News: Mobile Newshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/page/47/?d=2News: Mobile NewsenHot phone? Here’s how to cool it down (say no to the fridge)https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/hot-phone-here%E2%80%99s-how-to-cool-it-down-say-no-to-the-fridge-r17091/ Just like you, your phone needs a little protection from this year’s heat wave

 

For weeks, Texans have been bearing the brunt of a truly oppressive heat wave — and pretty soon, they’re going to have some more company.

 

Millions of people across the southern and central United States will have to deal with potentially dangerous heat this week, with areas under advisory stretching from Florida all the way to New Mexico.

 

In situations like these, staying informed and connected to other people becomes even more important than usual. There’s a catch, though: Our smartphones may be as prone to overheating as we are.

 

Most of the time your phone gets toasty, it’s for some fairly benign reason — you’re playing a game that pushes the device’s processor, perhaps, or it’s connected to a high-speed charger. Other times, overheating can arise from an app or apps misbehaving, or even a specific kind of chip design. The point is, running hot isn’t unusual for phones, and they’re generally pretty good at compensating for it.

 

But when hot summer days — or a full-blown heat wave — arrive, your phone may start to have trouble shedding the extra heat inside. Once that happens, you may eventually find yourself unable to use your phone at all until it cools down, and that’s not good for anyone. To help, here are a few things you can do to keep your phone functional and cool when it’s too hot outside.

 

Keep your phone out of the sun

 

Using your phone out under the sun — say, snapping some fun summer photos — means it can quickly absorb heat. And if it’s especially sunny, your phone might try to crank up the brightness of its screen to make it easier to read. That can be helpful, sure, but it also means your phone is expending more power, which increases the odds that the phone will shut down to protect itself.

 

“I’ve been road tripping through some hot states and keep instinctively placing my phone on the dash mount for navigation,” says Jon-Erik Hylle, a project manager at the repair resource website iFixit. “Inevitably it turns off due to overheating. Moral of the story is to keep devices from direct sunlight.”

 

Don’t push your phone too hard


Ideally, that means staying off your phone entirely, though we get that’s a lot harder than it sounds. If you can’t quite tear yourself away — or if you have a good reason you need to be on your phone — the next best thing is to limit what you do with it.

 

Avoiding using your phone's camera is a good example, especially for shooting videos. (People don't think about it much, but capturing video footage works many parts of a smartphone at the same time.)

 

Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is another common way to heat things up quickly; I’ve seen my iPhone offer up the dreaded temperature warning on a not-even-that-hot San Francisco day after pulling hotspot duty. Skip it, if at all possible. Ditto for graphically rich games: these can require a lot of oomph from your phone’s processors, and avoiding that load will keep your device cooler for longer.

 

Pop that case off

 

Some cases could make it more difficult for phones to effectively dissipate the heat building up inside them. If you routinely keep your phone enshrined in a case, consider removing it and storing the device in a bag or a pocket that doesn’t directly touch your body.

 

Use low power mode


Beyond limiting what you do on your phone, you can also limit what your phone is doing on its own. That’s where its low-power or power-saving mode comes in.

 

Among other things, Low Power Mode on an iPhone disables 5G (if applicable), makes your device lock faster, dims your screen and disables some background processes. These tweaks are ostensibly meant to make your battery last longer, but since they prevent from trying to handle lots of things once, it can help prevent overheating, too.

 

Android phones have a similar feature, and it’s usually called Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode depending on the company that built your device. You can use this tool in much the same way, though phone makers like Samsung tend to offer more options, like capping your phone processor’s performance at 70 percent.

 

If all else fails, turn it off


The one surefire way to keep your phone from overworking itself — and overheating in the process — is to turn it off and stow it in the coolest place available to you.

 

Should I put my phone in the fridge?

 

Smartphones tend to cool off pretty quickly, and you’ll probably have a functioning phone again in just a few minutes if you just leave it alone. But if your phone is overheating right now and you absolutely have to use it, can you cool it down with a quick trip to the kitchen?

 

Maybe, but it comes with some potential hazards.

 

“I would not recommend putting a device into a refrigerator to cool it,” Hylle says. “Rapid cooling in a moist environment could cause condensation and short the device. Also, going from very hot to very cold in a short amount of time creates its own risks.”

 

(There’s also a pretty good chance your phone won’t be able to latch onto a cellular signal in there, which may be counterproductive.)

 

I’ve also seen some people online mention holding their phones under a stream of cool water from a faucet — after all, smartphone makers have crowed for years that at least some of their devices can survive plunges underwater. I don’t recommend that either, since those companies are generally vouching for how a phone will hold up while sitting under a few feet of water, not whether it can withstand running water.

 

Here’s what I’d recommend: grab something cool, like a portable ice pack, a bag of frozen peas, a Capri Sun from the fridge, whatever you’ve got.

 

Wrap it in a tea towel or a handkerchief, and place your phone on it for about a minute, then pop it off again. Repeat until the phone is back to working condition. Don’t have any of things? Place the phone on a cool countertop, or something like it. With luck, this more gradual kind of cooling should get your phone up and running quickly, and with less risk of condensation-based mishaps.

 

Source

]]>17091Sun, 16 Jul 2023 17:10:13 +0000I almost can’t believe it, but Google Tasks is finally kind of goodhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/i-almost-can%E2%80%99t-believe-it-but-google-tasks-is-finally-kind-of-good-r17080/ It’s still no power-user tool, but at least Google now has a functional app for keeping your to-do list.

 

Google has spent the last half-decade cruelly teasing me with its to-do list app. Google Tasks first launched as a standalone app in 2018, and Google seemed to have big plans for its task manager tool. And then… nothing. Actually, worse than nothing: Google launched and developed so many disconnected reminder-setting products that it became nearly impossible to figure out where your tasks were, what they are, and how you were supposed to get anything done.

 

But in the last couple of months, something miraculous happened: Google actually fixed it. The company spent this spring combining all its many Tasks and Reminders products into a single tool that is accessible almost everywhere and via almost any Google product. There are still some holes in the system and still a lot of task management features missing. But Google Tasks also has some unique upsides, and for the first time ever, I’m actually using it and enjoying it. 

 

The big change Google made was to funnel all reminders into Google Tasks. So now if you say to Google Assistant, “Remind me to switch the laundry in an hour,” that goes into Google Tasks. Add a task from your Nest Hub Max, and it shows up in Tasks. If someone assigns you a task in a Google Doc, it’ll appear in your Tasks list with a link to that document. Creating a task in Google Calendar? It shows up in Google Tasks, too. Where there used to be several back-ends, now there is only Google Tasks.

 

This is an unequivocally better idea than whatever chaos Google had before, not to mention the obviously correct answer — it’s almost bizarre that it took Google this long to make such a simple change. It never made sense that “Remind me to bring in the trash bins tonight” would go anywhere but Tasks. But hey! Now it goes to Tasks.

 

Google Tasks isn’t remotely close to being a powerful project management tool on par with Todoist or some of the other apps out there. Even Apple’s Reminders app can do more. It’s much closer in spirit to a paper to-do list — just a bunch of things written down that you need to get done. 

 

But Google has one crucial thing going for it: ubiquity. Unlike the piece of paper I scribble my lists on and then lose or the apps I set up and then forget to check for days at a time, Google Tasks is effectively unavoidable if you use Google products. It’s in the sidebar of Gmail, Docs, and other Google products, tasks show up right into Google Calendar, the mobile app is simple but works fine, and I love being able to bring up Google Assistant and just say, “What are my tasks for today?” 

 

That kind of integration helps make sure you don’t miss stuff on your list, but even more importantly makes it easy to put stuff on the list. I am perpetually swinging between ultra-powerful to-do list apps that turn out to be too complicated and tools that don’t do much but at least make it easy to add to my list. Google Tasks is all the way at the latter end of that spectrum. Plus, opening Assistant and saying, “Remind me in three days to pick up my dry cleaning,” is the best capture tool I’ve ever found. A second later, that task is in my list and on my calendar and right there next to my inbox. I might even remember to do it now.

 

The only remaining holdout is Google Keep, which is still very weird: you can add a reminder to a note Keep, but it doesn’t show up in Tasks. This integration could be great — Tasks could even grab all the checklist items in your Keep notes, add due dates, and so on — but I can at least live with the idea that I have a notes app and a tasks app, and they’re separate things. Besides, Keep is at the top of the list of “apps I’m not even sure Google remembers it makes,” so I’m not shocked it’s not part of the new setup.

