasants with beautiful and soft streaks across each piece of timber. Pheasantwood has a medium and dark shade contrasted with subtle streaks of light brown that results in a natural lustre that few timber varieties can match.

Moreover, exclusive to the Pheasantwood tabletop is the addition of a Live-Edge front. Building on the Omnidesk Ichi Collection, Omnidesk has taken the desk’s naturalistic aesthetic and included it in more of its products. Each Pheasantwood table is unique due to its natural occurring patterns, from its shade to its shape.

Starting from S$1,499, the Wildwood+ Pheasantwood tabletop is also available in 48-inch, 60-inch and 72-inch sizing.

The new Wildwood+ Collection is not only a great addition to workspaces due to its improved features, but also a great way to spice up your space with its design and beauty. For more information about the new lineage, head on to Omnidesk’s official website.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Omnidesk Wildwood Collection Launches New Lineage, “The Wildwood+” appeared first on Geek Culture.

After the successful release of Loki, the next Marvel Cinematic Universe show due to take rise on Disney+ is Hawkeye. While the title speaks of one of the founding Avengers, Clint Barton played by Jeremy Renner, it will also be introducing a younger female archer to the MCU: Kate Bishop.

“[Kate is] a 22-year-old kid and she’s a big Hawkeye fan,” says Renner in an interview with EW. “She has a wonderfully annoying and equally charming manner about her because she’s such a fangirl of Hawkeye. The relationship grows from that, but the biggest problem for Clint is Kate Bishop and the onslaught of problems that she brings into his life.”

Originally created by Allen Heinberg and Jim Cheung, Kate Bishop first appeared in the 2000s in the pages of Young Avengers comics. During that time, Clint was dead and she then took up the Hawkeye mantle in his honour. Eventually, the original archer got better comics and the pair has finally fought side-by-side in the popular Hawkeye solo comic created by Matt Fraction and David Aja that ran from 2012 to 2015. The series depicts the two Hawkeyes of different gender and generation honing each other about crime-fighting and life in general.

Since Kate’s debut in the comics, fans have been eager to see her make her debut in the MCU. Although there had been multiple theories of who it would have been, Marvel Studios finally announced her appearance as part of the Hawkeye show on Disney+ during 2019’s San Diego Comic-Con. And in 2020, the studio officially confirmed Hailee Steinfeld to play the young archer.

Just as how Clint mentors Kate in superheroics, Renner took it upon himself to welcome Steinfeld into the real world of MCU Filmmaking. “That was always my role. Outside of acting in the thing, I was protecting her and giving her the CliffsNotes on how it goes with this kind of filmmaking: Green screen, superhero life, all that stuff,” Renner says.”I just wanted to protect her, because there’s a lot of physical stuff. She’s a wonderful actress, a wonderful human, and I can’t wait to see all the cool stuff that she’s able to do.”

Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop along with Renner’s Clint Barton will finally be gracing our screens with the premiere of Hawkeye on 24 November on Disney+, where new episodes drop every Wednesday.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Jeremy Renner Drops Hawkeye First Look, 2021 Release Date For Disney+ Revealed appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Singaporean Dream is an interactive card game loved by many, but when the losing streak starts, it can also become an experience that one passionately loathes. If you’re one of the latter, the new “Rendang Burger To Rule Them All” power card will be that coveted trump card that you need to rise above the others.

The makers of the best-selling card game have partnered with Burger King to create a power card that is nothing short of game-changing. The ultimate power card helps players level up by adding three dreams to your dream pile once the game ends. This card will certainly come in handy as the player with the most number of dreams at the end of the game wins that round. If you usually pride yourself on having a game plan, having the Rendang Burger power card will take it to another level.

Much like its namesake, the power card will only be around for a limited time, so be sure to get your hands on it while it’s still in stock!

Those interested to get their own Rendang Burger power card can get theirs by being the first 100 fans to purchase the Rendang Burger upsized meal from the Taste of Singapore menu on the Burger King app. Between 29 July to 2 August, the first 100 will be rewarded by getting a limited-edition “Rendang Burger To Rule Them All” power card. Also, these fans will also have the option to purchase The Singaporean Dream: The New Normal card game at just S$23, so that they can revel in the competitive spirit all while enjoying their Rendang Burger meal.

