we give transparent,informative and frequent news about technology and burning topics. we try to update news very frequently subscribe to our blog. . . . . . created on::20 August 2018
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Facebook Ad Boycott Enters New Phase, Impact Remains Unclear
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2YLCFaZ
Google is holding its first ‘Smart Home Virtual Summit’ on July 8 android os
You can look forward to some "exciting new and upcoming features" for smart home devices.
What you need to know
- Google will be hosting a "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit next week.
- The search giant will be diving into some new and upcoming features for both smart home developers and users at the event.
- The "Hey Google" Smart Home Keynote will begin at 13:00 ET on July 8.
Google has announced that it will be holding a "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit next week to share new and upcoming features for smart home developers and users. Since the Google I/O had to be canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the summit will provide an opportunity to the company to be able to engage with developers and users "in person."
Michele Turner, Product Management Director of the Smart Home Ecosystem, will be sharing Google's recent smart home product initiatives in the keynote, which is set to begin at 13:00 ET on July 8. Turner will also share new tools that have been designed to make it easier to develop with Google Assistant.
Google will host a "Hey Google" partner panel as well, where several industry leaders will talk about the impact of COVID-19 on their business and the overall state of the Smart Home industry.
As announced by Google earlier this month, Smart Displays will soon be able to access AMP web content. More web content categories are expected to be enabled for Google Assistant Smart Displays later this year. The Assistant has also gained the ability to save session information for multiple users on a single device, which means users can resume playback of podcasts and videos across compatible devices.
Here's how Google is succeeding at making Assistant think like a human
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/3ieDFvQ
Chingari App User Views Surge After TikTok Ban, Sees 10 Lakh Views in 30 Minutes *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3idp9EP
Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C With 5,000mAh Battery, MediaTek Helio SoC Launched
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2Ak10eG
MediaTek Introduces 2 New, Budget Gaming Focused SoCs - Helio G35, Helio G25
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3g8MeXl
TikTok Creators in India Now Asking Users to Meet Them on Instagram
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/38hvhan
Realme Sells Over 3 Lakh Narzo Smartphones in Since Launch: India CEO
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2Vu4YZB
YouTube Shuts Down Far-Right Channels Over Hate Speech
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2AdzzD4
TikTok Responds to India Ban, Says User Privacy of Highest Importance
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2YInkrC
TikTok Ban: Creators Asking Users to Follow Them on Instagram, YouTube *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2NDGlVZ
YouTube Shuts Down Far-Right Channels Over Hate Speech *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gh4Q7L
TikTok Responds to India Ban, Says User Privacy of Highest Importance *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3gnjwST
Google Removes Misleading Ads in Voting-Related Searches
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3gbG5cZ
Reddit Bans r/The_Donald Group Amid Broad Social Media Crackdown
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2VrAV4A
Google Removes Misleading Ads in Voting-Related Searches *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2YIxPuX
Tiktok Was Banned by the Government and Can't be Downloaded Anymore
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2VwwvJN
From the DS220+ to DS920+, these are Synology's 2020 NAS enclosures android os
Looking to buy a NAS in 2020? Start here.
What you need to know
- Synology is rolling out four new models in its Plus series: DiskStation DS220+, DS420+, DS720+, and DS920+.
- All four models feature upgraded hardware and two Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- The DS420+, DS720+, and DS920+ also offer two M.2 slots for SSD caching.
- All four models are now available.
If you're in the market for a new network-attached storage (NAS) enclosure, Synology is the ideal place to start. The brand offers everything from budget options aimed at home users to enthusiast models designed for small businesses, and now Synology has unveiled its 2020 portfolio.
The brand is launching new variants of four models in the Plus series, with the DS220+ a particularly great option for first-time buyers, and the DS720+, DS420+, and DS920+ targeted at the enthusiast segment. All models include upgraded connectivity options and huge performance upgrades, so if you already have a NAS enclosure and are looking to upgrade or are interested in getting started with your own media server, let's take a look at Synology's latest products.
Synology DiskStation DS220+: The ideal two-bay NAS for beginners
The DiskStation DS218+ turned out to be a best-seller in Synology's portfolio for its affordability, and the DS220+ retains that particular trait. The two-bay NAS is available for $299, and you're getting upgraded hardware in the form of an Intel Celeron J4025 chipset with 2GB of DDR4 RAM (the DS218+ had a Celeron J3355 chip and DDR3 memory).
You can add a further 4GB of memory to the NAS, and each drive bay can facilitate up to a 16TB drive — with total storage up to 32TB. Another key change with the DS220+ is the addition of a secondary Gigabit Ethernet port that offers link aggregation and failover. You also get two USB 3.0 ports at the back.
The hardware is just one part of the story here; Synology's excellent DiskStation Manager (DSM) web-based OS has an exhaustive list of features, and you can set up your own media server and access it from anywhere in the world. Synology Drive also makes it incredibly easy to sync files across various platforms and machines, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The DS220+ is now available for $300.
Synology DiskStation DS220+
The DS220+ is the ideal option if you're new to the world of NAS enclosures. With two Gigabit Ethernet ports and upgraded internals, the DS220+ will handle anything you throw at it, and it is the easiest way to build a reliable media server in your home.
