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mardi 3 décembre 2019

HP Chromebook x360 convertible launched in India in 12″ and 14″ variants

Chromebooks were formerly seen as cheaper alternatives to bigger or bigger and laptops. Apart from premium offerings like the last year’s $999 Pixelbook, the availability of native support for the Google Play Store and Android apps on Chromebooks has helped change the perception to quite an extent. HP is among the manufacturers that spare some SKUs for ChromeOS and has launched two new – 12″ and 14″ – models as part of its x360 series of convertible Chromebooks in India.

HP just announced the availability of these new convertible laptops running on ChromeOS. The HP Chromebook x360 12″ and 14″ models are powered by Intel’s Celeron N4000 CPU, previously part of the Gemini Lake family. Made with a 14nm foundry process, the Intel Celeron N4000 is a low-powered CPU for entry-level laptops. It features a 2-core-2-thread design and has a base and a burst frequency of 1.1GHz and 2.6GHz, respectively. Integrated with the Intel N4000 CPU, there’s an Intel UHD Graphic 600 GPU. HP’s Chromebook x360 series already has a 14″ model that come with Intel Core i3 or Core i5 options.

x360

HP is primarily projecting the new Chromebook x360 laptop duo as entertainment and education devices for the Gen-Z. The 12″ model features a 3:2 aspect ratio instead of the traditional 16:9 to facilitate easy usage in both – landscape and portrait orientations for the display. Further, the touch displays on both laptops support styluses certified for USI (Universal Stylus Interface) and can be used with any USI supported stylus – even with multiple USI styluses at once. The HP Chromebook x360 features a magnetic dock to attach the stylus on the side of the laptop. The HP pen, however, must be bought separately and is not included with either of the laptops. When it comes to the technology behind these displays, both the variants use an HD+ WLED-backlit IPS panel with different resolutions mentioned in the table below.

Complementing the Intel Celeron processor is 4GB of RAM on both models and 64GB of eMMC storage. The storage can be further expanded by another 256GB using a microSD card. For I/O, both the variants get two USB Type-C and a single USB Type-A port.

The new HP Chromebook models get full support for Android apps as well as the Google Assistant. You can also use commands on the laptop to control the smart home equipment in your personal IoT. Additionally, there’s 100GB of Google One Drive storage for a year.


HP Chromebook x360 (Gemini Lake) Specifications

Specifications HP Chromebook x360 12″ HP Chromebook x360 14″ (Gemini Lake)
Dimensions and Weight
  • 272 x 216 x 17.3 mm
  • 1.35kg
  • 324 x 226 x 18.8 mm
  • Starting at 1.58kg
Display
  • 12″ IPS anti-glare WLED-backlit touchscreen
  • Resolution: 1366 x 912
  • 360º hinge rotation
  • 14″ SVA anti-glare WLED-backlit touchscreen
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • 360º hinge rotation
Design 3D metallic keyboard deck with Ceramic White polished cover 3D metallic keyboard deck with Ceramic White polished cover
Processor
  • Intel Celeron N4000
  • Dual-core
  • 1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency
  • 4 MB cache
  • Intel Celeron N4000
  • Dual-core
  • 1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency
  • 4 MB cache
Memory 4GB LPDD4-2400 SDRAM 4GB LPDD4-2400 SDRAM
Graphics Configurations Intel UHD Graphics 600 Intel UHD Graphics 600
Storage Configurations
  • 64GB eMMC
  • Expandable up to 256GB
  • 64GB eMMC
  • Expandable up to 256GB
I/O Ports
  • 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C (USB + DP 1.2 + PD 3.0)
  • 1x USB 3.1 Type-A
  • microSD card slot
  • Headphone/microphone combo jack
  • 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C (USB + DP 1.2 + PD 3.0)
  • 1x USB 3.1 Type-A
  • microSD card slot
  • Headphone/microphone combo jack
Connectivity
  • Intel Wireless-AC 9560
  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • Wi-Fi5 (2×2 MU-MIMO)
  • Bluetooth 5
  • Intel Wireless-AC 9560
  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • Wi-Fi5 (2×2 MU-MIMO)
  • Bluetooth 5
Camera HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone
Audio B&O-tuned dual speakers B&O-tuned dual speakers
Battery Configurations 40.31Wh 47Wh
AC Adapter Configuration USB Type-C 45W USB Type-C 45W
OS ChromeOS ChromeOS
Color Ceramic White, Natural silver Ceramic White, Natural silver

Price & Availability

The new HP Chromebook x360 will be available in India offline as well as via Amazon, Flipkart, and HP’s own online store. The 12″ model is priced at ₹29,990 (~$420) whereas the 14″ Intel Celeron N400 variant will be sold at ₹34,989 (~$490). The HP pen will have to be bought separately for ₹3,999 (~$55).

