News: Mobile Newshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/page/40/?d=2News: Mobile NewsenApple's new wireless iPhone update tech is impressing fanshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/apples-new-wireless-iphone-update-tech-is-impressing-fans-r19405/ And it could arrive this year.

 

You've received your new iPhone 15, carefully unboxed it, applied the case and screen protector (unless you're an absolute rebel like me), given it some charge, and now it's finally time to give the new features a whirl. Oh, wait, what's that? A software update needs to be downloaded and installed. Better go and make a cup of tea.

 

It's an all-too-familiar scene for most iPhone users – but one that could soon become a thing of the past. According to new reports, Apple could soon do away with the need to update the phone after unboxing it, with a revolutionary new method of updating it while still sealed. 

 

sEKhpQ5iL2BxSDMSX8Qhb8-1024-80.jpg.webp

Apple store employees could soon provide updates without opening the box (Image credit: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images)

 

According to everyone's favourite Apple leaker, Mark Gurman, Apple has created a "proprietary pad-like device," which an Apple employee could place the boxed iPhone on top of. This could turn on the iPhone, update the software, then turn it off – all without the box being opened. And Gurman claims it's coming to Apple stores before the end of this year (it isn't clear yet whether online orders can also be updated through the box).

 

It's pretty impressive sounding tech, which could not only save the inconvenience of having to update after purchasing, but also serve an important security purpose. Apple occasionally has to issue emergency updates when security flaws are discovered, and the new solution could ensure boxed iPhones remain secure. Unsurprisingly, the idea is already impressing fans:

 

Source

]]>19405Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:21:13 +0000You may soon be able to use Surface Dial on Surface Duo's displayshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/you-may-soon-be-able-to-use-surface-dial-on-surface-duos-displays-r19389/ The DuoWOA team has released a new set of Windows drivers for the first and second-generation Surface Duo. The most notable change is preliminary support for the Surface Dial, Microsoft's long-forgotten display accessory. The changelogs also include fixes for a few issues and general stability improvements.

 

Here is what is new in Surface Duo Windows drivers version 2310.45:

 

  • Preliminary WIP support for Surface Dial

     

  • Addresses an issue where the phone may take longer to shutdown/reboot or show a bugcheck screen during shutdown/reboot

     

  • Addresses an issue preventing Operating System upgrades from working for OS flights in the Windows Insider Canary Channel

     

  • General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.

And here is the changelog for the Surface Duo 2 (still a Proof of Concept, so nothing extraordinary):

 

  • Merges most generic changes from Surface Duo (1st Gen) to Surface Duo 2
  • Resolves an issue where touch would not be functional in the most recent releases
  • Updates some system drivers to their latest october versions
  • General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience.

You can download the new drivers from GitHub.

 

For those unfamiliar, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Dial in October 2016 alongside three compatible devices: the original Surface Studio, the Surface Book, and the fourth-generation Surface Pro (it received on-display support only in 2018). The idea was to give artists and other customers a new method to control tools and functions in compatible apps by rotating or pressing the dial placed directly on the display.

 

1697399698_surface_dial_1.jpg

Microsoft seemingly gave up on the accessory since displays in the latest Surface devices no longer support the dial, and it never received a successor with new features or improvements. However, seven years after the announcement, the Surface Dial is still available on Amazon for $75.99, 25% off its original MSRP. Soon, thanks to the power of enthusiasm, you may be able to use this quirky display accessory with the Surface Duo, a device never made to work with such peripherals or run a desktop operating system.

 

We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site.

 

Source

]]>19389Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:43:11 +0000Apple rumors claim refreshed iPads are coming this weekhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/apple-rumors-claim-refreshed-ipads-are-coming-this-week-r19377/ 9to5Mac and Supercharged report that Apple will announce updates versions of the base model iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Mini this week.

Apple may have a surprise iPad update announcement in store for this week. 9to5Mac says it has corroborated a report from Supercharged that Apple will announce spec bumps for three of its iPads — the base model, the iPad Air, and the iPad Mini. In a story this morning for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman said, “I don’t believe updates of any significance are imminent,” while also mentioning Apple has versions of the iPads with new chips in development.

 

9to5Mac says Apple will issue a press release announcing that the iPad Air and the iPad mini will be bumped to M2 and A16 Bionic chips, respectively. Apple refreshed the iPad Air and 10th-generation iPad last year, but it’s been twice as long since the company updated the iPad Mini with an A15 Bionic chip.

 

The article points to a rumor that the iPad Mini’s display controller will be updated to address that jelly scroll issue. Other than that and upgraded guts, though, 9to5Mac writes that Apple isn’t changing much else, so don’t expect a bigger refresh like the OLED displays the next iPad Pro is rumored to have coming.

 

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]]>19377Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:00:59 +0000How to customize the lock screen in Android 14https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/how-to-customize-the-lock-screen-in-android-14-r19337/ Do away with the defaults and make the lock screen your own.

You spend a lot of time looking at your lock screen, so it’s worth making sure that it’s tailored to your tastes — and with the right information on display, it can save you several dozen phone unlocks a day as well. While Google’s new Android 14 OS is hardly packed full of headline-grabbing new features — most of the upgrades are subtle and incremental — one area that has seen a noticeable revamp is the options for customizing the lock screen.

These extra customization options follow what Apple did with iOS 16: you’ve now got more control over the way the clock and the widgets look on your lock screen, alongside all the settings that were already in place, which I’ll recap.

Here’s how lock screen customization works now, as tested on a Google Pixel 6 Pro running Android 14.

Clock and widgets

01_clock.jpg

Take your pick of clock styles.

02_more.jpg

Beneath the colour choices are more options for your lock screen.

You can change the style of the lock screen clock to really stamp your personal taste on it. You can also now change the shortcuts in the corners of the display, giving you easier access to the Android tools you use the most.

  • Start by opening Settings, then tap Wallpaper and style > Lock screen. You can get to the same screen by tapping and holding on the lock screen, then choosing Customize lock screen.
  • Swipe left or right on the lock screen image to cycle between the different analog and digital clock styles that are available.
  • Tap Clock colour and size, then colour to pick a shade for the clock font. You can adjust the lightness of the shade using the slider at the bottom.
  • Switch to Size to select a Dynamic clock (which changes size based on what else is on the lock screen) or a Small clock (which always stays small).

More lock screen options

For more lock screen options, head back to the Lock screen tab in the Wallpaper & style page.

Another new one: scroll down to and tap Shortcuts to choose the quick links that will appear in the lower left and right corners of the lock screen. You can pick from Camera, Do Not Disturb, Flashlight, Home, Mute, QR code scanner, Video camera, Wallet, or None.

03_shortcuts.jpg

It’s up to you which shortcuts appear on the lock screen.

04_settings.jpg

You can also manage lock screen notifications and text.

That’s the new Android 14 customization options covered, but you still have the previous set of options to play around with, too. Still on the Lock screen tab, toggle Show notifications on the lock screen to either show notifications (for extra convenience) or hide them (for extra privacy).

Tap More lock screen options to get to a bunch of additional settings.

  • Select Privacy to show or hide “sensitive content” in notifications (such as previews of incoming messages and emails).
  • If you’ve set up your phone for multiple users, you can enable Add users from lock screen.
  • Tap Add text on lock screen to have a message displayed — maybe your contact details (for if your phone gets lost) or a personal mantra to get you through the day.
  • The Use device controls toggle switch determines whether or not you can control various Google Home devices (like smart lights) from the Quick Settings panel without unlocking your phone.
  • The Double-line clock toggle switch controls whether or not the clock expands to fill two lines when the lock screen is empty.
  • Tap Now Playing (if you have a Pixel phone) to control whether or not recognized song titles are shown on the lock screen; if the songs aren’t immediately recognized, there will be a search icon you can tap.
  • If your Android phone supports an always-on display, you’ll see an Always show time and info toggle switch. Turn this on to always have the clock and any notifications shown on screen, but be aware that this will have some impact on battery life. 
  • If you have a Pixel, you can also enable Tap to check phone or Lift to check phone to more easily check your notifications.
  • Lastly, there’s a Wake screen for notifications toggle switch you can enable if you want the screen to momentarily brighten up when notifications come in.