Synology DiskStation DS720+: The upgrade option
The DiskStation 720+ is also a two-bay NAS — like the DS220+ — but you get a beefier Intel Celeron J4125 chipset. There's 2GB of DDR4 RAM that can be upgraded to a maximum of 6GB, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the NAS can slot in up to 16TB drives in each bay. There's also two USB 3.0 ports at the back along with an eSATA port.
Interestingly, the DS720+ has two M.2 slots for SSD caching, so if you use a lot of I/O intensive tasks, the feature is going to be handy. There's also the option of attaching Synology's DX517 expansion bay and adding five additional drive bays to the NAS.
The DS720+ is now available for $400. The $100 differential between the DS220+ is down to the extensibility and SSD caching. If you're interested in either of those features, the DS720+ is a great option to consider.
Synology DiskStation DS720+
The DS720+ shares the same foundation as the DS220+, but you get the ability to expand the drive bays to seven via the DX517. There's also SSD caching via two M.2 slots, making the NAS a decent option for small businesses that rely on real-time collaboration.
Synology DiskStation DS420+: A great option for a four-bay NAS
The DiskStation DS420+ has the same set of features as the DS220+, but with double the number of drive bays and M.2 slots for SSD caching. The NAS is powered by an Intel Celeron J4025 chip and comes with 2GB of DDR4 RAM (with a DIMM slot to add 4GB more), two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two M.2 slots, and two USB 3.0 ports.
With four drive bays that can each accommodate a 16TB drive, the DS420+ is a great way to future-proof your investment, particularly if you want to build your own media server. I started out with a four-bay DS414 five years ago, and it has served me very well for over four years, after which I switched to a DS918+.
The DS420+ is available for $500.
Synology DiskStation DS420+
The DS420+ has the same internals as the DS220+, but you get four drive bays that let you add up to 64TB of storage. You also get two M.2 slots for SSD caching and two Gigabit Ethernet ports with link aggregation.
Synology DiskStation DS920+: A fantastic enthusiast option
As the name suggests, the DiskStation DS920+ is the beefiest option of the lot. It is the only model to offer 4GB of RAM out of the box, and you get two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, two M.2 slots, and an eSATA port.
Like the DS720+, the DS920+ features an Intel Celeron J4125 chip. By itself, it can accommodate up to 64TB of storage across the four drive bays, and you can expand storage by attaching a DX517 storage unit to the NAS.
The DS920+ has a single DIMM slot for memory upgrades, and you can slot in an additional 4GB of RAM in the NAS enclosure. That's down from the two memory slots in the DS918+, which let you add up to 16GB of RAM. That said, 8GB of RAM should be more than enough for most users.
You can now buy the DiskStation DS920+ for $550. For what's on offer, you're getting an incredible value with the DS920+.
Synology DiskStation DS920+
The DiskStation DS920+ has 4GB of RAM and features a Celeron J4125 chipset, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two M.2 slots for SSD caching. If you want the extra RAM out of the box, it is a better option over the DS920+ for just a little bit more money.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/3hIiDWa
Best Beginner Electric Guitars in 2020 android os
Guitars have come a long way in even just the decade or so that I've been playing. There are seemingly endless choices for virtually any player at any skill level, price range, and style of playing — and in particular, there are way more great options for someone's first or second guitar than there were when I started out. Whether you're looking to pick up a guitar for the first time or give the same gift to someone else, these options should be on your radar.
Best Overall: Sterling Cutlass SSS
I might be a bit biased, given my love for the high-end guitars from Sterling's parent brand Music Man, but I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better guitar for under $300 than the Cutlass SSS. The SSS suffix denotes that this particular model comes loaded with three single-coil pickups, making it easy to achieve that famous Strat-like sound while still retaining the versatility needed to create a sonically unique profile of its own.
With the Cutlass, you'll get 22 frets on a beautiful laurel fretboard, with a neck profile that's both thick enough to comfortably play chords, but thin enough to branch out into leads and practice scales on. You also get a Music Man-designed tremolo system (you might know it as the "whammy bar"), allowing you to add vibrato to your playing with ease — though keep in mind that low-cost tremolo systems like this one often have less-than-perfect tuning stability, so you might need to tune this guitar more often than others if you start to use the trem too often.
Being a standalone guitar, you won't get any extra goodies like a hardshell case or a practice amp; you'll want to look at our starter kit recommendation for that. But assuming you already have those accessories, or don't mind buying them separately, the Cutlass SSS is an extremely versatile, comfortable, and hey — even great-looking guitar for a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Comfortable, easy to play neck
- Versatile pickups
- Tremolo arm included
- Available with humbuckers as well
Cons:
- Additional hardware sold separately
- Cheap trem means less tuning stability
Best Overall
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass SSS
The guitar I would've wanted starting off
The Cutlass doesn't just look great, it's comfortable to play and has incredibly versatile pickups that make it useful for a wide range of different genres. The tremolo comes in handy for adding vibrato to your playing, and the Cutlass is available in multiple color options.
Best Starter Kit: Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Starter kits are the perfect all-in-one solution when you're learning the guitar for the first time. You get everything you need in one box, including the guitar itself, a practice amp, a strap so you can play standing up, a cable to run into the amp, a softshell gig bag, and a few picks. My first guitar came as part of a metal-oriented Ibanez starter kit, but Squier's Affinity Series Stratocaster kit is a bit more versatile.
