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magzoso-tech · 4 years

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Leaked in Alleged Hands-on Video, Reveals an Uncomfortably Tall Display

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will soon break cover as the company’s answer to Motorola Razr (2019). Merely days after appearing in leaked renders and getting its entire specifications as well as pricing leaked, the Galaxy Z Flip has now appeared in an alleged hands-on video. The video leaves little to the imagination when it comes to showcasing the phone’s clamshell foldable design and its small cover display that sits alongside the dual rear camera module. But the first thing that comes to mind after seeing the Galaxy Z Flip unfold is how uncomfortably large the phone actually is, thanks in no part to the super tall aspect ratio.

The alleged hands-on video was shared on Twitter by concept designer Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin), who is said to have lifted it from Instagram. The video shows the upcoming Samsung foldable phone in its dazzling pink colour option that has shades of purple as well. It is quite evident from the get-go that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is quite chunky compared to the Motorola Razr (2019) even in the folded state. But when it is unfolded, it appears to be significantly taller, thanks to the 22:9 aspect ratio Samsung is going for. The person handling the phone clearly appears to be struggling with the sheer size, and it is going to be a tough task for users trying to reach for content in the upper half of the screen.

A 6.7-inch (1080×2636 pixels) HDR10+ Infinity Flex screen with a centrally-positioned hole-punch takes the centre stage. And thanks to an extensive leak that surfaced recently, we know almost everything about the Galaxy Z Flip’s internals prior to its official unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 11. The upcoming foldable phone is said to pack a 1.06-inch (116×300 pixels) Super AMOLED cover display with Gorilla Glass 6 protection on its rear panel for checking time and notifications.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will reportedly be powered by the Snapdragon 855+ SoC ticking alongside 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The dual rear camera includes a 12-megapixel main shooter with an f/1.8 lens, assisted by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle snapper with 123-degree field of view. On the front is a 10-megapixel snapper with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus support as well. The highly anticipated phone is said to come equipped with a 3,300mAh battery with 15W wired charging and up to 9W wireless charging support.

As for the pricing, the Galaxy Z Flip will reportedly set buyers back by EUR 1,500 (roughly Rs. 117,600) in Europe, or $1,399 (roughly Rs. 1,00,000) in the US as per a recent tweet by technology analyst Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser). The phone is said to go on sale starting February 14 in Europe, but there is no word regarding its region-wise availability in markets such as India yet.

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immedtech · 4 years

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CES 2020: What to expect

We're only a few days into 2020, but we're already busy getting ready for the Consumer Electronics Show. The annual event for all things tech kicks off in Las Vegas next week, and we'll be there to check it all out. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect.

Screens of all shapes and sizes

It wouldn't be CES without being surrounded by a plethora of screens, and 2020 looks to be no different. Like in years past, expect there to be bigger and better TV screens on display (no pun intended). Take 8K, for example. No one really needs an 8K television (considering the absolute dearth of 8K media out there), but that won't stop manufacturers from churning them out. Remember Samsung's ridiculous 292-inch 8K The Wall TV? We'd be seriously disappointed if we don't see even more extravagances like that next week.

Aside from that, we'll likely see improved OLED panels, plus a bigger push toward MicroLED adoption. (MicroLED screens supposedly pack in the same brightness and color as OLED panels, but with greater longevity.) And in case normal TVs are just too boring for you, expect stylish sets from all the big companies. Samsung gave us a sneak peek at a zero-bezel TV, for example, and LG has already teased a rollable OLED concept that unfurls from the ceiling.

Of course, CES will feature smaller screens too -- especially in the form of laptops and phones. Even though 2019 was a bust for the foldable display trend -- the Samsung's Galaxy Fold wasn't exactly a smash hit -- we definitely expect to see more companies showing off their own takes on flexible displays, not just in phones, but laptops too. We also won't be surprised if we see more devices with dual screens, too. Perhaps we'll get to see a final version of Intel's dual-screen gaming prototype we saw last year.

Transportation tech

Even though CES is ostensibly a tech show, cars have been taking up more and more floor space in the past few years. At CES 2020, expect to see even more concept vehicles that show off the latest in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving tech and EV innovations. A few companies have already teased what they're going to show: Aston Martin will have a three-video-feed rearview mirror, Fiat Chrysler touts an all-digital cabin concept, Honda will demonstrate its AI assistant, and Jeep is planning to reveal its first-ever fleet of plug-in hybrids.

We also look forward to checking out the Nawa e-motorbike plus the new eScooter and eMoped from Segway (which was acquired by Ninebot a few years ago). But perhaps the most exciting transportation-related demonstration at the show would be Hyundai's take on the flying car.

The home gets smarter

As at previous shows, we expected the connected home to be a big part of CES 2020. Not only do we foresee even more connected fridges and ovens, we also think we'll see connectivity in even more devices like faucets, showers and lamps (like this unique indoor gardening appliance by LG). We also won't be surprised if we see more competitors to Nest and Ring in the area of security cameras. As these two companies tend to dominate the news, more competition in the space is certainly welcome.

On top of that, we expect all these companies to assure us of better security. Ring, for example, got into some trouble a few weeks ago when hackers successfully infiltrated their systems and bribed homeowners and even scared an 8-year-old child. It would behoove Ring (and parent company Amazon) and Google to demonstrate that they're trustworthy companies, especially when it comes to home security.

Assistant overload

We already know that Google and Amazon will have a large presence at CES next week so expect a lot more devices to have either Assistant or Alexa built-in. Whether it's with televisions, cars or connected speakers, two companies will likely duke it out to see which one can incorporate its assistant into our lives. We've already seen companies like LG announce that their soundbars will have Google Assistant baked-in, for example.

We can also expect these two assistants to be in more home appliances than ever before. Either they'll be integrated at the point of purchase or you can add that functionality later on with an inexpensive add-on. And it won't just be smart speakers and smart displays this year, but many more everyday items will soon be voice-activated too.

5G in more devices

At CES 2020, we expect 5G connectivity to show up not just in phones, but also laptops and beyond. We've already seen this in the Dell Latitude 9510, which debuted earlier this week. 5G networks aren't very prevalent right now, but by the time the laptop comes to market in March of this year, they may be more widespread than they are now. As AT&T and Verizon widen their 5G footprints, we'll definitely see more than just Dell make hardware 5G-compatible, and CES 2020 could be our first chance to get a glimpse of them.