Back to the basics

Of course, basic lock screen customizations are still present and correct in Android 14. Head back to Wallpaper & style > Lock screen, and you’ll see a selection of wallpapers to pick from. Tap More wallpapers to see the full range of provided backdrops or to pick one from your phone’s gallery.

05_wallpaper.jpg

Pick a wallpaper from Android’s built-in selection, or choose a photo of your own.

06_colors.jpg

colours can match the wallpaper you’ve chosen — or not.

When you go into More wallpapers and choose a new image, you’ll be asked if you want to set it as the backdrop for the lock screen, the homescreen, or both screens.

Above the wallpaper thumbnails on the Wallpaper & stylepage are the colour swatches: tap any icon to apply that colour scheme, or tap the three dots for more choices on the System colours page.

Android now lets you set the colours of the operating system (menu backgrounds, fonts, accents and so on) using a palette based on your wallpaper pick. On the System colours page, tap Wallpaper colours if you want to use this approach. Tap Other coloursif you’d rather have the colour scheme fixed independently of the wallpaper you’ve chosen.

There’s also a Dark themetoggle switch you can use to opt for a darker version of the selected colour scheme. All of these changes are previewed in the images above as you cycle through the different options.

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]]>19337Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:35:25 +0000Microsoft is reportedly working on a "Steam of mobile" app store for iOS and Androidhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/microsoft-is-reportedly-working-on-a-steam-of-mobile-app-store-for-ios-and-android-r19336/ With the UK Competition and Markets Authority finally giving its thumbs-up this morning for Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard, we expect the deal to finally close in just a few hours. While most reports have centered on Microsoft getting access to Activision Blizzard's console and PC games, the biggest reason Microsoft wanted the publisher was that it also was the parent company of the mobile game developer and publisher King.

 

Microsoft execs like its Xbox head Phil Spencer have not hidden the fact that the company sees the real future of gaming is expanding to the mobile device market. Getting access to King's popular games, like the Candy Crush titles, will help, along with other titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal, among others.

 

Beyond that, Spencer has also stated in previous interviews that Microsoft wants to make a new mobile app store that will offer competition to Apple's iOS app store and the Google Play Store for Android games. In a chat with the UK Times back in February, Spencer stated:

 

We definitely get support from regulators when we talk about opening up mobile and being a credible third-party alternative on those devices — and we’re a long way from there today.

However, a new report from Windows Central, using unnamed sources, claims Microsoft is indeed working on that mobile game store. Part of the reason is that Apple is rumored to finally allow sideloading for iOS devices in the near future, thanks to the European Union's Digital Markets Act that was approved in 2022. (Google already allows for third-party app stores, like the Samsung Galaxy store on Android devices).

 

Apple has until March 6, 2024 to start allowing sideloading of apps and app stores on its mobile devices, according to the EU's rules. Windows Central claims Microsoft is getting ready for that day with its mobile game store project. It states:

 

Microsoft is building the "Steam of mobile," according to my sources, which will offer developers more favorable terms than what Apple currently does on iOS. Much like Epic Games' competing against Steam on the open platform that is Windows 11, Microsoft hopes that by offering developers a better deal, coupled with high-powered exclusives like Minecraft, Diablo Immortal, Warcraft Rumble, and Call of Duty Mobile, it can claw mindshare back from Apple.

It will be interesting to see how this Microsoft mobile game store will be received, especially by iPhone and iPad owners.

 

Source

]]>19336Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:30:32 +0000WhatsApp Android beta brings revamped user interface to testershttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/whatsapp-android-beta-brings-revamped-user-interface-to-testers-r19292/ WhatsApp has started the rollout of its revamped Android user interface to a limited set of beta testers. The underdevelopment feature is available as part of the recently released WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.21.12 on Google Play, WABetaInfo reports.

 

WhatsApp's improved user interface has been in development for several months now, as per previous reports. The UI inspired by Material Design 3 brings new icons and colours onto the table. Other changes include a fresh look to the chat bubbles and floating action button.

 

The updated WhatsApp interface for Android shows the profile icon in the top-right corner along with other options such as Camera and Search. Also, the instant messaging app has updated the dark and light themes with a new green colour. WABetaInfo notes the new UI changes are also visible to a limited number of testers running the latest WhatsApp Business beta.

 

The feature is expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks, as per the website. So, it could be possible that the new WhatsApp interface might take some time to land on your Android device, even if you are running the latest compatible beta update.

 

WhatsApp is also testing a new reply bar for images and videos on Android. Recent reports suggest that an iPad-compatible version of the instant messaging app is also on the cards. Last month, its parent company Meta joined hands with Microsoft to integrate Bing Search features into Meta's AI chatbot.

 

In recent months, WhatsApp added a number of new features to make the messenger stand firm against rivals. The list includes a revamped version for macOS, HD photos, HD videos, instant video messages, and multiple accounts on a single device.

 

After denying reports of ads coming to its platform, WhatsApp enabled businesses to take orders and book tickets without leaving the service. It launched a feature called Flows that allows businesses to create customizable forms and rich menus inside the app.

 

Source

]]>19292Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:29:18 +0000Apple releases iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 to patch security issues in older deviceshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/apple-releases-ios-1671-and-ipados-1671-to-patch-security-issues-in-older-devices-r19290/ iOS 17 may be the newest software for Apple's devices, but millions of users have an iPhone or iPad that is not compatible with the latest iteration of the operating system. Apple has released iOS 16.7.1 and iPadOS 16.7.1 to patch some critical vulnerabilities on older iPhone and iPad devices.

Apple patches an actively exploited threat in iOS 16

You may be aware that Apple released the iOS 17.0.3 update last week to fix overheating issues on iPhone 15 and older models. The update shipped with two important security fixes.

 

The latest update for iOS 16 includes patches for the same issues. The first of the 2 bugs has been tracked under CVE-2023-42824. This is a kernel level security issue that a local attacker can exploit to gain elevated privileges to the iPhone. Of course to do that, they will need physical access to the device. Apple says it was able to patch the security flaw by improving some checks. The Cupertino company has confirmed that it is aware that the vulnerability may have been actively exploited by hackers on versions of iOS older than iOS 16.6.

 

The other security issue is tracked as CVE-2023-5217. Per the release notes that the company has published on its support portal, this bug is related to WebRTC, and it could allow a buffer overflow to lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple says it addressed the vulnerability by updating libvpx to 1.13.1.

 

iPadOS-16.7.1-and-iOS-16.7.1-udpates-rel

 

The iOS 16.7.1 update is available for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and later. iPadOS 16.7.1 is available for iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad Mini 5th generation and later. The build number for the update is 20H30. The security patch is not exclusive to older device models. If your iPhone or iPad is eligible for the iOS 17 or iPadOS 16 upgrade, but you have chosen to stick with iOS 16, you should install the new patch as soon as possible in order to protect your device. To install the update, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update.

 

Interested in learning what's new in iOS 17? Check out the top features in it. And for those with a tablet, we have an article to highlight the best features in iPadOS 17.

 

I'm not sure whether delaying security updates for older devices is a good idea. Sure it may have only arrived a week later than the iOS 17.0.3 patch, but considering the fact that one of the 2 vulnerabilities has been exploited by attackers, I feel that Apple should have acted more responsibly by patching the flaws sooner. It is not clear whether the company will release a similar security patch for older versions of iOS, for context the last security update for iOS 15 was released a month ago. Apple may be renowned for long term OS updates, but Google plans to claim the crown from its rival, by supporting its Pixel phones for up to 7 years of OS updates. It is a bold commitment, and only time will answer if the Mountain View company will fulfill its promise.

