AllYouCanTech

YouTube TV and Disney Sign Multi-Year Deal to Bring Back ABC, ESPN, and Other Channels

The two-week-long drama concludes as 21 channels make their return to YouTube TV.

16 Essential Meta Quest Game Announcements and Unexpected Releases Accessible Now

Almost half of these titles are available for play today, with a lot to anticipate in the upcoming months.

The holiday season has arrived, bringing along a multitude of new games ready for those unwrapping new consoles hidden beneath the tree, in addition to plenty of options for those of us who already own one. The Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are experiencing a significant influx of new titles, and the latest VR Games Showcase recently revealed 20 more announcements that will certainly delight your headset.

However, the VRGS is not the only show in town; several developers have also stealthily released new trailers and announcements for upcoming games that you simply cannot miss. Here’s everything I’ve carefully selected below!

Available now!

You can catch the complete VR Games Showcase above, which includes the announcements I have compiled here along with a multitude of others, but let’s first explore the games available to play right now before we dive into the wishlist items. I will provide links to each trailer and store listing below so you can experience the games without delay!

Vampire Survivors but it’s in virtual reality (trailer) (Meta store link): This one caught me by surprise! Vampire Survivors transitions to pseudo-3D with this exclusive VR version, featuring all the massive hordes you’ve come to know in the iconic game, now with the uniquely immersive experience of a diorama.

Hotel Infinity (trailer) (Meta store link): Set aside a 2m by 2m square space of your physical floor and get ready to explore Hotel Infinity as if you were Tanjiro entering the Infinity Castle. The environment consistently shifts and transforms as you physically navigate through it, showcasing MC Escher-style impossible architecture that will continually amaze you. It’s an ideal representation of the capabilities of VR.

Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss (trailer) (Meta store link): I don’t have much knowledge about MOBAs and have never played DOTA, but this Moss offshoot has piqued my interest. It’s a real-time strategy game resembling a mix between Demeo Battles and classic board games like Catan, and its quick battle format makes it perfect for an engaging weeknight VR session.

Syberia VR (trailer) (Meta store link): The classic point-and-click adventure game from the early 2000s has just been remastered and is fully playable in VR on the Meta Quest. I adored this game in my high school years and am excited to experience the entire journey again from a new viewpoint!

EXOSHOCK (trailer) (Meta store link): There are plenty of VR shooters available, but occasionally one emerges that distinguishes itself from the crowd. This co-op PvE sci-fi squad shooter aims to redefine teamwork among friends with unique combat mechanics and a memorable art style. Give the alpha client a try by joining the Discord now.

Banners & Bastions (trailer) (Meta store link): I previously played Banners & Bastions during its early access phase, and now a significant update introduces loads of new content, including major UX enhancements, controller compatibility, new bosses and adversaries, and more! It’s a fast-paced strategy puzzle game you’ve got to experience!

Dimensional Double Shift (trailer) (Meta store link): The creators of Job Simulator have taken the well-established formula and incorporated multiplayer, encouraging teammates to collaborate for high scores while fulfilling orders, repairing cars, and exploring the uniqueness of each dimension. The New Joysey dimension recently launched on Meta Quest, and the game will also be available on Galaxy XR starting December 11.

Coming soon

Star Trek: Infection: This sci-fi horror title offers a notably different perspective on what I would typically expect from a Star Trek game, but perhaps that’s what makes it so captivating! We anticipate this one to debut before the year concludes.

Deadly Delivery (trailer): Have you ever pondered how all those creatures inhabit dungeons in the age of Amazon and Door Dash? Deadly Delivery provides the answer by allowing you and three friends to dress as goblins and deliver packages to the dungeon inhabitants. But beware, as these dungeons come equipped with numerous traps and hostile residents. Set to release on December 4.

How To God (trailer): Ever played Black & White on the PC in the 2000s? How to God places players in control of a world, granting them divine powers and a giant creature that may or may not heed their commands. It’s a virtual pet simulation combined with a Civilization-style world builder! I tried it in early access, and now it is launching for everyone on December 4.

Men in Black (trailer): Talk about a surprise release! From the developers of Jurassic World Aftermath and Augmented Empire comes a game that places you directly in the literal shoes of the famous Men in Black. It’s characterized as a stealth action game providing you with access to countless gadgets and the mission to eliminate

Save More Than 20% on Hulu’s Streaming Package by Transitioning from YouTube TV

Walmart’s Black Friday Discounts: Best Offers for Android Users

Why hold off for Black Friday? These offers are accessible RIGHT NOW.

Examining the Obstacles and Setbacks in the Android Gaming Handheld Sector: Perspectives on a Leading Industry Contender

Know what you’re entering before you invest your funds.

Grasping Macro Lenses on Smartphones: Dispelling Misconceptions and Investigating the Advantages of Macro Photography

Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly column focused on the gadgets we use and their functionalities. We aim to keep things straightforward so that everyone can grasp how and why the device in your hand operates the way it does.

At times, things might get a bit technical, as technology tends to be complex and intricate. However, we can work through it together to make it comprehensible!