 

My main ongoing gripe is the same one I have for just about every other Google product: everything’s too complicated if you have more than one Google account. There’s simply no way to see all your tasks in one place if you have multiple accounts, which makes it hard to manage everything. Tasks really ought to have a view akin to the Gmail app’s “All inboxes” feature, but all you get on mobile is quick switching between accounts. I’d also like to have a way to subscribe to Tasks, like I subscribe to things in Google Calendar, which is how I’m currently able to see my work and personal events in one place. But no dice there, either. You’re basically stuck with identical but totally separate to-do lists for each of your accounts. 

 

History says that this is the last time Google will care about Tasks for a while, none of the remaining problems will get fixed for another half-decade, and it’ll never become the true productivity powerhouse it could be. Even if that’s the case, it’s finally an app worth using. It’s not a power-user tool, but it doesn’t need to be. It just needs to be a place you can dump everything without worrying you’ll never find it again. In some ways, having a bunch of reminder tools is actually worse than having none. Google finally just has one. 

 

Well, two. I don’t think I’m ever getting the perfect Keep integration I’ve been waiting for. But I’ll take what I can get.

 

Source

]]>17080Sat, 15 Jul 2023 18:51:12 +0000Retro app offers a simplified approach to social mediahttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/retro-app-offers-a-simplified-approach-to-social-media-r17079/ In recent years, social media has become increasingly focused on likes, followers, and engagement. This has led to a decline in the quality of interactions between users, as people are more concerned with how many people see their posts than with actually connecting with their friends.

 

In response to this trend, a new photo app called Retro has been launched. Retro is designed to be a more personal and intimate way to share photos with friends.

 

The app does not include any of the features that have made other social media platforms so addictive, such as likes, followers, and engagement.

 

New-Instagram-alternative-Retro-app_7.jp
There is a new Instagram alternative in the social media game - Image courtesy of Retro app

What is the Retro app?

Retro is a photo app that allows users to share photos with their friends. The app is designed to be a more personal and intimate way to connect with friends, and it does not include any of the features that have made other social media platforms so addictive, making it a great and new Instagram alternative.

 

When you first open the Retro app, you are presented with a list of your friends who are also using the app. You can then select the friends you want to share your photos with.

 

Once you have selected your friends, you can start sharing photos. Retro does not have any filters or editing tools, so you can simply share your photos as they are.

 

The photos you share in Retro will appear in your friends' feeds. They can then like or comment on your photos, but they cannot share them with other people.

How to sign up for the Retro app

To sign up for the Retro app, you need to create an account. You can do this by providing your email address and a password.

 

Once you have created an account, you will be able to start adding friends and sharing photos.

 

You may download Retro for iOS using the link here.

 

Bad news, there is a Retro App Android waitlist

The Retro app is currently only available for iOS users.

 

However, there is a Retro app Android waitlist that you can sign up for using the link here. If you sign up for the waitlist, you will be notified when the Android version of the app is released.

 

New-Instagram-alternative-Retro-app_6.jp
The Retro app is only available for iOS for now - Image courtesy of Retro app

Retro App vs Instagram

Retro is often compared to Instagram, as both apps are photo-sharing platforms. However, there are some key differences between the two apps.

 

First of all, Retro does not have any of the features that have made Instagram so addictive, such as likes, followers, and engagement. This means that Retro is a more personal and intimate way to connect with friends.

 

Retro's design is also more simplistic than Instagram's. This makes Retro easier to use and less distracting.

 

Lastly, Retro is focused on sharing photos with friends, while Instagram is focused on sharing photos with a wider audience.

 

What do you think, as Threads dethrones Twitter, could Retro be the winner of the Retro app vs Instagram comparison?

 

 

Source

]]>17079Sat, 15 Jul 2023 18:47:18 +0000How to use Personal Voice on iOS 17 [and iPadOS 17]https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/how-to-use-personal-voice-on-ios-17-and-ipados-17-r17009/ Apple's accessibility features have always been useful for many people from all around the world using the products. Personal Voice is one of them, which uses today's popular AI technology. In today's guide, we will talk about how to use Personal Voice on iOS 17!

 

Personal Voice is an accessibility feature that was first included in iOS 17. You can use this product to leverage the power of AI in advantageous ways. In essence, this allows you to create a synthetic voice that can read the words you type.

 

A person can keep a digital generator that mimics their tone even if they lose the ability to speak in the future with their tongue. Additionally, it is helpful for those who find it difficult to speak constantly or who have difficulty doing so.

 

Screenshot_4.jpg
Personal Voice

iOS 17: How to use Personal Voice

The iPhone's accessibility features from Apple make it simpler for those with special needs to use the device. In keeping with this strategy, Apple is introducing another feature with iOS 17 called Personal Voice, which is very beneficial for people who are at risk of losing their voice or their ability to talk. You may converse with family and friends using this tool while keeping your voice intact.

 

Here is how to use Personal Voice on iOS 17 (Please be aware that this is a feature exclusively for iOS 17 users):

 

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Find Accessibility.
  3. Tap Personal Voice.
  4. Select "Create a Personal Voice."
  5. Confirm your identity with Face ID or Touch ID.
  6. Continue and give your voice a name.
  7. You will need to read 150 phrases aloud in a silent room in order to train the machine-learning model. It should take between 15 to 20 minutes.
  8. When the Personal Voice is ready, iOS/iPadOS will send you a notification.
  9. Go back to Accessibility.
  10. Turn on the Live Speech toggle and go to the English (US) section.
  11. Select Personal Voice.
  12. Tap on the Personal Voice you have recently created.
  13. Now, if you want your device to speak in a robotic voice, triple-click the Side button.
  14. After inputting the text you want to appear, click the Send button.
  15. Your device can now clearly hear your personal voice.
  16. Numerous apps offer the feature, and it can even be used during phone calls.

 

Personal Voice is unquestionably a powerful feature that enhances your phone and tablets, especially in light of the fact that it runs offline and without the assistance of Apple servers. Once set up on your device, it will immediately sync to all of your compatible Apple products.

 

This suggests that only one recording and training process has to be carried out. The voice will be available for usage indefinitely if you choose iCloud sync once it is prepared.

 

 

 

Source

 

[Other web sources indicate it's NOT exclusive to iPhones with iOS 17, also iPads with iPadOS 17]

]]>17009Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:24:12 +0000Android 14 Beta 4 is here: Last step before stable releasehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/android-14-beta-4-is-here-last-step-before-stable-release-r16957/ Android 14 Beta 4 is officially out, and eligible Pixel owners are able to test the bug fixes, and more. This is the latest beta before the stable release, so it plays a huge role in the future of the OS, as it is the last step before a milestone.

 

This most recent version adds support for both the brand-new Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet, making it the last opportunity for app developers to start testing and fine-tuning their apps before Android 14 is made public.

 

Other than what we already know about, Google hasn't disclosed any new features for Android 14 in this build. Since this is the second "Platform Stability" release, developers are urged to begin final compatibility testing for apps, APIs, SDKs, and libraries and to publish compatible app versions with the knowledge that Android 14's functionality won't change until the platform's official launch.

 

android-14.jpg

Android 14 Beta 4

What is new with Android 14 Beta 4?

Even though it's often too late for big adjustments at the Mountain View behemoth at this point in the game, there is one little detail worth pointing out: an Easter egg with a space theme. Open Settings > About phone > Android version, then repeatedly tap the Android version section until the Android 14 logo appears floating in space. This will activate it. At this point, all you need to do is press and hold the logo for a bit to see the stars fly by. The result will eventually be a cool space flight simulation.