The Strat is one of the most iconic guitars ever made, and with Squier being a Fender sub-brand, you're getting that timeless design straight from the source. This particular Strat comes with a humbucker in the bridge position, which should translate to less noise and feedback from your amp, while the middle and neck pickups are single coils for that classic Strat sound.
Pros:
- Great all-in-one kit
- Available in full- or short-scale
- 15W amp features headphone jack for silent practice
Cons:
- Cheap trem means less tuning stability
- Not the highest quality parts
Best Starter Kit
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Guitar Pack
Everything you need to get started
The Squier Affinity kit includes a guitar, practice amp, strap, cable, gig bag, and picks. It's a terrific all-in-one package that makes it quick and easy to get started learning the guitar.
Best Short-Scale: Squier Bullet Mustang
Scale lengths aren't necessarily something you need to worry about too much when you're just getting started, but they play a big role in the feel and tonality of your guitar. The longer your scale length, the more tension you'll need on each string to reach proper pitch. Lots of tension helps keep your strings from feeling loose and flubby, but shorter scale lengths lend to warmer, thicker sounds, and they're a bit easier to play.
If you've ever listened to Nirvana, you've heard the short-scale sounds of a Fender Mustang before. The Squier Bullet Mustang brings those looks and sonic characteristics down to an affordable price, with a pair of humbuckers further thickening its tones. Along with the shorter scale length, the Mustang has a particularly compact design, making this a great guitar for small-framed players (or anyone just looking for a smaller instrument).
Pros:
- Warmer, thicker sound
- Easier to play for many players
- Small, compact body shape
Cons:
- Short-scales are prone to fret buzz
- Only 21 frets
Best Short-Scale
Squier Bullet Mustang
Less tension, less frustration
Short-scale guitars are easier to play and have a warmer, thicker sound that works great with various genres of music. The Mustang is a classic shape with a slim profile, and the Bullet HH model comes with two humbucking pickups.
Best for Blues/Jazz: Gretsch G2210 Streamliner
There are few brands whose designs are as instantly recognizable as Gretsch. The Brooklyn-based company is over a century old, and its guitars have become famous over the years in the hands of Chet Atkins, Brian Setzer, Eddie Cochran, and many other notable artists. The Streamliner line brings Gretsch Guitars to an easily affordable price, and the G2210 is a solid guitar for fans of blues, jazz, and classic rock.
The Junior Jet Club has outstanding sustain, meaning that held out notes will last longer than on many other guitars, and it's available in four equally great-looking colors. The humbucking pickups have a nice focus on the midrange, and the guitar has a nice twangy tone that almost sounds Strat- or Tele-like at times. It isn't the smallest guitar out there, but it's versatile, stylish, and comfortable.
Pros:
- Great sustain
- Versatile pickups
- Easily adjustable bridge
Cons:
- Not the lightest guitar around
- Not particularly small, either
Best for Blues/Jazz
Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club
From one of the longest-running guitar makers around
The G2210 is part of Gretsch's affordable Streamliner lineup, and offers classic design with great sustain and well-rounded pickups that sound great for a wide variety of musical genres.
Best for Metal: Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA
One look at the Jackson JS32 tells you exactly what it's made for. This guitar makes no attempts to hide its inclination towards metal, with Jackson's signature jagged headstock and a Superstrat body style that features deep cutouts near the bottom of the neck, offering easy access to the highest frets.
Being geared towards metal, you get two high-output humbucking pickups that definitely favor a bit of distortion, along with 24 frets and a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo that lets you play Dimebag Darrell-inspired divebombs to your heart's content. Best of all, you won't run into the same type of tuning stability issues that other trem-equipped guitars in this list face, since the Floyd Rose locks at both the bridge and the nut.
Pros:
- High output pickups
- Double-locking tremolo system
- Great upper fret access
Cons:
- Not the most versatile pickups
- Floyd Rose requires additional setup
Best for Metal
Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA
A double-locking trem without breaking the bank
If you've ever wanted to play Pantera- or Ozzy-inspired riffs with divebombs and heavy chugs, it's hard to go wrong with the shred-oriented Jackson Dinky. It isn't the most versatile guitar in the world, but it's great for metal.
Best Under $200: Ibanez AX120
Ibanez has long been known for its metal guitar lineage as well, but the AX120 takes a more neutral approach with a more rounded shape and contoured edges that let it sit comfortably against your body while you play. There's a small pickguard by the humbucking pickups, which keeps the paint job from getting scratched up over time, and you get four knobs that give you individual volume and tone control for each pickup.
The AX120 is well-built for the price, and its ceramic pickups work well for various types of music. It's stable, thanks to the fixed bridge, and the 24.75-inch "Gibson scale length" offers a nice balance of proper tension and a naturally warm, thick tonality. For a penny shy of $200, this guitar is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Easily affordable for virtually any player
- Scale length offers nice tension and tone
- Well-rounded pickups
Cons:
- Shorter scale not great for low tunings
- Prone to fret buzz
Best Under $200
Ibanez AX120
As good as it gets on a tight budget
The Ibanez AX120 is a versatile, affordable guitar that's available in over half a dozen finishes at a low price. It's comfortable to play, and its pickups work for a variety of genres.
Upgrade Pick: ESP LTD EC-256FM
I wanted to keep this list limited to a $300 threshold, since most people probably won't want to spend a ton of money on an instrument before they really know that they'll stick with it. But it's okay to treat yourself sometimes, and even though it's the most expensive option in this list, the LTD EC-256FM offers a lot of bang for your buck.