Understanding how it works, presented in a manner that everyone can grasp. Your weekly insight into the mechanics behind your gadgets.

You may not be concerned with how any of this operates, and that’s perfectly fine as well. Your tech devices are personal and should bring enjoyment. However, you might just discover something new…

One to one

You might have a specific macro setting available on your phone; many phones come equipped with this feature now. This doesn’t necessarily mean you possess a macro lens, but smartphones often defy the typical “rules” of photography, making it effective. If you spot the term “macro” or a small flower icon in your camera software, you essentially have a macro lens.

But what does it genuinely entail? Probably not what you assume.

A macro lens configuration is a technique for taking a 1:1 photograph. This implies that the size displayed on your screen corresponds to the actual size in real life. It doesn’t signify that the subject appears enlarged or that you can zoom in excessively; it simply means that the display size is “accurate.” While it may not be exact, it’s not advisable to use a macro photograph as an engineering drawing; it is, however, close enough for our eyes to perceive it accurately.

Imagine photographing an ant. When you direct your phone at an ant, you’ll end up with an image featuring a tiny black dot where the ant is located. Now envision getting a closer look, perhaps seeing its head. A standard camera configuration won’t achieve that, but a macro lens can.

Keep in mind that “the same size” is relative. We are discussing the viewfinder of your camera in this context. If I take a macro photograph of my angelfish as previously mentioned, the size you perceive while reading this may not correspond to what I saw in the viewfinder. What’s crucial is that the details are maintained, even at very close ranges.

A macro lens is essential for capturing all the minute details and preserving them when the photo is enlarged.

How does it function? Can’t I just use a “regular” setup?

At times, you might acquire comparable detail quality using a conventional camera lens, but generally, you won’t. This is due to the fact that a macro configuration isn’t merely a standard lens with close-focusing abilities. It’s a tool specifically designed for extreme close-ups and to operate seamlessly at the limits of visibility.

You’ll require a few fundamental hardware elements to begin. On your phone, some of these are managed through software, yet as stated, smartphones can bend the rules. What matters is that the setup can focus at very short distances, has a flat field to ensure the entire photo is sharp, and the capacity to adjust the focal length while altering anything else. Certain cameras can even extend to high magnifications, such as 2:1 or even 3:1, functioning almost as a microscope.

Most importantly, all of this must be optimized. Whether you possess a large full-frame camera paired with a $2,000 prime macro lens or a Motorola Razr (which features an excellent macro setting in its camera), none of it is effective unless it creates an image with the appropriate color, sharpness, and contrast.

Macro myths

As we all began to recognize the presence of a good camera in our phones, most lacked a macro setting. This led us to learn to adapt in incredible ways.

Now that macro capabilities have become standard, there are some persistent myths we should clarify.

Myth 1: Macro lenses are exclusively for small objects. False! Their remarkable clarity and flexible focal lengths make them ideal for portraits and general photography. An appropriate macro setup can indeed focus out to infinity while retaining a 1:1 view.

Myth 2: You MUST have a macro lens for ALL close-ups. Not necessarily. Consider food photography as an instance. You do not want or need to scrutinize every crumbly edge of Parmesan on your spaghetti. You can create an appealing and artistic photo with a standard lens, even at close proximity, if you’re willing to forfeit some of those minuscule details.

Myth 3: More light is advantageous. Not always. The quality and direction of light are essential. A macro photograph is one of the few instances where you might consider using flash to freeze motion and manage shadows. It’s important for the details to be clear and unobstructed while also being sufficiently bright to be visible.

Myth 4: Small apertures (f/22+) always result in sharper macros. Incorrect!

Amazon Affirms Ongoing Backing for Android-Powered Fire TV OS

VegaOS Isn’t Taking Over Fire OS, For Now

Amazon has clarified that its newly introduced VegaOS will not take the place of the current Android-based Fire OS on its streaming devices. Although VegaOS has been launched on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Amazon assures customers that Fire OS will still operate its mainstream Fire TV models.

The company has been tackling piracy issues associated with sideloading on Fire TV devices. Recent findings indicated that Fire TV devices were a major source of illegal sports streams in the UK, leading Amazon to limit piracy-related applications, including those installed outside the Appstore. This enforcement has already commenced in Germany and France, with plans for further expansion.

VegaOS is tailored for lower-end hardware, guaranteeing seamless app functionality and user experience. While speculations indicated that Amazon might discontinue Fire OS, the company claims it is a “multi-OS company” and has no intentions of replacing Fire OS. Instead, VegaOS is meant to support Fire OS, not supplant it.

Amazon has not revealed if VegaOS will extend to additional Fire TV models or higher-end hardware, which could affect sideloading features on future devices. For the moment, Fire OS continues to be the primary operating system for Amazon’s streaming devices, although this may change down the line.

Pixel Phones Now Include Built-in Call Recording Following Prolonged Wait

The introduction of native call recording is coming to the Pixel 6 and subsequent models.