 

The latest version features the build number UPB4.230623.005, the Android Security Patch Level of July 2023, and Google Play Services version 23.18.18. As per usual, the firm has published a lengthy list of defects that have been fixed. Here are Google's official notes:

 

Developer-reported issues

 

 

Other resolved issues

  • Fixed an issue that caused the CredentialManager registry to fail when using more than one set of credentials.
  • Fixed issues where the HealthConnect API returned null pointer exceptions in some cases to calling apps.
  • Fixed issues that could cause boot loops and "Application not responding" messages on some devices.
  • Fixed an issue where some elements on the system UI didn't retheme correctly when switching between day and night modes.
  • Fixed a system issue that caused the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) window to be unresponsive when using an app (such as Google Maps) in PiP mode and then locking the screen and reopening the app by tapping the notification on the lock screen.
  • Fixed an issue where the lockscreen wallpaper was sometimes reset to a blank, black screen when setting a new wallpaper for the home screen.
  • Fixed issues that caused poor UI animations in the launcher.
  • Fixed an issue where an intent picker dialog was incorrectly shown during work profile setup, which interfered with a user completing setup successfully.
  • Fixed an issue that caused the rounded borders on notifications to display incorrectly.
  • Fixed an issue where a device could sometimes become unresponsive if eSIM was disabled.
  • Fixed an issue where the lock screen sometimes got stuck with a blank, black screen.
  • Fixed an issue with ConnectivityService that could cause a device to crash and restart in rare cases.
  • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the system volume slider to be stuck on the screen.
  • Fixed issues where the titles of some Settings pages were not announced correctly and some areas within the system Settings app couldn't be accessed when TalkBack was enabled.
  • Fixed an issue that could cause fingerprint enrollment to fail if the device was rotated during enrollment.
  • Fixed an issue where connected Bluetooth devices were not ranked correctly in the system audio output switcher.
  • Fixed an issue where the notification shade didn't close after tapping a notification to launch an intent. Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the analog clock to fail to display when viewing wallpaper preview.
  • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused only a right-side Bluetooth earbud to be paired.
  • Fixed issues that prevented app launch animations from playing correctly.
  • Fixed an issue where notifications from a prioritized conversation were erroneously dismissed when the group of non-prioritized notifications was dismissed.
  • Fixed an issue where the sharesheet sometimes crashed after pressing the copy button.
  • Fixed an issue where the UI didn't return to the sharesheet workflow if a user edited an image from the sharesheet.
  • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused Face Unlock to fail.
  • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a USB headset to consume additional power when connected to a device that was making a call using Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
  • Fixed a null pointer exception that sometimes caused the launcher to crash after launching an app.
  • Fixed an issue where, when using a device with a work profile, the Google Play Store app in the work profile would hang or crash when launched.
  • Fixed various issues that caused the system UI to crash in some cases.
  • Fixed other various issues that were impacting system stability.

 

Source

]]>16957Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:42:06 +0000Google Pixel 8 price hike reported, but still impressivehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-pixel-8-price-hike-reported-but-still-impressive-r16919/ The Google Pixel 8 could come with a higher price tag compared to its predecessor. A new report suggests that the Pixel 8 could cost between $50 and $100 more, starting from $649 to $699. While disappointing for some users, this price hike follows a trend seen with the Pixel 7a and other flagship smartphones.

 

Along with the price leak, the Pixel 8's specifications have also surfaced, giving users a glimpse of what to expect. The device is rumored to feature a 6.17-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Tensor G3 SoC will likely power the Pixel 8. The smartphone is expected to offer 8GB of RAM and storage options of up to 256 GB.

 

Pixel 8 is rumored to feature a 50MP primary camera using Samsung's GN2 sensor, with optical image stabilization (OIS) for improved image quality. In addition, the device is expected to feature a 12MP ultra-wide sensor and an 11MP selfie camera.

 

A 4,485mAh battery is said to feed the Pixel 8, supporting 24W wired fast charging and 12W wireless charging, which should help users stay connected throughout the day.

 

1629228048_blog_pixel_5a_5g_lifestyle_ch

 

Running Android 14 out of the box, the Pixel 8 is expected to offer the latest Android features. One of the most exciting upcoming features is the inclusion of an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, offering users a secure unlocking method.

 

Previously, Google Pixel 8 Pro prototype images were leaked. The new photos show the new sensor placed beneath the phone's rear photo flash.

 

It is important to note that these leaks should be taken with a pinch of salt, as Google has officially confirmed nothing for now. However, The Pixel 8 series is expected to be unveiled in early October, with sales starting at the end of the year.

 

Source: Yogesh Brar (Twitter)

 

 

Source

]]>16919Mon, 10 Jul 2023 20:23:43 +0000WhatsApp rolling out contextual stickers, new chat list filters and timer for pinned itemshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/whatsapp-rolling-out-contextual-stickers-new-chat-list-filters-and-timer-for-pinned-items-r16879/ After reaching 200 million users on its business app, WhatsApp users are in for a treat as contextual sticker suggestions start rolling out. Available to beta users on iOS v23.14.0.70 and Android v2.23.14.16 onwards, WhatsApp users can expect a sticker tray popup over the message box. For several years, this feature has already been on other apps, including LINE and Telegram. WhatsApp seems to be playing catch-up in the features game.

 

1688813810_wa_sticker_suggestions_androi

1688813830_wa_sticker_emoji_quick_shortc

 

WhatsApp is reportedly working on bringing a filter bar to make chats easily accessible by categories. Besides the default list, users can filter their conversations according to unread, personal, and business chats. This indicates chats can be labelled as personal or business. It previously worked on bringing draft filters and status archives, showing a pattern of effort to make it easier for users to manage their growing tally of chats. This feature is available on Android builds above v2.23.14.17 and will roll out to wider audiences in the coming weeks.

 

1688813821_wa_filter_bar_chat_list_andro

 

WhatsApp is developing a timer mechanism for pinned messages, where it will automatically unpin after a selected duration. According to the screenshot, only three lengths of time are available, meaning a message cannot be pinned indefinitely. Users can pin a message for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.

 

1688813798_wa_pin_message_duration_alert

 

It also makes pairing devices easier by adding an alternative to QR code scanning. Users on the latest build of WhatsApp can expect to see an option to link new devices using a phone number instead of the default QR scan option. This can bring flexibility to devices with malfunctioning cameras or laptops and decrease hassle.

 

1688813792_wa_link_with_phone_number_fea

 

Earlier last month, WhatsApp brought the ability to silence unknown callers automatically, a feature widely available to all users now. Users can manage their privacy and security within the security centre inside the app.

 

To be eligible to get access to the latest developing features earlier, make sure to sign up for the WhatsApp beta program on Google Play Store or TestFlight for Apple Ecosystem.

 

Via: WABetaInfo

 

 

Source

]]>16879Sat, 08 Jul 2023 20:47:39 +0000How to install Threads on Android devices if you live in Europehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/how-to-install-threads-on-android-devices-if-you-live-in-europe-r16797/ Meta launched Threads today and claims that millions have downloaded the Twitter competitor already hours after launch. Threads launched in over 100 countries, but not in states of the European Union and some other countries.

 

Meta is facing privacy concerns in Europe and Meta failed to mollify the European Union's data protection supervisors. The consequence is that users from the European Union may not install Threads at the time. A search for Threads on the Google Play store turns up empty.

 

Threads is offered as a standalone application, but it does require an Instagram account. While that may be a hurdle for some users, it is convenient for the hundred of million Instagram users, especially since they may bring their followers and other data over from Instagram to avoid having to start from scratch.

 

Users from the European Union may install Threads and start using it. While the official download via the Google Play store is not provided at the time, a bypass is available that allows users from Europe to install and use Threads.

 

Here is what is required:

 

  • An Android device, as this will work only on Android and not on iOS.
  • An Instagram account.
  • A VPN account, e.g., from Mullvad, NordVPN or others, that support selecting servers based on region.

 

Note: there is always a risk to downloading an Android application from a third-party source. The mirror that we picked is legitimate, but if you are in doubt, please wait for the official release of the application in Europe.

 

Step 1: Download the latest Threads Android APK file using a web browser on the Android device.

 

download-threads-meta-instagram.png

 

Point the web browser to this APK Pure website address and select the download APK button on it. You can also download it from APK Mirror.

 

Step 2: Connect to a VPN server

 

vpn-connection.png

 

Start the VPN service on the Android device and connect to a server that is located outside of the European Union, e.g., a United States server.

 

How that is done depends on the VPN that you use. In NordVPN, you simple select United States to connect to a server located in that cocuntry.

 

Step 3: Start the Threads installation

 

Open the downloaded Threads APK file on the Android device to install it. Note that you may need to allow the app that you are using, e.g., the web browser, to install files from unknown sources. Follow the instructions and proceed with the installation of Threads on the Android device.

 

The installation should go through without issues, as it assumes that the device is in a supported region.

 

Step 4: Threads initial setup

 

threads-interface.png

 

Once you have done that, you go through the initial setup. This involves selecting an Instagram account, if Instagram is installed on the device, or entering the Instagram account name and password.

 

You may import some data from Instagram to Threads, but this is no requirement.

 

Note that you do not need the VPN connection anymore at this stage, as no further checks are run when the application is started or used.