Everything else

When it comes to computing, we can expect more ultraportable laptops with Intel's latest 10th gen chips and perhaps some AMD graphics news as well. With more powerful chips on the way, gaming laptops could also be a highlight at CES next week. Seeing as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are expected later this year, we could see more companies getting into the gaming-accessory market. With Stadia and xCloud on the rise in 2020, perhaps we'll get some news in the cloud-gaming arena too, maybe from the likes of Google or NVIDIA.

It also won't surprise us to see more wearables with a healthcare bent, though we don't expect anything to really topple Fitbit or the Apple Watch. True wireless earbuds will definitely continue to be a trend at CES 2020 as well, thanks in part to last year's arrival of the AirPods Pro prompting some competition. Expect even more earbuds to offer noise-canceling features, perhaps at a cheaper price.

Of course, you should also expect the unexpected. It seems that every year, there'll be an innovation that surprises us, be it a smart breast pump, a bread robot or a meatless burger. Whether or not our predictions come to fruition, there's no doubt there'll be at least one surprise from the show. We'll just have to wait a few more days to find out.

- Repost from: engadget Post

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biofunmy · 5 years

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Samsung Galaxy Fold: Your questions, answered

Samsung’s Galaxy Fold is here, but is it worth it? We went hands-on with Samsung’s nearly $2,000 phone to find out. USA TODAY

Samsung’s new $1,980 Galaxy Fold has been making waves over the last two weeks, not necessarily for all the right reasons.

And now the arrival of Samsung’s foldable hybrid – a cross between a thick smartphone and iPad Mini-sized tablet – has been delayed until at least next month, in the aftermath of screen damage and busted phones reported by early reviewers.

Ahead of such problems, the phone drew plenty of hype and buzz for its innovative design, not to mention its near $2,000 price.

At Samsung’s request, we are returning our review unit Tuesday, but USA TODAY’s Ed Baig and Eli Blumenthal have been messing around with the device for the last week.

Here’s what we experienced, and what you need to know to get caught up on the news.

The latest news

What’s going on with the delay?

The saga that led to the delay began after reviewers from CNBC, The Verge, Bloomberg as well as influential YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who (like USA TODAY) were among those given pre-release test units, reported screen damage that broke the Fold.

Galaxy Fold delay: Samsung delays launch of Galaxy Fold following display issues

Half-off Google Pixel: Want a Google Pixel 3 for half off? Here’s how you can get one

The display on the unit given to CNBC, for example, flickered uncontrollably causing the device to turn off and completely malfunction.

After one day of use… pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9

— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019

The Verge said its unit developed “a bulge that appeared to be the result of something in between the screen and the hinge.”

The back of the Galaxy Fold. (Photo: Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY)

Other problems surfaced after testers peeled off what appeared to be a protective film on the screen, that was, in fact, not meant to be removed, though Samsung didn’t do a good enough job of communicating this point in its packaging handed to reviewers.

The phone comes with this protective layer/film. Samsung says you are not supposed to remove it. I removed it, not knowing you’re not supposed to (consumers won’t know either). It appeared removable in the left corner, so I took it off. I believe this contributed to the problem. pic.twitter.com/fU646D2zpY

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) April 17, 2019

Samsung began an investigation that is still going on.

Meanwhile, if you already pre-ordered the Fold you can cancel at any time, Samsung says. You haven’t been charged yet anyway since the phone hasn’t shipped.

Is our test phone broken?

Our test unit, a European variant of the Fold, worked fine after a week of use. The phone still opened and closed as it initially did, with the protective layer on the tablet screen still intact and functioning.

Our use, thus far

Favorite feature?

Ed Baig: Putting aside the issues some have experienced with the 7.3-inch tablet display – and frankly that’s now hard to do now, given the delay and all – it has to be the way this thing folds. That is quite a technological achievement.

I’m not even put off by the line that is sometimes visible on the screen, depending on the angle you are looking at or what background is on the display. The size is ideal for watching video or reading an eBook, and even in its open state holdable with one-hand, though true one-handed operation is reserved for when the phone is closed and when you’re relying on the outside display, to check on a text or take a selfie.

Eli Blumenthal: I still am impressed with the overall usefulness of the foldable screen. I use my phone as my main television and the ability to just open up the phone in bed and watch the NBA playoffs on a big screen without grabbing a tablet or television remote worked surprisingly well.

Biggest gripe?

Eli: The front “phone” screen on the Fold is really bad. While 4.6-inches, the screen is very narrow, making it hard to type, watch videos with, take pictures on or just generally use beyond a few simple tasks. You can’t even use the front screen horizontally to type text messages or browse Chrome in landscape mode.

Maps, making calls and controlling music are all fine, but this front seems to exist as just a way to get people to open the larger tablet. The good thing is that tablet experience does work so well.

I’m going to go one step further and give a “runner up” gripe to the fingerprint sensor on the side. This didn’t work well for me when the phone was closed and was even more difficult to use when the Fold was opened.

Also a nearly $2,000 phone that isn’t water-resistant in 2019? Hard pass.

The Galaxy Fold’s divider isn’t always hidden. (Photo: Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY)

Ed: I agree on all of the above. Let me mention another: the fact that this phone doesn’t have 5G. Granted, these are the earliest days for the rollout of the next generation of mobile wireless. But if you’re going to spend nearly two-grand on a device like this, you’d want it to be 5G-ready.

Even if Samsung in a year or whatever comes out with a 5G version and an attractive trade-in option, I’m just not paying that much in the interim for a device that in some respects is half-baked.

While I’m at it, let me also complain about the removal of your standard-sized headphone jack, though Samsung, of course, isn’t exactly alone with this complaint. (I’m looking at you Apple.)

Eli: Both valid points, though Samsung does include a pair of its otherwise $129 Galaxy Buds in the box with the Fold. They do get points there.

Ed: I’ll give you that, though I sometimes still prefer to use better, corded headphones.

Any surprise?

Eli: While Samsung has plenty of work to do in fixing up the Fold’s screen problems, I have been pleasantly surprised by how polished the software is. Samsung is not known for its software prowess (see: Bixby, the company’s Siri/Alexa/Google Assistant rival) but kudos to Samsung and Google for making the phone work, for the most part, really well. Apps transitioned quickly between the two displays, games played smoothly and multi-tasking worked.

I had some issues with certain apps playing videos simultaneously in multitasking mode (turning the tablet into a quasi-“sports bar,” if you will), but things mostly worked well.

Ed: One positive for sure seemed to be battery life, which you’d ordinarily wonder about on a device of this size with two screens. It has a dual battery system that works in tandem. And while I didn’t conduct any formal kind of battery test, the Fold appeared to have plenty of juice even after a full day of mixed use.

When closed the Galaxy Fold is roughly the size of two Galaxy S10 line phones. (Photo: Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY)

Where do you see this tech going forward?

