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Google Pixel 8: A Closer Look at Wireless Charging Capabilities

By
Shanmugam
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0

Carrying the GKWS6 model number, the smaller Pixel 8 passed through the WPC to receive its Qi charging approval. The listing makes it clear Google’s upcoming compact flagship will support a maximum wireless charging speed of 12W, the same as the Pixel 7. It also confirms support for Qi charging version 1.2.4, which is not the Qi2 standard (via 9to5Google).

With the Pixel Stand 2, the Pixel 7 can reach a peak wireless charging speed of 20W. Presumably, Google could offer a similar boost on the Pixel 8 when its proprietary charging stand is used.
The Pixel 8 Pro has not yet passed the Wireless Power Consortium. Google might offer Qi2 support on the bigger Pixel, though the chances are relatively slim.

While Qi2 might not seem like a significant upgrade, it allows Android manufacturers to add MagSafe to their phones, making wireless charging much more convenient daily. It also makes connecting additional accessories or mounts to your phone much easier. Thankfully, MagSafe adapters are available for popular Android phones that bring almost the same level of convenience to your existing phone. So, if you plan to get the Pixel 8 but are bummed about the possible lack of Qi2 support, you can use one such adapter.

Lenovo’s Impressive Flagship Tablet, Tab Extreme, Now Available Worldwide

By
Ramana Rishi
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Lenovo swept the tech world by storm during the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2023 with its astounding lineup of products, including the Tab Extreme. This premium Android tablet, the Legion Y900 in China, was just released to the global market, beginning with the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Lenovo Tab Extreme, priced initially at €1,299 in Europe, is now available for £999 in the UK and $949.99 in the US. Customers will receive a Folio Case and a Lenovo Pen 3 with the device. However, the keyboard accessory is not included at this pricing.

Let us remember the Lenovo Tab Extreme’s outstanding characteristics. It has an eye-catching 14.5-inch OLED display with a 3000 x 1876 pixels resolution. The 16:10 aspect ratio display offers 1920Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and a refresh rate of 120Hz.

The powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 flagship chip powers the tablet. Buyers can select between 12GB of LPDDR5X memory and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The Tab Extreme has a large 12300mAh battery, allowing for more prolonged use. It also has two USB-C ports: one full-featured USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port and one USB-C 2.0 port. The former provides for DP output, whereas the latter allows for DP input.

Regarding design, the Tab Extreme weighs only 740 grams and has a slim profile of only 5.85 mm thick. Audiophiles will appreciate the tablet’s eight JBL speakers and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, which provide an immersive sound experience. It also has four microphones for improved speech input. The camera arrangement features a 13MP front lens and a dual configuration in the back with 13MP and 5MP sensors.

The tablet, which runs Android 13 out of the box, provides a smooth user experience. Lenovo has committed to providing three significant OS upgrades for the Tab Extreme, including software compatibility for Android 16. Furthermore, the business guarantees up to four years of security upgrades, ensuring the gadget remains secure.

Adding a Pop of Color: The Lost Opportunity of Apple’s Colored MagSafe Chargers

By
Alex Infant
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The process of developing a new product is a comprehensive endeavor that necessitates thorough groundwork. Consequently, tech giants invest billions of dollars into their Research and Development departments each year. Although these investments generally yield fruitful outcomes, there are instances where products, despite extensive efforts, never progress beyond the prototype stage. Case in point: In 2020, Apple created prototypes of MagSafe chargers in a range of captivating colors, including Starlight, Green, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Blue, and RED. Regrettably, none of these chargers made their way into the hands of the public.

Kosutami, an ardent collector of Apple prototypes and rare Apple paraphernalia, recently acquired a MagSafe charger in the distinctive Starlight hue. Sharing their insights on the matter, they remarked, “I’ve recently stumbled upon some prototypes and new information. It appears that the MagSafe chargers were originally planned to be available in various colors, much like the vibrant MagSafe MacBook charging cables, but with a more saturated palette. I even had the opportunity to test it out with the unreleased Magic Charger.“

The rationale behind Apple’s decision to abandon the colored MagSafe chargers remains a mystery. It is plausible that the company deemed the colors incongruous with its overarching design aesthetic. Another possibility is that the manufacturing costs associated with the colored chargers proved exorbitant. Whatever the underlying cause, Apple’s choice not to release the colored MagSafe chargers has left numerous enthusiasts disappointed. These chargers would have provided an avenue to introduce a splash of color to Apple’s otherwise monochromatic lineup of accessories.