 

 

 

Source

]]>16797Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:41:03 +0000Winamp for iOS is now available via TestFlighthttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/winamp-for-ios-is-now-available-via-testflight-r16796/ Winamp for iOS is now available for download via TestFlight. We take a look at what the beta version of the music player looks like.

 

My earliest memory of Winamp is from when I used it on a PC running on Windows 98 in the year 2000. Fast-forward 23 years, and the new version of Winamp is completely unrecognizable in terms of features and the design. Of course, during that time, its ownership has changed a few times, each leading the legacy app in a rather odd direction. Thankfully, WACUP ((WinAmp Community Update Project) exists for Windows PCs. So let's forget everything about the classic experience, and look at it as a new app, because that's what it is.

 

Winamp-testflight-for-iOS.jpg

 

If you have used the new Winamp for Android, the iOS version is identical to it. Yes, it can play local media files. The app automatically detects songs that you have added via iTunes, but unlike the Android app, the OS version cannot import files that are in the download folder. You could blame Apple for the restrictions, but having used VLC which can access the media, I think Winamp should be able to do this too.

 

winamp-mobile-app-start-screen.jpg

 

The app's UI is pleasant, and consists of 4 tabs: Tracks, Albums, Artists and Playlists. Use the tabs to browse your music library, tap on a track to listen, shuffle the order, or use the menu to add it to the playlist. The options are fairly self-explanatory.

 

Winamp-ios-app-interface.jpg

 

You cannot edit the tags or album art in Winamp, so if you wish to edit any metadata, you will have to rely on other tools. It supports AirPlay for streaming the music to connected devices. Tap the hamburger menu button in the bottom right corner of the now playing screen to access the Queue tab, it lists recently played tracks, the currently playing song, and an up next section that shows the queued tracks. The "recently played" history is a nice touch.

 

winamp-ios-recently-played.jpg

 

Winamp for iOS does not have any skins whatsoever. It does have a light theme and a dark theme, which you can access from the Settings, or you may set it to follow the system's aesthetics automatically. The music player does not have a widget yet, which is a little strange.

 

winamp-for-ios-dark-vs-light-theme.jpg

 

Widgets have become almost become a necessity to listen to music these days, hopefully the app gets one in the future. Winamp displays a large music player on the lock screen, with the playing track's album art, and playback controls. The experience is identical to Apple Music's lock screen player. It supports Siri & Search.

 

winamp-ios-lock-screen-player.jpg

 

You may use Winamp on iOS without signing up for an account, if all you're interested in is to listen to music offline. The online experience is completely optional. Creating a Winamp account is free, and lets you access the Fanzone, where you can follow creators to get updates from their feed, and listen to the music that they have uploaded to the cloud-based platform. This could be a difficult market to compete in with the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

 

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In its current state, Winamp for iOS does a decent job if all you want is the bare minimum task of playing the music stored on your iPhone. The problem is that the app does not offer much to differentiate itself from Apple Music.

 

winamp-ios-music-player.jpg

 

The new app has fewer features, and bundles yet another streaming service. In comparison, the Apple Music app is perfectly capable of handling your offline music library, has more options to manage your library/playback, syncs between your devices, keeps your iTunes library up to date.

 

winamp-ios-music-player2.jpg

 

The lack of noteworthy features could be the major hurdle that Winamp has to overcome if it wants to attract users over. There are no controls to adjust the music streaming quality, equalizer, gapless playback, and other options in the app. In other words, Winamp for iOS offers a mediocre experience.

 

It's free to use, so maybe you can give it a whirl. Head to the Winamp for iOS TestFlight program to download the app, the Android version's beta program is available via the Google Play Store.

 

An email sent out to testers reveals that Winamp plans to add more features including Radios, Like & Comments.

 

 

 

Source

]]>16796Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:39:06 +0000Google’s first truly custom chip for Pixel devices won’t arrive until 2025https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google%E2%80%99s-first-truly-custom-chip-for-pixel-devices-won%E2%80%99t-arrive-until-2025-r16795/ A missed production deadline reportedly scrapped plans for a custom fourth-generation Tensor chip this year.

According to a report by The Information, Google originally planned to replace the modified Samsung Exynos chipsets it uses in Pixel phones with a “Redondo” chip designed in-house sometime in 2024. However, the report claims that Google has now pushed that planned release window back to 2025 and will instead introduce a new custom processor codenamed “Laguna.”

 

A former Google chip executive told The Information that challenges with retaining employees and coordinating development between US and Indian teams are at least partly to blame for the delay. The team behind the project was frustrated by Google’s decision to cancel the development of several Tensor chips over the last two years, according to the outlet’s source. We have contacted Google to confirm these reports.

 

The story sounds similar to Meta’s struggle in attempting custom chip designs for VR and mixed reality gear, then opting to cut a deal with Qualcomm to use Snapdragon XR chips for the “future roadmap of Quest products” and “other devices.”

 

Google is apparently sticking with semi-custom versions of Samsung’s chips for the time being but plans to move manufacturing over to TSMC — the chipmaking giant behind Apple’s iPhone chips and many, many others. According to the report, “Laguna” will also utilize an advanced packaging technology used almost exclusively by Apple that provides greater power efficiency while maintaining a thin chip profile.

 

According to the report, the Tensor team couldn’t provide TSMC with Redondo’s design by the 2022 deadline for trial production, in spite of cutting some of its features. The former Google executive told The Information that Redondo will instead be produced as a test chip that will help the Tensor engineers design its new Laguna processor. 

 

This will reportedly be called the Tensor G5 and built on TSMC’s 3nm process. The advancements in power efficiency and performance mean that these 3nm chips are in high demand — Apple allegedly reserved 90 percent of TSMC’s manufacturing for the first-generation 3nm process earlier this year.

 

Google is aiming to fully ditch Samsung by 2025 in favor of designing its Tensor processors in-house, but The Information claims that the search giant will continue licensing Arm CPU and GPU cores for the foreseeable future. There are several potential benefits to Google moving Tensor development away from Samsung, though — the Samsung Exynos-based Tensor chips have been criticized for running hot even with modest workloads, for example, and even Samsung’s own Exynos-based phones have some glaring performance issues. Taking development in-house could allow Google more freedom to make specific changes to its chip designs, benefiting future Pixel phones, tablets, watches, or any other hardware in its plans. 

 

Designing your own custom processors is expensive, however, and Google may not have the market presence to ensure it’ll see returns from such a heavy investment. Google doesn’t disclose how many Pixel units it sells, but according to IDC data reported by Bloomberg last October, the company sold 27.6 million Pixel phones since launching the device in 2016. By comparison, Samsung and Apple shipped over 257 million and 232 million phone units, respectively, in 2022 alone, according to research firm Canalys.

 

 

Source

]]>16795Thu, 06 Jul 2023 20:36:30 +0000Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 records lowest 5G battery drain among flagship SoCshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/qualcomm-snapdragon-8-gen-2-records-lowest-5g-battery-drain-among-flagship-socs-r16763/ Ookla, the makers of Speedtest, conducted a 5G battery drain test on some flagship SoCs from popular brands like Qualcomm, Samsung, Google, and MediaTek. The one that stood out was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which recorded the lowest battery drain out of all the chips put to test.

 

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the flagship SoC from Qualcomm that was introduced in 2022 and refreshed in 2023. When connected to 5G, the chip recorded a battery drain of 31% which was 10% less than its predecessor Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

 

On the other hand, Gen 2 recorded a battery drain of 25% when running on 4G LTE which was a 7% drop when compared to Gen 1. It is interesting to note that Gen 2's 5G battery consumption is even lower than the 4G battery consumption of Gen 1.

 

Speaking of Google, its Tensor G2 chip recorded a battery drain of 38% on 5G and 28% on 4G LTE. Meanwhile, the first-generation Tensor chip took a slightly bigger toll with a battery drain of 40% (5G) and 38% (4G LTE) respectively. Tensor G2 powers various recently launched devices such as Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, and Pixel Tablet.

 

Mediatek's Dimensity 9200 turned out to be the second-most efficient chip out of the lot with a drain of 34% when running on 5G. Overall, the results suggest that all the chip brands included in the battery drain test have made improvements to their chips.

 

For instance, Dimensity 9200 made an improvement of 11% over Dimentsity 9000 in 5G battery drain, which was the highest among all SoCs tested. With an 8% improvement, Dimensity 9200 also reduced its battery usage by the highest margin when running on 4G LTE.