If you aren’t fortunate enough to be included in the 100, there is still hope. From 3 August to 22 August, Burger King will be launching Rendang Dream Bundle (S$15.60) in collaboration with locally-owned Halal food service Hungryy. Each fan who orders the bundle comprising two Single Rendang Beef, two small fries, two 6-piece nuggets and two small iced milo, will receive a “Rendang Burger To Rule Them All” power card. Moreover, every 10th person to order via the app will stand a chance to win The Singaporean Dream: The New Normal card game as well. With just 100 card decks up for grabs, it is definitely a test of your luck.

Should you decide to put your luck on the line, fans who order the Rendang Burger from the Taste of Singapore menu from 6 to 9 August may also get a chance to get their own ultimate power card. Those who purchase over the National Day weekend on delivery partners such as Deliveroo, Foodpanda, GrabFood and Hungryy can have their hands on it as well, with Burger King crews dropping the cards in orders at random. In addition, lucky recipients of the Rendang power card will also receive a voucher for a 1-for-1 Gula Melaka Green Tea BBT Float.

This year’s National Day might be different from other years due to unlikely events but with this good food and games to look forward to, it will suffice for now. If you are looking for another equally-fun-but-less-intense card game to play with friends during the joyous occasion, Hawker Wars might interest you.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Here’s How You Can Get The Exclusive Rendang Burger Power Card From Burger King appeared first on Geek Culture.

If you’re looking for an adventure beyond the screen to escape the hustle and bustle of life, the upcoming Free Guy movie might just do the trick. Starring Ryan Reynolds, the film will take viewers on a whole new storyline, but not without some premiums that will help you level up.

Geek Culture, arguably the biggest independent video game site in Asia, will be hosting this exclusive Free Guy movie screening with the help of our Player 2 and Player 3, Aftershock PC and 20th Century Studios.

We have 25 pairs of Free Guy tickets to give out in total and it gets sweeter. Do read on ahead how to find out what else you can win.

Free Guy Screening Details:

• Date: 10 August 2021, Tuesday
• Time: 6:50pm
• Location: Shaw Theatres Lido

Additionally, 10 out of the 25 winners will stand a chance to win additional goodies! These include an Aftershock Shade Urban Backpack and Free Guy premiums:

• Free Guy Pin Badge
• Free Guy Stash Bag
• Free Guy Hoodie
• Aftershock Shade – Urban Backpack

Free Guy will be in cinemas on 12 August with sneaks on 11 August.

ENTER NOW TO WIN

To stand a chance to win, simply complete these simple steps:

1. SHARE THIS POST and TAG a friend or more** you would like to share the premiums with ->
2. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM and/or TELEGRAM**.
3. FOLLOW 20th Century Studios on FACEBOOK and/or INSTAGRAM**.
4. Fill in the form below and answer a couple of simple questions.

Give us a LIKE below if you haven’t done so yet, so you won’t miss out on future similar giveaways!

If you are unable to use the form below for some reason, head to the original article on GeekCulture.co here.

The giveaway is open to all residents of Singapore. The giveaway closes on 3 August 2021 at 23:59hrs (GMT+8). 25 lucky winners with the correct answers will be picked at random. The winners will be contacted via email by 4 August 2021. Good luck!

**These steps are entirely optional, but we greatly appreciate if you choose to show some support to Geek Culture by sharing and tagging the post so that we may be able to bring more giveaways to you all in the future!

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Win Invites To Exclusive Free Guy Preview Screening, Brought To You By Geek Culture appeared first on Geek Culture.

Nintendo has transformed its well-known franchises such as Mario Kart and Pokemon into successful mobile spinoffs, but it seems like a certain title – Dr. Mario World – didn’t fare as much as what the company would have hoped for, resulting in an unfortunate termination.

The mobile game was released back in July 2019, a version that was based on Nintendo’s highly successful Dr. Mario NES game. Much like the original, Dr. Mario World is a Tetris-style game that lets you use pills to zap viruses of the same colour. However, a significant difference would be that everything moves upward for more natural gameplay on a mobile screen. Also, the game has a multiplayer mode that allows friends to get involved and play together.

