But keep those tissues at bay because he won’t be ghosting us like a Boo in a haunted castle. As an ambassador, he’ll continue to spread Mario’s love worldwide, just without the studio mic.

Nintendo, in a statement as heartfelt as a Princess Peach letter, thanked Martinet and teased a special video message from him and Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto.

My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!! https://t.co/3YWYewlnXt

— Charles Martinet (@CharlesMartinet) August 21, 2023

“Charles Martinet has been the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games for a long time, as far back as Super Mario 64. Charles is now moving into the brand-new role of Mario Ambassador,” writes Nintendo in its farewell tweet. “With this transition, he will be stepping back from recording character voices for our games, but he’ll continue to travel the world sharing the joy of Mario and interacting with you all!

It has been an honor working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to thank and celebrate him. Please keep an eye out for a special video message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles himself, which we will post at a future date.“

Martinet was in the recent Super Mario Bros Movie, where he voiced Mario’s dad. The film, starring Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, scored a massive glowing 1-Up, grossing over $1 billion.

With Martinet stepping back, the big question is, who will voice our favorite plumber in the next game, Super Mario Bros Wonder?

Nintendo reps remain as silent as Luigi in a ghost house. But hey, no rush. It’s just the voice of the most iconic character in gaming. No big deal, right?

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The Nintendo Switch is now the third-best-selling console ever
• Super Mario RPG is making a triumphant return to the switch
• What is Mario Day?
• The best Nintendo Switch accessories (2023)

The post The voice of Super Mario hangs up his overalls for retirement appeared first on KnowTechie.

This time, the much-anticipated iPhone 15 Pro Max (or iPhone 15 Ultra, or whatever they’re calling it) might be fashionably late to its debut.

An anonymous 9to5Mac source suggests we might be looking at an October release instead of the usual late September launch.

But don’t start hyperventilating into your Apple-branded paper bag just yet. Apple’s annual September event is still on track. We expect the entire iPhone 15 lineup, including the basic iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

However, the show’s star, the Pro Max/Ultra, might make us wait a little longer.

The reason for this delay?

A shortage of camera parts. Sony, Apple’s long-time collaborator, is reportedly lagging in producing the periscope telephoto camera, a rumored exclusive for the Pro Max/Ultra.

This isn’t just any camera, folks. It’s expected to take the iPhone’s zoom capabilities from “meh” to “wow,” potentially allowing for up to 10x optical zoom.

This isn’t the first time an iPhone has played hard to get. Last year, the iPhone 14 Plus also made a late entrance. So, while we’re all eager to get our hands on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we might need to practice a bit of patience.

Will the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s delay be worth the wait?

Despite the potential delay, the iPhone 15 series is set to strut its stuff on September 12. With rumored features like the Action button, 3-nanometer A17 Bionic chipset on the Pro models, and Dynamic Island notches for all models, it promises to be worth the wait.

So, if you’re planning to pre-order the iPhone 15 Pro Max, brace yourself for slightly longer wait times. If all goes to plan, hopefully, it’s worth the wait.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• When is the new Apple Watch coming out?
• Apple’s iPhone 15 series may not get the official leather case
• Apple’s ‘battery gate’ ends with a $65 payday for iPhone users
• Apple Watch X will be a major redesign launching next year

The post The wait for the iPhone 15 Pro Max could stretch into October appeared first on KnowTechie.

Mike Verdu, VP of Netflix’s gaming division, broke the news in a blog post, saying they’re about to throw open the doors to their surprisingly robust mobile gaming stash.

So, who gets access and who doesn’t? For now, only a chosen few in Canada and the UK can game on their TVs via Netflix. But don’t worry: PC and Mac users, your turn is coming soon.

The beta version’s got games like Oxenfree and Molehew’s Mining Adventure. To play, you scan a QR code on your screen, and bam, it launches a separate app that turns your phone into a gaming controller, which they launched last week.

The gaming beta app, which Netflix sneakily released last week, is available now. But you’ll need the beta functionality to make it work on your TV. If you’re a computer gamer, your good ol’ keyboard and mouse will do the trick.

