In a bid to fill the gap between affordable and flagship 5G phones, Samsung is bringing the upper mid-range Galaxy A71 5G to the US market. It will set you back by $600 and will hit the shelves starting June 19, with T-Mobile, Sprint, and Samsung.com being the first to offer it.
However, Samsung has promised that the Galaxy A71 5G will also be available from AT&T, Verizon, and a few other carriers later this summer. As for the phone itself, you get four cameras at the back with a 64MP main snapper, a Super AMOLED display, and a very familiar Samsung design with a punch-hole drilled in the middle, something the company markets as an Infinity-O display.
The phone will be up for grabs in a single Prism Cube Black color and will be sold in an unlocked flavor as well from Samsung’s official website. Here’s a quick look at the Galaxy A71 5G’s internal hardware:
Apple has started selling an in-house SSD kit for the MacBook Pro that is targeted primarily at existing owners who want to upgrade the storage but don’t want to buy third party expansion modules. The company’s SSD kits come in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB variants, equivalent to what you can already configure the Mac Pro with, at the time of buying.
Unfortunately, Apple is yet to reveal how much the SSD kit will cost, but it certainly won’t be cheap. In addition to the Mac Pro, Apple has also given the 16-inch MacBook Pro a graphics power boost, and it is now already available to configure from the Apple website at a steep price premium.
The new variant uses the AMD Radeon Pro 5600M GPU with 8GB of HBM2 memory, but the upgrade will cost you a cool $700. However, if you want to save money, the lower-end option with the AMD Radeon Pro 5600M GPU with both 4GB and 8GB memory is still listed for purchase.
Your OnePlus phone might soon help you find a charging station nearby when it’s running out of battery juice. The folks over at XDA-Developers have dived deep in the code of the stock Settings app on a OnePlus 8 series device running the Android 11 Beta 1 (Developer Preview) and found the mention of a “Find Stations” feature.
Image: XDA-Developers
The code clearly mentions “Notify when there is a charging station nearby,” and also reveals that users will have to provide location permission to take advantage of this useful feature. Additionally, a graphic asset has also been unearthed from the code showing a charging station with a pair of USB Type-A ports and a socket.
And it appears that OnePlus has already started laying the groundwork for its network of charging stations that will be discoverable via the upcoming feature. Twitter user Akash Gupta (@UrAvgHomoSapien) spotted OnePlus-branded War Charge stations at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Interestingly, the port layout seen in the graphic asset is similar to what the real station looks like.
Android beta builds are often riddled with bugs, and Android 11’s first public beta that was released earlier this week is no exception. This time around, the beta brings issues for the Google Pay app, showing a “Your phone is no longer ready for contactless payments” error when setting it up for the first time after installing Android 11 Beta 1.
It comes as a huge convenience for users, but thankfully, Google has taking cognizance of the issue and has promised to fix it soon. “We are aware some users can’t access Google Pay as part of the current build. We will be making it available soon,” a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by XDA-Developers.
However, this issue only affects users going for in-store payment. If you live in India and use the UPI system for peer-to-peer online payments, you won’t face any problem making transactions using Google Pay if your phone is running Android 11 beta. However, you will be asked to verify your phone number again and also enter the UPI PIN to activate your linked account.
Earlier this month, we had our first look at the renders of Google’s upcoming Android TV streaming dongle that is codenamed ‘Sabrina‘. Now, fresh information extracted from the firmware files by XDA-Developers indicates that the upcoming device might also support a dedicated low-latency mode for gaming.
Within a pre-installed system application called “SabrinaService”, there is a reference to a feature called “allm.” ALLM stands for Auto Low Latency Mode and it is an HDMI 2.1 feature that allows a gaming console, PC, or other devices to automatically enter a low-latency mode in order to provide a lag-free and uninterrupted experience for gaming, video conferencing and other scenarios.
To describe it in simple words, the Sabrina Android TV dongle will automatically enable a low-latency mode when it is connected to a compatible smart TV with a native low-latency mode of its own. And now that Google Stadia can be installed on an Android TV (sideloading it, not officially), it appears that Google’s upcoming streaming device might be the first to come with Stadia support.
Just a day ago, we came across leaked renders of Samsung’s upcoming flagship Android tablet – the Galaxy Tab S7. While the device’s internal hardware and key features still remain under the wraps, a fresh leak suggests Samsung will up its display game by offering a 120Hz panel on the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+.
The fresh leak comes courtesy of noted leakster Ice Universe (@UniverseIce), who has had a solid track record so far. If the information is right, the Galaxy Tab S7 pair will be the first Samsung tablets to pack a high refresh rate panel, making the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz in one go, just like the Galaxy S20 series.
Also, it would finally put the Galaxy Tab S7 as a serious Android tablet alternative to the iPad Pro, which also packs a 120Hz display with the ProMotion technology. As for the tablet itself, Samsung appears to have moved the selfie camera to the side, but the overall design is still heavily inspired by its predecessor.