 

 

Source

]]>19290Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:21:52 +0000Qualcomm’s next round of PC chips will fight Apple under the name Snapdragon Xhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/qualcomm%E2%80%99s-next-round-of-pc-chips-will-fight-apple-under-the-name-snapdragon-x-r19263/ Qualcomm’s new chips claim to be big on performance and power and feature neural processing — familiar claims to anyone following Apple’s custom silicon efforts.

Qualcomm says it has a new name for the next generation of its ARM PC platform: Snapdragon X. The platform is based on the Oryon CPU tech from its 2021 acquisition of Nuvia, a company founded by former Apple engineers who had previously worked on Apple’s A-series iPhone and iPad chips. Arm has filed a lawsuit against both companies over the deal that is set to go to trial in September 2024.

 

Snapdragon X is a direct salvo aimed at Apple’s M-series chips, which Apple debuted in its MacBook Air in 2020. And if Qualcomm’s platform offers anything close to the performance and battery life of those chips, it could mean a big shift for Windows users, particularly in the lightweight laptop space. Performance and battery life are a delicate balance for thin and light PC laptops that always involve some tradeoffs. You can see this at play in our review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 last year.

 

We compared Intel and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ARM processor directly in the Surface Pro 9.

 

The other thing the Snapdragon X chips will have in common with M1-and-up SOCs is a neural processing unit (Apple calls its own version the Neural Engine) designed for on-device AI processing in small form factor devices. Senior VP Don McGuire calls it “a quantum leap forward in performance and power efficiency” that will enable on-device experiences “for the new era of generative AI.”

 

Like the Snapdragon 8cx platform before it, the new platform will continue to feature 5G connectivity — something Apple has yet to do with any M-series device outside of the iPads that use its laptop- and- desktop-class chips and as it reportedly has struggled to develop its own modem technology.

 

Source

]]>19263Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:52:55 +0000<![CDATA[iPhones [& iPads] will make you forget your eye doctor visits]]>https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/iphones-ipads-will-make-you-forget-your-eye-doctor-visits-r19262/ The age-old admonition of sitting too close to the TV causing "square eyes" holds a grain of truth. Prolonged exposure to screens at close range can indeed strain your eyes and, in the case of children, increase the likelihood of myopia.

 

Recognizing these potential problems, Apple has integrated the iPhone Screen Distance feature into iOS 17, designed to maintain a healthy distance between you and your device during usage.

iPhone-Screen-Distance-feature_1.jpg
iPhone Screen Distance feature is designed to protect your eyes' health

What is iPhone Screen Distance feature?

The iPhone Screen Distance feature relies on your device's TrueDepth camera, primarily utilized for Face ID. It functions by detecting when your iPhone or iPad is held closer than 12 inches (30 centimeters) from your face for extended periods.

 

If a consistent pattern of close-screen interaction is identified, the feature will prompt you to increase the distance. Notably, iPhone Screen Distance is enabled by default for children under 13 in a Family Sharing group, varying based on regional regulations.

How to activate iPhone Screen Distance feature

  1. Navigate to the Settings app on your device
  2. Tap on "Screen Time" within the Settings menu
  3. Select "Screen Distance" to access the feature
  4. A brief explanation of Screen Distance's functionality will be presented. Tap "Continue" to proceed
  5. Once again, tap "Continue" to enable the iPhone Screen Distance feature

 

Your device will now periodically employ the TrueDepth camera to measure the distance between your screen and your eyes.

 

If it consistently detects an unsafe proximity, a notification stating "iPhone May Be Too Close" will prompt you to adjust the distance. When the device is appropriately positioned, a checkmark will appear on the screen, allowing you to resume your activities.

 

Rest assured, iPhone Screen Distance operates without collecting images or videos, and all data processing occurs solely on the device, prioritizing your privacy.

 

iPhone-Screen-Distance-feature.jpg
iPhone Screen Distance feature can be found under the Screen Time section of the Settings app - Image courtesy of Apple

What if your iOS 17 Screen Distance not working?

If you're experiencing issues with the iOS 17 Screen Distance feature not working as expected, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to address the problem. Here is what you can do:

Clean the TrueDepth camera

Make sure that nothing is obstructing the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone or iPad, such as a case or screen protector. The Screen Distance feature relies on this camera for operation.

Remove screen guard

If you have a screen guard or protector applied to your device's screen, consider removing it temporarily. Some screen guards may interfere with the camera's functionality.

Remove the iPhone case

Similarly, if you have a protective case on your device, remove it to ensure that it's not affecting the TrueDepth camera's visibility.

Turn OFF/ON Screen Distance

  1. Navigate to your device's Settings
  2. Go to Screen Time > Screen Distance
  3. Toggle off the Screen Distance feature and then toggle it back on

 

This action can sometimes reset the feature and resolve any glitches.

 

iPhone-Screen-Distance-feature_2-scaled.
Make sure to keep your device if you experience iOS 17 Screen Distance not working issues

Check for software updates

Ensure that your device is running the latest version of iOS 17. Sometimes, updating to the latest software can resolve compatibility issues.

 

If none of the above steps resolve the problem, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance and solutions tailored to your device.

Additional tips to protect your eye health

While the iPhone Screen Distance feature is a valuable tool, here are some additional tips to safeguard your eye health:

 

  • Take regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds
  • Adjust brightness and text size: Customize your device's display settings to suit your comfort
  • Use blue light filters: Enable Night Shift or similar features to reduce blue light emission, especially before bedtime
  • Limit screen time: Set daily limits for app usage to prevent excessive screen time

 

By maintaining a healthy screen-to-eye distance, the iPhone Screen Distance feature plays a crucial role in mitigating eye strain and reducing the risk of eye issues, especially in children.

 

 

Source

 

(Edited title to include iPads too. Lazy journos)

]]>19262Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:50:26 +0000Surface Duo and Duo 2 get first unofficial Android 14 ROMhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/surface-duo-and-duo-2-get-first-unofficial-android-14-rom-r19241/ The original Surface Duo is now officially dead—it reached the end of its troublesome life last month. The Surface Duo 2 is still supported, and Microsoft is committed to releasing software and firmware updates for one more year. However, do not expect much from those updates. Most likely, the Surface Duo 2 will remain on the current Android 12L with no hopes of ever getting Android 13, not to mention the recently released Android 14.

 

Fortunately, the hope is not lost. Those owning the first or second-gen Surface Duo can now download the first unofficial Android 14 ROM for their dual-screen device. Android 14 for the Surface Duo and Duo 2 comes from Thai Nguyen, a former Microsoft engineer who previously ported Android 13 to Microsoft's smartphones.

 

1696838996_surface_duo_android_14.jpg

 

The initial release is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and includes the following:

 

  • AOSP base image with Google applications
  • The option to turn off the hinge gap on the Surface Duo 2.
  • Settings app icons from the stock Surface Duo ROM.
  • Over-the-air updates for future build updates.

 

Although it is great to see enthusiasts bringing new life to, let's be honest, dead smartphones, the first unofficial Android 14 ROM is raw and unpolished—the developer says users should expect "lots of bugs." Besides, unlike Android 13 for the Surface Duo lineup, Android 14 does not feature the Pixel Experience with its features and enhancements.

 

You can download Android 14 ROM for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 from GitHub. Remember to back up important data before flashing and prepare for bugs, instabilities, and other wonders of using unofficial early-bird software.

 

Those not risking flashing their Surface Duo 2 with third-party ROMs can download the latest firmware update released a few weeks ago. Sadly, there is nothing new but Android security patches.