COROS Cuts Prices on Two Favored Running Watches: A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Choice Ahead of Black Friday

The prices of the COROS PACE 3 and PACE Pro have been permanently altered to align better with the new PACE 4 pricing, offering you additional options.

One of my preferred brands for running watches, COROS, typically sidesteps Black Friday and other promotional events; you won’t find their watches “on sale.” This Friday, however, we’re experiencing the nearest equivalent: The COROS PACE 3 and PACE Pro have both undergone permanent price reductions to $199 and $299, respectively. If you’re in search of an affordable or mid-range fitness watch, they are more enticing and accessible than ever.

COROS unveiled the outstanding PACE 4 running watch this week priced at $249, leading to price cuts on the PACE 3 and Pro by 13% and 14%, respectively; you now have three budget-friendly choices within a $100 range.

Prior to these price reductions, I rated the PACE Pro as the top mid-range running watch and the PACE 3 as the leading budget fitness watch among various brands. The new PACE 4 adds some complexity, yet I’d still advocate for the PACE Pro as the superior choice due to its larger screen and compatibility with landscape and city maps.

If that price is still not appealing enough, the COROS PACE 3 priced at $199 is undoubtedly the best “affordable” running watch available unless you find a discount. It features the same dual-frequency GPS precision and heart rate sensors as a more expensive COROS model, alongside the same training software like training load and EvoLab.

These discounts are here to stay, so there’s no urgency to make a decision. I lean towards the PACE Pro since it boasts a faster processor that should ensure compatibility with future updates for years ahead, but the PACE 3’s pricing is tough to resist.

The newly released COROS PACE 4 strikes a perfect balance between the two: It retains the lightweight and slim profile of the PACE 3 while offering an AMOLED display as bright as that of the Pro. It offers the same 31 hours of dual-frequency GPS tracking as the Pro, surpassing the PACE 3’s 15 hours, and includes nearly all the same sensors apart from ECGs. Additionally, it has two unique new features: Dual mics for recording your emotions post-workout, and an Action Button for quick workout access.

I still favor the PACE Pro for its offline maps with street/trail names and points of interest for the additional $50. But if those features are unnecessary for you, the PACE 4 (or 3) is the smarter choice for budget-conscious runners who want to enhance their training. I tested the PACE 4 this week and was highly impressed with its GPS and heart rate accuracy at such an economical price.

If these models don’t catch your interest, you might want to explore other budget-friendly running watches. The Garmin Forerunner 165 boasts strong battery life, provides daily run and recovery recommendations, and performed well against the PACE 3 in my accuracy evaluations, yet it lacks crucial PACE features like training load, training status, or maps. The Amazfit Active 2 is even more affordable than the PACE 3 with its 2,000-nit AMOLED display, but it has significantly shorter battery life and less reliable GPS tracking.

OnePlus 15 Camera Assessment: Exceptional Capability Without Hasselblad Calibration in North America

**The OnePlus 15: A Solid Contender in the Smartphone Arena**

The OnePlus 15 has made its debut in the smartphone arena with an assurance of providing solid value for its cost, acting as a strong rival to major players like Google and Samsung. With a price tag of $899, the OnePlus 15 presents an attractive offering, particularly in markets such as North America where it directly competes with Google’s Pixel 10 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25.

**Design and Construction**

The OnePlus 15 has adopted a different design strategy in comparison to its predecessors. While the OnePlus 13 unveiled a fresh design that still echoed the brand’s identity, the OnePlus 15 Selects a more conventional appearance. This shift may not resonate with all users, especially those who valued the unique design language of earlier OnePlus models.

**Camera Technology**

One of the remarkable attributes of the OnePlus 15 is its camera technology. It features three 50MP rear cameras: a wide-angle, an ultrawide-angle, and a telephoto lens. The front-facing camera is a 32MP sensor, ideal for selfie lovers. The telephoto lens provides a 3.5x optical zoom, capable of capturing optical-quality images at 7x, with digital zoom reaching up to 120x.

Nonetheless, the OnePlus 15 lacks the Hasselblad camera integration found in earlier models. Instead, it incorporates the proprietary DetailMax camera system and Clear Night Engine for improved nighttime photography. While the primary camera performs admirably, delivering good dynamic range and color accuracy, inconsistencies across the different lenses can be observed. The ultrawide-angle lens, in particular, does not match the quality of the telephoto and main lenses.

**Performance and Worth**

Regarding performance, the OnePlus 15 stands its ground against rivals in the sub-$1,000 segment. While it may not outshine the likes of the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Pixel 10 Pro XL in all situations, it boasts a versatile camera arrangement that can attract a variety of users. The absence of Hasselblad integration may disappoint some, but the overall camera capabilities remain robust for its price bracket.

**Conclusion**

The OnePlus 15 is a commendable option for those seeking a proficient smartphone without excessive spending. Its design may not be revolutionary, but its camera technology and performance provide decent value, especially when pitted against pricier alternatives from Google and Samsung. For consumers in North America, the OnePlus 15 offers a compelling choice, effectively balancing cost and features.