Although it is heartbreaking to see the mobile game reach its end, Nintendo is keeping a vestige of the fame on its webpage called “Dr. Mario World Memories” that allows players to look back and reminisce once the service comes to an end.

Dr. Mario World will officially shut down on 1 November 2021 at 6am (UTC). Furthermore, diamonds used to buy more time, pills and power-ups will no longer be available for purchase from 28 July onwards.

The company did not mention why it decided to shut down Dr. Mario World. It would seem like it could be due to its low performance according to a SensorTower report from early 2020, which is in contrast to Nintendo’s recent Mario Kart Tour multiplayer mobile title. With more than 200 million downloads, it has seen relatively high earnings from the company.

For those interested to play Dr. Mario World for the last time, the mobile game is available for both iOS and Android.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Nintendo Is Shutting Down Dr. Mario World On Mobile appeared first on Geek Culture.

Star Wars may have gone a little quiet in recent months. Apart from recent drops of products such as Hasbro’s Star Wars The Black Series Mandalorian Darksaber Force FX Elite Lightsaber, there hasn’t been much else. So if you are one that is finding a way to satiate your Star Wars itch, we might just have a few items that might catch your fancy.

As always, may the force be with your wallets.

Herschel x Star Wars Collection

Having just recently launched, this third Star Wars inspired collection from Herschel is bringing the light side of the force along with the rebellion in tow. The Canadian backpack and accessories company is introducing a fashionable collection that reimagines the signature classic styles of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and of course, the Rebel Alliance.

For this specific range of products, the company has also included an extra added bonus of backpacks which showcases the Sith Lord Darth Vader and the legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett as its focus designs.

With a variety of bags to choose from that’s an icon from Herschel, fans will indeed be able to satisfy their Star Wars itch through these collectibles. You can get your hands on these quality bags at Herschel outlets or exclusively on Lazada.

Stormtrooper PowerSquad AirPods Case

What better way to show off your inner Star Wars geek than a statement piece such as an Airpods casing. Made of silicon you can rest assure that this Stormtrooper will protect your beloved product from falls and tarnishes that may come its way.

The Stormtrooper Powersquad Airpods Case is compatible with 1st & 2nd Generation AirPods and allows for wireless charging without the hassle of taking the case off. Retailing for US$14.83, it is the item you’ll need for your temporary Star Wars hunger and best yet, it’s definitely not much heavy the pocket both literally and metaphorically.

Ahsoka Tano Cable Guy from Exquisite Gaming

Ahsoka Tano once protected the Republic and then the Rebel Alliance secrets, now, she’s finally defending gaming controllers or phones with her dual lightsabers through this device stand that retails for US$28.93.

Compatible with numerous devices such as an Xbox controller stand, PS4 mount, TV remote and phone this is not only a nicely added item to the collection but overall fun and practical way to neaten up your space. Additionally, it is a great gift idea for your friend who is a big Star Wars geek and yourself included.

Stormtrooper Windbreaker from Heroes & Villains

If you’re looking to find a more stylish way to showcase your love for the franchise this Stormtrooper inspired windbreaker might just be the ideal fit especially with its subtle design and overall comfort.

Designed by Heroes & Villains, this US$95 item is not only lightweight but also waterproof with welded zipper seams that boast its quality production. With printed art on the front and back of the windbreaker, it is definitely a statement that showcases your deep love for the Star Wars franchise.

If you are looking to add more Star Wars collectibles to your shelves, here are top 6 toys that might interest you.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post This Stormtrooper AirPods Case & More Will Satisfy Your Star Wars Itch appeared first on Geek Culture.

Hunt A Killer has continuously grown since it first launched in 2016 with its unconventional brand of gameplay excitement through its board games. Not too long ago, the immersive entertainment company announced their partnership with Lionsgate to produce Hunt A Killer Horror: Blair Witch, and now they are back with another collaboration with the legendary publishing company, Simon & Schuster.