 

Source

]]>19241Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:27:21 +0000Samsung introduces the second member of the SmartTag familyhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/samsung-introduces-the-second-member-of-the-smarttag-family-r19240/ Samsung-SmartTag-2-specs-design-and-rele

 

Samsung is once again at the forefront of innovation, and this time it's with their latest release - the Samsung SmartTag 2. Following the success of their Galaxy Fan Edition devices, Samsung is set to launch the Samsung SmartTag 2, boasting a slew of new features, a robust design, and longer battery life, making it a game-changer in tracking technology.

 

The SmartTag2 has undergone a significant design overhaul. Notably, it now features a metal ring inside, making it more versatile and durable. This addition allows the Samsung SmartTag 2 to be utilized in various scenarios, giving users even more value for their investment.

 

What's more? Let us explain.

Samsung-SmartTag-2-specs-design-and-rele
Samsung SmartTag 2 now features a metal inner ring - Image courtesy of Samsung

What sets Samsung SmartTag 2 apart?

One of the standout functionalities of the Samsung SmartTag 2 is the innovative Lost Mode. Here's how it works: owners can input their contact information into the device.

 

If the Samsung SmartTag 2 is ever misplaced and someone else finds it, they can simply scan it using their phone's NFC capability. The result? The owner's contact information is displayed, facilitating a seamless return process.

 

Navigating your belongings has never been easier, thanks to the Compass View feature. This feature directs users precisely to the location of their Samsung SmartTag 2. However, it's important to note that this function exclusively supports UWB-enabled devices, such as the Galaxy S Ultra series.

 

Battery concerns are a thing of the past with the Samsung SmartTag 2. The introduction of a Power Saving Mode can extend the battery life to a whopping 700 days, doubling the previous generation's lifespan. Even in Normal mode, you can enjoy up to 500 days of usage, a 50% increase over the previous model.

 

Samsung-SmartTag-2-specs-design-and-rele
Samsung SmartTag 2 has %50 increased battery life compared to SmartTag 1 - Image courtesy of Samsung

SmarThings gets overhauled

Alongside the Samsung SmartTag 2 release, Samsung has revamped the SmartThings Find app. It now features a full-screen map view with a refreshed interface, making it even easier to locate your SmartTag2 devices.

 

The app also simplifies the setup process by automatically syncing with your new Galaxy phone when using the same Samsung account.

 

Read also: Samsung Galaxy Enhance-X: photo editing app is now available.

Samsung SmartTag 2 price and release date

Mark your calendars for October 11, as the Samsung SmartTag2 is set to launch globally at an affordable price of $30. It's a small investment for a device that promises to simplify your life and keep your belongings secure.

 

Featured image credit: Samsung.

 

 

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]]>19240Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:25:19 +0000<![CDATA[iPhone [& iPad] users are reporting Wi-Fi issues on iOS [& iPadOS] 17]]>https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/iphone-ipad-users-are-reporting-wi-fi-issues-on-ios-ipados-17-r19233/ Is your iPhone acting up when connected to a Wi-Fi network? The issue seems to be plaguing iOS 17 users, not just ones who bought a new iPhone 15.

 

The bug comes right in the wake of overheating problems on the iPhone 15 models, which Apple had confirmed. The Cupertino company had fixed the said issue in a hotfix that was included in the iOS 17.0.3 update that was released a few days ago.

iOS 17 Wi-Fi issues are affecting many users

Coming to the Wi-Fi issues, Emre wrote about a similar network problem with macOS 14 Sonoma. But it appears to be a more widespread issue in iOS 17. Many of the complaints are from users who said that apps are not loading web content quickly on their iPhone. Other users reported that their device was disconnecting from their wireless network randomly. The most common workaround that users had been trying is to disable and re-enable their Wi-Fi, or to just toggle Airplane mode, to get the connection to work properly on their iPhone. But, this is a temporary fix, as the Wi-Fi becomes slow again after a while. Some advanced users had even changed their Wi-Fi channel range to 20/40/80MHz to fix the spotty connection. A few people claim that they had this issue even before iOS 17 was released, however I am not able to verify these reports.

 

Interestingly, the problem is not limited to the iPhone 15 models. Several users have complained that they are experiencing a similar problem on their older iPhones after they had upgraded to iOS 17. 9to5Mac reports that they faced the issues on their iPhone 15 Pro Max and M2 iPad Pro, but their Mac, which was connected to the same network, was not affected by the problem.

 

A few users have suggested that disabling Private Relay fixed the slow Wi-Fi problem on their iPhones. I'm not quite sure whether this is a proper solution, because Private Relay is part of Apple's iCloud+ premium subscription. And, it's sort of a VPN, so yes it will be slower than your regular Wi-Fi, that is to be expected. The thing is, not everyone has iCloud+, and the feature works only in Safari, so it is unlikely that Private Relay could be the culprit that is causing your Wi-Fi to load pages or other apps slowly. It has to be some other bug. Hopefully, Apple will address the problem in a future update. The company has been testing iOS 17.1 over the past few weeks, the stable version of the update could be released to users later this month.

 

Note: You will need your Wi-Fi's password before trying the following step. If you had someone else set up the router/network for you, and you can't remember what it is, you may want to ask your network provider for assistance.

 

You may want to try removing your Wi-Fi connection on your iPhone. To do this, open the Settings app > Tap on Wi-Fi. Select the Wi-Fi network that you use, and then tap on the "forget this network" option at the top of the screen. Go back to the previous screen, and tap on the Wi-Fi network's name, you will be prompted to enter the password. This may or may not help resolve the issue, but it is a basic troubleshooting step that you should try when experiencing problems with your network on any device.

 

I can't say that I've faced these iOS 17 Wi-Fi issues on my iPhone 13. That said, I did have a problem with the battery draining quickly, and overheating issues ever since I upgraded from iOS 16.  However, the recent iOS 17.0.3 update seems to have fixed both problems, or has at least mitigated them to some extent.

 

 

Source

 

EDIT: Title edited to show iPads on iPadOS 17 may also be affected. Lazy journos... :rolleyes:

]]>19233Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:53:42 +0000Someone forced Pixel 8 Pro's special camera features to run on Pixel 7 Prohttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/someone-forced-pixel-8-pros-special-camera-features-to-run-on-pixel-7-pro-r19227/ One way the Pixel 8 Pro differentiates itself from its cheaper sibling is by packing some special camera features out-of-the-box. However, it's something that's hard to digest for many as both Google smartphones are powered by the Tensor G3 SoC and come with seven years of software updates.

 

In case you are wondering if other Pixel devices might support Pixel 8 Pro's exclusive camera features, here is some tea. Tipster Kamila Wojciechowska, who previously leaked several Pixel 8 features, made a series of posts on X claiming that she was able to run Pixel 8 Pro's exclusive camera features on a Pixel 7 Pro.

 

The leaker said that she was able to get hold of the Google Camera APK from Pixel 8. She then "modded it to force-enable the feature" on her Pixel 7 Pro, noting that it "fully works on any Tensor Pixel, from the 6 to the 7 Pro."

 

Kamila demonstrated various Pixel 8 Pro camera features such as manual focus with focus peaking, switching between lenses, changing shutter speed and ISO, etc. For reference, focus peaking is a new feature that uses highlighted lines to indicate what's in focus before you take a photo.

 

As per the tipster, the camera UI lets you set the shutter speed as high as 16s without Night Sight on a Pixel 8 Pro. But her Pixel 7 Pro was only able to support shutter speeds up to 8s. She said you can control both the shutter speed and ISO manually or choose to tweak one of them while the other option remains automatic.

 

Nonetheless, it's not the case that the Pixel 8 is missing out on everything. Google has added features like Zoom Enhance, improved Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take, which will be coming on both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro on October 12.

 

Source

]]>19227Sun, 08 Oct 2023 07:57:38 +0000How to use the new Messages features in iOS 17https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/how-to-use-the-new-messages-features-in-ios-17-r19197/ Messages gets a redesign and some helpful new tools.

iOS 17 is available now and ready to install if you’ve got an iPhone released in the last five years — and as usual, Apple has added upgrades and new features to its iOS apps as well as to the mobile operating system itself.