You should be able to access the gaming feature on the Netflix app across various platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, LG TVs, and more. Netflix says they plan on expanding its services in the future.

The Game Controller App, which looks like your traditional controller buttons and a joystick, is the only way to play Netflix games on TV for now.

What about 3rd-party controller support? Don’t hold your breath; Netflix says they’re focusing on polishing the app first before piling on extra features. Some might see this as a missed opportunity since some Netflix games are already console-ready.

But at the same time, if this venture whiffs, that’s a whole lot of resources spent for nothing just because you want to play Netflix games on your $50 retro gaming controller that you insisted on buying.

Some games like Wonderputt Forever and Poinpy are designed for mobile phones, so it’ll be interesting to see how they adapt to bigger screens and Netflix’s limited interface.

As Netflix’s subscription costs go up and the benefits seem to go down, the addition of quality indie games could be a lifeline. This new gaming venture might be what Netflix needs to keep subscribers who’ve run out of shows to binge.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Netflix wants to micromanage your viewing habits with “My Netflix”
• New Netflix feature allows easy profile transfers
• Netflix’s password shakedown begins now, $8 per user
• Netflix doubles down on 40 more games nobody asked for

The post Netflix levels up with new in-app gaming feature appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: Apple is likely to release the Series 9 Apple Watch in September, 2023.

Much like its flagship iPhones, Apple tends to release a new Apple Watch model every year. The company has released a new model every year since 2015, when the original Watch came out.

While it’s still relatively early in 2023, it’s safe to assume that Apple will stick to its previous schedule with the next wearable.

After all, the company launched the Apple Watch Ultra last year. We’ll surely see some of the new features found in that model added to the Series 9 later in 2023.

Apple Watch Series 9 release date

Short answer: Most likely in the fall of 2023

Every single Apple Watch has been announced in September, except for the original, which was in April of 2015.

Apple has released the wearable alongside that year’s iPhone range, except for 2020, when the iPhone wasn’t announced until the month after.

As to when in September, we have a couple of pointers. Apple almost always has its iPhone and Apple Watch event on the second Tuesday of September.

Sometimes it’s been the second Wednesday. Expect the second week of September again this year, so that’s around September 12 or 13.

Of course, this Series 9 release date prediction might not be accurate. Delays are always possible, and even if the wearable is announced, we might have to wait to be able to order one.

Last year, there was a little over a week gap between the announcement and release. As long as there aren’t any supply issues, we expect about the same time between the announcement and the official release date.

We’ll have to wait to find out exactly when the Apple Watch Series 9 will be released. Until then, we’ll keep bringing you all the rumors as we find them out.

Overall, while we may not have a definitive answer yet as to when exactly the Apple Watch will come out, one thing is certain – it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.

With its cutting-edge technology and stylish design, it has all the makings of another game-changing product from Apple. So mark your calendars and get ready for what could potentially be one of this year’s most exciting gadget release

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to add a business to Apple Maps
• Can Apple Watch measure blood pressure?
• Where is the ‘i’ icon on the Apple Watch and how do you use it?
• How to change your iPhone passcode

The post When is the new Apple Watch coming out? appeared first on KnowTechie.

But before you start a petition or build a shrine to your favorite 360 titles, there’s a silver lining. 

Any original Xbox or Xbox 360 games and DLC that are backward compatible on the Xbox One or Series X/S will still be up for grabs on the newer consoles’ storefronts. So, you can still get your nostalgia fix, just not on the 360.

And I’ve got some bad news for those of you who’ve been using your Xbox 360 as a glorified TV remote. The Microsoft Movies & TV app is also getting axed on the same date. 

But it’s not much of a big deal; any content you’ve bought will stay in your library, and you can watch it on Windows 10 and 11 devices, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Now, this move isn’t entirely surprising. The last game for the 360 was released five years ago, and keeping the store open doesn’t make much business sense for Microsoft. Also, it’s 2023; cmon, we have to put this thing out to pasture already. 

But it does throw a wrench in the works for game preservation. Digital-only games will be as extinct as a dodo on the 360, which is a real gut punch for preservationists.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, it’s a reminder that in the digital age, nothing lasts forever. Not even our favorite gaming platforms. 