Ed: I think foldable designs have a world of potential and are here to stay in one manner or another. Having said that, though, “screen-gate” certainly represents a step back not only for Samsung but for the entire foldable market.

Of course, the expectation is none of the early foldable phones would be perfect – these are, after all, version 1.0 devices that you’d expect to improve dramatically in their next iterations and beyond.

Still, there are several interesting developments in the foldable space. One device to watch is a rumored foldable Razr phone from Lenovo-owned Motorola.

More: Ready for Motorola’s Razr comeback? The new foldable phone may launch this summer

And another is Huawei’s Mate X, which turned heads recently at the MWC trade show in Barcelona. It faces two big and possibly insurmountable problems. For one thing, if you think Samsung’s phone is pricey, Huawei’s device would cost about $2,600. Then there’s the matter of whether such a phone could even be released in the States anytime soon given the political football over whether Huawei is an agent of espionage for China, something the company has strongly denied.

The front and back of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold. (Photo: Samsung)

Eli: Agreed, though again, I’m still impressed at how far along Samsung has gotten with proving this concept. The problems make it very, very clear that the company has a lot of work to do before anyone should think about buying this device, but you can’t discount the potential for this technology to influence the future of phones and computing.

What’s does this mean for Samsung?

Ed: Nothing good. Remember, Samsung is a company that, within our collective memory, had to withstand another PR firestorm over the Galaxy Note 7, which had batteries that caught fire, leading to three separate recalls. It cost Samsung billions of dollars and made it a punchline.

To its credit, Samsung recovered from the Note 7 and presumably can get past this crisis as well.

But this surely doesn’t help and how Samsung manages the eventual release of the phone will be telling.

Samsung Galaxy Fold (Photo: Samsung)

Eli: A big save for Samsung is the fact that this phone is not yet in the hands of the public. One can only imagine what they would’ve had to deal with if the Fold was already released.

That’s not to excuse this – the press should not be a way to test whether your product works – but from a PR standpoint, this type of crisis is a black-eye, not a knockout punch. Companies, including Samsung as you mentioned, have dealt with far worse and recovered just fine.

If Samsung does fix the Fold I do think people will quickly forget all about this issue the same way they have with delays of other failed product launches in the past.

Worth the price?

Samsung’s Galaxy Fold (Photo: Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY)

Eli: The more I use this phone, the more I’m reminded of the first iPhone in 2007. High price, limited or missing features, bulky size and questionable design decisions (remember Apple’s recessed headphone jack?). Even with all that, though, you could see the potential.

As you’ve mentioned, this is very much a first-generation product. And as we’ve discussed, there are plenty of important issues Samsung needs to work out.

At $1,980, no one, except people who need to have the latest and greatest, should buy this phone as their main device. But like with the original iPhone, I’m still bullish on where this goes next.

Ed: I believe in its potential too. The design is impressive and so is the underlying technology. But even if Samsung didn’t have screen problems, I’m not buying, I just can’t justify spending anywhere near this much.

Follow Ed Baig on Twitter @edbaig; Follow Eli Blumenthal @edblumenthal

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/04/23/samsung-galaxy-fold-your-questions-answered/3539446002/

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appinsta · 5 years

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How Samsung’s luxury flip phones paved the way for the Galaxy F

Samsung

Smartphones with foldable displays will hit the market in 2019 after years of speculation and anticipation. Some say these folding phones will revolutionize the stagnant mobile world. Others expect nothing more than an expensive gimmick.

Whatever foldable phones will become, one thing they certainly are not, is new. In fact, Samsung has been releasing expensive folding smartphones for many years.

Though they’re generally sold only in China, long-time Android Authority followers will already know about Samsung’s W series. These clamshell phones don’t feature folding displays, but they are in many ways the precursor to the upcoming Galaxy F, and could offer a glimpse of what’s to come.

Samsung

Unfolding the specs

Samsung has been making W-series flip phones for the Chinese market since 2006, and it’s a line it continues to pursue in the present day.

W-branded smartphones offer high-end specs like you would find in Samsung flagship Note and S series, including the latest chipsets, multiple cameras, and lots of RAM. Last year’s Samsung W2019 has dual 12MP rear cameras, a Snapdragon 845 chip, 6GB RAM, and 128GB or 256GB storage.

Editor's Pick

Samsung talks folding phone design, says innovation isn’t dead

Between triple cameras and slider designs, it's tough to argue that we're not seeing at least some innovation in the smartphone space. But Samsung (unsurprisingly) thinks the real innovation will come in the display arena. In …

Apple regular finds itself around the top of the leaderboard in yearly smartphone shipments, though it has traditionally focused on the premium segment alone. A $1,500 phone with an unprecedented screen technology — as the Galaxy F is tipped to be — seems like a sensible gamble in the markets where such devices have proven successful.

Samsung’s luxury flip phones have even given it a chance to test such high price tags. The latest W phone, the W2019 released last year, cost 18,999 yuan (~$2,800) — far more than what expected with the Galaxy F. The phone’s predecessor, the W2018, was priced at 15,999 yuan (~$2,360). The series’ pricing has actually increased every year.

These are surprisingly expensive phones, yet they have an audience even with their antiquated design because they fit their market. Though nobody can be certain of this yet, it appears increasingly likely that phones with folding glass displays will carve a niche in markets craving innovative tech.

A Samsung folding phone prototype inside a case.

Knowledge and experience

Samsung’s W series has reduced the commercial risk of its upcoming folding device in several key ways. It’s not just market observations based on similar folding devices in China, Samsung has also gained valuable experience just by creating these products.

Samsung has for years had to consider the technological implications of two displays, things like durability (which we know has been a chief concern in the folding phone’s development), the physical constraints of the body (like how to fit the components around the folding mechanism), as well as how the Android software will integrate with two displays.

A smartphone with a folding display is a different beast, of course, but it’s more like a dual display clamshell phone than a traditional flagships like the Galaxy S series.

Samsung

What Samsung’s learned from clamshells will undoubtedly help it in the folding display field, and give it an edge on manufacturers who’ve only ever developed for single screens.

Some of those OEMs will be hard at work readying their own folding phones, of course. Samsung faces competition from major OEMs like Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo, and potentially Motorola, which is said to gunning for a Razr series revival.

Samsung is already aware people will pay big prices for its high-powered flip phones — it’s produced many. As much of a technological leap as the Galaxy F may be, it’s only a small step away from a luxury flip phone. For Samsung, that can only be a good thing.