ESP's EC, or Eclipse, series is based around the ever-famous Les Paul — the single guitar shape that embodies rock and roll above all else. With the EX-256FM, you'll get a set-neck design (great for sustain and high fret access), two ESP-designed pickups, and a push-pull knob for coil splitting, allowing you to instantly switch between the sound of humbuckers and single-coil pickups.
Pros:
- Four gorgeous finish options
- Dual humbuckers with coil splitting
- Set-neck design means great sustain
Cons:
- Set-neck also makes the neck hard to repair
- Expensive for a first guitar
Upgrade Pick
ESP LTD EC-256FM
Worth splurging on
The EC-256FM is a great-looking instrument based on one of the most iconic rock guitars of all time. With it, you'll get splittable humbuckers, a set neck, and four eye-catching finishes.
Bottom line
No matter your skill level of preferred genres of music, there's a neverending list of great guitars for you to choose from. Of course, if my picks don't speak to you, don't be afraid to consider models or brands not featured in this list. This is just a small selection I'd recommend to a student or first-time buyer, but there are plenty of options from other incredible companies!
Credits — The staff that worked on this guide
Hayato Huseman has been playing guitar at a middle school level since high school. These days, he plays Aristides Guitars and tweets videos on rare occasion at @hayatohuseman. Got a tip or inquiry? Drop him a line at hayato.huseman@futurenet.com.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2VvFCdC
Tiktok Removed From App Store, Google Play, After Government Bans 59 Apps *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/3eMeE98
Redmi Note 9 Pro to Go on Sale in India Today at 12 Noon
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2BNgoka
Realme X3, Realme X3 SuperZoom to Go on Sale Today at 12 Noon in India
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3dMMvh3
Realme Narzo 10 to Go on Sale Today at 12 Noon via Flipkart, Realme Website
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3igkMZG
Spotify prepares to launch real-time lyrics support globally android os
Karaoke night is about to get a lot more fun.
What you need to know
- Spotify will roll out real-time lyrics support this Tuesday on its mobile apps.
- The lyrics support will be powered by the well-known lyrics provider, Musixmatch.
- The company had been testing the features in four markets over the past year, but will now expand it to 24 new ones, bringing it to a total of 26 supported countries.
Spotify is set to upgrade its mobile apps with a long-requested user-feature, real-time lyrics support. Unlike the version of the feature in Google's YouTube Music app, real-time lyrics are more fun and immersive. They will scroll across the screen in time to the music, allowing a user to keep track of what is being played and even sing-along if they'd like.
Via TechCrunch who broke the story, saying:
Tomorrow, the company will announce the launch of its new lyrics feature in 26 worldwide markets across Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. This will be the first time lyrics have been offered in 22 of these 26 markets, as only Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico had some form of lyrics support in the past via other providers.
The launch is being made possible by a new agreement with lyrics provider Musixmatch, which was also the source for the tests seen last year. At that time, users in Canada had reported gaining access to real-time lyrics, as well. However, we understand that Canadian users in this test will no longer have the lyrics feature when it officially launches tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th, in the supported markets.
The feature will offer real-time lyrics in the language in which the songs are sung. Users will access the feature by tapping "Lyrics" at the bottom of the "Now Playing" screen.
The following markets will gain access to the new feature starting tomorrow: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Uruguay, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Spotify confirmed the above details to TechCrunch, noting the lyrics support will go live at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday, June 30.
Lyrics support is a great value add for streaming music services. With Spotify being one of the leading music services, the addition of something like this is likely to keep even more users from jumping ship to similar services like Apple and YouTube Music.
TechCrunch says users can expect lyrics support to go live at 10 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, June 30.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2Zlcs23
Monday, June 29, 2020
Gmail Users on Windows 10 Mail App Facing Multiple Issues, Several Users Report *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2AaIqp4
Gmail Users Are Reporting Issues With Microsoft's Windows 10 Mail App
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2YJIHsO
Sony Sees Software Subscription as Future for Data-Analysing Image Sensors
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/38cbsBp
Xiaomi Announces Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C Will Launch on June 30
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2CQxbmS
Watch Two Clips From The Boys Season 2, Out in September
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3dIqX5l
Snap's Spectacles 2, Spectacles 3 Glasses to Launch in India on July 4
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2ZjBWgb
The Boys Season 2: New Clips Reveal September Release Date, Opening Minutes, Stormfront First Look *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2ZmbBhF
Coming Soon, an E-Marketplace Only for Tribal Sellers
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2NADhdd
Realme 5i, Realme 6 Price in India Increased by Rs. 1,000
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2AdaFn7
Blackpink 'How You Like That' Breaks YouTube's 24-Hour Viewing Record
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2NCRZAf
Alia Bhatt, 4 Others in Disney+ Hotstar's 'Bollywood Ki Home Delivery'
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3gbWRsf
Have Apple, Google Silently Installed COVID-19 Tracker on Your Phone?
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/31wP4Bz
Samsung’s rumored $900 Galaxy Fold 'Lite' may not arrive this year android os
The phone was previously rumored to be launched in July this year.
What you need to know
- Samsung has reportedly delayed the launch of the Galaxy Fold Lite to 2021.
