HONOR Confirms Return Of Google Mobile Services; HONOR 50 To Be First Device

HONOR, the brand that was once a subsidiary of Huawei, made an indirect announcement recently that Google Mobile Services will indeed be returning to its devices. According to the brand, the first device that is set to reflect the return in a post-Huawei world is the HONOR 50.

Confirmation of GMS’ return to the brand’s upcoming device was done via Twitter, through the brand’s official German account. The tweet is no longer available, but as per Android Authority, it came as a reply to one user’s query. In addition to GMS, HONOR Germany also confirmed that the phone will retain Magic UI, which is technically an off-shoot of Huawei’s own EMUI.

As a quick primer, news about Huawei potentially selling off HONOR first cropped up in November last year. Back then, it was reported that the Chinese telecommunications and smartphone brand would sell its sister brand to a Shenzhen-based consortium for a sum of US$15.2 billion (~RM63 billion). Within a week, the sale was confirmed.

As for the hardware powering the HONOR 50, we know that the phone will be one of the first devices to be fitted with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G 5G SoC, while the Pro version of it should house the top-tier Snapdragon 888. Camera-wise, the phone is expected to feature a 50MP main camera reminiscent of Huawei’s alleged main camera design of the P50. It will also reportedly include a 13MP ultrawide and 8MP ultrawide.

In addition, the phone is expected to sport a 6.79-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.

Singapore Trials Autonomous Robots For Delivery Services

Our neighbour down south, Singapore, is currently running trials for using autonomous robots in delivery services. Two of such robots have been rolled out as part of the pilot in Punggol. More specifically, the test involves seven Waterway Woodcress HDB apartment blocks.

The two robots will be accompanied by safety officers during the trial period. Each of them weigh 80kg, which is about as much as a person. Interestingly, it is also capable of speeds of 5km/h, which is also around the average walking speed of a person. It’s equipped with 3D LiDAR sensors, a camera, sonar and two weatherproof compartments with a total carrying capacity of 100l.

These robots also add to the usual delivery use case scenario. Rather than following an online retailer’s schedule, customers can choose when they would like their items delivered. They will also be able to get notifications for when the bots are on the way, and when they have arrived. Naturally, users will need a smartphone app for this. The app will then also be used to scan a QR code, to ensure that its contents are collected by the right person.

According to CNA, the trial started back in February, and will last for a year. Considering the fact that the trial has just barely started, it may be awhile before we hear more of what Singapore has planned.

Netflix To Shut Down Service On Nintendo Wii U And 3DS On 30 June; Still Not Available On Switch

Netflix has announced that it will to provide its services on for two of Nintendo’s older consoles: the Wii U and 3DS. Come 30 June 2021, the app will no longer be available on the Nintendo eShop for both consoles, and new users will not be able to download them if they joined after 31 December 2020.

The practice of rescinding support of its app from older and outdated devices and hardware is not uncommon, but Netflix’s actions serve as a reminder that more than three years since its release, the app is still nowhere to be seen on the Nintendo Switch.

It’s a small, yet important point to take heed of, especially since it was Reggie-Fils-Aime, then COO of Nintendo America, made a promise at the launch of the Switch that apps for Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu, will “come in time”. Of the three, only Hulu is available, along with the anime streaming service, Funimation.

To reiterate, if you’re one of a few individuals who actually watch Netflix via your Wii U or 3DS, you have until 30 June to stream content to the consoles. After which, you will be forced to seek alternative streaming options. Options that include, say…your smartphone, PC, and laptop.