However, all is not lost for those yearning for a vibrant MagSafe charging experience. Third-party manufacturers have stepped up, introducing their versions of the chargers in various colors. Not only are these chargers often more budget-friendly than Apple’s offerings, but they also deliver comparable performance levels.

Nothing Set to Launch Phone (2) with Enhanced Features and Sustainable Approach

By
Sriram
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Nothing, the emerging technology startup, is gearing up to release its second smartphone, the Phone (2), this summer. Positioned as a compelling option in the premium mid-range segment, the device promises an array of upgrades. Notably, it will be powered by the advanced Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, marking a significant leap from its predecessor’s Snapdragon 778G+ processor. Nothing has confirmed notable improvements in battery capacity and display size while emphasizing its sustainable practices throughout the device’s production process. The company’s commitment extends far beyond simply omitting the charger from the packaging.

Recently, Nothing took to Twitter to reveal some intriguing details about the Phone (2). The company proudly announced that the device had earned SGS certification for its impressively low carbon footprint, measuring 53.45kg—more than 5kg less than its predecessor, Phone (1). This remarkable achievement is particularly notable considering the Phone (2) features a 200mAh increase in battery capacity and a 0.15″ larger screen compared to the original model. With a 6.7-inch display, the Nothing Phone (2) is expected to boast an OLED panel, although specific details are yet to be disclosed. The device will house a robust 4,700mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance.

While the Phone (2) charging capabilities remain undisclosed, it’s safe to assume that the package will not include a charger. In line with the industry trend, smartphone manufacturers have been committed to environmental sustainability by omitting wall chargers and earbuds from their product boxes. Although critics argue that this cost-saving strategy benefits companies more than the planet, Apple pioneered the movement, and many others have followed suit. Under CEO Carl Pei’s guidance, nothing boldly decided to remove the charger from the Phone (1) packaging and this approach will continue with the Phone (2).

Like its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2) will receive three years of major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. Nothing has implemented several additional measures to minimize the device’s ecological footprint as part of its broader environmental efforts. You can refer to the comprehensive details here to learn more about these initiatives.

Yuzu: The Game-Changing Switch Emulator Lands on Android

By
Sajin Vargheese
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0

Emulation has long found a home in the Android environment, allowing players to recreate vintage gaming experiences. On the other hand, navigating the intricate landscape of producing and publishing emulators has proven to be a legal minefield, leading to the failure of many such initiatives. While emulators for obsolete platforms typically avoid legal attention, recent events around the Nintendo Switch emulator Skyline serve as a reminder that modern console emulation can swiftly attract the ire of corporations.

Despite Skyline’s setback, a new Switch emulator has appeared on the Play Store. Yuzu is an emulator that lets you play pirated Switch games on your Android mobile, albeit with a few glitches initially. While it is still in its early stages, Yuzu is currently the best way to enjoy your favorite Switch titles on Android.

Yuzu is free to download, but an Early Access edition is available for purchase, allowing you to test new features before they are officially launched. Furthermore, Yuzu’s development is open source, allowing interested parties to view the source code on their GitHub page. However, because this is the emulator’s first public journey into the Android arena, there may be some initial stumbling blocks to overcome.

The Yuzu website offers a detailed description of performance predictions across various phone types. While owners of high-end Android gaming phones should usually have smooth emulation, the website notes that “a regular Samsung Galaxy S23, on the other hand, is a boiling machine, climbing to 90°C in seconds.” Despite sharing similar hardware characteristics with the best Android handsets, gaming-oriented phones prioritize sufficient cooling methods, typically adding specialized space and fans, allowing them to manage Yuzu’s demands successfully.

Regarding Yuzu emulation, temperature control isn’t the only thing to consider. The recommended RAM size for optimal performance is 8GB, with the most resource-intensive Switch titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, requiring a whopping 12GB. Fortunately, Yuzu provides a detailed list of tested games on the emulator and any known issues with them.

Emulation enterprises are fraught with complications, but if Yuzu can successfully traverse the legal minefield, it can establish itself as a prominent emulator on the Android platform.