Featuring the famous female detective Nancy Drew, the Mystery At Magnolia Gardens retail game puts the famous sleuth through another clue-filled adventure.

This all-in-one game will have players help Nancy investigate a mysterious poisoning that happened at a botanical garden filled with exotic plants that are not just pretty but toxic as well.

“For more than 90 years, Nancy Drew has been a beloved character and an unmatched crime-stopper. Now, thanks to Hunt A Killer’s newest immersive game experience, players get to work with Nancy and solve a dangerous crime.”

Stephanie Voros, Vice President and Director of Subsidiary Rights at Simon & Schuster

Similarly, with all of Hunt A Killer’s games, players will receive a variety of realistic clues such as police reports, maps, and more that will help them solve the case and eventually reveal the identity of the suspect. Participants will need to make use of their inner detective skills to help Nancy Drew solve the beguiling mystery at the Magnolia Gardens.

For those interested in getting your hands on the Mystery At Magnolia Gardens, it is now available for pre-order on Amazon for US$29.99. The board game is currently slated for release on 15 October with further expansion planned for 2022.

Here is the full synopsis of the game:

When Nancy Drew begins to investigate a potential poisoning at the botanical garden known as Magnolia Gardens, Nancy herself comes down with the same mysterious illness as the victim. It soon becomes clear to an ailing Nancy that someone at Magnolia Gardens has been using the facility’s dangerous plants for nefarious purposes, the guilty party is still on the loose, and Nancy needs your help to solve the case before the culprit strikes again.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Nancy Drew Teams Up With Hunt A Killer In A New Mystery At Magnolia Gardens appeared first on Geek Culture.

New photos and videos have surfaced online from the set of one of the awaited movies this year, The Flash. From what’s been leaked, it seems fans got a first look at the return of Ben Affleck’s Batman.

Unfortunately, seeing as the videos are looking like stunt shots, Affleck seems to not be the one in the suit. Nevertheless, sooner or later we’ll be seeing the actor in the new suit that he’ll be sporting in the film, along with the wicked Batcycle that he’ll be driving around – and perhaps, even peeks of the Batmobile as well.

According to Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, Affleck’s role in the film is a substantial part of the emotional impact of the movie, “The interaction and relationship between Barry and Affleck’s Wayne will bring an emotional level that we haven’t seen before. It’s Barry’s movie, it’s Barry’s story, but their characters are more related than we think. They both lost their mothers to murder, and that’s one of the emotional vessels of the movie. That’s where the Affleck Batman kicks in.” Mushietti also added, “[Affleck] is the baseline. He’s part of that unaltered state before we jump into Barry’s adventure. There’s a familiarity there.”

Check out the set photos and videos for The Flash below:

The Flash stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen along with Michael Keaton as Batman, Sasha Calle as Supergirl, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West. Barry’s parents will be played by Ron Livingston and Maribel Verdú, as well as Saoirse-Monica Jackson and internet personality Rudy Mancuso, who has also been cast for undisclosed roles.

The movie is set to open up the DC multiverse, with Barry Allen described to be “breaking the bonds of physics to crash into various parallel dimensions, where he’ll encounter slightly different versions of DC’s classic heroes.”

Currently, The Flash is slated for release on 4 November 2022.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Ben Affleck’s Batman Spotted With Batcycle And New Suit On The Flash Movie Set appeared first on Geek Culture.

Apple products have always been something that are sought after specifically due to their premium branding. Yet, it is no secret that these products can get a little pricey for one’s wallet, as Apple doesn’t often include accessories as a complimentary item with the devices. Hence, as common folks, we usually turn to a cheaper alternative such as UGREEN.

In a market where one is spoilt for choices, however, Geek Culture comes bearing a list of UGREEN accessories that are compatible with your MacBook Pro and iPad Pro that will make your life easier and give your wallet a breather.

UGREEN USB-C Multifunction Docking Station (iPad Pro) – S$28.99

If you’re finding your iPad Pro to be quite lacking when it comes to versatility such as projecting to a bigger screen or being multifunctional, this simple product is great in improving your work efficiency.