But as we bid adieu to the Xbox 360 store, let’s not forget that gaming, like any other medium, is about evolution. 

And while it’s okay to mourn the loss of an old friend, let’s also look forward to new experiences like fighting digital robot scalpers for new consoles.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• PS5 cloud streaming service leaves beta testers wanting more
• Rumored Sony PlayStation 5 Slim appears in new video 
• Netflix’s new app turns your smartphone into a controller
• Lenovo is reportedly cooking up a handheld gaming beast

The post Xbox 360 Store to close its doors, marking the end of an 18-year era appeared first on KnowTechie.

And who do we have to thank for this? None other than billionaire boy-man wonder Elon Musk, who, after buying Twitter for $44 billion, decided to turn X into a cash cow, milking us for all we’re worth.

Starting Wednesday, if you want to keep using X Pro, you’re going to have to cough up $84 a year for the privilege. But don’t worry; they’re throwing in some “perks” to sweeten the deal.

Here’s what you get with an X Premium membership: a verified blue checkmark on your account, priority in replies and searches, access to longer posts, and fewer ads. Wow, sign me up.

Let’s not forget, though, the comedy of errors that was the launch of X Premium, formerly known as Twitter Blue. It was pulled almost immediately after launch due to a flood of users impersonating celebs and popular brands.

In the meantime, Musk has been playing puppet master, cutting jobs and introducing new features and policy changes faster than you can say, “What happened to Twitter?”

And then there’s the rebranding, which saw Twitter’s iconic bird logo replaced with… well, X.

It’s a sad day when a platform we’ve grown to love (or at least tolerate) decides to bleed us dry in the name of ‘progress.’ And for what? A few extra bells and whistles? A blue checkmark? It’s as if we’re paying for the privilege of being nickel-and-dimed.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s just plain dumb, and frankly, I’m not here for it.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• X, formely Twitter, is planning to introduce a video-calling feature
• Twitter now lets paying Blue subscribers hide their shame
• Twitter X CEO changes username; trolls immediately snag it
• Elon Musk’s new regime reinstates Kanye West’s Twitter account

The post Tweetdeck is now pay-to-play appeared first on KnowTechie.

The lawsuit accused Apple of intentionally slowing down iPhones to nudge consumers into upgrading to newer models. Sneaky, right?

In March 2020, Apple agreed to shell out a whopping $500 million to settle the lawsuit. However, the settlement hit a roadblock when two iPhone owners appealed against certain terms of the agreement. The appeal made its way to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, but alas, it was denied.

This legal saga has been a rollercoaster ride spanning five long years, with approximately three million claims filed since the lawsuit’s inception. Apple finally admitted in 2017 that they did indeed slow down the iOS software on older iPhones.

Their justification? It was all to prevent older batteries from randomly shutting off devices. Hmm, sounds fishy, doesn’t it? Apple, of course, denied any ulterior motives for pushing customers to buy new batteries or upgrade to the latest iPhone.

But the plot thickens.

Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, the law firm representing the iPhone claimants, announced a major victory. The 9th circuit rejected Apple’s attempt to dismiss the case, allowing the litigation to proceed.

The claims covered violations of various laws, including the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, and Trespass to Chattels.

“The settlement is the result of years of investigation and hotly contested litigation,” Mark C. Molumphy, a partner at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, said in a press release. “We are extremely proud that this deal has been approved, and following the Ninth Circuit’s order, we can finally provide immediate cash payments to impacted Apple customers,” he added.

In a court filing back in 2019, Apple argued that lithium-ion batteries naturally deteriorate over time, becoming less effective.

Okay, that is a fair point, but here’s the kicker: they conveniently forgot to inform users about the iOS updates that allegedly slowed down their phones. Users only discovered the issue when their iPhones started shutting down unexpectedly, even with 30% battery life remaining.

Now, here’s the twist. Apple agreed to pay the claimants a hefty sum between $310 million and $500 million. The exact payout for each participant in the class-action lawsuit depends on the number of approved claims.

If you owned any of these iPhones and filed a claim, cash is coming your way

Curious about which iPhones were affected? The list includes the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, and SE running on iOS 10.2.1 systems before December 21, 2017.