Here, we’ll show you what you can now do in Messages using iOS 17 that you couldn’t do before. There are several new features that you’re likely to find useful, while a few existing features have been reorganized and improved upon.

(What we still don’t have yet and are unlikely to get in the near future is RCS messaging. Any of your friends or family members who are on Android are still going to appear as green bubbles and won’t be able to share in a lot of the new iOS 17 features.)

Audio messages are transcribed

If you can’t listen to the audio messages you’re sent for whatever reason or simply want to glance at your screen to see what it’s all about, the new automatic transcription option is useful.

When someone sends you a voice message on iOS 17, it’ll arrive with a text transcription underneath it. You don’t have to press play — you can just read the transcription instead. The text is always attached, and you can’t turn the feature off.

Check In with contacts

01_check_in.jpg
Check In will be explained the first time you use it.
 
02_check_in.jpg
If you don’t arrive on time, your data will
be shared with your chosen contact.

My favorite new feature in Messages for iOS 17 is Check In: it lets you share an estimated time of arrival with a trusted contact and can send out an alert if you don’t turn up at your destination as expected.

  • Tap the + (plus) button next to the text input box in a conversation.
  • Choose Check In from the list of options.
  • Tap Edit to customize the Check In: you can choose either When I arrive or After a timer.
  • Go for When I arrive, and you get to choose a destination, a mode of transport, and an estimated travel time. If you don’t meet that ETA, the app will check in with you.
  • Alternatively, select After a timer, pick the timer duration, and the check-in happens when the chosen period of time elapses.

The check-in itself is a simple prompt making sure you’re okay. If you don’t respond to it within 15 minutes, the contact you’re chatting with gets a message saying that something might be wrong. This message will also be sent if your phone is offline for an extended period of time.

Your trusted contact also gets some information along with this alert, including your last known location and the level of battery and cell signal on your phone (and Apple Watch, if you have one). You can modify how much information is shared when you set up the Check In.

If you opt for the When I arrive Check In and you turn up at the selected destination by the specified time, there’s no prompt at your end. The person at the other end of the conversation gets a notification that you’ve arrived safely.

Search with multiple filters

You can now combine several terms and filters into the same search in Messages. Drag down on the main conversation list, tap in the search box at the top, and start to search for something (like a person or a word). Once you’ve selected the filter from the drop-down suggestion list, you can add another.

For example, you can look for links that mention a specific word or for photos that have been sent by a particular contact rather than using these criteria individually.

Apps in Messages

03_apps.jpg
Apps are grouped together in a new submenu.
 
04_apps.jpg
You can reorder the apps to keep the most useful ones top.

The various mini-apps that come along with Messages, from Music to Photos, have moved behind a + (plus) button to the left of the text input box. Tap on it to see the apps you use the most, then tap More to see the rest.

Tap and hold on one of these apps, and you can then drag it into a new position in the list —handy if you want certain apps within easy reach at all times.

Navigation and replies

At some point, you’ve probably left a group chat and then resumed it to find that you’ve got a pile of messages to catch up on. There is now a little arrow on the right-hand side that takes you back to the point in the conversation where you left off last time so you can see what you’ve missed. It works for one-to-one chats as well as group conversations.

Replying to messages is easier in iOS 17 as well: swipe to the right on a message to quickly reply to it.

Location sharing

05_location.jpg
You can share your location and have it update in real time.
 
06_location.jpg
On the contact card, you’re able to request a location share from someone else.

Location sharing has been improved as well: you can now share your current location in real time inside the Messages app without needing to jump out to Apple Maps or the Find My app.

  • Tap the + (plus) button to the left of the text input box in a conversation.
  • Choose Location from the list of options.
  • By default, you’ll be sharing your location in real time: tap Share and then choose Indefinitely, Until End of Day, or For One Hour to set how long it’s shared for.
  • Alternatively, tap the pin icon on the left and then Send Pin to share where you are right now without any updates.

Whichever location sharing option you pick, it’ll appear embedded inside a message in the conversation. If you tap on the other person’s name at the top of the conversation, you’ll find options to request their location and to stop sharing your own location.

Automatically delete verification codes

If you’ve set up two-step verification on your most important accounts — and you really should — then you may get verification codes texted to your iPhone to help you prove you are who you say you are when logging in.

For some extra peace of mind and to help keep your conversation list clutter-free, Messages can automatically delete these codes when you’re done with them. Open up Settings in iOS, then scroll down to the section with the settings for built-in apps (below App Store and Wallet & Apple Pay). Choose Passwords > Password Options and enable the Clean Up Automatically option.

Source

]]>19197Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:42:02 +0000Samsung bringing mobile driving licenses to Samsung Wallethttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/samsung-bringing-mobile-driving-licenses-to-samsung-wallet-r19196/ 1696579508_samsung-wallet-sdc23-feature_

 

Samsung has revealed that its bringing mobile driver’s license and state IDs to Samsung Wallet beginning in Arizona and Iowa. It said that the update will make it more convenient for residents in these states to present either ID in a secure fashion.

 

The technology will be able to make everyday life a bit easier for users. With these digital IDs, users will be able to do everything from making age-restricted purchases to using the ID to pass airport security.

 

Commenting on the news, Jeanie Han, EVP and Head of the Digital Wallet Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said:

 

‘Mobile driver’s licenses are the new frontier of digital identity. The addition of mobile driver’s licenses to Samsung Wallet is a perfect example of our commitment to creating technology for our consumers that truly makes life easier. By combining the best of Galaxy continuity and security, we are helping our users simplify their daily routines.’

Samsung said it was working with IDEMIA to implement the new identity documents in its wallet. It described the company as a global leader in identity technologies and an issuer of 55 million identity documents in the United States annually.

 

The update is expected to arrive in Arizona and Iowa later this year and it’s working with several more early-adopter states. It’s also going to work with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on a test program to accept the ID at 25 federalized airports where the technology is available.

 

To use the new feature when it comes out, you’ll need to be using a Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Fold5, or one of the other myriad of devices that support Samsung Wallet. If you are waiting to use this feature on your phone but are outside Arizona or Iowa, Samsung has unfortunately not listed the other states which will get the feature yet.

 

Source: Samsung

 

Source

]]>19196Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:33:17 +0000Apple emergency update fixes new zero-day used to hack iPhones and iPadshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/apple-emergency-update-fixes-new-zero-day-used-to-hack-iphones-and-ipads-r19166/ Apple released emergency security updates to patch a new zero-day security flaw exploited in attacks targeting iPhone and iPad users.

 

"Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.6," the company said in an advisory issued on Wednesday.

 

The zero-day (CVE-2023-42824) is caused by a weakness discovered in the XNU kernel that enables local attackers to escalate privileges on unpatched iPhones and iPads.

 

While Apple said it addressed the security issue with improved checks, it has yet to reveal who found and reported the flaw.

 

The list of impacted devices is quite extensive, and it includes:

 

  • iPhone XS and later
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later

 

Apple also addressed a zero-day tracked as CVE-2023-5217 and caused by a heap buffer overflow weakness in the VP8 encoding of the open-source libvpx video codec library, which could allow arbitrary code execution following successful exploitation.

 

The libvpx bug was previously patched by Google in the Chrome web browser and by Microsoft in its Edge, Teams, and Skype products.

 

CVE-2023-5217 was discovered by security researcher Clément Lecigne who is part of Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG), a team of security experts known for often finding zero-days abused in government-backed targeted spyware attacks targeting high-risk individuals.

17 zero-days exploited in attacks fixed this year

CVE-2023-42824 is the 17th zero-day vulnerability exploited in attacks that Apple has fixed since the start of the year.