 

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"To measure battery drain, we identified all devices recording 100% battery level during morning hours (6am-12pm), and compared to their minimum battery level in the afternoon (12pm-6pm)," Ookla said in a blog post.

 

5G is the latest generation of cellular networks that is capable of delivering peak data rates of up to 20Gbps. However, with all that speed, comes reduced battery life as current 5G networks are designed to be data-only and they are not capable of handling phone calls and messages.

 

Because of that, smartphones simultaneously connect to 3G or LTE networks as well resulting in faster battery drain. The 5G technology is also known to cause interference with airplane equipment which might result in diversion and delays during low-visibility landings.

 

 

Source

]]>16763Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:05:59 +0000Report: OLED iPhone SE 4 apparently delayed again, won't be released until 2025https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/report-oled-iphone-se-4-apparently-delayed-again-wont-be-released-until-2025-r16762/ Apple's iPhone SE 4 is reportedly facing launch delays. The postponment has been attributed to performance and supply issues with Apple's partner BOE (Beijing Oriental Electronics). Researcher Dae-Jeong Yoon also highlighted that the supplier may change for the new OLED iPhone.

 

Yoon's statement revealed that the OLED iPhone SE 4 launch has been pushed back by a year from the expected initial 2024 release to 2025. This development has left customers uncertain about the device's release schedule.

 

According to industry reports from The Elec, both Samsung and LG Display are vying for the opportunity to supply OLED panels for the iPhone SE 4. However, as Yoon suggested, there is still plenty of time until the device's launch, and the situation is subject to change.

 

The launch of the OLED iPhone SE 4 has also been delayed by one year from 2024 to 2025. There's a lot of time left until the launch of the iPhone SE4, so the situation remains to be seen.

 

Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculated that the next iPhone SE would feature an Apple-designed 5G modem and a design similar to the standard iPhone 14. This implied that the device would feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID technology and flat bezels.

 

In a series of tweets, Kuo explained that Apple is likely to postpone or altogether cancel the mass production of the new iPhone SE.

 

The latest iPhone SE was unveiled in March 2022. It features a 4.7-inch LCD screen, Touch ID functionality, 5G capabilities, a 12-megapixel rear camera and the A15 Bionic chip. Starting at $429 in the US, the iPhone SE remains the most affordable model in the iPhone lineup.

 

If these reports is to be believed, Apple may end up shelving the product line altogether after all. The company hasn't confirmed the accuracy of rumors, but we'll likely find out more in the next few months.

 

Source: The Elec via BGR

 

 

Source

]]>16762Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:05:13 +0000Google Pixel 8 Pro prototype images get seemingly leak months before official launchhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-pixel-8-pro-prototype-images-get-seemingly-leak-months-before-official-launch-r16749/ We are still months away from the expected launch of Google's Pixel 8 smartphones. However, someone apparently managed to get a prototype of the Pixel 8 Pro and took pictures of its front and back.

 

The images were originally posted by a person on Reddit, who later deleted those same phones. However, the cat was well out of the bag at that point as the images got reproduced all over the Internet, including Droid Life.

 

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The new photos show once again the new sensor that's placed beneath the phone's rear photo flash. In a previous leak, it was shown to be some kind of temperature reader for a person's head. Another previous unconfirmed report indicated the main camera among the three rear cameras shown in the leaked image will be a 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor, along with a 50MP ultrawide sensor and a 48MP telephoto camera.

 

The front screen offers up even more info on what may be inside the Pixel 8 Pro. That includes 12GB of Samsung LPDDR5 RAM, along with 128GB of onboard UFS storage from SK Hynix. The bootloader also references something called "ripcurrent". That could be the code name for Google's third generation Tensor in-house mobile chip, which is expected to be in both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

 

Before his post was deleted, the Reddit user who uploaded the photos of the Pixel 8 Pro said he had received it "from the device team in Google for testing.” It's pretty clear that he decided to break an NDA. It's also likely that Google is going to try to go after this person for posting these photos.

 

We will likely hear more about the Pixel 8 series of phones in the coming weeks and months. Usually, the new flagship Pixel phones go on sale around October along with some other Google hardware devices.

 

 

Source

]]>16749Tue, 04 Jul 2023 21:04:13 +0000We need to wait until 2026 for a microLED Apple Watchhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/we-need-to-wait-until-2026-for-a-microled-apple-watch-r16748/ According to a recent report, Apple had to postpone the release date of the microLED Apple Watch from 2025 to 2026. The mass production of the Micro LED Apple Watch may be postponed once more amid rumors that Apple's MR gadget Vision Pro manufacturing target for next year has been lowered.

 

According to information made public in April by display analyst Ross Young, the Apple Watch Ultra with microLED display is more likely to debut in the second half of 2025 rather than the previously reported late 2024.

 

Due to issues with high manufacturing costs that must be resolved before Apple can move on with mass production, Trendforce now believes it has been delayed a second time and is unlikely to be released before the first quarter of 2026. It was first reported by The Elec and MacRumors.

 

Since 2014, Apple has been working on creating microLED technology. To join the industry and primarily to integrate vertically, the business purchased LuxVue. Apple is renowned for being among the most successful businesses when it comes to vertical integration, or, to put it another way, managing the manufacturing, distribution, and retailing of its goods or services.

 

For the time being, Apple manufactures its product screens in collaboration with companies like Samsung and LG, but things will be different. To lessen dependency on these collaborations, the corporation intends to promote more internal components. But it will continue to receive assistance from other businesses.

 

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microLED Apple Watch Ultra

Benefits of microLED displays

MicroLED screens are far more energy-efficient than LED displays, which would significantly lengthen the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra and any products that use the technology in the future. Unlike OLEDs, microLEDs offer a greater potential lifetime and a far lower chance of screen burn-in.

 

Due to the pixel-level individual lights, microLED displays also offer improved contrast and quicker reaction times, in addition to better and brighter colours. In a nutshell, it's a new technology that is better than miniLED and OLED.

 

 

 

Source

]]>16748Tue, 04 Jul 2023 21:02:38 +0000Twitter's iOS app is reportedly getting a system-wide picture-in-picture modehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/twitters-ios-app-is-reportedly-getting-a-system-wide-picture-in-picture-mode-r16680/ User reports suggest that Twitter is adding a system-wide picture-in-picture (PiP) mode to its app for iPhone and iPad. A screen recording shared by the Twitter account iSoftware Updates reveals the Twitter PiP mode in action.

 

Picture-in-Picture mode allows users to shrink videos to a small window and continue watching them while doing other tasks on their devices. As shown in the screen recording spotted by Macrumors, it is possible to watch a Twitter video in a floating window on your iPhone.

 

But it seems Twitter is yet to finish the rollout process as the system-wide PiP support is not available to all users. However, Twitter already offers an in-app PiP mode that is available to all users and works inside the app.

 

Picture-in-Picture mode is available on various other apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Apple TV. YouTube's PiP mode only works if you have its premium subscription. However, if you live in the US, you can use PiP mode with your free account, except for some content like music videos.

 

It remains to be seen whether Twitter's PiP mode will be available to all users or it will remain behind the Twitter Blue paywall that deprives free users of essential safety features like SMS-based two-factor authentication and encrypted DMs.

 

The social media company owned by Elon Musk has been putting more focus on video content lately. Its internal data suggests that vertical videos account for more than 10% of the time spent on Twitter. Recently, Elon Musk confirmed in a Twitter response that the company is working on a dedicated app to watch Twitter videos on smart TVs.

 

Last year, Twitter also joined the club of social media apps trying to mimic the fullscreen vertical video format popularized by TIkTok. The platform which once embraced the 140 characters limit now allows users to decorate their tweets with videos and GIFs.

 

 

Source

]]>16680Sat, 01 Jul 2023 20:39:28 +0000At least one big third-party Reddit iOS app will live onhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/at-least-one-big-third-party-reddit-ios-app-will-live-on-r16649/ Narwhal will continue to be available even after the new API pricing kicks in on July 1st.

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This is some old hardware.

Image: Narwhal for Reddit

 

Many Reddit users are mourning the June 30th shutdowns of third-party apps like Apollo for Reddit, rif is fun for Reddit (RIF), and BaconReader, but at least one popular Reddit app will still be around: Narwhal for Reddit.