- The foldable phone is tipped to be priced around $900.
- It is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 865 chipset.
It was rumored last month that Samsung would be launching a relatively affordable foldable phone later this year with a Snapdragon 865 chipset and a smaller outer display than the Galaxy Fold. As per a new report out of Korea, however, the Galaxy Fold "Lite" has been delayed to 2021 (via SamMobile).
The report states the Galaxy Fold "Lite" was expected to debut alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy Fold successor at Samsung's Unpacked event in August. However, Samsung is now said to have decided to postpone the foldable phone's launch to next year.
When it finally goes on sale next year, it will apparently be priced around KRW 1 million ($900). If the information is accurate, Samsung's most affordable foldable phone will still cost nearly as much as a regular flagship phone. While the report hasn't revealed the exact reason behind the delay, Samsung may possibly have decided to postpone the launch of the Galaxy Fold Lite due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Fold Lite is rumored to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset. To keep the price down, however, the foldable phone is unlikely to come with 5G support. While the rest of the phone's features and specs remain a mystery at this point, it is tipped to come with a smaller outer display and a few other downgrades compared to the original Galaxy Fold.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/31pGjcn
Disney+ Hotstar Teases ‘Bollywood Ki Home Delivery’ With Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, 3 Others *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2YIqc7X
Have Apple, Google Silently Installed COVID-19 Tracker on Your Phone? Here’s What You Need to Know *APP_NEWS*
from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/2Vthqsr
OnePlus Upcoming TV Series Will Have Three Models; Prices Teased On Twitter
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3ibRBH1
Amazon, SoftBank Held Talks to Acquire Russian E-Retailer Ozon: Shareholder
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3eIxVIN
Realme Narzo 10 Gets New 'That Blue' Colour Option, First Sale on June 30
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2BQXQ2w
Amazon Workers in Germany to Go on Strike Over Coronavirus Infections
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2YGDFx7
Starbucks Pauses Social Media Ads as It Targets 'Hate Speech'
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2Bj3ytX
Facebook Ad Boycott Campaign to Go Global, Organisers Say
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/2NCZAyT
Amazfit PowerBuds review: Great $100 TWS earbuds with heart rate monitoring android os
With an IP55 rating and built-in heart rate monitoring during workouts, the PowerBuds have plenty to offer for $100.
Amazfit carved out a niche for itself in the wearable category with its affordable fitness bands and smartwatches, with its most recent offering, the T-Rex, offering a great value for under $200. Amazfit is now making its foray into the audio segment with the launch of its first true wireless earbuds, the PowerBuds.
The PowerBuds are designed for workouts, and as a result you'll find IP55 water resistance, magnetic hooks for a secure fit, and easy-to-use gesture controls for music playback. That's all pretty standard fare that you'll find on most workout earbuds these days, but what sets the PowerBuds apart is that there's a PPG heart rate sensor on the right earbud that measures your heart rate during workouts.
Combine that with eight-hour battery life, and the PowerBuds are a pretty great option for $100.
At a glance
Amazfit PowerBuds
Bottom line: Amazfit's first earbuds get a lot of things right. They sound great out of the box, and there's adjustable EQ to further tweak the sound profile. You get up to eight hours of battery life, intuitive gesture controls on each earbud, IP55 water resistance, and heart rate monitoring during workouts. For what you're paying, you're getting a lot of value here.
The Good
- Great sound quality with adjustable EQ
- IP55 water resistance
- Eight hours of battery life
- Intuitive gesture controls
- Built-in heart rate monitoring
The Bad
- Fit may not be comfortable for everyone
- No wireless charging
Jump to:
Amazfit PowerBuds What I like
You wouldn't know by looking at the PowerBuds that these are Amazfit's first earbuds. The fit and finish here is excellent, and the mesh pattern on the outer surface along with the red accent makes the earbuds stand out. The earbuds are also available in a white finish with grey accents, and in a grey variant with yellow accents.
The PowerBuds form a tight seal around your ear, and they have a nifty auto-pause feature built-in.
The PowerBuds come with four sets of eartips, with the medium tips attached to the earbuds out of the box. The earbuds nestle into your ear canal and form a tight seal, and in my usage I found that they were secure enough even during strenuous activity. But if you're running outdoors or cycling and want a more secure fit, you can attach the magnetic hooks to the top of each earbud. The best part about this is that the hooks are located in the case itself and held down by magnets, so you don't have to worry about losing them.
Pairing the PowerBuds with your phone isn't as straightforward as you imagine: there's a small button on the case, and you have to press it for three seconds to put the buds in pairing mode. You'll see a flashing white light on the front of the case that gives you a visual indicator that the earbuds are available to pair. Then all you have to do is search for nearby Bluetooth devices from your phone, and the PowerBuds show up.
Following the initial pairing, the PowerBuds will connect to your phone as soon as you remove them from the case. Each earbud has a sensor that detects motion, and every time you take an earbud out of your ear, the music automatically pauses — and resumes once you put the earbud back in. It works unerringly well, and you don't have to worry about the feature working with a particular streaming app or phone; because it is baked into the hardware, it works across the board. There's also a Thru Mode that lets ambient sounds pass through, saving you from the hassle of taking off the earbud.