 

Apple also recently patched three other zero-day bugs (CVE-2023-41991, CVE-2023-41992, and CVE-2023-41993) reported by Citizen Lab and Google TAG researchers and exploited in spyware attacks to install Cytrox's Predator spyware.

 

Citizen Lab disclosed two other zero-days (CVE-2023-41061 and CVE-2023-41064)—fixed by Apple last month—abused as part of a zero-click exploit chain (dubbed BLASTPASS) to infect fully patched iPhones with NSO Group's Pegasus spyware.

 

Since January 2023, Apple has addressed a total of 17 zero-days exploited to target iPhones and Macs, including:

 

 

Source

]]>19166Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:08:56 +0000Apple releases iOS 17.0.3 to fix overheating iPhone 15 Pro'shttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/apple-releases-ios-1703-to-fix-overheating-iphone-15-pros-r19163/ Today, Apple has made iOS 17.0.3 (and iPadOS 17.0.3) available to the general public over the air (OTA) to update eligible iPhone and iPad devices. This update is geared towards the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices and has been released to resolve the recent reports of overheating that have been casting a shadow over the most recent Apple launches.

 

Apple originally commented on the bug which, in combination with usage of certain apps such as Instagram and Uber, would cause the devices to overheat due to overloading the new A17 Pro chips within the device, and the fix is already baked in to the latest iOS 17.1 beta that is available.

 

Apple's latest crop of iPhones hasn't escaped unscathed however, with this issue alongside recent reports of the NFC chip within the device failing after charging in BMW cars, and reports that Apple had compromised on cooling while driving the weight of the device down.

 

Apple has also released iPadOS 17.0.3 today with general bug fixes for the device. This version of iOS and iPadOS is compatible with the same crop of devices as the initial release of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, which were made available on 18th September, which is as follows:

 

iOS 17.0.3

 

  • iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone Xs and Xs Max
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

iPad OS 17.0.3

 

  • iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd generation or newer)
  • iPad Pro 11
  • iPad Pro 10.5
  • iPad Air 3
  • iPad Air 4
  • iPad Air 5
  • iPad (6th generation and newer)
  • iPad mini 5
  • iPad mini 6

 

Users of the above iPhones and iPads can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to download and apply the latest version of the operating system.

 

Source

]]>19163Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:04:01 +0000Google's Android 14 features generative AI wallpapers, six-digit PINs and morehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/googles-android-14-features-generative-ai-wallpapers-six-digit-pins-and-more-r19162/ Google has showcased the latest version of Android, Android 14, at today's Google Event. Alongside several other launches like Pixel 8, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro, the company has shared new features and customization options available with Android 14.

 

In a blog post, Google introduced Android 14 stating:

 

“Android releases are one of the many ways your Android phone gets better over time. Last year, we introduced Android 13, bringing you features like Spatial Audio, messaging app streaming, cross-device copy/paste, a new media player and so much more.

 

We also did something a bit unusual for us: We brought forward several large-screen features originally planned for Android 14 and made them available as updates to Android 13. Those updates include improved multitasking, a refined Taskbar, and improved foldable support with bigger and better apps.”

Android 14 brings an updated customization picker that makes it easier for users to switch between wallpapers and update what they want to see at a glance. Users can set custom lock screen shortcuts to apps such as the QR reader or the Google Home app to have easy one-tap access right from their lock screens.

 

There are also new lock screen templates for fonts, widgets, and colours that individuals can choose from to personalize their devices further. The capability uses AI to adjust screens based on the user's situation, so if there are unexpected changes in the weather, the weather widget becomes more prominent.

 

Coming to Pixel 8/8 Pro first, Android 14 is also offering generative AI wallpapers. The feature employs AI-generated text-to-image diffusion models to help users create their desired wallpapers. They can also choose from pre-set suggestions to enjoy unique wallpapers.

 

Building on the technology of high dynamic range (HDR) video in Android 13, Android 14 brings users HDR images with Ultra HDR to display and snap high-definition photos with vibrant colours.

 

Google also mentioned that Health Connect is now built into Android 14 settings, which organizes user data in one place and ensures privacy through data encryption. The update also provides more transparency to users on how their data is being used.

 

Google stated that on Android 14 when an app asks for permission for information like location, users will be notified whenever that app is sharing that data with third parties to help the user decide whether or not to grant access.

 

1696440061_unnamed.jpg

 

Additionally, Android 14 provides stronger digital protection for device PIN codes as well. It does so by allowing individuals to set a six-digit PIN, which, once entered correctly, will cause the device to unlock automatically.

 

1696439925_security.gif

 

Apart from these, Google has also introduced vision-and hearing-inclusive features. Low-vision users can get an improved magnifier where they can pinch to zoom in and out from 100%. They can also change the magnifier size and opt for the “Keep on when switching apps” feature to prevent the magnifier from being disabled when switching apps.

 

Additionally, Android 14’s font size Quick Settings tile offers users nonlinear font scaling to prevent texts from getting larger than necessary. Other accessibility features include a dedicated hearing-aid setup and “Flash notifications” from the Accessibility and Notifications settings to get visual light flashes for incoming notifications.

 

Android 14 has been released today on supported Pixel devices. But, on other Android devices like Samsung Galaxy, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi, it will be available later this year. You can read more on Android 14 here.

 

Source

]]>19162Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:02:47 +0000Android 14 officially releases for Pixel phoneshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/android-14-officially-releases-for-pixel-phones-r19161/ The "highlights" are a new wallpaper picker and new lock screen clocks.
  • 19-1440x1023.jpg
    Google's generative AI wallpaper maker. I get why the spaceship image is foggy and grainy, but why does the
    prompt of a house with flowers look like a washed out image from a horror movie?
    Google
  • 20-1440x984.jpg
    The new lock screen options feature several different clock styles.
    Google
  • 21.jpg
    The location permission will link to the Google Play data usage explanations. Keep in mind,
    no one vets these claims, and they are volunteered by the developer.
    Google

Android 14 is out today, along with a new Pixel phone. The OS is shipping to supported Pixel devices now, which means the Pixel 4a (5G) and every variant of the Pixel 5, 6, and 7, plus the Fold and Tablet.

 

The big feature this year is a somewhat customizable home screen. You can pick from several different lock screen clock styles and customize the two bottom app shortcuts. This feels like a response to iOS 16's lock screen widgets (a feature Android used to have back in the 4.2 days) but not nearly as customizable. It's honestly hard to highlight a second Android 14 feature because this is one of the smallest Android releases ever.

 

The first feature Google mentions in its blog post is a new wallpaper picker. On the Pixel 8, Android now has a built-in text-to-image AI wallpaper maker, presumably a feature that lets the Android team adhere to Google's "mandatory AI" company mandate. There's also a new monochrome theme if you're tired of all those "Material You" colours.

 

Next up, we have... a redesigned battery charging indicator in the status bar? Updates to Android's runtime? You can make the screen and camera LED flash when a notification comes in. There's Ultra HDR image support, a sharable "Health Connect" data repository for fitness apps, and that phone-as-PC-webcam feature is launching.

 

That's kind of it. Android 14 is rolling out to Pixel phones now, and Google expects many partners will be ready before 2024. Really, though, there's no rush this year.

 

Listing image by Google

 

Source

]]>19161Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:00:15 +0000Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones include the Tensor G3 chips and 7 years of OS updateshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-pixel-8-and-pixel-8-pro-phones-include-the-tensor-g3-chips-and-7-years-of-os-updates-r19160/ Info about these devices have leaked out for a while, but today, Google finally announced its latest in-house Android smartphones; the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

 

In a blog post, Google revealed the details on both phones. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will have Google's latest processor, the Tensor G3, and both will ship with Android 14, the latest version of Google's mobile OS out of the box. Google revealed that both phones would get seven years of OS updates, including all security and feature updates.