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kristablogs · 4 years

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What you need to know about Microsoft’s new $1,400, dual-screen smartphone

It's like a multi-monitor setup in your pocket. (Microsoft/)

In the spring of 2019, folding smartphones felt imminent. Samsung was about to launch the flashy, expensive Galaxy Z Fold and numerous other manufacturers were showing off flexible prototypes and concepts designed to free us from the monolithic smartphone design. Then the Galaxy Fold stumbled when the screen and hinge proved too fragile for typical use. Just as Samsung got a solid fix in place for its $2,000+ device, Microsoft introduced its different approach to folding devices. The Surface Duo employs two typical touchscreens held together with a hinge. They can work together or separately and avoid the possibly durability and reliability issues involved with creasing a delicate piece of electronics.

Now, the better part of a year later, Microsoft has announced the pricing, specs, and availability for the Surface Duo. It’s up for pre-order today for $1,399, which is considerably cheaper than the full-sized Galaxy Z Fold, and matches the retail price of Samsung’s smaller, clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip.

The Surface Duo’s defining feature includes a pair of vertical, 5.6-inch screens attached with a hinge that allows them to operate as a makeshift 8.1-inch display when laid flat open. Unlike a folding display, however, that leaves a very visible line down the center of the device. If you’re going to play a game on Xbox Game Pass or watch a movie, you’re likely going to want to do so on one of the smaller screens since the gap in the middle of the of the full display takes up precious real estate.

Instead of trying to sell the Surface Duo as an 8.1-inch screen that fits in your pocket, the company is focusing on the possible advantages of carrying a multi-monitor setup with you. So, you can video chat on one screen and check emails in another. Or, you can keep two browsers open next to each other to compare items or sites.

It runs Android—sorry if you were hoping for the rebirth of Windows Phone—but the apps don’t need special modifications because of the two-screen setup. The latest version of Android specifically supports folding phones, but the Surface Duo mostly treats apps as if they’re running natively on one of the two displays. Click a link in an app and it can open on the other screen. It’s built for multi-tasking rather than really immersing yourself in any kind of content. That happens without any special code.

From a hardware standpoint, the specs are slightly perplexing considering the price point. It doesn’t have 5G connectivity, which likely won’t be a huge sticking point in a practical sense for most users, but it’s odd for a $1,400 device. It also lacks NFC and Wifi 6. It has just one camera with an 11-megapixel sensor that handles typical photo and video shooting as well as video chatting. Two cameras—one front and one back—has been the bare minimum, even on cheaper phones, for years.

Rumors claim that Samsung will announce its next Z Fold in the coming weeks. It will undoubtedly draw more comparisons to Microsoft’s curious gadget, which starts shipping on September 10th. Right now, the Surface Duo seems like the vastly more practical option. With those huge bezels and no exterior screen, it even looks more practical at first glance. While it may not be as slick, it seems considerably more usable.

Microsoft has also introduced an API so developers can specifically adjust their apps to work with the Surface Duo and other dual-screen devices coming down the line. The company is adamant, however, that its partnership with Android and its efforts to make stock apps work without special requirements will help the Surface Duo’s adoption, especially in the early stages. That’s a lesson learned from the Windows Phone (RIP).

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scootoaster · 4 years

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What you need to know about Microsoft’s new $1,400, dual-screen smartphone

It's like a multi-monitor setup in your pocket. (Microsoft/)

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mahi4sa · 4 years

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Microsoft Surface Duo: All you need to know about the dual-screen Android phone

Credit: Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface Duo is official! The novel device features two displays that fold in on each other, creating a pseudo-foldable.

Is it a really big phone? A teeny tiny laptop? Two phones that make a tablet? The jury is still out on how to define the Surface Duo, but it’s real and is priced at $1,399 and goes on sale on September 10, 2020.

Below, you’ll find everything we know so far about the Microsoft Surface Duo. Unfortunately, Microsoft is keeping a lot of details under wraps at the moment, so this article won’t be complete until all that info makes its way to us. In the meantime, be sure to bookmark this page as we’ll be updating it until it’s complete!

$1399 .00

Microsoft Surface Duo

Buy it Now

Microsoft Surface Duo Buy it Now

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Microsoft Surface Duo: What is this thing?

Credit: Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface Duo is a dual-display computing device. It lands under Microsoft’s line of Surface products, which, up until today, featured laptops, tablets, and premium headphones.

Despite the company name attached to this device, this is not a Windows-powered tablet or phone. The Microsoft Surface Duo runs Android, making it the first commercial product from MS running the operating system.

This is the first Android-powered product from Microsoft.

As such, you will have access to the millions of apps on the Google Play Store as soon as you power on the Surface Duo. This makes the unique device a safer purchase than if it was running the upcoming slimmed-down Windows 10X.

However, Microsoft has yet to commit to whether or not the Surface Duo is considered a phone. The device will make phone calls and perform most other smartphone functions, but the company would only commit to calling it a “Surface.” The most clarity Microsoft would give is this: it never said it wasn’t a phone. Take that however you feel is best.

Microsoft Surface Duo: Specs

Microsoft Surface Duo Displays Single: 5.6-inch AMOLED 1,800 x 1,350 (4:3 aspect ratio) 401ppi Dual: 8.1-inch AMOLED 2,700 x 1,800 (3:2 aspect ratio) 401ppi Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 RAM 6GB Storage 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.0 No microSD card slot Battery 3,577mAh dual battery 18W wired charging No wireless charging Camera 11MP sensor on interior (ƒ/2.0, 1.0μm) 84-degree FOV HDR support 4K and 1080p video (30fps or 60fps) HEVC and H.264 support Audio Single speaker Dual-mic with noise suppression Supports aptX Adaptive codec Connectivity Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 LTE: 4x4 MIMO, Cat.18 DL / Cat 5 UL, 5CA, LAA Bands: FDD-LTE: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14,19 20,25,26,28, 29,30,66 TD-LTE: 38,39,40,41,46, WCDMA: 1,2,5,8 GSM/GPRS: GSM-850, E-GSM-900, DCS-1800, PCS-1900 SIM Physical Nano-Sim Support for additional eSIM (AT&T model only has Nano-SIM) Security Physical side-mounted fingerprint sensor No face unlock support Colors Glacier Dimensions/weight Open: 145.2 x 186.9 x 4.8mm Closed: 145.2 x 93.3 x 9.9mm 250g

Two screens, many possibilities

Credit: Microsoft

Undoubtedly, the most defining characteristic of the Microsoft Surface Duo is its dual-display format. You can close the whole device up like a book which will protect the inner 5.6-inch displays while you carry it around. If you like, you can also swing open the whole thing 180-degrees so each display is back-to-back. You can also put it into a tent mode or just lay it flat.