 

“Narwhal is not going anywhere on July 1st,” Narwhal developer Rick Harrison, who goes by det0ur on Reddit, wrote in a post on the r/getnarwhal subreddit. “It will continue to operate as it has for many years (except it will not have ads anymore).” A lot of popular apps are shutting down because their developers can’t pay the potentially exorbitant API pricing, won’t be allowed to include ads in their apps, and due to the removal of sexually explicit content.

 

However, Narwhal will be changing down the line. “Over the next few months,” Harrison said, he will add subscriptions as part of “Narwal 2” to cover the new costs for using Reddit’s API. The subscriptions will “likely” cost between $4 to $7 per month.

 

For fans of Narwhal, the update should come as a relief — especially given that Harrison was not as optimistic about the app’s future at the beginning of this month. In an email to The Verge, he shared more details about how he will be keeping the app alive.

 

“The main thing that changed between the beginning of June and now is mostly coming to terms with the changes,” Harrison says. “Narwhal is going through massive changes in order to continue.” Harrison confirmed that every user will be required to have a subscription to use the app, though there will “likely” be a thirty to sixty-minute trial when you first download the app. He added that Narwhal 2 represents a “complete rewrite,” with an updated design and new functionality.

 

As for costs, they will scale “per user, so I don’t technically need any,” Harrison says. And he plans to measure API calls per user over the next few weeks to help figure out the final subscription price. However, Harrison declined to answer if he had worked out some kind of deal with Reddit. Reddit spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt said that the company doesn’t disclose private business discussions or agreements.

 

(If Harrison did work out a deal, he would be the first non-accessibility-focused app I’m aware of that’s come to an arrangement with Reddit; the developers of Apollo and RIF have both pushed back on Reddit’s claims that they did not want to work with the company.)

 

Narwhal isn’t the only app that will hang around. The developer of MultiTab for Reddit said that they are increasing the price of the app’s subscriptions to $2.99 per month or $6.99 per year. A couple weeks ago, the developer of the Android app Infinity for Reddit said they planned to make it a subscription-only app, and they reiterated that was the plan in a DM conversation with The Verge on Thursday. They estimate the subscription will cost $3, but also said that if things don’t work out and the app has to be removed from Google Play, users will be able to get it from GitHub.

 

The developer of Relay for Reddit said earlier this month that the app may survive but only with a paid subscription. And RedReader, Dystopia, and Luna will remain available after receiving accessibility exemptions. If I’ve missed any other apps that you’ll still be able to use after June 30th, please email me at jay.peters@theverge.com.

 

Even though there will be a handful of third-party options, the loss of mainstays like Apollo and RIF will be a blow to longtime users of those apps. Depending on when you read this, however, you may have just a bit more time to be able to use them. Apollo developer Christian Selig tells The Verge he plans to turn things off for the app a few hours before July 1st. RIF developer Andrew Shu plans to disable the app after 11:59PM PT on June 30th.

 

Update June 29th, 10:57PM ET: Added comment from Reddit.

 

 

Source

]]>16649Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:16:31 +0000It’s taken one day for customers to report broken Pixel Fold screenshttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/it%E2%80%99s-taken-one-day-for-customers-to-report-broken-pixel-fold-screens-r16611/ Google’s first foldable has officially launched, and we’re already seeing reports of damaged screens — big yikes.

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The Google Pixel Fold was only officially released yesterday, and unfortunately, we’re seeing some of the first major casualties of Hot Foldable Summer. Reports of broken and damaged screens are starting to trickle in, ranging from “Hmm, that might not be great” to “Oh dear God, the humanity.”

 

First, there’s the very unfortunate incident that Ron Amadeo over at Ars Technica experienced: OLED death in no uncertain terms. He reports that a tiny bit of debris likely got into the inner screen’s small “gutter” between the screen protector and bezels and was smashed into the panel by the two halves of the phone closing. A Fold owner on Reddit is also reporting some small dents in this same area of the screen — they haven’t noticed the screen acting up, but given what happened to Ron, that’s plenty concerning. Another Fold owner reports some nasty peeling from the screen protector, along with what appears to be a scratch. I can also see a faint scratch on my review unit’s inner screen protector after just a week of use, which doesn’t inspire confidence, either.

 

Also on r/GooglePixel, user marcusr_uk reports that a bright pink line appeared across the Fold’s inner screen after only a couple of hours. Major ouchies. That certainly sounds like the kind of damage that would be covered by the warranty, and Google offers walk-in and mail-in repair options for the Fold. The company didn’t immediately respond to our request for comment on the situation, but we do know that it plans to let you handle DIY screen repairs with a kit from iFixit if you’re a brave soul.

 

Pixel Fold owners aren’t alone in their suffering. Despite vast improvements in durability over the years, Galaxy Z Fold (and Z Flip) owners still report problems with screen protectors coming unglued, screens cracking at the folding point, and hinges misbehaving. Being prepared for something to go wrong is still a reality of foldable ownership, so it’s all the more important to keep your device backed up, be extra cautious about using it in dusty environments, and purchase your manufacturer’s extended warranty plan if you can. In the meantime, the Hot Foldable Summer party continues — just maybe not at the beach.

 

 

Source

]]>16611Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:20:08 +0000The Surface Duo is Windows Phone all over againhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/the-surface-duo-is-windows-phone-all-over-again-r16610/ Surface Duo seems to be heading down the same path as Windows Phone: doomed.

I remember being quite excited at the prospect of a "Surface Phone" many years ago and there were many rumors at the time. Instead, we were provided with the end of Windows Phone and with it, Microsoft leaving the mobile space. Fast forward a few years and talk of a Surface-branded mobile device resurfaced, ending up with the release of the Surface Duo. This was an Android-powered, dual-screen device with a heavy productivity focus. Once again, I found myself very excited.

 

The Surface Duo's hardware is gorgeous. Super thin compared to the other foldables on the market and rather unique in its overall design; this was definitely a Surface and Microsoft seemed very clear in its philosophy of what it wanted the Duo to be. But this was an Android device. An operating system that didn't have a lot of the functionality that Microsoft needed to make this work, so they had to come up with it themselves. This made it extremely buggy and for a device that was so expensive it didn't go down well in many circles. One thing users of Microsoft products often enjoy though is being part of that development process. being able to see that vision that they also share come to fruition. And support them they did, but did Microsoft care?

Surface Duo agnosticism 

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It feels like we're going down an all too familiar path (Image credit: Future)

 

The small Surface Duo team slowly worked away on the software to get it to a state where it was just about fit for purpose. They even released the Surface Duo 2, taking the hardware to new heights whilst introducing a proper rear camera setup. The latter received a mixed reception from original Surface Duo users in many cases, but the hardware was definitely a huge improvement. The software issues, whilst not as serious, were still plentiful and much scorn was sent Microsoft's way in reviews and other coverage.

 

Even though all of this hardware was hugely impressive to me, and I really wanted to get one, I never did. There was just that doubt at the back of my mind telling me to remember Microsoft's track record with Windows Phone, as well as other things such as the Microsoft Band and even Mixer. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I followed the development and lifespan of Surface Duo aggressively, though. I lived vicariously through a number of friends who had the Duos up until the present time, where we quite possibly find ourselves in that all too familiar graveyard of products that met their end earlier than we'd hoped.

 

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Huawei devices getting Bing AI functionality in SwiftKey whilst MIA on Surface Duo (Image credit: Windows Central)

 

I could be entirely wrong of course and there are still rumors of a Surface Duo 3 appearing next year with a fully foldable screen, not a dual screen as the line has touted thus far. But then why are the Surface Duo and Duo 2 not getting the features that they really should have by now? 

Surface Duo abandoned

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SwiftKey has the new Bing AI features now basically everywhere except Microsoft's own hardware. (Image credit: Windows Central)

 

The support for the Surface Duo and its sibling has just been abysmal. Take SwiftKey for example, which is the default keyboard for the Surface Duo. Bing AI in SwiftKey is still completely missing. 

 

I've been using this on my various Android phones for some time now and assumed it would be on Surface Duo, but alas it is not. In what seems like straight-up disrespect towards the Duo, the Bing AI features are actually available for Huawei phones. Yes Huawei, who haven't been able to make phones running the Google Play Store for years. Old Huawei phones are being prioritised over Surface Duo, which frankly beggars belief. I'm not sure people would be as receptive to the Duo 3 when they're not feeling valued as a customer. 