If you’re into recording a lot of videos on your Android phone, you must be aware that when a video’s file size exceeds 4GB, it is automatically cut and divided into two or more clips in the background without pausing the video capture. However, it appears that Android is finally lifting that 4GB file size limit imposed by an old API.
Android Police reports that the Open Camera app can shoot continuous videos with a file size larger than 4GB on a phone running Android 11’s first public beta that was released earlier this week. However, the default Google Camera on the Pixel smartphones app is yet to lift that file size cap. A few weeks ago, a Google developer confirmed that the new code which lifts the 4GB file size limit will be integrated into Android 11.
However, it appears that we’ll have to wait longer for developers to adopt the new API and allow it to reflect in their apps, including the Google Camera app. Notably, the folks over at XDA-Developers spotted this upcoming change in Android 11 back in December. You can read the detailed post here.
In a bid to make some of the Google Assistant’s advanced features more accessible, Google has announced that it is expanding support for a trio of them to more third-party devices. Namely, Voice Match, ‘Hey Google’ hotword sensitivity adjustment, and default speaker selection are now expanding to products from Sonos, Bose, and more brands.
Voice Match – which employs voice recognition to identify users and provides personalized recommendations, calendar reminders, and more – is now available on more smart speakers. This feature can save up to six people’s voice patterns on a single smart speaker or smart display.
Moreover, the availability of Google Assistant’s hotword sensitivity adjustment tool is also expanding. It allows users to adjust how responsive their smart device is to the ‘Hey Google’ voice command. Also, users can now set any Google Assistant-enabled device in their home as the default speaker for playing music, podcast, or other content.
It’s a big day for Google Stadia fans and everyone who is yet to try it. You can now play games via Stadia on any Android phone out there, in addition to the smartphones officially certified by Google. Just go to the Experiments section in the Stadia app and tap the Play on this device option. Of course, performance will depend on the phone’s hardware, so keep your expectations in check.
Moreover, Google has announced that the first version of its mobile touch controls is now available to all Stadia members. To test it out on your phone, tap on Try touch gamepad prompt once you launch a game without connecting your phone with a controller. Touch controls are now live for all games in Google Stadia’s library.
Moreover, you can now individually set the resolution for each device on which you play games over Google Stadia. Just go to the Stadia menu > Options > Performance and specify the resolution for that device. It will be automatically applied the next time you launch the game.
No one likes to start watching a video on YouTube with an ad, and then survive a few more in between. Yes, there is a skip button, but it is still a hassle. So far, the only ethical way to get rid of ads is by paying for a YouTube Premium subscription. But someone just discovered a trick that only requires you to add a dot after the “.com” in a video’s URL.
Yes, it’s that easy. I tried to replicate the trick on Chrome in incognito mode, and it worked without a hitch. And notably, it works on mobile as well if you enable the open desktop site feature in the browser settings. The trick was noticed by a Reddit user (u/unicorn4sale), and if you’re wondering how it works, here’s the explanation in his own words:
“It’s a commonly forgotten edge case, websites forget to normalize the hostname, the content is still served, but there’s no hostname match on the browser so no cookies and broken CORS – and lots of bigger sites use a different domain to serve ads/media with a whitelist that doesn’t contain the extra dot.”
However, this trick won’t likely work for too long before Google fixes it up. So, take advantage of it before it becomes redundant.
Sony shattered a few streaming records today, and rightfully so. Concluding the Future Of Gaming – PlayStation 5 Game Reveal online event, Sony gave us our first detailed look at its highly anticipated console – the PlayStation 5. But before that, we saw an almost hour-long compilation of all the games coming to Sony’s next-gen console, and also the accessories that come with it.
PlayStation 5 games
Starting with the games, here’s the full list of titles showcased or teased today:
Games from SIE Worldwide Studios and second-party partners
Games from third-party publishers and developers
Bugsnax (Young Horses)
Astro’s Playroom (Japan Studio)
DEATHLOOP(Bethesda)
Demon’s Souls (Bluepoint Games / Japan Studio)
Ghostwire: Tokyo (Bethesda)
Destruction All Stars (Lucid Games / XDEV)
Godfall (Gearbox Publishing / Counterplay Games)
Gran Turismo 7 (Polyphony Digital)
Goodbye Volcano High (KO-OP)
Horizon Forbidden West (Guerrilla Games)
Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online (Rockstar Games)
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales (Insomniac Games)
HITMAN 3 (IO Interactive)
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (Insomniac Games)
JETT : The Far Shore (Superbrothers)
Returnal (Housemarque / XDEV)
Kena: Bridge of the Spirits (Ember Lab)
Sackboy A Big Adventure (Sumo Digital / XDEV)
Little Devil Inside (Neostream Interactive)
NBA 2K21 (2K, Visual Concepts)
Oddworld Soulstorm (Oddworld Inhabitants)
Pragmata (Capcom)
Project Athia (Square Enix/Luminous Productions)
Resident Evil Village (Capcom)
Solar Ash (Annapurna Interactive / Heart Machine)
Stray (Annapurna / Blue Twelve Studio)
Tribes of Midgard (Gearbox Publishing / Norsfell)
The Pathless (Annapurna Interactive / Giant Squid)
PlayStation 5 accessories
Coming to the accessories, Sony announced a media remote, a wireless headset, a charging dock, and more accessories for the PlayStation 5. Here’s a quick look at all of them with pictures:
DualSense Charging Station
The DualSense Charging Station will charge two DualSense Wireless Controllers at once, which is extremely convenient. Plus, it finally removes the hassle of dealing with wires once and for all, and that is something gamers will appreciate universally.