If you want to run two apps simultaneously on each display, that’s possible. This would allow you to work on a spreadsheet while watching a TV show, for example. You can also fold it out like a little laptop and type on a virtual keyboard while leaving the top display clutter-free.

Related: I’ve been using a dual-screen laptop for months, and I don’t want to go back

There’s also an app continuity feature here. This allows you to push an app from one display to another as if it were one big tablet. Apps will also automatically format themselves depending on how you’re using the Surface Duo. As an example, you could be using Google Maps on one panel to find a local restaurant. When you tap to open the restaurant’s website, that will open on the second panel, leaving your viewing of Maps uninterrupted.

Finally, you might be wondering where the camera is. The rear panels of the Surface Duo are bare except for the Microsoft logo. The only camera is the front-facing selfie cam, which is embedded at the top of the interior right panel. This makes it ideal for selfies, obviously, but you can also fold the device so both displays are outward-facing and then spin the whole thing around. The back display will show the camera’s viewfinder, allowing you to operate it as you would a “normal” smartphone.

Competition and alternatives

Credit: Microsoft

There hasn’t ever been something quite like the Microsoft Surface Duo. That being said, the product isn’t altogether revolutionary; there are other comparable devices on the market.

The phones that are most like the Surface Duo are the latest dual-screen devices from LG. The LG Velvet and the LG V60 both have optional secondary displays. However, this is obviously very different from the Surface Duo as you can still use the Velvet and the V60 as standalone normal phones. The dual-display abilities of those phones, though, are very similar to what the Surface Duo can do.

The Surface Duo isn't a 'true' foldable phone, but that's the market at which it appears to be aiming.

The recent spate of foldable phones, most notably from Samsung, are also similar to the Microsoft Surface Duo. The Surface Duo doesn’t feature foldable ultra-thin glass on the interior like the Samsung Galaxy Fold, but the concept of a phone-sized display that can swing out to become a tablet is the same across both lines.

Time will tell if LG’s approach, Samsung’s approach, or Microsoft’s approach is the winning formula for our post-smartphone future. For now, all we can do is commend Microsoft for trying something bold and fresh with the Surface Duo.

Top Microsoft Surface Duo questions and answers

Q: Does the Microsoft Surface Duo support 5G? A: No. The processor and modem inside the Duo do not allow for 5G connections. This is not something Microsoft could “turn on” with a later update, either. The Duo will be locked to 4G connections only.

Q: Does the Microsoft Surface Duo have a headphone jack? A: No, there is no headphone jack on the Surface Duo. You will need to use Bluetooth headphones or USB-C wired headphones with the Duo.

Q: Does the Microsoft Surface Duo support wireless charging? A: No, it doesn’t. It charges at a speed of 18W using a USB-C cable and the in-box power supply.

Q: Does the Microsoft Surface Duo have dual-SIM capabilities? A: Technically, no. The unlocked variant of the Surface Duo supports both a physical Nano-SIM and a separate eSIM, but not two physical SIM cards. The AT&T variant of the Duo will not support eSIM.

Q: Does the Microsoft Surface Duo have a microSD card slot? A: Unfortunately, the phone does not support expandable storage.

Q: What storage variants is the phone available in? A: The phone comes in 128GB and 256GB variants. The storage is UFS 3.0, a faster type of storage.

Q: Does the device have stereo speakers? A: No, the Microsoft Surface Duo has a single bottom-firing speaker.

Q: Can I use a stylus with the Microsoft Surface Duo? A: Yes. The Surface Duo will support all in-market generations of Surface Slim Pen, Surface Pen, and Surface Hub 2 Pen. The Duo does not come with one of these devices, though.

Q: What colors is the Microsoft Surface Duo available in? A: As of now, there appears to be only one color for the Duo: Glacier. It’s a grayish-white we’ve seen on other Surface products.

Q: Will there be protective cases for the Microsoft Surface Duo? A: The device will come with a “bumper” case that wraps around its edges. It will not protect the back panels. Third-party manufacturers could come up with better protective solutions soon, though.

Q: What’s in the box with the Microsoft Surface Duo? A: When you open the box, you’ll find a Surface Duo, a bumper case, an 18W power supply, a USB-C cable, a SIM tool, and various pamphlets and paperwork.

Where to buy the Microsoft Surface Duo

Credit: Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface Duo is available to pre-order right now. It will cost $1,399 for the 128GB variant. Pre-orders will be open until September 10, 2020, which is when the device will begin general sales.

You can buy the Duo unlocked directly from Microsoft.com or from a few third-party retail partners, such as Best Buy. The device will also be available from AT&T in a locked state. AT&T appears to be the only carrier supporting the Surface Duo at the moment. If you are not an AT&T customer, you’ll need to get the unlocked version, which will work on all US-based networks.

Microsoft Surface Duo The very first Android-powered device from Microsoft.

Is it a phone? A small tablet? A tiny laptop? We aren't quite sure, but it's certainly a very interesting idea! With two displays connected by a versatile hinge, the sky's the limit for what this Android-powered device can do.

$1399 at Microsoft

Editor’s note: This Microsoft Surface Duo buyer’s guide is current as of August 2020. We will update it with new content regularly.

from Android Authority https://ift.tt/2nQNadr from Blogger http://headlinejk.blogspot.com/2020/08/microsoft-surface-duo-all-you-need-to.html

#Newsletter #Tech News

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thegeekherald · 4 years

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Apple iPhone Fold Design Leaks and Comparison with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr

Apple iPhone Fold is still not a reality whereas the main competitors are already coming up with the second model of their foldable smartphone. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr are the latest addition to the lineup of smartphones that can be folded in half for a compact and unique experience.

Meanwhile, Apple is still busy making other tech accessories such as the new AirPods, Powerbeats, and Smart Keyboards for the 2020 iPad Pro. But that doesn’t mean that the Cupertino based tech giant won’t ever release a foldable iPhone and several patent reports are claiming that such devices are under work. There is a new concept Apple iPhone Fold design which shows that it could very well be the clear winner of the foldable smartphone market.

Apple iPhone Fold Design Leaks or Concept Video

The latest leaked iPhone fold design has come from a Toronto-based Instagram user named Iskander Utebayev which has gone viral on social media. The video shows the clamshell device alleged to be iPhone fold in its folded form which has a high-resolution outer display spanning over the entire width of the backside of the upper half when in folded form.

View this post on Instagram

My vision of iPhone 12 Flip📱

A post shared by Iskander Utebayev (@bat.not.bad) on Feb 26, 2020 at 12:24pm PST

The folded screen looks like a mirror when it’s turned off, which could happen due to the dual side display screen. There is also a camera module with several cameras that can be seen on the top side when the display is turned on. When the device is opened, the hinge connecting the two sides is totally disappeared and the hinge area shows the Apple logo and iPhone branding.