UGREEN’s USB-C Multifunction Docking Station for the iPad Pro is made up of five ports – HDMI, USB-C, two USB 3.0 and a 3.5mm audio jack. This offers users the flexibility that they need to cater to their working or entertainment needs and the best part of it, you can make use of the ports simultaneously – whether you’re charging your device or connecting it to a TV, it’s possible with the docking station.

Moreover, the 5-in-1 hub also includes a soft grip specifically for those who own an iPad Pro without a case. This item helps avoid any scratches from occurring when using the hub. Nevertheless, if you have a case on your device, the hub works perfectly fine without the grip.

UGREEN USB-C Multifunction Adapter (MacBook Pro) – S$31.99

If you are looking for the perfect MacBook accessory that has it all at an affordable price, we’ve got you covered. Tailored specifically for the MacBook Pro, this ultra-slim USB-C Hub, also compatible with the line of MacBook Air that dons two USB-C ports, dons a sleek space grey colour that complements the devices it’s paired with.

For this USB-C hub, there are six ports to choose from including two USB 3.0, a USB-C, HDMI, as well as an SD and TF card reader that can be used all at the same time. It is also portable and compact making it easy to travel with: just slip it in your bag and you are ready to go. Also, seeing as it’s made out of aluminium, heat dissipation is much better compared to similar products made of a different material.

UGREEN USB-C Universal Dock Station – S$61.99

Having an accessory that enables users to multitask on a whim with different ports is great but if you require space as well, these inputs might not be much of help. Hence, UGREEN has decided to introduce a contender that will make life much easier for these users.

This USB-C Universal Dock Station dons five ports, which users can choose from that is ideal for their situation – HDMI, three USB 3.1 and a DC 3.5mm. The best part is that it comes with an SSD slot that supports four sizes – 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 – which can go up to 2 TB, presenting an easier way to expand storage all while having the ability to multitask.

UGREEN Laptop Stand Docking Station – S$89.99

A product that will complete your work-from-home essentials, UGREEN’s laptop stand docking station is the combination of a powerful 5-in-1 USB hub that connects to all the devices that you need to boost productivity. It is lightweight as well as ergonomically-tuned for your laptop and tablets for maximum mobility.

Designed with four adjustable angles for reading, typing, taking down notes or even drawing, this laptop stand is a versatile accessory that proves compatible with your apple device. Its foldable nature makes it travel-friendly as well.

Additionally, the dock includes ports that conveniently makes work even more effective and efficient as a whole, such as an HDMI, two UDB 3.0, a USB-C port, as well as an SD and TF reader which all can be used at the same time if needed so.

And that’s it for our list. As Apple continues to release products that can sometimes squeeze our wallets dry, going for brands that are more up our alley for device accessories is a good way to expand your choices.

If you are looking for more affordable device accessories such as the HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds, you may check out UGREEN’s line of products on their official website and on Lazada.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Top 4 UGREEN Accessories For Your Apple MacBook Pro And iPad Pro In 2021 appeared first on Geek Culture.

If you’re into esports or FPS games in general, this newly announced action film releasing in China might be something to look forward to. With a trailer that features similar aspects to PUBG, there’s plenty of familiar elements to like.

Titled Biubiubiu, the film follows a down-on-his-luck esports streamer who decides to form his own team with his friends. Although this might not be the first time China has covered a storyline about esports as countless drama series have tackled the topic, it seems like Biubiubiu is selling itself as “the first esports battle royale film.”

In the trailer, one can see how the video game action is handled. Instead of using CGI animation or in-game machinima for those parts, the movie relies on live-action sequences that are meant to depict the gameplay happening during the esports tournaments. And seeing as they are acted out, these sections of the film are quite impressive, to say the least.

It’s quite impossible to deny that the game depicted in the trailer looks a lot like PUBG, which isn’t quite surprising considering how popular the game is in China and globally as well. Yet, this isn’t an official tie-in with PUBG or Peacekeeper Elite or other similar games, but based on its official poster, it is obvious that the creators of the film were pulling inspiration from the fictional game.

Biubiubiu is slated for release exclusively in China on 6 August and can be watched through the video hosting service, Youku.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post It Was Inevitable, China Made A PUBG Inspired Movie appeared first on Geek Culture.