 

And you may say well so what, Microsoft are clearly just prioritising OEMs based on the number of phones they have is use and clearly not that many people have a Surface Duo. But that's the problem right there; they did exactly the same thing during the Windows Phone days. I remember features for the range of Office apps being rolled out on Android and iOS first because Microsoft wanted to hit the largest number of users possible, especially since many of them were paying customers. But then so were Windows Phone users too. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

 

We were treated like lower grade customers by the company we were buying hardware from, and this only increased in occurrence as time went on. This feels exactly like what is happening with the Surface Duo line. It doesn't seem quite as bad because of course for the most part it's getting app updates along with the rest of the Android ecosystem and still receiving Android security patches. It's the inherent mistreatment by Microsoft towards its own mobile hardware efforts that really stings, especially for those paying nearly $1500 at launch and who want to see the company succeed.

 

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What the Xbox Game Pass app is supposed to look like when it works (Image credit: Windows Central)

 

Another app Surface Duo users like to use is the Xbox Game Pass app. This brought an excellent use of both screens for cloud gaming that you simply could not do on a foldable from another brand. There have however been times where the app just wouldn't work on Duo due to poor updates and right now seems to be another one of those times, as the Xbox Game Pass app isn't working on Duo once more. This ties into another story I just covered with the Microsoft Launcher being broken after the latest update for many users but being especially problematic for Surface Duo users who upon being hit with the error had to reset the launcher and customise it all again. I've had this happen on phones with one screen let alone two. It's not fun having to set up all of your preferences and home screen again. Things like this add to the frustration that users are not being taken seriously and I understand this frustration entirely. 

The mobile market needs a third player

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(Image credit: Windows Central)

 

I like many others really want Microsoft to be a player in the mobile space. We NEED more players, especially in the US market. This was Microsoft's opportunity to build hardware without its hands tied behind its back, as a competitor in the Android ecosystem, rather than a steward of the Windows OEM ecosystem. In its recent court cases with the FTC over Xbox's plan to buy Activision-Blizzard, Microsoft even called out the duopoly between Apple and Google as a major barrier for developers of cloud gaming platforms. Microsoft has discussed building its own mobile gaming store, too. Will it have the same amount of support as the Surface Duo? 

 

We need more mobile players who are willing to try things that are totally out of the norm, leading to breakthrough tech. I was all in with Windows Phone, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy into Surface Duo and it seems like I made the right decision. With Microsoft's current actions causing so much ill will once again, everyone else may soon be tapped out too.

 

 

Source

]]>16610Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:18:29 +0000Microsoft Launcher update causes chaos and frustration for some usershttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/microsoft-launcher-update-causes-chaos-and-frustration-for-some-users-r16581/ Microsoft Launcher users on Reddit and Twitter reporting major issues after latest update

What you need to know

  • The latest update for the Microsoft Launcher is providing major problems for some users.
  • Users are reporting having uninstall/reinstall to get it working.
  • This seems to be more of an issue for Surface Duo users, timed unfortunately alongside a recent system update. 

 

 

Reports on Reddit and Twitter started coming in this morning from users of the Microsoft Launcher after their app was updated to the latest version. It's not clear right now as to how many are affected by this, but it does seem to be happening to a range of devices and not just the Surface Duo. 

 

Twitter user tkuenneth received the June update for his Surface Duo and this immediately caused Microsoft Launcher to stop working. 

 

This next image is from Reddit user yugabe, with the same issue as above but with the error code in English, which shows the option to reset the launcher once the error code pops up.

 

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Something went wrong alright.  (Image credit: Reddit user /yugabe)

 

Of course, if you're on a Surface Duo with Microsoft launcher as your only launcher this could be more of an irritation, but for those on other phones with a different default launcher it should automatically switch to that so you will still be able to use your phone just fine.

 

It seems for those that have updated there's no real solution other than to reset the launcher to get it working again. However, some users are also reporting that resetting the launcher doesn't work either. Hopefully Microsoft can get an update pushed out quickly to fix these issues. Having to reset the launcher is bad enough but when you end up having to customize all of your settings again that certainly gets tiring quick.

 

We'll keep an eye out to see if this problem is more widespread than we believe it to be right now. Hopefully it's limited to a small number of users.

 

 

Source

]]>16581Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:17:59 +0000Google may replace Android logo with this 3D robot headhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-may-replace-android-logo-with-this-3d-robot-head-r16576/ Google has confirmed that a new Android logo is coming soon and will feature a 3D design, signaling a new look for the iconic green robot. While specific details remain undisclosed, Google has been teasing the updated design for several months at buildings and events.

 

The confirmation about the logo update was shared on Google's blog, The Keyword, which showed the revamped icon through screenshots. A retrospective review of The Keyword reveals that Google initially introduced variations of the 3D logo during CES 2023.

 

In addition to the 3D robot, Google has also changed the accompanying wordmark for Android. The future version will depart from the lowercase "a" and embrace a more sophisticated capitalized variation, featuring what appears to be a new font style.

 

The new font also incorporates perfectly rounded shapes for the letters "n" and "r," evoking the design aesthetics reminiscent of the refined 2014 wordmarks.

 

1687862154_google-android-new-logo.jpg

 

Notably, the new logo is expected to be prominently displayed on the boot screen of all Android devices, replacing the current "Powered by Android" branding. This move signifies Google's commitment to refreshing the visual identity of its mobile OS and aligning it with contemporary design trends.

 

Meanwhile, Google's latest Android version — Android 14 — is set to launch during the fall season this year. As the tradition goes, Android 14 is currently available in beta for owners of select smartphones to try out the upcoming features before a wider release.

 

If you are already registered as an Android beta tester, you can check for the update under Settings > System > System Update if it hasn't already popped up in the notifications. We recommend you wait a few months and avoid enrolling in Android 14 if you especially want to try out these new features.

 

Source: 9to5Google

 

 

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]]>16576Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:08:41 +0000New Samsung foldable leaks give us the best look yet at the Z Flip 5https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/new-samsung-foldable-leaks-give-us-the-best-look-yet-at-the-z-flip-5-r16566/ New details also line up with previous rumors about the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Z_flip_and_fold_5.png

Leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Image: SnoopyTech

With about a month to go until the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, we may have a pretty comprehensive idea about what to expect from the next version of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Several leaks over the last few days have revealed a lot about what the phones may look like — and what’s under their respective hoods — ahead of their official unveiling.

A Twitter leak from Revegnus on July 25th showed a photo of a folded phone that looks to be to be the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in a blocky, black case (via 9to5Google). The case hides a lot of the design, but what you can see backs up previous alleged renders. For instance, the screen on the back may be the same 3.4-inch 720 x 748 cover screen that’s been predicted. You can also make out the side-by-side camera lenses, another rumored update to the design.

The phone looks like it folds flat, but it’s hard to say for sure with the case on it. Still, that could mean Samsung may use its new droplet-style folding technique that’s been rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 as well, which the frequently reliable tipster Ice Universe has indicated in the past.

A droplet-style fold has been used already in competitors’ phones like the Oppo Find N2 and it should reduce the visible crease where the phones fold — something that has plagued folding phones since their inception.

Next up, prolific leaker SnoopyTech sent people on a bit of a scavenger hunt on Monday that led to sets of leaked renders of both the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in various colours, using a binary-coded tweet as the first clue. When translated, it directed readers to Pastebin for more clues, and eventually, to renders and specs. I’ve collected some of the renders in the gallery below:

Galaxy_Z_Flip_5_renders.png

Leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Image: SnoopyTech

 

Galaxy_Z_Fold_5_renders.png

Leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Image: SnoopyTech

In the spec sheet SnoopyTech also included in the crumb trail,the colours are listed as Cream; Graphite; Mint; and Lavender for the Z Flip 5 and Icy Blue; Cream; and Phantom Black for the Z Fold 5.

Apart from new colour shades and obvious design tweaks, other changes to Samsung’s foldables include upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPUs and a thinner chassis for both phones — partially backing up an April rumor that the Z Fold 5’s depth would be shaved.

According to SnoopyTech’s leaked specs, the Fold 5 will shrink from 14.2mm — the thinnest point of a folded Galaxy Z Fold 4 — to 13.4mm. The Z Flip 5 will also thin up, coming in at 15.1mm when folded versus 15.9mm at the thinnest point of a folded Z Flip 4. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 may also lose some weight, dropping 10 grams from last year’s model. Finally, the leak shows the Fold 5’s camera array may have a 12MP telephoto lens — other previous leaks have put its telephoto at 10MP, which the Fold 4 used.