Apple iPhone Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr

Apple iPhone fold contains a hinge that is way sleeker than Motorola Razr and disappears when the device is opened, just like the Galaxy Z Flip. The main difference between Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr in respect to iPhone Fold is that it opens up to be a huge smartphone which needs two hands to operate, as opposed to a regular size mobile phone. Also, there are no extra buttons, bezels or home button in the Apple iPhone fold, making it way better than Samsung and Motorola folding smartphones.

The post Apple iPhone Fold Design Leaks and Comparison with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr appeared first on The Geek Herald.

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tech-battery · 4 years

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Microsoft Surface Duo: Here’s What It Needs

It’s hard to categorise Microsoft’s Surface Duo. Is it a phone? A phablet? A miniature Surface laptop with cellular connectivity? Microsoft itself simply calls it a ‘dual-screen device’, which isn’t particularly descriptive.

Perhaps Microsoft has invented a new product category (it certainly thinks it has). But with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold out and Motorola’s foldable V4 on the horizon, I’m not sure that would be true either.

How the device is defined - and how successful it is - will may come down to how it adapts Android to suit its hybrid ambitions. But it also needs some show-stealing features outside of the unusual design. Here’s what I’d like to see from Microsoft’s definitely-not-a-phone, smartphone.

One of the standout features of this year’s Pixel 4 is how Google has moved some of Assistant’s features away from needing the ‘hey Google’ wake word. In particular the baked in features like live transcription of videos when sound is toggled off. Or the searchable, automatically transcribed text from recorded voice notes. It’s here that Google has made Assistant genuinely useful instead of gimmicky. Microsoft should follow suit.

It’s not exactly clear what’s happening with Microsoft’s competitor to Assistant (if you can call it that), Cortana, but I’m not sure if it will be capable of handling the tasks above with the same aplomb that Assistant does.

There is a potential workaround, though. Considering Duo is going to run Android, then it’s possible the Windows-maker could work out a deal to port some of those Pixel specific features to the Duo. It’s not out of the realms of possibility considering that Google wants Assistant - and its best features - on as many devices as possible. Also something likeautomatic, searchable, voice transcription would be perfect for a productivity-focused phone.

Shoulder buttons

With Microsoft's cloud gaming platform Project xCloud on the way (not to mention Google's Stadia) I’d like to see Microsoft lean into this and make the best possible use of the Duo's dual-screen display for gaming. The LG G8X uses the second screen as a game controller with buttons that can be custom mapped, which greatly improves the touch-screen gaming experience.

But one thing it lacks is shoulder buttons. Obviously it’d be silly and unnecessary to build these into a phone, but a connected phone case could have them. A thin, sleek, Surface branded smartphone with full gaming capabilities and a full controller (without actually having a full controller) playing the latest AAA titles via a streaming service? Yes please.

Serious battery life

If the Duo is going to be pushed as a powerful productivity phone then it needs to have serious lasting power, especially with two power-draining displays. I’m interested to see what Microsoft does here because it has to finely balance making a two-display device dainty enough to fit comfortably in your pocket, but also fit a big enough battery in there without making it heavy and cumbersome.

The design for the Duo is apparently locked, so it will come down to how it has crammed a battery - or two - under either or both of those displays. But, if Microsoft is indeed pitching the Duo to be the ultimate productivity phone, lasting power will be a must.

Can Microsoft price it reasonably?

If there’s one takeaway from first generation foldable phones, it’s that they’re prohibitively expensive. Huawei, Samsung and the upcoming Motorola V4 are all (or rumoured to be, at least) priced around the $2000 mark. This is partially understandable because they’re using a new type of technology that’s presumably awkward and expensive to manufacture.

That’s less the case for the Duo, which is essentially two phone screens connected by a hinge - so you’d assume Microsoft could launch the Duo at a more reasonable price than the true foldable devices.

LG’s similar concept, the dual-screen LG G8X, costs $699. It’s not exactly the same, because the two displays are held together by a case and one is removable. But, because it’s not truly foldable, the Duo may fall closer to a premium smartphone price rather than an astronomical Galaxy Fold Price. At least, you’d hope so.

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dsrajawat · 5 years

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In its infancy, the tech family believed the year to be the one where foldable phones will make a splash. Although we witnessed the debut of Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X, the said splash was amiss. Well, here we are at the outset of Techtober and Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Duo, a dual-screen phone. But, the Redmond-based company doesn’t consider it a smartphone. It’s called a Surface product, instead.

Alright, they want it to be treated as a new product range and we get it considering their previous attempt at smartphones. Nonetheless, we don’t want to take it at face value. So, here’s how we believe the Microsoft Surface Duo differentiates it from the foldable peers.

Microsoft Surface Duo vs Foldable Phones

youtube

1) Folding mechanism

Galaxy Fold

Samsung’s implementation is like a book. You open the Galaxy Fold to use the large canvas. And whilst closed, the big screen is protected within and you get to use a small screen up top. But in this form, there is a gap between the top and bottom shells through which scratch and damage-inducing items could easily enter. Fold closes with a magnetic snap and can be unfolded with a little force.

Mate X

On the flip-side, Mate X has an inward folding hinge. And in the unfurled state, you get a large screen real estate. When folded, the screen radius is similar to a phablet. And if it’s closed, you have to tap a button to open and doing so the hinge feels a tad resistant. Clearly, Huawei has opted for sturdiness here!

Surface Duo

As the market was scratching their heads with the optimal folding implementation and plastic displays (since glass doesn’t fold, bummer!) Microsoft simply glued two screens together. From the demo, it looks easy to operate in terms of open and close. Surface Duo flaunts a clamshell design with a 360-degree hinge. In some sense, it joins the Dual Display fam including the likes of ZTE Axon M and LG G8X. It looks very svelte and a teaser video shows a woman using it in the folded form for a call. You can use it in the unfolded landscape orientation, hold it like a book, use it as a tiny laptop, fold it over and use it like a normal, single-screen phone, or place it up in a tent position for media streaming.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 7T vs Asus ROG Phone 2 vs Black Shark 2 comparison

2) Looks and Durability

Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Fold has a plastic display and the same has been a cause for the fiasco that shelved the phone for months since its debut. Even though the brand has tweaked the phone to address some of its durability concerns, still, we have some apprehension towards the build.

Mate X

We are not confident about the Huawei’s approach either. The outward-facing screen is more probable to damages.