The earbuds are rather bulky, and that's down to the fact that they feature a heart rate sensor. The sensor itself is located on the right earbud, and it comes into contact with the lower portion of the outer ear, called the antitragus. Like all other PPG sensors that you find on smartwatches and fitness bands, the one on the PowerBuds relies on contact with your skin to determine your heart rate with any reasonable accuracy. And because of that, a section of the earbud nestles against your ear.
The heart rate sensor on these earbuds works reliably enough that you don't need a fitness band.
The sensor itself is pretty accurate all things considered. I measured the PowerBuds against a Fitbit Alta HR, and while the earbuds were off by a few points, they didn't deviate too much from the Fitbit. To get the feature to work, you'll first have to install the Amazfit app from the Play Store. Pair the PowerBuds to the app, and once the buds are connected, you'll need to go into Workout Settings and toggle Activity heart rate sharing to On.
This allows the Amazfit app to pull in information from the sensor during workouts. Once you set it up, you'll need to navigate to the home page of the Amazfit app, and then just swipe up on the bottom bar to pull up the activity list. Launch an activity, and you will be able to see the earbuds measure your heart rate in real-time.
Let's talk about the Amazfit app. You'll be able to view the charge level of the case and the individual earbuds from the app, change the EQ settings, update the firmware, and set up gestures. The outer surface of each earbud serves as a gesture recognition area, and you get two gesture actions on each earbud.
The PowerBuds deliver a balanced sound, and you can always tweak the sound profile via the adjustable EQ.
I set them up the following way: tap twice on the left earbud to play or pause music and tap thrice to invoke Google Assistant or Alexa. Tap twice on the right earbud to go to the next track, and tap thrice to go to the previous song. Other options include setting up Thru Mode, and you can also answer incoming calls by tapping two times on either earbud, and do the same to end a current call.
The PowerBuds have a balanced sound signature, with a clean low-end along with clear mids and decent highs. The bass isn't overwhelming, but there is a bass boost mode that you can enable from the Amazfit app; doing so will increase the bass during workouts, adding some level of excitement to the sound profile.
The audio quality is pretty decent for workout earbuds, and I tested the PowerBuds against Creative's Outlier Gold and Jabra's Elite 65h. The PowerBuds held their own in this regard, and you're not going to be let down by what the earbuds have to offer. Oh, and you also get environmental noise isolation during calls, and I didn't see any issues with the few calls I made using the PowerBuds.
The case for the PowerBuds has a matte finish, and while it is on the bulky side, it is still pocketable. The case charges over USB-C, and takes over two hours to fully charge.
Each earbud houses a 55mAh battery, with Amazfit touting eight hours of battery life between charges. I got close to those figures in real-world use, and they managed to last over seven hours from a full charge. The charging case is good for charging the earbuds twice over, so you get a total of 24 hours of usage. As I said earlier, there's no charge level indicator on the case, so you'll have to use the Amazfit app to get an idea on just how much charge the case has left.
Amazfit PowerBuds What needs work
The PowerBuds have a lot going for them, but the one issue is that the unique design makes them uncomfortable to use for an extended duration. This isn't a problem if you're only going to use these for an hour or two at a time for workouts, but if you're looking for earbuds for all-day use, they may not be ideal.
The only other omission is wireless charging. A lot of the $100 earbuds these days offer wireless charging for the case, and it would made the PowerBuds just that little bit more enticing.
Amazfit PowerBuds Alternatives
There are a lot of great TWS options for under $100 these days. Anker's $80 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 immediately stand out for the sound quality and seven-hour battery life. You also get IPX5 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX, and a comfortable fit with a pocketable case.
Samsung's $105 Galaxy Buds are another option to consider in this category. The first-gen model has a six-hour battery life, IPX2 water resistance, and great sound quality.
My favorite $100 TWS earbuds is the Creative Outlier Gold. The sound quality is sublime, you get 14 hours of battery life, IPX5 water resistance, Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX, and virtual surround sound.
Amazfit PowerBuds Should you buy it?
Who it's for
- The earbuds are ideal for those looking for workout earbuds with long battery life
- If you need the convenience of built-in heart rate monitoring without having to wear a fitness band
- If you want easy-to-use gesture controls, adjustable EQ, and IP55 water resistance
Who it isn't for
- These aren't the most comfortable earbuds to wear all day, so you may run into fit issues
- If you want earbuds that charge wirelessly, look elsewhere
Overall, the Amazfit PowerBuds tick all the right boxes. They combine a sturdy design with all the features you care about in this segment. You get IP55 dust and water resistance, at least seven hours of battery life between charges, great sound quality with adjustable EQ, and a case that charges over USB-C.
Ultimately, the PowerBuds get a lot right for $100.
The magnetic hooks go a long way in providing a secure fit, and the only downside in terms of design is that the PowerBuds may not be comfortable for extended use if you have smaller ears.
Then there's the fact that you get built-in heart rate monitoring. Sure, you're not going to get as accurate a result as a fitness band, but you can't beat the convenience on offer here. So even if you don't care about this particular feature, the PowerBuds have plenty to offer in other areas, and they hold up very well in the TWS workouts category.
If you're in the market for $100 workout earbuds with an IP55 rating and seven-hour battery life, you'll love what the PowerBuds have to offer.