Google’s DMCA Response: The Uncertain Fate of the Downloader App

By
Shanmugam
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0
Image Credit: androidpolice.com

Becoming an Android developer on the Play Store presents numerous challenges. It’s not just about building a reputation and attracting app downloads; you must also navigate the unpredictable and sometimes devastating impact of Play Store policy enforcement. Unfortunately, many developers who genuinely strive to adhere to the rules have experienced the sudden removal of their apps from the platform. The latest victim of what appears to be an unfair removal is an app accused of supporting piracy solely due to the inclusion of a web browser.

Downloader, a popular Android TV app, addresses a significant issue power users face: the seamless transfer of files to these devices, particularly for sideloading apps. Among its features, the app includes a web browser optimized for remote usage, enabling users to retrieve files from websites conveniently. Essentially, Downloader does what its name suggests.

The predicament originates from a law firm representing multiple Israeli TV companies, which filed a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaint with Google, as reported by Ars Technica. The firm asserts that the app can access a piracy website, alleging numerous people exploit it to obtain content without payment. However, the app’s developer, Elias Saba, vehemently denies affiliation with the piracy website. He asserts that his app solely directs users to the homepage of his website, AFTVnews, without leading them elsewhere.

Saba filed an appeal soon after receiving the DMCA complaint through the Play Console. However, Google swiftly rejected his request within an hour. Undeterred, he submitted a second appeal using Google’s DMCA counter-notification form. He awaits a response, with the latest update on his request occurring earlier today. Regrettably, Saba lacks visibility into the specific changes made, but it indicates that progress has been made since he initially submitted the form last Friday.

In a series of tweets, Saba highlights the inconsistency of taking down a browser merely because it can load a pirated website. He argues that if this were the case, all browsers within the Google Play Store should face removal. He expresses disappointment in Google’s passive approach, hoping they would implement measures to filter out baseless DMCA notices like the one he received.

Google has yet to reinstate the app, leaving the outcome uncertain for Saba’s arguments. While it is reasonable to envision the app’s return, given its similarity to other browsers available on the Play Store, nothing guarantees its reinstatement. Google has previously reinstated apps following DMCA claims, but even with a valid counter-notice, the resolution process can still extend for months before rectification is achieved.

Google’s Recorder App: Bridging the Gap for Larger Screens

By
Sajin Vargheese
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0

Each mobile phone manufacturer typically provides its own recording application, but Google Recorder stands out from the competition due to its exceptionally valuable transcription features. While the app was already helpful on its own, Google took it a step further last year by introducing the ability to identify individual speakers during recordings. With the imminent release of the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, Google is preparing the Recorder app to function seamlessly on larger screens.

According to a report from 9to5Google, the latest update of Google Recorder features an enhanced user interface specifically tailored for these new devices. The app’s layout now divides the screen into two halves: one side displays the waveform recording, while the other showcases the transcription. Moreover, when utilizing the transcription service, the playback controls are located in the bottom-right corner instead of occupying the entire right-hand side.

Although the update is already being rolled out, most users will only notice significant changes once they acquire the new set of Pixel devices. Those who are already familiar with the Recorder web app will find this update quite similar in appearance. Additionally, users may have observed that the web app allowed for adjusting playback speeds, and they will be delighted to discover that this feature is now available on the mobile app as well.

Historically, Google has not devoted much attention to optimizing its applications for large-screen devices. However, with the imminent release of the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, it seems that this trend is about to change. If you currently own an Android tablet and wish to utilize apps specifically designed for such devices, it would be worthwhile to explore the existing selection of tablet-optimized apps. While it may take some time before most Google apps become fully optimized for tablets, the recent update to Google Recorder represents a promising step in the right direction.

Next-Generation Snapdragon Processors: A Sneak Peek into the Future of Android Phones

By
Ramana Rishi
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0
Image Credit: dealntech.com

Presently, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 stands out as a top-tier processor for Android phones available in the market. However, there have already been leaks about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, giving us a glimpse into its upcoming release. Now, fresh details regarding the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 have surfaced, courtesy of frequent tipster Digital Chat Station.

According to Digital Chat Station, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (presumably identified by the model number SM87505) will incorporate Qualcomm’s custom Nuvia CPU technology. This would mark a significant milestone, as it would be the first Snapdragon smartphone processor to adopt a Nuvia CPU.