Oh, and let’s not forget the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus running on iOS 11.2 or later before that date. If you own one of these models, you might be in for a nice surprise.

Can you still file the $65 ‘batterygate’ claim?

Unfortunately, no. The claims submission period ended on October 6, 2020.

In the grand scheme of things, Batterygate may be just a blip on Apple’s radar, a $500 million hiccup for a company worth trillions.

But it’s a blip that has left a lasting impact. It’s a story of corporate missteps, consumer outrage, and, ultimately, accountability. It’s a reminder that even tech giants aren’t invincible to the demands of transparency and honesty.

So, if you’re clutching one of the affected iPhones, don’t expect a windfall. The claims window has sadly closed. But take solace in the fact that your slower iPhone played a part in a larger narrative.

It’s a narrative that has pushed Apple and other tech companies to be more upfront about their practices. And if you’re holding one of the newer iPhones, relish in the knowledge that your device’s battery life is a testament to lessons learned the hard way.

And to those still waiting for their $65 payout from the lawsuit, remember – every little bit counts in the pursuit of the latest iPhone. After all, the iPhone 15 Pro isn’t going to pay for itself, is it?

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• iPhone 14 Pro users raise alarm over rapid battery health decline
• Apple iPhone SE 4 will feature the “Action Button,” says rumor
• Apple’s iPhone 15 launch event in September will be pre-recorded 
• We may finally have an iPhone 15 launch date

The post Apple’s ‘batterygate’ ends with a $65 payday for iPhone users appeared first on KnowTechie.

This feature has been in the secret Amazon labs for a few months, and now it’s making its grand debut to a select group of users in the U.S. via Amazon’s mobile app.

The new AI-generated summaries cover a smorgasbord of products, from TVs and headphones to tablets and those fitness trackers you swear you’re going to use.

As of now, the feature isn’t available for all products. For example, as The Verge points out, the Galaxy Tab A7 gets the AI review treatment, but the newer Galaxy Tab A8 is left out in the cold.

These summaries are designed to be as easy to read as a comic strip, but they might throw some linguistic curveballs your way. This could be because Amazon’s search algorithm is the ultimate cheerleader, always rooting for high-rated products.

You can find these AI-generated summaries at the top of the review section on the mobile app under the heading “Customers say.” And just so you know, it’s not some intern’s job; each summary ends with a little note saying it was crafted by AI.

To keep things legit and fight off the fake review monsters, Amazon makes sure these summaries are only made from verified purchases. Plus, they’ve added review highlight filters, so you can easily find reviews that talk about specific features or issues.

So there you have it – AI is now doing your homework for you on Amazon. What a time to be alive.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• AmazoAmazon’s payment tech is coming to a Whole Foods near you
• Unlocking AmazoAmazon’set: Invite-only Prime Day deals
• FTC says Amazon tricks customers into subscribing to Prime
• When is Amazon Prime Day?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s It’sof the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Amazon now spits out AI-generated user product reviews appeared first on KnowTechie.

This new feature will potentially change everything for PlayStation owners, eliminating the need for lengthy downloads that consume valuable storage space.

An email from PlayStation to a selected tester, which surfaced on Reddit, expressed excitement over the unveiling of the PS5 cloud streaming.

The email emphasized the importance of the tester’s contribution to the beta testing period, which operates on exclusive invite codes that cannot be shared with other users.

It also hinted at potential changes to the features before the official launch of cloud streaming.

One beta tester, ArashiGames, shared their experience on ResetEra, stating that they tested the game God of War: Ragnarok at 2160p without any hitches.

They also noted the availability of resolution options ranging from 720p to 2160p for that particular title and mentioned that the game Returnal streamed in 4K.

According to the tester, a new section in the PS+ menu is dedicated to streaming PS5 games, which load in just a few seconds. They listed Horizon Forbidden West, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Death Stranding, among others, as streaming options.

The ability to support 4K resolution could give PlayStation a competitive edge over Xbox Cloud Gaming, which currently tops at 1080p resolution and 60fps.

In addition, Sony is working on “Project Q,” a streaming handheld device with an 8-inch, 1080p screen and a 60Hz refresh rate.