Boost your workouts
Amazfit PowerBuds
Workout earbuds that tick all the boxes
Amazfit's first earbuds get a lot of things right. They sound great out of the box, and there's adjustable EQ to further tweak the sound profile. You get up to eight hours of battery life, intuitive gesture controls on each earbud, IP55 water resistance, and heart rate monitoring during workouts. For what you're paying, you're getting a lot of value here.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/31rJdNU
OnePlus 8 Pro to Go on Sale in India Today via Amazon, OnePlus.in
from NDTV Gadgets - Latest https://ift.tt/3eI7PWk
Facebook starts rolling out a dark mode on mobile android os
Facebook has been rolling out a dark mode on all its mobile apps over the past year.
What you need to know
- Facebook is finally bringing dark mode to mobile.
- It's testing this on a small group of users globally.
- Facebook rolled out a dark mode for the web earlier this year.
Facebook is rolling out its new dark mode for mobile. Users on social media spotted the new update rolling out over the weekend, and Facebook confirmed to tech site The Verge that it was indeed rolling out dark mode to a small number of mobile users across the globe.
"Enjoy lower brightness, alongside contrast and vibrancy, with dark mode," Facebook said when it debuted on the web, "It minimizes screen glare for use in low light, wherever you are."
Facebook appears to be rolling out Dark Mode... https://t.co/qSfDa8d51e
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) June 26, 2020
The main Facebook app isn't the only one to get a dark mode. Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp also received dark mode updates recently.
And it's just not Facebook, dark mode has gotten popular over the past year, especially on mobile. Both iOS and Android received system-wide dark mode support and Google has been updating its apps to support the much-loved feature.
If the test is successful and all the kinks are smoothed out, we can expect Facebook to release the update over the next few weeks to months.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/3eIJm30
AC Podcast 480: What iOS 14 steals from Android; OnePlus Nord android os
Daniel Bader is joined this week by fellow Android Central cohorts Joe Maring and Harish Jonnalagadda to discuss what Apple has "politely stolen" from Android for iOS 14. On the flip side of that coin, they talk about what missing and different in the Android world compared to iPhone.
Harish also provides an exclusive peek at OnePlus Nord, including its dual 32MP + 8MP front cameras.
Listen now
- Subscribe in Pocket Casts: Audio
- Subscribe in Spotify: Audio
- Subscribe in iTunes: Audio
- Subscribe in RSS: Audio
- Download directly: Audio
Links:
- iOS 14 stole these 8 useful features from Android | Android Central
- iOS 14's App Library and widgets prove just how amazing Android's home screen has always been | Android Central
- How Google can leverage Fitbit to finally compete with the Apple Watch | Android Central
- Apple could be the best thing to ever happen to Android widgets in years | Android Central
- With iOS 14, Apple once again crushes Android makers on software update support | Android Central
- macOS Big Sur makes Macs with touchscreens seem within reach | iMore
- iPhone apps on the Mac could result in better Android apps on Chromebooks | Android Central
- Exclusive: OnePlus Nord has dual 32MP + 8MP front cameras | Android Central
- Exclusive: Pete Lau on how OnePlus plans to differentiate its upcoming TVs | Android Central
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2ZotEE2
Sprint outage? Here's what you need to do android os
Is your Sprint service more like a crawl? Here's what to do when there's an outage!
Whether it's a natural disaster, power failure, or network issues, Sprint outages happen. Sometimes an outage might just be a configuration issue with a phone as well. Still, outages are inevitable and totally suck, but there are things you can do to alleviate some of the frustration.
Check your device
First thing's first: Is the issue on just one of your devices, like your phone or tablet? If that's the case, then it could be the device acting up, so power it off, wait a few seconds, and power it back on again.
If it's just one device it is likely a configuration error. From time to time, Sprint will update a phone's configuration with an update and it is possible that the phone fails to connect afterward. Sometimes a simple phone restart can resolve this. If you still have an internet connection, even if it's slow, you can try reapplying that update. To do this, you can input ##update# (##873283#) in the dialer or find an option in the settings to update the network profile.
For further information on your specific device, you can call customer care or visit a local store. We recommend calling ahead to make sure the location you visit has techs on site.
If you're noticing the issue on several devices (every family member's phone is having problems with texting), then you're likely facing an outage.
Don't forget about Wi-Fi
While it can be frustrating to have to deal with an outage, there will be times when your connection isn't available. It's important to be able to make use of features such as Wi-Fi calling to minimize the impact on your business or everyday life. Wi-Fi provided by a Sprint device may share the outage, however, so having Wi-Fi from another source will be necessary. Enabling Wi-Fi calling should allow you to continue to make calls and use the internet during a Sprint outage.
It's always good to have a backup way to contact someone such as using an app like Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram that can operate with only a data connection.
Visit an outage website
There are quite a few websites that document carrier outages in the U.S., allowing you to see if other people are having the same woes you are before having to sit on hold with Sprint to find out if anything is wrong.
downdetector.com is one of the more popular options, offering a graph of Sprint issues over the last 24 hours, as well as a map showing you which areas the outage may be affecting most. Outage.Report is another good option, featuring a live coverage map as well.
Either way, check online before contacting Sprint, because if there is an outage, you may be waiting a long time to talk to someone.
Check out the My Sprint app
If you're an Android user, you should already have the My Sprint app installed on your phone; if not, grab it on Google Play. If you're an iPhone user, you can download it right from the App Store.