 

The Pixel 8 will have a 6.2-inch display with 8GB of RAM, and 128GB and 256GB of storage. It will also have a 50MP main rear camera, a 12MP ultrawide rear camera, and a 10.5MP front camera. It will also have a 4,575 mAh battery.

 

The Pixel 8 Pro will include a 6.7-inch display, 12GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB. It will also have a 50MP rear main camera, two other 48MP cameras, and a 10.5MP front camera. The battery will be 5,050 mAh in size, and both phones will support wireless charging.

 

 

The Pixel 8 prices start at $699, and preorders are available now at Amazonwith Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose colour choices. The Pixel 8 Pro prices start at $999, and are also available for preorder at Amazon, with Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain colour choices.

 

Google also announced that the Pixel 8 Pro will be getting a number of on-board generative AI features. They will include an improved version of the Magic Eraser photo editing software out of the box. In upcoming feature updates, the Pixel 8 Pro will gain additional features, including Video Boost, that will help improve the looks of videos made on the phone with generative AI processing.

 

As an Amazon Associate when you purchase through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Source

]]>19160Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:58:03 +0000Pixel 8 Tensor G3 brings smarter Google Assistant, Super Wide Band, Call Screen, Best Takehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/pixel-8-tensor-g3-brings-smarter-google-assistant-super-wide-band-call-screen-best-take-r19159/ At its Made By Google 2023 event today, Google has unveiled the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. As has been the trend nowadays from most of the big tech companies, most of the event was about showing off its AI capabilities and new technologies that the new Pixels bring.

 

At the heart of the Pixel 8 and the 8 Pro is the new Tensor G3 system on a chip (SOC), and the new powerful TPU or Tensor Processing Unit which makes all the AI processing possible. According to Google, the new Tensor G3 is capable of doing twice the machine learning (ML) processing as compared to the original Tensor on the Pixel 6 device and much of the credit for this heavy lifting is due to the TPU.

 

1696432779_google_pixel_8_tensor_g3_4.jp

 

1696432814_pixel_8_vs_pixel_6_ml_perf.jp

 

If you are wondering what this means for the overall performance of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, the end result is more advanced AI capabilities and Google demoed some of these features today.

 

First up, Google Assistant has got smarter. Now, the Assistant will be able to understand your speech and what you want from it even if there are pauses when you say it.

 

Google says "Now you’ll also be able to talk to Google Assistant more effortlessly. You can speak at your own pace — it even understands pauses and “um”s. We combined Google’s state-of-the-art speech recognition with server-quality national language understanding." Besides being a better assistor, the Tensor G3 also brings better translations wherein it can do real-time translations due to improved speech recognition.

 

1696432819_real_time_language_listen_and

 

There are also improvements related to audio processing and noise cancellation. By combining the new Super Wide Band, which doubles the bandwidth, with the Clear Calling feature, the voice clarity via Bluetooth is improved greatly while noise is eliminated. The two before and after images below show the difference in audio bandwidth:

 

1696432809_normal_calling.jpg

Before

 

1696432825_super_wide_band_clear_calling

After

 

Another feature related to noise cancellation is the Audio Magic Eraser which helps to eliminate unwanted background sounds like noise from wind, dog barks, among others. In the example (below), Google demonstrated the feature by eliminating a dog's barking from the background so that the captured video only plays the playful voices of the baby.

 

1696432750_audio_magic_eraser_options.jp

1696432744_audio_magic_eraser_demo.jpg

 

A cool new feature for taking photos is "Best Take" which according to Google "uses a diverse set of advanced machine learning models on-device to combine multiple images and help everyone look their best". Essentially, what it does is allow the user to choose another expression from a multitude of options if they aren't too happy with the originally captured frame.

1696434453_best_take.jpg

Spam calls can also be smartly eliminated with the Call Screen feature. The AI will have the ability to process and understand the intentions of the caller. If the AI detects that the caller is a potential spammer, the voice assistant cuts the call. In case, the call is a legit one, the assistant proceeds to the alert the user.

 

1696432766_call_screen_promo.jpg

1696432760_call_screen_demo.jpg

 

Google claims that Call Screen feature can lead to "50% fewer spam calls on average" which means there might be room for some real calls being detected as spam.

 

Source

]]>19159Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:56:27 +0000The Google Pixel 8 is official with 7 years of updateshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/the-google-pixel-8-is-official-with-7-years-of-updates-r19158/ The Google Tensor SoC finally results in longer support times.
  • 6-1440x2170.jpg
    The Pixel 8 Pro in a lovely blue.
    Google
  • 8-1440x982.jpg
    An unobstructed view of the back. Those bottom sensors are the new temperature sensor and the LED flash.
    Google
  • 11-1440x757.jpg
    8 Pro colours. Also note the sides of the phone, which no longer feature a curved display.
    Google
  • Pixel-8-pro-front-1440x2405.jpg
    The display of the 8 Pro. Yep it's just a big rectangle.
    Google

Google's newest flagship phone is finally official. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were both unveiled today, with the headline changes being a whopping seven years of updates, flat screens across the board, new CPUs, and a $100 price increase. The Pixel 8 Pro is officially $999, while the Pixel 8 is $699.

 

The Pixel 8 Pro features a fair number of design changes. The front screen is flat now, dumping a trend started by Samsung (and its ability to make curved OLED displays). For years, Android flagships have curved the side edges of their displays, making the edges of the screen distorted and more prone to glare and accidental touches. The Pixel 8 Pro now looks just like the Pixel 8, with a normal, flat display.

 

The 8 Pro also gets a "soft touch matte glass back," which sounds like the same finish that was applied to the Pixel Fold. We loved the Pixel Fold back, as the satiny finish looked nice, seemed durable, provided a bit of grip if you were just carrying the phone around, and did a good job of hiding fingerprints. The aluminum on the Pro model is still polished to a mirror shine, which has the opposite of all those qualities listed above (that is, it's slippery, easy to scratch, and greasy), but at least the back is improved. The camera bump on the Pro model merges all three cameras together under a single cover, and of course there's a temperature sensor that we'll talk about later.

 

As for specs, the Pro display is a 6.7-inch, 120 Hz, 2992×1344 OLED. Google is branding this display "Super Actua" because it's one of the brightest phone displays on the market at 1600 nits for HDR content and 2400 nits in sunlight mode. That beats the sunlight modes on the S23 Ultra (1750 nits) and iPhone 15 Pro Max (2000 nits) but not the Xiaomi 13T Pro (2600 nits).

 

The storage situation here isn't great. The Pixel 8 Pro has 12GB of RAM and storage tiers of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Most other phones in this price range start at 256GB, and the 8 Pro uses slower UFS 3.1 storage instead of the speedy UFS 4.0 a lot of phones ship with now. The 8 Pro battery is 5050 mAh, and there's 30 W wired charging. Wireless charging will hit 23 W on the Pixel charging stand, while Qi chargers will only hit 12 W (it would be great if Qi2 would get its act together). Both phones have IP68 dust and water resistance.

 

In the never-ending quest for more smartphone features, the Pixel 8 Pro has a temperature sensor in the camera bump—it's the new circle sensor below the LED flash. Google says this feature "will allow users to quickly and easily take the temperature of objects simply by scanning." Pending FDA approval (the temperature sensor is regulated as a medical device), a "thermometer app" for body temperature will feed the data into Google's FitBit app for some kind of wellness tracking.

 

We'll see how the temperature sensor performs when we actually get hold of a Pixel 8 Pro, but so far it seems like the speed will be limiting. We've already seen the Pixel 8 Pro's sensor in action for body temperature, and the instructions were basically, "Hold the phone against your face, and slowly swipe it across your forehead over a period of four seconds." That does not sound like something you'd want to do after the first week of owning the phone. If you want wellness-focused temperature sensing, it makes more sense to do it on a watch, where it's just passively taking your temperature and you don't have to think about it.