The leaker goes on to reveal that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to be announced in late 2024, with availability in 2025’s smartphones. Notably, the processor is anticipated to feature a 2+6 CPU core configuration. This hints at a departure from the traditional big/medium/little CPU setup that we’ve become accustomed to. Qualcomm’s custom CPU technology, known as Oryon, was briefly discussed at the Snapdragon Summit in 2022. The company had expressed its intention to introduce this technology first in PCs, which suggests we might witness it in action even before the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 hits the market.

The proposed 2+6 CPU core layout is particularly intriguing, as it implies that Qualcomm has been developing both powerful and efficient custom cores. This concept isn’t entirely new, as tipster Kuba Wojciechowski previously suggested that a desktop Snapdragon chip planned for 2024 could feature an octa-core custom CPU with eight high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores.

While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is anticipated to retain the conventional big/medium/little CPU configuration, it appears that Qualcomm might eventually move away from the three-tier approach it has employed since the Snapdragon 865 series in 2020. This potential shift would align the U.S. chipmaker more closely with Apple, which has successfully employed a two-tier CPU setup (comprising two high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores) in its iPhone processors.

These developments in Snapdragon processors hold great promise for the future, as they push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, ultimately enhancing the user experience on Android devices.

Unskippable Ads on YouTube: The Impact on Viewers and Advertisers

By
Alex Infant
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0

The entertainment scene is changing dramatically as streaming alternatives gradually replace traditional cable television. YouTube is leading the effort, using a freemium model that allows viewers to either purchase YouTube Premium or suffer advertising that funds the platform and its creators. However, a fraction of YouTube viewers, particularly those watching on connected TVs, may now be subjected to lengthy and unskippable 30-second ads.

YouTube revealed its extraordinary reach of 150 million people on connected TVs in the United States alone during the recent Brandcast 2023 event when potential advertisers gathered. Increased video consumption on YouTube means a broader audience to market to and more options for ad placement for advertisers. As a result, the business announced a move to replace two 15-second unskippable adverts on linked TVs with a single 30-second unskippable spot. As one of the most popular entertainment apps, YouTube has made it apparent that it plans to utilize larger displays in people’s homes, giving advertisers more time to fascinate viewers and weave interesting tales around their products or services.

According to YouTube, the format change will not affect the watching experience. However, after testing our patience with unskippable advertising in September of the previous year, it’s clear that the firm recognized the business potential of this move. While it would be ideal if all advertisements were placed before uninterrupted content, the only way to avoid them is to subscribe to YouTube Premium.

Although these adjustments will initially be limited to linked TVs, YouTube’s language leaves room for future possibilities. Given that viewers frequently consume long-form material on larger displays, there is no reason why YouTube would not consider deploying 30-second unskippable advertising on mobile devices. We are hesitant to provide suggestions, but the potential is certainly there.

Advertisers may get these new 30-second spots via YouTube Select, which allows them to target specific demographics and select preferred YouTube creators to display their ads. Additionally, Google provided other prominent viewership figures during the Brandcast event, emphasizing advertisers and highlighting chances for organizations to showcase their brands even when users halt the content they are watching.

Android 14’s Potential Game-Changer: App Pairs and Seamless Multitasking

By
Ramana Rishi
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0

Android has long allowed users to multitask by utilizing split-view features. With the development of smartphones with enormous displays, split-view has proven to be a crucial technique for maximizing screen real estate. Tablets and foldable devices, in particular, benefit immensely from this functionality, as their larger displays are ideal for running two apps simultaneously. While Google’s attempt to introduce App Pairs in Android 12 did not succeed, there are signs that this may change with the introduction of Android 14 later this year.

Mishaal Rahman, a well-known Android specialist, recently tweeted about a new launcher flag in Android 14 beta 2. When enabled, this flag may allow the “save app pair” option, which is conveniently buried within the contextual split-screen menu in the Recent Apps view. Toggling the hidden flag currently produces no tangible results, implying that the feature is still in development and unsuitable for testing. Once fully functioning, the “save app pair” option will most likely allow users to build home screen shortcuts that directly start two apps in split-screen mode.

Aside from smartphones, the app pairing functionality has excellent promise for devices such as the Pixel Fold and Tablet. Because of their large screen sizes, these devices are perfect for multitasking with many apps simultaneously.

It’s worth mentioning that Samsung already has a similar App Pair feature on its top Galaxy S and Tab smartphones, while Microsoft has a similar capability on its Surface Duo lineup. As a result, Google’s inclusion of App Pair in Android 14 would essentially bring it up to speed with a feature that Samsung has had on its phones for several years.

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