While the device is confirmed to use Remote Play, streaming directly from a console rather than the cloud, it could also support cloud streaming.

The device is slated for a release later this year, though the price remains undisclosed. The game streaming feature will be exclusive to PS Plus Premium members.

This service, priced at $18 per month, already supports cloud gaming for PS4, PS3, and select classic titles, allowing games to be streamed to PS5, PS4, or PC.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Two new Pixel tablet accessories are still in the pipeline
• Leaked Google Pixel 8 Pro ad showcases “Audio Magic Eraser”
• Google Pixel 8 series will stick to 128GB base storage, says leak
• Pixel Watch 2 leak hints at a lighter build, new Fitbit features

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post PS5 cloud streaming service leaves beta testers wanting more appeared first on KnowTechie.

It’s not going to win any beauty contests, that’s for sure. In fact, it might even make you question the aesthetic sensibilities of its creators. But, much like the proverbial duckling, it hides a world of practicality beneath its less-than-stellar exterior.

This little monstrosity is an all-in-one photo and video backup solution. It’s like a Swiss Army knife, but instead of a corkscrew and a pair of scissors, you get a USB stick that can backup your photos, videos, documents, voice memos, and music files.

ThePhotoStick OMNI for Computers and Mobile Devices

4.0

The PhotoStick Omni is a compact, user-friendly device that offers quick and efficient photo and video backups. It's compatible with various platforms, ensuring broad usability, but its performance may vary based on file sizes and quantities.

Check Availability

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Now, the manufacturers claim that this little beast can sort through thousands of your favorite photos and videos, removing duplicates to save space.

I mean, who needs to have six identical photos of their cat doing the same thing, right? But don’t worry, it won’t delete anything from your device unless you want it to.

And the best part? It works on all devices. Well, except for the Google Pixel. Sorry Pixel users, you’re out of luck.

But for everyone else, it’s like a universal remote for your digital memories. And did I mention there are no monthly fees or subscriptions? Take that, cloud services.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But it’s so ugly!”

Yes, yes it is. But let’s be honest, so is your old high school yearbook photo, but you still keep that around, don’t you? Besides, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? And on the inside, this thing is a powerhouse.

Sure, it’s got the aesthetic appeal of a brick, but it’s also one of the most reliable and effective backup solutions out there, according to users.

It’s got an average rating of 3.3/5 stars from over 80 customer ratings on Amazon. Not too shabby for something that looks like it fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

Who’s behind this

The PhotoStick Omni was born out of necessity when , a former VP & GM of Hewlett Packard, lost his digital memories due to a computer crash.

Unable to find an existing solution for easy and efficient photo and video backup, he created ThePhotoStick®. So, despite its less-than-attractive exterior, it’s a device rooted in innovation and a genuine need to safeguard digital memories.

So, if you can get past its unfortunate exterior, ThePhotoStick Omni 128GB is a practical, efficient, and cost-effective solution for backing up your digital life.

It may not be pretty, but it gets the job done. And in the end, isn’t that what really matters?

ThePhotoStick OMNI for Computers and Mobile Devices

4.0

The PhotoStick Omni is a compact, user-friendly device that offers quick and efficient photo and video backups. It's compatible with various platforms, ensuring broad usability, but its performance may vary based on file sizes and quantities.

What We Like:

• Ease of Use: The PhotoStick Omni is designed for simplicity, requiring no technical skills. Just plug it in and it starts backing up your photos and videos, making it accessible for all users.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: It works seamlessly across multiple platforms - smartphones, tablets, and computers. Whether you're an iOS, Android, or Windows user, this device has got you covered.
• Efficient Backup: With its high storage capacity, the PhotoStick Omni can save thousands of photos and videos quickly, providing a reliable solution for preserving your digital memories.

Check Availability See at Amazon

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• T-Mobile is bringing back unlimited Google Photos storage
• This lifetime deal gets you 20TB of cloud storage for only $100
• The Gmail mobile app finally offers in-app translation
• What is OneDrive Storage?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The PhotoStick Omni may look hideous, but it’s insanely practical appeared first on KnowTechie.