Not only can this app be used to access your account information and data usage, but it also has some troubleshooting options built in to help if there is a service issue. Sometimes a service outage can actually be a failed payment on your Sprint bill.
You can even report issues like dropped calls, texting issues, slow data speeds, or no service at all. It will use your GPS location to report the issues, which can help isolate a problem, such as an intermittent connection.
This is really only worth it if there is a local issue, such as one area or tower failing to connect. If there is a system-wide outage, the report won't matter.
Contact Sprint
If all else fails or if you want to know just how long an outage might last, contact Sprint directly via phone or online chat. Check out Sprint's support center page for specific issues, and click the yellow chat button when it appears after a few seconds. Chat is open 24/7.
You can also call customer service by dialing *2 on a Sprint phone or by calling 1-888-211-4727. You can also tweet directly to Sprint @sprintcare or message customer service on Facebook.
You can also report a network issue by signing into My Sprint.
Complete compatibility
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
$750 at Microsoft $800 at Amazon $800 at Best Buy
Fast, smooth, and cutting edge
The Galaxy S20 is one of the best devices to use on Sprint thanks to great hardware including 5G access on the T-Mobile network.
Carriers
- Which unlimited plan should you buy?
- Verizon's Unlimited plans: Everything you need to know
- Everything you need to know about the T-Mobile ONE unlimited plan
- Everything you need to know about the AT&T Unlimited plan
- Everything you need to know about Sprint's Unlimited Freedom plan
- Join the Discussion
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2BwYNbl
The Galaxy Tab S4 and S5e are getting updated to Android 10 android os
Some of Samsung's best tablets jump to Android 10.
What you need to know
- Samsung is rolling out OneUI 2.0 and Android 10 to some of its tablets.
- It's coming to the S4 and S5e in the U.S, Canada, and Western Europe.
- Android 10 and OneUI 2.0 brings a revamped dark mode, improved permissions, and refreshed in-box apps.
Samsung has started rolling out Android 10 to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e and the much older S4 in the U.S., Canada, and countries like the UK and France (via Android Police). Both tablets are some of the best Samsung has had to offer in the years prior, and a late update should breathe more life in them.
The company will also be stacking on One UI 2.0, alongside Android 10, so users can expect an improved dark mode, a refined permissions interface, refreshed in-box apps from Samsung, and various multitasking improvements. We've done a full look at Android 10 with Samsung's One UI here, so you can have a look at what you can expect over here.
Samsung is said to be launching new tablets later this year. The Galaxy Tab S7 and S7 Plus are on the way, both with excellent new large screens, powerful processors, and the possibility of 5G support. You may not get stock Android tablets from Google anymore, but let it not be said that Samsung hasn't been there to pick up the slack.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2Zm0xks
Should you buy a Wi-Fi 6 router in 2020? android os
Best answer: Yes, if you have an older router, you should consider moving up to Wi-Fi 6, especially since the prices have come down, and new phones will likely support the tech. If you already have a fast 802.11AC router, it won't be worth it, however.
- Entry level Wi-Fi 6 networking: Asus RT-AX56U ($130 at Amazon)
- Wi-Fi 6 in a mesh: Netgear Nighthawk MK62 ($191 at Amazon)
Speed and capacity upgrades
If it's time for you to buy a new router or you need to get your first router, it's worth it to be ready for new Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi 6 can handle more devices at once and will be able to keep speed and latency more consistent even under heavy load.
Since most people keep their routers for years and may upgrade their phones or computers multiple times before getting a new router, it's best to get a router that's ready for the future. Thankfully, Wi-Fi 6 routers have come down in price and are finally ready for mainstream users.
Nearly every networking company has some support for Wi-Fi 6 and currently, there are routers available in every category whether you're looking for best features, something cheap, or maybe you're ready for a mesh system.
The first consumer routers to adopt Wi-Fi 6 were over-the-top gaming routers like the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 and, while they're good, they have features most people won't use, like faster Ethernet and link aggregation. Not to mention they are quite expensive.
Where does that leave 802.11AC?
Wi-Fi 5, or as it is more commonly known, 802.11AC, got darn fast at the end of its life, with many routers offering speeds well over 1Gbps. Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11AX, brings a lot of enhancements for routers, such as support for a larger number of devices as well as some more efficient power usage.
For most home users, Wi-Fi 5 routers can supply more than enough speed, and if you have a fast one, it might not be worth it to jump into new hardware until prices come down even further. Similar to buying a smartphone from last year like a Galaxy Note 9, the performance may be good enough, and the software will be current, but it will reach its end-of-life sooner than the Note 10.
If you were going to buy a router today, Wi-Fi 5 just doesn't make a ton of sense for the next few years you will have it. However, if you don't, it's worth it to go further and get a Wi-Fi 6-compatible router.
Entry Level
Asus RT-AX56U
$130 at Amazon $139 at Best Buy $130 at Walmart
Wi-Fi 6 for the masses
The Asus RT-AX56U allows you to build a Wi-Fi 6 network that is fast enough for most people at a great price. Four LAN ports keep compatibility high.
Entry AX Mesh
Netgear Nighthawk MK62
$191 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy $200 at Walmart
Compact Wi-Fi 6 mesh networking
Build an understated Wi-Fi 6 mesh with the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 mesh routers. Cover up to 3000 square feet, even in tough conditions at AX1800 speeds.
from Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers https://ift.tt/2npQPi7