The latest entrant, however, seems more promising as the display remains enclosed whilst folded. Microsoft can use actual glass instead of plastic screens as it doesn’t need to fold. There is no screen on the outside. It has a pocketable footprint, forged from metal and polycarbonate. Glass is plastered on both sides giving a sleek and shiny appearance. It has a salient Surface Logo on the cover.

3) Display

Galaxy Fold

Fold sports a 7.3-inch QXGA+ (1,536 x 2,152) Dynamic AMOLED display with an aspect ratio of 4.2:3. This display christened Infinity Flex Display folds in half and you’ve got a 4.58-inch screen on the surface.

Surface Duo

Speaking of surface, on Duo, you get two 5.6-inch panels and in an unfurled whole, it embellishes an 8.3-inch tablet. There is an apparent partition between the two displays. That said, Microsoft isn’t positioning it as a foldable phone. In no way, it transforms into one big screen like its counterparts. Satya Nadella emphasis that they are not entering an existing device category; rather, it’s trying to create a new one. One that bridges the gap in productivity.

You can use multiple apps on the two screens, dedicate the secondary screen as a game controller and keyboard, or drag app instances onto a separate screen, etc. Now, it all comes down to how smooth the transitions are and resource allocation. Even little things like how haptic friendly the keyboard is would make a major difference in the user experience.

Mate X

Finally, the Mate X exhibits a notch-less 8-inch AMOLED screen, which gifts a better seamless distraction-free display. While folded, the cover display stretches to 6.6-inches in size with AMOLED quality and 1148 x 2480 pixel resolution. Fold it backward and you can use the active upper screen like a phone while the bottom one stays off.

One thing is the same for all the three – They offer a larger footprint for you to multitask and use different apps and instances on different screens by simple drag and drop.

4) Specs

Here’s a quick run down the spec sheet of both Huawei Mate X and Galaxy Fold:

Huawei Mate X vs Galaxy Fold Specifications

Model Huawei Mate X Galaxy Fold Display

Folded display: 6.6″, AMOLED, 1148 x 2480 pixels (19.5:9)

Unfolded display: 8-inch, AMOLED, 2200 x 2480 pixels

Folded display: 4.6″, sAMOLED, 720 x 1680 pixels (21:9)

Unfolded display: 7.3”, sAMOLED, 1536 x 2152 pixels

Processor 2.6GHz 7nm Kirin 980 octa-core chipset 2.84GHz 7nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 octa-core chipset RAM 8GB 12GB Internal Storage 512GB, Expandable 512GB, Not expandable Software Android Pie-based EMUI Android Pie-based One UI Primary Camera

40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7″, PDAF

16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide)

8 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto)

12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS

12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6″, 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom

16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm

Front Camera NA

10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm

8 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, depth sensor

Cover camera:

10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm

Fingerprint sensor Yes, side-mounted Yes, side-mounted Battery 4500mAh (no fast charging support) 4380mAh (15W wired and wireless fast charging)

Since Microsoft Duo has a thin chassis, we are curious about the battery it will bear. It is reported to run on Snapdragon 855 SoC with Android 9 Pie on top. It appears to be a skinned iteration of the Android OS. We could anticipate a robust integration of core Microsoft apps like the office suite for example. They could learn from One UI’s finesse and polish with respect to Screen Continuity, Multi-resume, and Multi-display.

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Use multiple apps simultaneously

Stylus Support

Place it like a stand whilst watching movie on the screen facing you

Bottom screen as game controller

Bottom screen as keyboard

Cover display whilst folded other way around

Inbox on one screen and compose screen on the other

Map links can be dragged open on other screen

Android OS with Google Apps

Use it as a book to read

Microsoft has apparently worked closely with Google to optimize the software. The latest Android 10 already has an inherent support for the Foldable tech. So, we look forward to how this new partnership pans out.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 4 preview: release date, price, news, leaks and everything we know so far

Besides this, every other detail is kept under wraps. We still got no info on the cameras, battery size, memory configuration, support for 5G, etcetera. Wait, we also know it houses a USB-C socket.

5) Pricing and Availability

Surface Duo

Samsung Galaxy Fold is priced in India at Rs. 1,64,999. Mate X is yet to retail and hence we have no word on the pricing. In similar veins, Microsoft Duo is projected for a late 2020 launch date. The brand was tight-lipped on Duo’s price also.

Developers can work on app-compatibility till then. We also desire for a refined and robust end product, unlike their competition. For now, we like this new take on the dual-screened display. And if everything works fine, we wouldn’t mind the wait.

P.s. Microsoft also announced a bunch of other hardware like Surface Neo, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, Surface Earbuds, Surface Laptop 3, and a new fork of Microsoft OS called Windows 10X as well.

Microsoft Surface Duo: Has Microsoft nailed the foldable phone concept? In its infancy, the tech family believed the year to be the one where foldable phones will make a splash.

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techbotic · 5 years

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Android Weekly: What’s Coming in Android Q (and Some Other Stuff)

There was a lot of movement in the Android world the week of March 8th thru 15th. The Q beta landed with all sorts of new features, Vivo showed off a portless phone, and Google killed a bunch of services.

Android Q Feature Roundup

Let’s start with the biggest Android news for the week, shall we? The Q beta landed for all Pixel devices, and it’s jam-packed with all sorts of new features. Android Police and 9to5Google both did an incredible job of covering all the new stuff as it showed up—here’s everything so far.

The Android Q Beta is here. For Pixel phones, anyway. [Android Developers Blog]

The word on the street is that Q is also going to hit even more devices during the beta and developer previews this year. [Android Police]

With the upcoming demise of Google+, the Android Beta community has been moved to Reddit. [Android Police]

Android Q has a built-in screen recorder! But apparently, it’s broken right now. [9to5Google, Android Police]

There are more haptic feedback vibrations in Android Q. Okay then! [9to5Google]

Foldable phones are coming. Q is ready. [Android Police]

The always-on display in Q got a bit of a makeover. [9to5Google]

The Files app is all new, with an updated look and some nifty new features. [Android Police]

Google is cracking down on undocumented APIs to make Q more secure. [Android Police]

The sharing menu is getting faster and less crappy. Finally! [9to5Google]

Thanks to some ART enhancements, apps launching should be faster. [Android Police]

Android Q has a desktop mode! Which is…kind of confusing. Why does Android Q have a desktop mode? [XDA Developers]

Pixel Launcher on Android Q will let you replace removed items with a new undo feature. [Android Police]

Dual SIM and standby support on the Pixel 3 is live in Q. [XDA Developers]

There’s a little bell icon for new notifications now, so you can tell which one just pinged. That’s useful! [9to5Google]