There are two notable absences in SnoopyTech’s leak: no 128GB model and no 1TB model for either phone. While that doesn’t mean we won’t see those storage levels in the final phones, it’s worth looking out for next month. Otherwise, based on SnoopyTech’s listed specs, no other differences stood out — the specs for battery life, Wi-Fi connectivity, RAM, and more all point to mostly unchanged internals.

 

Source

]]>16566Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:54:09 +0000Android phones may soon have 24GB of RAMhttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/android-phones-may-soon-have-24gb-of-ram-r16555/ Apple critics have often complained that its products offer too less for what they cost. In the Android ecosystem, the scenario is exactly the opposite: you can get a lot for less than half of the price of an iPhone. Soon enough, this gap might widen even more, with 24GB of RAM becoming the standard for flagship phones.

 

According to a trusted Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, Android smartphones with 24GB of RAM are coming. On the Chinese social media Weibo, the leaker has claimed that "Oga" has started working on popularizing that large memory. If you have never heard of them, Oga manufacturers consist of Realme, OnePlus, and Oppo.

 

The leaker has not given us details on which company of that group is working on 24GB of RAM for its phones. However, the Weibo post claims that 24GB RAM will be offered as the top configuration of the company's flagship line and 16GB will be the standard memory. Undoubtedly, it will create a lot of buzz, but the real question is how useful that will be in the real world.

 

A few years ago, the arrival of a 200MP camera on Android phones created a lot of buzz, but the sheer number of megapixels has not really changed the game for the industry. It will be interesting to see how companies sell the idea of a RAM as big as 24GB to the users.

 

While hardware requirement depends on how you want to use your phone, 8GB of RAM is considered sufficient for most people. And those who want future-proofing might wish to settle on 12GB or 16GB. Anything above that might look attractive on paper, but you will unlikely achieve something great that can solve a particular problem.

 

 

What do our readers think about a phone with 24GB of RAM? How many of you want to have one? Sound off in the comments section.

 

Source: Digital Chat Station

 

 

Source

]]>16555Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:28:55 +0000The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip will give budget smartphones better performancehttps://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/the-new-qualcomm-snapdragon-4-gen-2-chip-will-give-budget-smartphones-better-performance-r16554/ While we expect to see high performance on flagship phones with higher-end processors inside, the same sometimes cannot be said for smartphones that have a lower price. Today, Qualcomm promises to cut that gap between performance and price with the newly revealed Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 chipset.

 

Qualcomm's press release stated:

 

The first 4nm platform in the 4-series, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 was designed to extend battery life and improve overall platform efficiency. The Qualcomm Kryo CPU offers peak speeds up to 2.2 GHz and up to 10% better CPU performance for speedy everyday use. Qualcomm® Quick Charge 4+ Technology can refill up to 50% of a battery in just 15 minutes, avoiding the hassle of limiting device interaction throughout the day.

 

Qualcomm says the new chipset will also improve images taken with budget smartphones, with features like electronic image stabilization and faster autofocus. The hardware also supports Multi Camera Temporal Filtering so videos can access noise reduction.

 

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will also use AI features for improved images including a way to take better pictures while in low light conditions. The chipset's Snapdragon X61 5G Modem-RF System will be able to support more networks, frequencies, and bandwidths so it can be used on a wider variety of cellular networks. It will also include Qualcomm Wi-Fi 5 hardware for faster and better speeds on Wi-Fi networks.

 

The first smartphones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset will begin to become available sometime in the second half of 2023. Smartphone makers Redmi and Vivo have already committed to launching new handsets with the new Snapdragon budget chipset.

 

Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset for mid-range priced smartphones back in March. We can expect to hear about the company's next-gen flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, sometime later in 2023.

 

 

Source

]]>16554Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:28:04 +0000How to create new Safari profiles on iOS 17https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/how-to-create-new-safari-profiles-on-ios-17-r16553/ Apple's iOS 17 brings an exciting new feature to Safari, Safari profiles, allowing users to create customized profiles based on their workflows, interests, and preferences.

 

With separate histories, extensions, cookies, tab groups, and favorites, Safari profiles offer a unique and personalized browsing experience. But first, you need to know how to create and enable a new profile in Safari.

 

iOS-17-Safari-profiles_1.jpg
Safari profiles are a feature introduced in iOS 17, allowing users to create customized profiles within the Safari browser - Image: Apple

Why do you need new Safari profiles?

Safari Profiles provide users with the ability to personalize their browsing experience by creating distinct profiles tailored to their specific needs.

 

Unlike tab groups, which share browsing data across sessions, Safari Profiles keep histories, cookies, extensions, and favorites separate, ensuring a more focused and specialized browsing environment.

 

For instance, a work profile can be created, encompassing logged-in services and websites relevant to professional tasks, along with specific extensions used exclusively for work-related activities.

 

iOS-17-Safari-profiles_3.jpg

Each Safari profile has separate histories, extensions, cookies, tab groups, and favorites, ensuring a distinct

and personalized environment

Meanwhile, a separate home profile can be dedicated to personal browsing, complete with customized tab groups and logged-in services for personal use. This segregation helps maintain focus and easily switch between different browsing sessions.

 

The versatility of Safari profiles extends beyond work and personal use. Users can leverage this feature to create profiles tailored to various topics, workflows, locations, or specific interests.

 

By doing so, they can streamline their browsing experience and have quick access to relevant information based on the profile they are using.

How to create new Safari profiles on iOS 17

To make the most of Safari profiles on iOS 17, follow these simple steps:

 

  1. Open the Settings app and navigate to Safari
  2. Scroll down and tap on "New Profile" under PROFILES
  3. Enter a desired name for the new profile in the "NAME AND ICON" section
  4. Choose an icon to represent the profile
  5. Select a colour that corresponds to the profile
  6. Set up favorites for the profile by assigning a folder or creating a new one
  7. Define where new tabs should open when using this profile
  8. Tap "Done" to complete the creation of the new profile

 

Now that you have created your new Safari profile, let's go over how you can switch to another profile.

 

  1. Open Safari and tap on the tabs icon in the bottom right corner
  2. Tap the Menu icon at the bottom of the screen
  3. Select "Profile" and choose the desired profile to use

 

The selected profile will be indicated by a coloured background on the new tab page, matching the assigned colour.

 

iOS-17-Safari-profiles.jpg
Safari profiles are ideal for individuals who manage multiple accounts or frequently switch between different online identities

Now you can freely browse, add extensions, create tab groups, and mark tabs as favorites within the current profile, as these settings remain unique to each profile.

 

With Safari profiles, iOS 17 users can unlock a highly personalized browsing experience that adapts to their workflows and interests. Take advantage of this feature to enhance productivity and make the most of Safari's capabilities.

 

 

 

Source

]]>16553Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:27:04 +0000Google canceling Pixel Fold pre-orders are supposedly due to 'a bug'https://nsaneforums.com/news/mobile-news/google-canceling-pixel-fold-pre-orders-are-supposedly-due-to-a-bug-r16552/ Google's first-ever foldable smartphone, Pixel Fold, has encountered a significant setback as customers who pre-ordered the device are experiencing order cancellations and payment verification problems. Many consumers eagerly anticipating the Pixel Fold's release are now facing delays and frustrations due to these unexpected issues.

 

Reports from Redditors who pre-ordered the Pixel Fold through the Google Store have emerged, highlighting instances where their orders were canceled or put on hold just before shipment. The primary reason for these cancellations seems to be related to payment verification difficulties, where the bank or credit card associated with the order cannot be verified by Google.

 

One affected customer shared their disappointment on Reddit, stating that their May 10 order was canceled due to "payment verification problems." They expressed relief that an unauthorized $2,000 charge did not go through but expressed frustration at waiting an additional month for their Pixel Fold.

 

You canceled my order 2 days before delivery of two pixel folds worth £3500 and waited 2 months on pre order, this is such terrible customer service!

 

I contacted support but it didn't seem like they were able to help much. I had them escalate it to their supervisor but I have seen some people say on Twitter that support told them it was a bug.

 

Upon investigating the matter, Google's support team has reportedly acknowledged that the issue stems from a bug. For customers whose purchases were put on hold, Google has sent emails notifying them of the issue and providing an option to update their payment method.

 

However, affected users have expressed concern over not receiving email notifications about the cancellations. Instead, they only discovered the status change by checking their order information.

 

Also, those pre-orders will need to re-purchase the Pixel Fold, as Google will not honor the initial pre-orders. As a result, customers now face an extended waiting period, with the current estimated delivery date being late August.

 

 

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