Hasta La Gadget!

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has once again promised to end the province’s $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink after reversing course back in February, according to reporting by the CBC. The reasoning behind this reversal is fairly obvious. The long-threatened Trump tariffs have officially gone into effect, which pops a 25 percent tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10 percent tariff on energy exports. 

The contract was signed in November of last year and tasked Starlink with providing internet service to remote parts of Ontario. Ford, a former staunch supporter of President Trump, is prepared to go even further to protect Canada’s interests. He said that if the tariffs persist that the region will be forced to issue its own 25 percent surcharge on electricity exported to the US. He also said he would shut off electricity “with a smile” on his face to US customers if things aren’t resolved, according to the Toronto Sun.

“We also need to be ready to dig in for a long fight,” Ford said. “We need to be ready to escalate using every tool in our tool kit.”

It’s worth noting that Canada provides electricity to US residents in Michigan, New York and Minnesota, and a shutdown would impact over 1.5 million people. Ford has also floated the idea of issuing a surcharge to mineral exports or ending them entirely.

Ontario’s primary liquor wholesaler, the LCBO, has confirmed that it will stop purchasing and selling US-made alcohol. Additionally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be issuing its own retaliatory matching tariffs on US goods.

“Today the US launched a trade war against Canada, their closest ally and their closest friend. At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” Trudeau said during a news conference. He also suggested that Trump was trying to weaken the Canadian economy as an annexation strategy, but that “Canada will never be the 51st state.”

Trump’s stated boogeyman behind these tariffs continues to be fentanyl, even though less than one percent of the drug arrives in this country via Canadian routes. This data has been confirmed by both Trudeau and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Don’t worry about SpaceX and Starlink’s financials. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just announced a partnership to install Starlink terminals at various airports, which seems like auspicious timing. The agency also reportedly ordered staffers to “begin finding tens of millions of dollars for a Starlink deal.” Government efficiency at its finest. In any event, we’ve reached out to Ontario’s Ministry of Infrastructure for details regarding the the contract cancellation and will update this post when we find out more. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ontario-once-again-promises-to-nix-100-million-starlink-deal-over-trump-tariffs-194512098.html?src=rss

Dotemu, the developer behind beat-’em-ups like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Streets of Rage 4, is back with another slice of side-scrolling retro goodness. This time, however, the company’s eschewing a tried-and-true franchise in favor of an original IP. Absolum is a fantasy beat-’em-up that’s being co-developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonk.

The game looks to retain the core beat-’em-up mechanics the developer has become known for, but with some flourishes. Dotemu boasts of “branching paths to explore,” which is giving me Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse vibes. The developer has also implemented roguelike mechanics of some kind, with it going so far as to describe the game as a “rogue-‘em-up.” We don’t know the details of these mechanics just yet.

We do know that Absolum will be playable as a solo campaign or in a co-op mode, offering both local and online play. Gamers will be able to choose from four different fantasy-themed characters. Also, the animation looks pretty dang gorgeous. It’ll be available for Switch, PlayStation and PC later this year.

Just because Absolum is a brand-new IP, doesn’t mean that Dotemu has given up on reviving classics for modern audiences. The company is also publishing Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a game that’s actually set during the events of the NES original.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-dev-behind-tmnt-shredders-revenge-is-making-an-original-beat-em-up-180518331.html?src=rss

At MWC 2025, Infinix showcased two groundbreaking innovations: SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology for enhanced battery life and E-Color Shift 2.0, an AI-powered smartphone customization feature. These advancements align with Infinix’s vision of integrating AI, sustainability, and personalization into mobile technology.

SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology: Sustainable Mobile Charging

Infinix introduced SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology, leveraging perovskite photovoltaic cells and AI algorithms to optimize energy capture from ambient light. The system efficiently converts indoor and outdoor light into electricity, storing it within a prototype smartphone and a specialized charging case. AI fine-tunes energy collection in real-time, enabling a storage capacity of up to 2W, with potential improvements in future iterations.

A key component of this technology is Sunflower Wireless Charging, inspired by heliotropic plants. This AI-driven system dynamically adjusts light positioning and transmission paths based on environmental conditions, ensuring efficient power reception within a 3-meter range. Future versions aim to enhance accuracy and distance.

Key Benefits:

• Extended Standby Power: Efficient energy collection allows usage even in dim lighting conditions.
• AI Energy Management: Integrates MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to regulate voltage and prevent overheating.
• Emergency Power Access: Provides backup charging during outages, ensuring continued connectivity.
• Broader Applications: Beyond smartphones, Infinix envisions this technology expanding to wearables and digital devices.