 

For object temperatures, range seems like it will be an issue, too. Most other temperature sensors have a range of several feet, which is a critical feature because things with an interesting temperature are generally uncomfortable to hold your hand next to. I'm sure there will be at least one support call because someone tries to measure fire from 1 inch away.

 

  • 7-1440x1667.jpg
    The cheaper Pixel 8. Google is calling this colour "hazel?" I don't know about that.
    Google
  • 9-1440x982.jpg
    The back. This one has one less camera.
    Google
  • Pixel-8-front-1440x2279.jpg
    The screen is still a rectangle.
    Google
  • 10-1440x736.jpg
    The colour lineup.
Meanwhile, the base-model Pixel 8 has not changed as much. There's still a flat screen, still a regular glass back, and still an aluminum frame with a much nicer matte finish. The big news is that it's a bit smaller, with a 120 Hz, 6.2 inch, 2400×1080 display (instead of 6.3 inches). It looks like the corners of the device are more rounded, and the camera bar is higher up on the phone back compared to last year.

 

Other Pixel 8 specs include 8GB of RAM, 128GB and 256GB storage tiers, and a 4575 mAh battery. Charging on the cheaper phone is still at 30 W wired, while wireless is down to 18 W on the Pixel stand and 12 W on Qi.

 

Cameras on both units start with a 50 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide, and a 10.5 MP selfie cam, while the Pro adds a 48 MP 5x telephoto. This year there are manual camera settings for the Pro model.

 

This is the first time the Google Tensor 3 SoC gets a CPU upgrade. The last two chips wandered off the beaten path with a dual Cortex-X1 configuration, but this time Google sticks to Arm's 2023 chip design with a single Cortex X3, four Cortex-A715 CPUs, and four Cortex A510 CPUs, plus an Arm Immortalis-G715 GPU.

 

The Tensor represents Google's attempt to throw off the shackles of Qualcomm and build its own chips (with the help of Samsung's Exynos division), but it hasn't brought a lot to the table. This year, there is finally something tangible to point to—7 years of OS updates. Unlike with previous models, there are no games being played here, as Google says there are "7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates." That's more major OS updates than even iPhone owners are getting, with the iPhone X getting iOS versions 11-16.

 

The worldwide availability of Pixel phones remains extremely limited, but this year Google is up to 20 regions. The official list is "US, Canada, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan." Compared to last year's list, the three new Pixel countries are Austria, Portugal, and Switzerland.

 

Pre-orders for both phones start today, and they ship October 12.

 

Listing image by Google

 

Source

]]>19158Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:49:49 +0000The Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold join in Google's Pixel fall feature drophttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/the-pixel-tablet-and-pixel-fold-join-in-googles-pixel-fall-feature-drop-r19157/

 

Along with the official reveal of the new Pixel 8 phones, the Pixel Watch 2, and more, Google is rolling out a new feature update for its older Pixel phones. It is also adding features for the recently launched Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold foldable smartphone.

 

1696436202_pixel-fold_story.jpg

 

The Pixel Fold is getting a new way for people to help with translating conversations. Google stated:

 

Pixel Fold simultaneously uses the inner and outer screens to translate live conversations, helping you have more natural conversations across languages without having to huddle around a single screen.

The Google Tablet will also add a new navigation bar for the Google Kids Space feature. It will make it easier for children to access that space, along with switching apps and switching back to the home screen.

 

Older Pixel phones can update to the new Android 14 OS to get the new camera interface that will allow owners to switch between different photo and video modes faster. Also, there are some new lock screen features with additional clock and wallpaper options. There are also some new monochromatic themes for both Pixel phones and the Pixel tablet.

 

The Photos editor in older Pixel phones can now allow users to automatically open RAW images into a RAW image editor.

 

The fall feature updater also includes some new Battery Saver options that hopefully will allow owners to extend their phone's battery life a bit more. Google stated:

 

The new design for Battery Saver makes it so much easier to stretch your battery life, whenever you need to. You can see exactly what is being restricted on your Pixel to extend battery life and select essential apps that can continue to run when you toggle on Extreme Battery Saver. You can also turn on Battery Saver or Extreme Battery Saver with automatic notifications at 10% and 20%.

The fall feature update is rolling out now and should hit all supported Pixel phones and the Pixel tablet over the next few weeks.

 

Source

]]>19157Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:44:27 +0000New Pixel Buds Pro colours complement Pixel 8 Series and Pixel Watch 2https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/new-pixel-buds-pro-colours-complement-pixel-8-series-and-pixel-watch-2-r19156/ 1696438397_pixel-buds-pro_story.jpg

 

At its event today, Google unveiled its new Pixel Buds Pro updates. They also come in two new colours called Bay and Porcelain which complement the new Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 devices also shown off at the event.

 

Some of the new features that were outlined by Google include clearer voice calling, hands-free conversations, faster audio transmissions when gaming, and suggestions for hearing wellness. There is also an app for the devices rolling out to Chromebooks.

 

With this update, you get support for Bluetooth Super Wideband giving you fuller, clearer, and more natural audio than before. The improved quality also works with Clear Calling which cuts out the background noise from the other side of the call so you can hear them more clearly.

 

Another new feature that you can enable is Conversation Detection which knows when you start speaking. It turns off your music and enables Transparency Mode so that you can speak to the people around you. When you are done chatting, your music will resume and Transparency Mode will switch off so you get noise cancellation.

 

If you are a mobile gamer, the Pixel Buds Pro update makes your gaming more immersive with reduced latency. This feature is available with the Pixel 8 Series devices and works with compatible games.

 

Did you know that having your earbuds turned up to too high a volume can permanently damage your hearing? With the Pixel Buds Pro app you can now listen to recordings of your listening habits to find out when you turn up the volume too loud so that you remember to lower it next time.

 

Finally, Google said it’s rolling out a Pixel Buds app to Chromebooks as a web app. With it, you’ll be able to change your earbud settings, switch noise control modes, and install firmware updates right from your Chromebook.

 

Google said that the new update will be rolling out to new and existing Pixel Buds Pro users today and that you can pre-order the new colours of the Pixel Buds Pro today for $199.99.

 

Source: Google

 

Source

]]>19156Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:41:24 +0000Google unveils Pixel Watch 2 with faster performance and new featureshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-unveils-pixel-watch-2-with-faster-performance-and-new-features-r19155/ 1696434133_pixel-watch-2_story.jpg

 

At its event today, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 2 with better performance and new health and safety features. The watch is available for pre-order today for $349 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $399 for 4G LTE at the Google Store, Fitbit.com and other retailers. It will be available in 30 countries on October 12.

 

The main thing Google is touting with its new watch is the performance. The Pixel Watch 2 comes with a new quad-core CPU which delivers smoother and stronger performance. There’s also a low-power co-processor to help the watch achieve 24 hours of battery life even with the always-on display.

 

This is nice for people who want to track their heart rate all day as the watch only needs to be taken off for an hour to get a full charge.

 

To help you learn more about your health, Google has added three new sensors into the Pixel Watch 2 including a new heart rate sensor that provides more accurate heart rate, workout, calorific, and sleep measurements.

 

 

Google also added a new continuous electrodermal activity sensor that can pick up possible signs of stress and inform the user who can then take actions such as meditation.

 

The third sensor is a skin temperature sensor that tracks at night to tell you more about your sleep and monitor for changes in your overall wellness. If you want to know how well you’ve been sleeping, just open Assistant and ask.

 

In terms of safety, the Pixel Watch 2 introduces some new features include Medical ID which lets first responders know more about your allergies, blood type, or health conditions, Emergency Sharing, and Safety Check.

 

With Safety Check you can set emergency contacts who will be alerted if you don’t arrive at your destination at a preset timer - this can help to keep you safer if you decide to go for a run or something late at night or early in the morning on your own.

 

If you visit the Google Store, you’ll also be able to find other watch bands if you want to switch things up a bit.

 

Source

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