Wireless sound tech is increasingly overtaking its wired counterparts and at a more affordable price point. With an increasing number of Bluetooth connected earbuds coming into the market, from Sony’s WF-1000XM Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Sennheiser’s CX True Wireless Earbuds and even the recent Huawei FreeBuds 4, the competition between audio brands is getting tougher, especially with the manufacturer bringing the overall price down to a more affordable level.

This is where Chinese digital accessory brand UGREEN enters the fray with its HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds. Whilst the company might not be as well known as some of the audio companies, it’s a well-known hardware accessory maker and its latest earbuds tout some of the latest features so if you’re not keen on flagship brands but are looking for a wallet-friendly alternative that’s almost as good, this product might just be for you.

The HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds dons a glossy all-black aesthetic for a sleek and elegant look. Weighing 5.1g each and 46.7g with the charging case, the device measures only 5m in length and 4m in height, making the entire package a nice, snug companion in the bag, especially for those who are always on the go. Due to their compact form factor, they are very comfortable to wear, with their open design lending a secure fit to the ear, particularly for active individuals. And to ensure that comfort is prioritised and it’s a perfect fit, UGREEN has included four silicone tips that vary in size to choose from – XS, S, M and L.

The earbuds themselves have a modern look to them, sporting a hybrid between a shell-style in-ear and an Airpod-style hanging buds. The build of the buds sits comfortably in the ear yet still has a protruding allowance that forms a convenient touch control surface. The large oval surface on the earbuds are used to perform a variety of functions, either to answer or end a call, increase or decrease volume, advance or reverse a track and even activate voice assistant. Although this feature might be efficient, the surface itself is a tad oversensitive, to the point where a slight nudge can accidentally end your call.

As the touch controls have been set up beforehand by the company, users who prefer a customised way of controlling your song tracks or calls functions might be a little thrown off by the lack of an individual touch, but for the everyday user, these are handy to change settings on the fly:

Taking a closer look at the charging case yields a premium touch that can be likened to that of higher-end models. At the front side of the case, three white LED lights indicate the battery life of the earbuds. The light also is used as the reset indicator when users find it hard to connect the earbuds to their devices. As for the rear side, one will find the reset button or power button of the case. This pod is also powered with a USB Type-C charging cable that comes included in the unit.

What surprises here is not merely the small form factor or price, but the impressive sound quality that matches its more prestigious contemporaries. Where smaller brands tend to overlook bass calibration and power, UGREEN’s earbuds ship with superbass enhancement technology courtesy of its 10mm dual dynamic drivers. This feature allows the crisp and clear mids and highs to remain well balanced, all while providing users with the punch that their sound produces due to the evident bass.

What’s more, the HiTune X5 True Wireless Earbuds has a gaming-specific feature that can be activated with just a tap to either the left or right earbud four times. What this mode does is disable certain features to favour faster data processing for lower latency. When put to the test, however, there seems to be little difference after playing Call of Duty on mobile and Overcooked on Nintendo Switch when the feature is active. Audio quality doesn’t appear to have taken a hit, boasting a barely noticeable change that’s impressive in our books. 

Of course, the S$67.99 device isn’t for audiophiles, as there is an obvious audio disruption when audio levels are dialled up to the highest, offering a tangible vibration that impacts the overall quality of what one is listening to. Yet, this is something that can be resolved by lowering the volume down or avoiding listening to loud sounds. Whilst it is far from perfection, it still has an overall well-round mix of tones.

Feature-wise, the HiTune X5 also comes with noise-cancelling tech that is quite handy for those that would like to concentrate on their work. That said, while the earbuds can fit snugly into your ear, it doesn’t fully create that vacuum that some in-ear monitors provide, so you won’t get the full active noise cancelling experience, and will still be able to hear your surroundings.

Connection-wise, the earbuds run on Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which is currently the most advanced version of Bluetooth. Users are, as such, able to enjoy higher wireless bandwidth, with the addition of a stable signal that almost never randomly disconnects at odd timings. On specific compatible devices, each bud will receive a separate signal of its own that allows for mono use. This can be useful for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings more effectively. One thing to take note of is that the earbuds can only connect to one device at a time. Therefore, users will have to ensure that devices are disconnected first from the buds to enjoy using them with another product.