PULSE 3D wireless headset
The Pulse 3D Wireless headset for the PlayStation 5 feature two noise-canceling microphones and are claimed to provide 3D audio support. Sony had not yet elaborated on how 3D audio will come to life, but we suspect it is all about providing an immersive experience.
HD Camera
The HD camera attachment has two 1080p camera lenses that will allow players to livestream their gaming sessions. However, we are yet to hear more about its capability, if it will come bundled with the PlayStation, and other key attributes.
Media Remote
As the name itself makes it abundantly clear, the minimalist Media Remote will let users navigate through the UI and access streaming services. It also has a built-in mic, which means it will possibly be used to control the software with voice commands via an AI assistant.
The wait is finally over. Here’s your first look at the PlayStation 5. Sony just concluded its Future Of Gaming – Playstation 5 Game Reveal online event by giving us the first glimpse of the PlayStation 5. And let me put it in clear, comprehensible words – the PlayStation 5 is the most beautiful Sony console ever. Actually, it is the most visually striking console ever made. Period.
It will come in two versions – the vanilla PlayStation 5 has a disc slot, while the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition lacks one, and thus has a slimmer profile and a more symmetrical design. The build is an all black-and-white affair with Sony’s signature blue LED streaks lining the vents. As for the I/O ports, they’ve been conveniently positioned on the front.
We’ve already gazed upon the console’s DualSense wireless controller, but today, we also got our first look at the DualSense Charging Station that will simultaneously charge two controllers. Sony also briefly showcased the HD Camera and new Pulse 3D Wireless Headset as well. And to handle media playback and the UI, there will also be a Media Remote for the PlayStation 5.
The Kindle Paperwhite has so far been available in two colors only – the classic Black and a Twilight Blue shade. Amazon has now quietly added two new colors to mix – Sage and Plum, and they look really cool in an understated fashion. And thankfully, Amazon is not charging you extra for the new paintjob.
Kindle Paperwhite’s Sage color has a mint green appearance, while the Plum version looks more like a deeper shade of lavender with a reddish undertone. But do keep in mind that irrespective of the color you pick, the bezels on the front are still black. The device is currently available in a choice of two storage variants – 8GB and 32GB.
After applying a special discount, the 8GB version of the Kindle Paperwhite costs $129.99, while the 32GB model will set you back by $159.99. Amazon is also bundling in three months of free Kindle Unlimited subscription. As for the specs, you get a 6-inch glare-free display with a pixel density of 300ppi and a splash-proof build.
Facebook lets you react to a post or comment with a reaction emoji. And in personal experience, I find it more expressive compared to hitting the like button or entering the comments section to type a message. If you like them too, and also happen to be a Twitter user, some good news might soon come your way.
App reverse engineer, Jane M. Wong (@wongmjane), has spotted a reaction-emoji feature being tested on Twitter. As per a screenshot shared by Wong, the retweet window now has an additional row of reaction emojis that include laughter, surprise, and a “100” emoji icon. In addition to it, you get the usual Retweet, Retweet with comment, and the new React with Fleet options.
These tweet reactions are not the same as the set you get on Facebook, but the idea is somewhat similar. However, this might just be an experiment and may never make it out as a publicly available feature. And even if it arrives, some changes to the user-facing interface can’t be ruled out.
As is clearly evident from the name, this Android 11 beta build for the OnePlus 8 duo is targeted at developers. So, if you have little to no experience with software development or flashing ROMs, you better wait for the public beta to arrive. As expected, there are a few bugs and limitations with this build, such as:
Face unlock is unavailable
Google Assistant (“OK Google”) does not work
Video calling does not work
Certain UI screens look less than desirable
Some apps may not function as expected
System stability issues
Also, T-Mobile and Verizon locked units of the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are not compatible with this Android 11 developer preview build. With all the warnings and shortcomings having been described, proceed to the official OnePlus community forum announcement page to get the download files on your OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro (NA, IN, and EU version).