You can share your Wi-Fi password with a QR code. [Android Police]

Remaining battery shows an estimated time in the shade now. [Android Police]

You can only dismiss notifications by swiping to the right in Q—the left is the action menu. Oof. [9to5Google]

So many new privacy features. [Android Police]

Accent colors and new icons shapes are tucked into Q’s Developer Options menu. Are more customization options incoming? [Android Police]

You can switch the audio source from the notification shade. [9to5Google]

Rounded corners and the notch show up in screenshots in Q. Yuck. [Android Police]

There are more options when you long-press a notification, which is neat. [Android Police]

Third-party camera apps have access to depth effects and more. [Engadget]

Call screening and emergency information apps are now part of Android’s Default Apps menu. Third-party options don’t exist yet, so this is telling. [Android Police]

Background clipboard access is blocked in Android Q, which probably means bad things for clipboard managers. [XDA Developers]

Smart Home and IoT connections are getting simpler in Q. [Android Police]

Battery Saver is more dynamic in Q, with the option to automatically activate based on usage. [Android Police]

There’s a new series of options called “Feature Flags” that lets users tweak all sorts of stuff. [9to5Google]

You can see all your disabled notifications in one place in Q. [Android Police]

It looks like Google is planning six betas in total, with the final release in Q3 of 2019. [XDA Developers]

In what’s sure to make some users upset, the Magisk dev says that Q could mean bad things for root access. Uh-oh. [9to5Google]

Vivo’s Portless Phone Shows Its Stuff

Chinese phone manufacturer Vivo showed off an absolutely gorgeous portless concept phone to a group of writers in Hong Kong. The shell of the phone is a unibody piece of glass—apparently, Vivo had to come up with a special production method to form, cut, grind, and polish a single piece of glass for the body of this phone. It’s wild.

You can read more about this forward-thinking handset at The Verge and Engadget.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Updates (And More)

All sorts of stuff happened with Samsung’s newest flagship this week. Some good, some bad. Some just neat. Here’s you go.

If you hate the S10’s hole punch camera cutout, these are the wallpapers for you. [XDA Developers]

Samsung pushes the one-handed gesture navigation app from One UI to the Play Store. This means it can be updated independently of the OS. Nice. [Android Police]

S10 owners can get six months of free Spotify Premium. The downside? Spotify is pre-installed on all S10s. You win some, you lose some. [The Verge]

Speaking of free stuff for S10 owners, they also get four months of YouTube Premium. Yay for no ads! [9to5Google]

In slightly less pleasant news, the S10’s face unlock feature easily can be fooled by a picture because Samsung removed the retina scanner. Ouch. [Android Police]

Verizon started pushing Android 9 Pie with One UI to the Note 9. Better late than never, I guess. [Android Police]

Similarly, Android Pie started hitting the Galaxy A+ this week, too. [XDA Developers]

Samsung wants to make a “perfect full-screen” phone with no cutouts or notches. Interesting. [Engadget]

What’s New with Google This Week

Google announced some stuff, killed some stuff, and maybe killed some other stuff. This is everything that isn’t the Android Q Beta.

Finally, Google released an Android Q feedback app. [9to5Google]

Google Fit is getting more battery efficient on Wear OS. All three of you who use Fit and Wear OS better be grateful. [9to5Google]

Google Home Hub and other Assistant smart displays finally got continued conversations. Finally. [Android Police]

Google teased its upcoming game streaming service. It’s going to announce plans at GDC next week. Exciting stuff. [Google on Twitter]

Speaking of, Google filed a patent for a game controller. [The Verge]

If you subscribe to Google Fi and bring your existing number and device, you get a free month of service. That’s better than a not free month of service if you ask me. [Android Police]

Deaths: Allo, goo.gl URL shortener, Inbox, and Google+. RIP, those things. [9to5Google]

Third-party Google Assistant speakers are getting phone calls. [Android Police]

Google shut down part of its hardware division focused on tablets and laptops, which is troubling. [9to5Google]

If you use Google One and pay for 2TB of storage, Google probably wants to give you a free Home Mini. [Android Police]

Google’s Lookout app for the visually impaired is now available for download…assuming you have a Pixel device, anyway. [The Verge, Google Play]

The Drive mobile apps got a facelift to match the web UI. It’s pretty. [Engadget]

Google Maps is getting more features from Waze, like speed trap and crash reporting. Nice. [9to5Google]

Good news: An adware app had almost 150 million downloads before Google realized it and pulled it from the Play Store. Also, I think I need to work on my definition of “good news.” [The Verge]

Chrome’s data saver on mobile now works on HTTPS sites, which is like 80% of the web at this point. I think that really is good news. [Android Police]

Shared Libraries on Photos moved to a more obscure place that still kinda makes sense? [Android Police]

Device Updates, App Updates, and Everything Else

There were a couple of major app updates this week, along with some minor device updates. Also, RED said some stuff about the Hydrogen One that pretty much confused everyone.

Pushbullet got a major update that brings bundled notification, quick replies, and some other stuff. [Android Police]

Facebook is testing a blindingly-white interface in its Android app. I’m sure that’s going to go over well if it gets released. [XDA Developers]

Spotify is testing an option to let users disable its dumbest feature: canvas videos. Good. [9to5Google]

Microsoft’s My Phone feature in Windows 10 is getting screen mirroring. [The Verge]

The Xiami Redmi Note 7 got its first MIUI update, which brings a low-light camera mode. [XDA Developers]

The NVIDIA SHIELD got a small update that brings Xbox Elite Controller support and some other stuff. [9to5Google]

You know the little dinosaur you see in Chrome when it’s offline? Well, you can buy a real one now. I need it. [Dead Zebra]

RED pulled the add-on modules for the Hydrogen One, then said some confusing stuff. [Android Police]

The Xiaomi Mi 8 got official LineageOS support. [XDA Developers]

T-Mobile’s OnePlus 6T got RCS messaging. So it begins. [9to5Google]

Firefox Fenix got its initial release. It looks neat. [Techdows]

Root Stuff: The 2015 Amazon Fire TV got rooted again. Go modders, go. [XDA Developers]

Root Stuff: GravityBox can be installed on Android Pie devices running the Xposed framework now. [XDA Developers]

Some details about Motorola upcoming Razr folding phone leaked. Curiously, it’s said to be using a Snapdragon 710 processor. Weird. [XDA Developers]

That’s a lot of stuff, but that’s how it goes in Google’s world. Something is always happening.

Android Weekly: What’s Coming in Android Q (and Some Other Stuff) published first on https://medium.com/@CPUCHamp

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