Overall, UGREEN’s HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds have exceeded expectations, especially coming from a small brand that specialises in digital but not audio accessories. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative that’s able to give satisfying audio quality, this is one to look out for. Although these buds are far from perfect with the lack of app support to customise the control, functionality and EQ, it still does a pretty solid job of playing music and answering calls. 

For those interested in grabbing a pair for yourselves, UGREEN HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds can be purchased on either Lazada, Shopee or their official website for S$67.99.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Geek Review: UGREEN HiTune X5 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds appeared first on Geek Culture.

With Marvel’s What If…? series on its way to Disney+, the executive VP of film and production at Marvel Studios, Victoria Alonso, has revealed more details about the studio’s plans for this new phase.

Also the executive producer on Marvel’s WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, she certainly had a key role in earning the studio a historic 28 Emmy nominations. Instead of taking a break to enjoy the joyous occasion, however, Alonso is already up and about teasing fans of her next adventures.

Whilst What If…? will be Marvel’s first animated series, the 55-year-old producer revealed through an interview with Variety that it’s far from being the last. “We’re going to have our animation branch and mini studio, and there will be more to come from that as well,” Alonso said. “We’re super excited about animation, which is my first love.”

Rumours of Marvel Animation studios first appeared earlier this year after job postings surfaced online, and it seems like the new “animation branch and mini studio” is a new development under the Feige- and Alonso-led company.

Additionally, Alonso also noted that there are “a few other shows” that will come out before the end of the year, includes Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye. With this in mind, it seems like we’ll be ending the year on a good note.

On the side, The What If…? series reimagines famous events from the MCU, creating a multiverse of infinite possibilities. The mad multiverse series will be releasing on 11 August 2021 on Disney+.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Marvel’s Victoria Alonso Reveals “Mini Studio” For Animation, Confirms Upcoming Shows appeared first on Geek Culture.

PRISM+, Singapore’s homegrown consumer tech company known for its affordable upmarket monitors and TVs, is once again launching a new premium range of Android Televisions, the Q Series PRO Android TVs.

PRISM+’s new line will showcase the launch of the largest-ever TV in the company’s history, the Q86 PRO Quantum Edition. An 86-inch TV, it’s built to provide a guaranteed immersive cinematic experience for S$2,999 – an attractive price point for end-users looking to mimic a premium experience of a home theatre.

This range will also feature two other models: the Q65 PRO Quantum Edition (S$1,199) and the Q55 PRO Quantum Edition (S$999). The Q Series Pro will be packed with innovative designs such as Hands-Free Voice Control that allows users to instruct and perform certain functions through simple voice commands. It also boasts a Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos immersive audio and improved Quantum Colour backlight technology, along with the smart features of all its previous models.

These new features bring the cinema experience to the comfort of your home with improved ultra-vivid images through a blend of brightness, contrast, colour and detail designed to bring entertainment to life. Additionally, the greatly-expanded colour palette of Dolby Vision adds true, distinctive colours across a wider brightness range. Paired with spectacular sound due to Dolby Atmos, the viewing experience will offer rich audio that breathes life and realism into sound.

“The launch of the Q Series PRO Android TVs continues to build on PRISM+’s legacy of making quality home entertainment accessible. Our latest range of televisions, which include our largest screen to date, are a reflection of the progress we have made as a company; featuring technologies born out of exciting partnerships with market leaders such as Dolby and our continued product development.”

Jon Ng, Managing Director of PRISM+

With Singaporeans continuing to consume large variety content from local to Hollywood blockbusters, including Korean and Chinese media content, PRISM+ has partnered with prominent content providers such as MeWATCH, Viu and iQiyi to provide a wider selection of shows, dramas and movies. These apps will, as such, come pre-installed on all PRISM+ Android TVs, with selected bundles offering premium free trial periods of up to 12 months.

For those interested, the new PRISM+ Q Series PRO is now available for purchase on the PRISM+ online store and official Lazada store.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post PRISM+ Launches Massive 86-inch Q Series PRO 4K UHD Android TV appeared first on Geek Culture.

