Gadgets
LG and KDDI unveil transparent Firefox OS phone
Earlier today, LG and KDDI Corporation revealed a very interesting new smartphone that goes by the name of FxO. Looking solely at the specs, you’ll likely not be very impressed and might dismiss it as just another mid-range handset. However, there are two aspects here that immediately make it stand out from the crowd. First off, the phone is powered by the Firefox OS, and despite its mid-range specs, it’s still one of the most powerful devices running on this operating system. With Android and iOS dominating all markets, the Firefox OS had a pretty tough time making itself popular in the past, but perhaps the FxO will now be able to change all that.
It won’t be able to do it just because of the operating system though, which brings us to the second important aspect – the design. LG decided to create something a little bit more unusual and went with a completely transparent look for this smartphone. Aside from making it interesting from a visual standpoint, this design choice has another purpose as well according to KDDI, which unveiled the device earlier at a press event held in Tokyo. The company says that the FxO’s “openness and transparency” reflects the most important features of the Firefox OS. The smartphone will initially be available exclusively in Japan for the rather steep price of $420.
Hardware-wise, the FxO comes equipped with a 4.7-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage memory. Other specs include an 8 MP primary camera on the back, 2.1 MP secondary snapper on the front, and a 2,370 mAh battery pack. The Firefox OS powered handset will be available for purchase at KDDI starting this Thursday, December 25th, although the stock will be limited at first. A more substantial stock and wider availability in Japan can be expected starting with January 6th.
Want more classic Metal Gear Solid remakes on PS5? You’ll need to speak Konami’s language—dollar bills—to express your desire.
“Regarding remakes of previous games in the series other than Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, we will listen to player demand and consider accordingly,” a Konami official told IGN.
Konami explained that “we chose Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater because it depicts the birth of Big Boss (Naked Snake), which is the starting point of the Metal Gear series.” Fans wishing it would last forever contributed.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, yes? Maybe you’ll buy another disc to show Konami you’ll pay again?
The Romanian Competition Council is investigating Sony for abusing its console gaming market dominance. How exactly? The RCC says Sony sells video games exclusively through the PlayStation Store and blocks competing distributors from accessing activation codes.
“These practices would have reduced the purchasing options for PlayStation-compatible video games, leading to higher prices for video games on this type of console,” the RCC’s press release (in Romanian) states on ResetEra. These practices discourage Romanian studios from making PlayStation-compatible games.
The RCC is serious, too, having inspected Sony’s European headquarters to find out what happened. The press release states that “1.3 million console video game users” and “127 video game development studios” would be affected by Sony’s anti-competitive practices.
We’re not lawyers, but we believe digital game codes can’t be bought from other retailers, preventing price competition. Sony allowed the practice until a few years ago, so it’s interesting that it’s back.
After the COVID-19 supply collapse, Sony CEO Jim Ryan is optimistic about PS5 sales. The Sony executive anticipates the PS5, the best-selling console for months, will sell 108 million units.
That’s difficult stuff considering Sony needs to sell 70 million more PS5s. Since supply has increased, consoles are selling like hotcakes in major countries, suggesting the firm is above 40 million.
Ryan stated in a recent games business briefing webcast and Q&A (thanks, TweakTown):
“The 70 million, I think, is the existing PlayStation 4 user base, and while we would hope to convert a large number of those people, we will definitely target and definitely be successful in bringing large numbers of gamers who did not own a PlayStation 4, and in many instances, who have never owned a PlayStation at all.”
Mr. Ryan’s numbers—should we focus on the 108 part?
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