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TWRP adds support for the Redmi K20 Pro/Mi 9T Pro, Nokia 7.2, and Nokia 6.2

The TWRP custom recovery has been around for several years now and it has grown to become the go-to option for the Android community to install any kind of third-party software on their devices. TWRP’s open-source nature helped it reach popularity across a wide range of devices. On top of that, features like full backup and restore, ADB sideloading, etc. helped the custom recovery cement its position in the market. Now, TWRP is adding support for a few more devices.

Redmi K20 Pro/Mi 9T Pro

The Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro, which is also known as the Redmi K20 Pro in some regions, was launched earlier this year in May. The device packs in top-of-the-line specs, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 chip, up to 8GB of RAM, and a triple camera setup. While the device has had unofficial TWRP support for a while now, it has now officially received support for the custom recovery.

Official TWRP for the Mi 9T Pro/Redmi K20 Pro

Nokia 7.2

The recently released Nokia 7.2 is a mid-range smartphone that packs in a Snapdragon 660, coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device comes with stock Android out of the box, but if you wish to try out a custom ROM on your phone, you can now use the official TWRP release from the link below to flash a custom ROM.

Official TWRP for the Nokia 7.2

Nokia 6.2

The Nokia 6.2, which was also released alongside the Nokia 7.2, has also received official TWRP support. The device also packs in a mid-range Snapdragon 636 chip, coupled with up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Thanks to the TWRP support, you’ll now be able to install custom ROMs, kernels, or Magisk modules to add some functionality to the stock OS.

Official TWRP for the Nokia 6.2

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Huawei Mate 30 and Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 do not use any US-made components

Huawei’s recent trade ban saga was an unfortunate incident, as it restricted US companies from conducting business with the Chinese company. The most prominent collateral damage in this trade war, to a smartphone enthusiast, was the fact that Huawei’s newer smartphones like the Mate 30 series will be left without the comforting shade of Google Mobile Services. However, the effects of the trade ban extend beyond software, as smartphones from Huawei did come with several components sourced from US companies. But a report from Wall Street Journal suggests that newer batches of Huawei devices like the Huawei Mate 30 and the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 do not come with any US-based components.

Huawei, much like other smartphone OEMs, depends upon cordial relations among nations to build the advanced pieces of technology that we often take for granted. Smartphones are a result of hardware and software cooperation among multiple entities with varied origins, so harmonious trade relations between powerful nations was considered a pre-requisite for building a globally competitive product. The US trade ban threw a wrench in Huawei’s plan, as companies like Qualcomm, Intel and others were forced to cut ties with the Chinese company. Later on, some companies assessed that they were not to be affected by the trade ban, while others were granted licenses to resume business. In the meantime, Huawei sought alternatives for the crucial components that it previously sourced from US companies. And as it turns out, the company was able to reduce its dependence on US companies for hardware.

According to the Wall Street Journal‘s report citing UBS and Fomalhaut Techno Solutions‘ analysis, newer batches of devices like the Huawei Mate 30 and the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 do not contain any parts sourced from US companies. For instance, audio amplifiers that used to be sourced from Cirrus Logic, a US company, are now being sourced from NXP, a company based in the Netherlands. Similarly, power management chips that came from ON Semiconductor (US), now see alternates from MediaTek (Taiwan); while antenna switches that were sourced from Qorvo (US), and Skyworks (US), now see alternate options originating from Murata (Japan), and Huawei’s own HiSilicon (China).

This switching over has allowed Huawei to reduce its reliance on US-based suppliers, and in some instances, entirely eliminate US-based options and use other competing suppliers.