For many, our love affair with Apple might have started in 2007 when the company launched the first iPhone, but Apple and Singapore have a 40 year history that started way back in 1981, and has grown significantly since then, with the American tech giant covering everything from fostering job creation, aiding economic growth, educational outreach as well as environmental sustainability. And it culminated last year with the opening of what is arguably the most iconic Apple Store in the world, at Marina Bay Sands.

Apple’s arrival was likely a few months earlier, but in July 1981, when the little red dot was a fledgling 16-year old nation, Apple opened its first plant in Ang Mo Kio Industrial Estate with 7,500 sqm of leased space, while building a 10,000 sqm factory in a nearby site. What many may not know then, was that this was only the company’s second manufacturing plant outside of the US.

Opening with only 72 employees, the company initially focused on testing computer logic boards and encoder boards which later led to the concentrated manufacturing of computer disc drives and the completion of the Apple II personal computers.

By 1982, Apple announced a S$50 million investment in Singapore to build its own building adjacent to the site it already leased. And throughout the 1980s, the company continued focusing on investing in Singapore as a manufacturing base for its products and by the 7th year, in April, a 245,000 sq ft plant costing S$25 million was officially opened with then Minister for Trade and Industry Brig-Gen (Res), Lee Hsien Loong presiding over it. This new factory continued to manufacture the Apple IIe and the portable Apple IIc and Apple IIGS.

Apple continued to hold its presence in the green city throughout the 1990s and by 1998 with Steve Jobs’ return to Apple, it was then revealed that the Bondi Blue iMac G3 would be assembled here in Singapore. Although the original iMac is largely credited as bringing Apple back into the mainstream, only a few people remember that it was first made here in the small tropical island of Singapore.

Fast-forward to today, Singapore is Apple’s base for Asia Pacific operations and is a globally recognised centre of innovation and expertise. With the country embracing a high-tech vision for the future, Apple has great influence and contributions to where the fine city is now.

We’re thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone with our teams in Singapore, and the customers and communities they serve with creativity and passion. Together, we’ve created an enduring partnership rooted in our shared values that will empower us to build a brighter tomorrow.

Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People

With the opening of Apple Store Marina Bat Sands last year, there are currently three Apple Stores located in the city. Singapore is home to more than 3,500 Apple employees that represent over 50 nationalities. Additionally, the company supports over 55,000 jobs in the country including through the thriving iOS app economy.

Furthermore, Apple is also a proud partner with educational institutions throughout Singapore. The leading tech company creates opportunities for the future generation to innovate and express their creativity as well as teach others especially in the field of STEM. Singapore is home to five of Apple’s Distinguished schools, one being Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah. All of its educators are certified Apple Teachers, trained in foundational skills for iPad and Mac with students learning basic Swift coding as part of its core curriculum. This melds traditions with technology making for more efficient and effective learning.

Additionally, to build a more sustainable future, In 2015, Apple was the first company in Singapore to be powered by 100% renewable energy. The company partnered with the government and local energy company, Sunseap, to build a solar energy system that will power Apple sites, retail stores and facilities in land-scarce Singapore.

And if that wasn’t enough, the company’s commitment and support for the country’s healthier future has also led to a partnership with Singapore’s world-class healthcare system in 2020 to launch LumiHealth. This is a personalised program to encourage healthy activity and behaviours among the Apple Watch and iPhone users. This unique and first-of-its-kind initiative has overall empowered thousands of Singaporeans to take positive steps toward a healthier life.

With Apple’s great contributions to the economy and society as a whole, the 40 years that the company has gone through with the country has helped shape it to be the technology hub that it is now. Seeing how the relationship between the two parties are in this day and age, it is definitely one to stick and continue to grow in the coming years ahead. For Apple’s more detailed statement on this joyous occasion, head on to their newsroom.

Yna Z.

Yna prefers being at home in company of fictional characters from different cinematic universes. Everything supernatural and magical is the way to her heart.

The post Apple Celebrates 40 Years Of Innovative Progress In Singapore appeared first on Geek Culture.