E-Color Shift 2.0: AI-Driven Personalization

Infinix also introduced E-Color Shift 2.0, allowing smartphones to dynamically change their appearance through AI-enhanced color transitions. Users can customize their phone’s aesthetics with:

• Customize Mode: Choose from six patterns and six color palettes, creating 30 unique designs.
• AI-Recognize Mode: The phone adapts colors based on weather, wallpapers, and surroundings.

Future Innovations: The NOTE 50 Series

These advancements pave the way for Infinix’s NOTE 50 series, launching in March 2025, featuring enhanced AI, improved charging, and a premium metal design.

Infinix Showcases AI-Powered Solar Charging And Color-Shifting Phones At MWC 2025

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

At MWC 2025, Infinix showcased two groundbreaking innovations: SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology for enhanced battery life and E-Color Shift 2.0, an AI-powered smartphone customization feature. These advancements align with Infinix’s vision of integrating AI, sustainability, and personalization into mobile technology.

SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology: Sustainable Mobile Charging

Infinix introduced SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology, leveraging perovskite photovoltaic cells and AI algorithms to optimize energy capture from ambient light. The system efficiently converts indoor and outdoor light into electricity, storing it within a prototype smartphone and a specialized charging case. AI fine-tunes energy collection in real-time, enabling a storage capacity of up to 2W, with potential improvements in future iterations.

A key component of this technology is Sunflower Wireless Charging, inspired by heliotropic plants. This AI-driven system dynamically adjusts light positioning and transmission paths based on environmental conditions, ensuring efficient power reception within a 3-meter range. Future versions aim to enhance accuracy and distance.

Key Benefits:

• Extended Standby Power: Efficient energy collection allows usage even in dim lighting conditions.
• AI Energy Management: Integrates MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to regulate voltage and prevent overheating.
• Emergency Power Access: Provides backup charging during outages, ensuring continued connectivity.
• Broader Applications: Beyond smartphones, Infinix envisions this technology expanding to wearables and digital devices.

E-Color Shift 2.0: AI-Driven Personalization

Infinix also introduced E-Color Shift 2.0, allowing smartphones to dynamically change their appearance through AI-enhanced color transitions. Users can customize their phone’s aesthetics with:

• Customize Mode: Choose from six patterns and six color palettes, creating 30 unique designs.
• AI-Recognize Mode: The phone adapts colors based on weather, wallpapers, and surroundings.

Future Innovations: The NOTE 50 Series

These advancements pave the way for Infinix’s NOTE 50 series, launching in March 2025, featuring enhanced AI, improved charging, and a premium metal design.

Infinix Showcases AI-Powered Solar Charging And Color-Shifting Phones At MWC 2025

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

ZTE has officially introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the nubia Z70 Ultra, at MWC 2025. Designed for photography enthusiasts and power users alike, the device pushes the boundaries of mobile imaging, performance, and design.

Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, the nubia Z70 Ultra delivers what the brand calls as “an unprecedented mobile photography experience”, thanks to its advanced Neovision AI Photography system. It features a custom 1-inch ultra-clear sensor, an optically stabilized periscope zoom lens, and an AI-enhanced hybrid imaging engine for stunning clarity and low-light performance.

A 50MP primary sensor (Sony IMX 9 Series), complemented by a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 64MP telephoto lens, ensure professional-grade photography in every scenario. The AI-powered Super Night Mode and Astrophotography Mode allow users to capture breathtaking shots even in extreme conditions.

At the core of the nubia Z70 Ultra is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. This powerhouse setup ensures seamless multitasking, ultra-fast processing speeds, and unmatched gaming performance.

The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts a 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support, delivering vibrant colors and smooth animations. A 6150 mAh battery with 120W ultra-fast charging ensures long-lasting endurance, keeping users powered throughout the day.

AI-Powered Features

The nubia Z70 Ultra integrates AI-driven enhancements across its software ecosystem, including an AI-powered photography assistant, real-time translation, voice interaction, and scene recognition for intelligent image optimization. The NeoVision Pro Mode offers pro-level controls for photographers, while AI-enhanced video stabilization ensures smooth recordings in any condition.

With support for Wi-Fi 7, dual 5G connectivity, and advanced cooling technology, the device is designed for peak performance, whether gaming, streaming, or capturing high-resolution content.

Specs

Availability

The nubia Z70 Ultra will be available globally starting late March 2025, with pricing details to be announced soon.

ZTE Unveils nubia Z70 Ultra: Photography And Performance As The Main Focus

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.