The report quotes a statement from a Huawei spokesman:

It is the company’s clear preference to continue to integrate and buy components from U.S. supply partners. If that proves impossible because of the decisions of the U.S. government, we will have no choice but to find alternative supply from non-U.S. sources

The report further mentions that Huawei had anticipated a blacklisting after years of pressure from the US, and so, the company had begun stockpiling spare parts last year which would allow them some extra time in case of a blacklisting situation. The company also began identifying alternatives and working on its own replacement parts.

On the other hand, chip makers like Qorvo, Skyworks, and Broadcom have warned of a hit to their earnings because of the trade ban. So while Huawei appears to be maintaining its momentum because of globalization, others in the US might be feeling the pinch tighter.


Source: Wall Street Journal
Via: The Verge

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Kernel sources available for Android 10 updates of Samsung Galaxy S10 series and Xiaomi Mi 9/Redmi K20 Pro

Timely kernel source releases from OEMs give developers and power users a chance to dive deeper into the code that runs their phones. It allows them to figure out ways to improve the phone’s overall performance and capabilities. Kernel source releases also help developers release custom ROMs for the device which, in turn, benefit users who aren’t satisfied with the stock ROM. In a bid to promote third-party development, most OEMs these days release kernel sources within a month or two of their devices hitting the market. Manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi have a good track record of releasing kernel sources and they’ve previously released kernel sources for the Android 9 Pie build for the Galaxy S10 series, the Xiaomi Mi 9 and the Redmi K20 Pro. Now, following the recent Android 10 rollout for these devices, the companies have released kernel sources for the Android 10 builds.

Galaxy S10 XDA Forums || Galaxy S10e XDA Forums || Galaxy S10+ XDA Forums || Redmi K20 Pro XDA Forums || Mi 9 XDA Forums

Kernel sources for the Exynos variants of the Samsung Galaxy S10 series are now available on Samsung’s Open Source website (linked below). These include the Galaxy S10e (SM-G970F), the Galaxy S10 (SM-G973F), and the Galaxy S10+ (SM-G975F). The latest releases are at the top of the list and contain the tag ‘QQ’ in the release description. On the other hand, sources for the Xiaomi Mi 9, codename Cepheus, and Redmi K20 Pro are available on GitHub. It’s worth noting that the kernel branch for the Mi 9 and Redmi K20 Pro is the same, so you can download kernel sources for either device from the same link below.

Kernel Sources for the Galaxy S10 Series

Kernel Sources for the Xiaomi Mi 9/Redmi K20 Pro

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Redmi K30 official teaser shows off quad rear cameras and side fingerprint scanner

Late last month, Xiaomi’s Redmi sub-brand first teased the upcoming Redmi K30. The initial teaser revealed that the device will come with 5G dual-mode 5G support and the attached image suggested that it would feature a dual punch-hole display. Soon thereafter, live images of the device surfaced online which revealed that the K30 will also include a 120Hz display. We also got to know that the device will be powered by Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 730 or Snapdragon 730G chip. Then, the company’s General Manager, Lu Weibing, announced that the K30 series will be announced on December 10th. Now, just a week ahead of its launch, the company has floated more teasers giving us a first look at its design.

Redmi K30 teaser

As per the recent images shared on Weibo, the upcoming Redmi K30 (5G variant) will feature a quad-camera setup arranged vertically on the back. The camera module itself is housed within a large circle that has a glossy finish, as opposed to the matte finish of the back panel. The dual-LED flash resides right beneath the camera array, outside the circle, with the 5G branding underneath. Other than that, the back of the device is quite clean with the exception of the Redmi branding towards the bottom. The power button resides in a recess on the right edge of the device and houses the fingerprint scanner.

Redmi K30 teaser

 

The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a departure from the in-display fingerprint scanner found on the Redmi K20 series, but on the bright side we can expect faster unlock speeds and the recess is definitely a nice touch. The teaser also reaffirms that the device will feature dual-mode 5G, but we don’t get a clear look at the other edges so we don’t have any information on the port selection yet. A different teaser image confirms that the device will feature a dual punch-hole display up on the front, with minimal bezels on all sides. In contrast, the Redmi K20 series featured a single pop-up selfie camera on the top edge.

Redmi smart speaker teaser

Additionally, Weibing has shared a teaser that reveals that Redmi will be launching its first WiFi router, AC2100, and a smart speaker, Redmi Little Love speaker Play (translated), along with the Redmi K30 series at the upcoming event. As of now, we have no further information about the internal specifications of the upcoming devices. But we expect to learn more as the launch draws closer.


Source: Weibo (1,2,3,4)

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lundi 2 décembre 2019

Realme X2, 5, 5s and C2 receive updates with November 2019 security patches, dark mode quick toggle, and more

Realme has been at the top of its game while releasing prompt updates for its devices over the last month. The company released updates for the Realme 3 Pro, Realme X, Realme 5 and Realme 2 Pro, featuring the new system-wide dark mode and Android security patches for November 2019. It then released updates for the Realme 3/3i, featuring the dark mode, Digital Wellbeing, and the November security patches. Most recently, the company’s first true flagship, the Realme X2 Pro, got an update to improve its camera quality and display. Now, the company is rolling out similar updates for four more devices in its lineup.

Realme X2 XDA Forums || Realme 5 XDA Forums

The Realme X2, which previously received an update for the November 2019 security patches in India, has now received a similar update in the European region. Along with the security patches, the update includes optimizations for the nightscape picture quality for the front camera and a couple of bug fixes. Here’s the official changelog for the ColorOS 6.1 update (vRMX1993EX_11.A.16) for the X2:

  • Security
    • Android security patch: November, 2019
  • Camera
    • Optimized nightscape quality of front camera
  • Known issue fixed
    • Fixed the issue that the background of the WhatsApp dialog interface is not clear with dark mode

Realme has also released a ColorOS 6.1 update for the Realme 5 and 5s featuring the November security patches, camera optimizations and more. While the company has unified updates for both the devices, the camera optimizations are just for the Realme 5s. Here’s the official changelog for the ColorOS 6.1 update (vRMX1911EX_11_A.20) for the Realme 5/5s:

  • Security
    • Android security patch: November, 2019
  • Camera (Realme 5s only)
    • Optimized AF focus and improved the rate of success
    • Optimized the reddish in portrait mode
  • Notification bar
    • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center
  • Known issue fixed
    • Fixed low Probability issue of touch not respond when inserting headphones
    • Fixed the auto reboot issue with low probability

Finally, the budget-friendly Realme C2 has received a ColorOS 6.0 update (vRMX1941EX_11.A.20) which also includes the November security patches and a fix for an issue with the device’s touch response. Here’s the official changelog for the same:

  • Security
    • Android security patch: November, 2019
  • Touch
    • Fixed touch not respond issue

As always, the OTA updates have already started rolling out to users. But in case you haven’t received it yet, you can download the update package from the links below and manually install it on your phone.

ColorOS 6.1 update (vRMX1993EX_11.A.16) for the Realme X2

ColorOS 6.1 update (vRMX1911EX_11_A.20) for the Realme 5/5s

ColorOS 6.0 update (vRMX1941EX_11.A.20) for the Realme C2

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Facebook launches tool to let users transfer photos & videos to Google Photos

In its heyday, Facebook was the go-to social media platform for anyone looking to connect with friends online. Almost everyone you knew had a Facebook account and it was the easiest way to connect with new people without giving out your phone number. Even though the numbers suggest that Facebook is still growing at a steady pace, many of us have migrated away from the platform in favor of others like Instagram or Snapchat. While privacy woes prompted several users to just delete their accounts, most of us didn’t take that route in order to preserve our precious memories that Facebook so desperately keeps reminding us of every single day. Now, the company has launched a new tool that will let you transfer all your photos and videos to Google Photos, thereby making it a bit easier for you to delete your account.

According to a recent blog post from Facebook, the new photo transfer tool is based on code developed through the company’s participation in the open-source Data Transfer Project and will initially be available to users in Ireland. The tool can be found within the Your Facebook Information section in the settings, which is the same section from which you can download all your information.

Facebook claims that privacy and security are its top priorities with this new tool, so all the data transferred using it will be encrypted and users will be required to enter their password before the transfer is initiated. The tool is currently in the testing phase and Facebook plans to develop it further based on feedback from users, as well as its conversations from stakeholders. The company plans to roll out this new tool worldwide in the first half of 2020, after ironing out all its kinks. As of now, the tool will only let users transfer their photos and videos to Google Photos, however, Facebook plans on adding support for other services in the future.


Source: Facebook Newsroom

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