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lundi 23 décembre 2019

Google Translate is preparing to add flashcards to your phrasebook to help you learn a new language

Learning a new language can be daunting, but thanks to the digital age, it’s now easier than ever. While nothing beats classic learning methods and actually immersing yourself in a new language, apps like Duolingo help hone your skills in your free time. Learning a new language is, however, not as essential as it used to be, as apps like Google Translate help you with understanding another language, either spoken out loud or written. Some people also use it as a complementary tool to learn a new language, and thanks to the app’s phrasebook feature, you can save phrases you use constantly so you can check them out later on.

This feature will be improved even further with the addition of a flashcards feature. This feature will allow you to display your saved phrases in the form of cards, which you can flip around to see the translation. The feature also allows you to shuffle the cards in order to randomize them and make it more of a fun exercise if you have many saved phrases.

The feature was first spotted by Jane Manchun Wong some days back, but as of the time of writing, the feature has not yet rolled out to consumers, so it may be a while before we see it come to the stable version of the app.

This could make the app a fun complementary tool, in a similar fashion to Duolingo, to learning a new language by helping you memorize your phrasebook. It is still a far cry from something like Duolingo, which gives you short exercises to flex your muscles in whatever language you’re learning, and even then it’s just a new visual aspect for the already existing phrasebook, but it does make it a little fun, especially with the shuffling aspect. Furthermore, it could potentially open the gateway towards making Google Translate more of a useful tool for learners in the longer run.

You can download Google Translate from the Google Play Store below if you haven’t done so yet.

Google Translate (Free, Google Play) →

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[Update: Can be disabled] Google Play Store will start autoplaying store listing videos next month

Update (12/23/19 @ 10:45 ET): The Play Store now allows you to disable autoplaying videos.

There’s one thing on the internet that everyone seems to agree on: autoplaying videos are annoying. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped websites from continuing to use them. To the lament of many, Google Play will soon start autoplaying videos on app/game listings that include promotional videos.

According to the Google Play Console Help, autoplaying videos are coming next month. Found in the Promo Video section on the “Graphic assets, screenshots, & video” page, Google says “beginning September 2019, Google Play will start autoplaying store listing videos to help more users discover your content at a glance.”

One side effect of this move is ads being played before videos. Google doesn’t want promo videos to have ads in front of them, which they say could be confusing for users. So they are asking developers to turn off monetization for the promo videos featured on the listing pages. Developers must do this by November 1st, 2019 to keep the video eligible. In other words, promo videos with ads will not be shown on Google Play.

This move will likely be annoying to some users, but it should be easy to ignore. We hope Google has an option to disable autoplaying videos, at least when on mobile connections. We assume that the autoplaying videos will act like they do on other platforms, playing silently unless the user decides to turn on volume. What do you think about autoplaying videos in the Play Store?


Update: Can be disabled

The Play Store recently started autoplaying store listing videos, but there was no option to disable this behavior. These autoplaying videos primarily reside in the Games tab and they can be annoying to some users. Thankfully, Google is finally adding options to control when the videos automatically play. You get options to have them play all the time, only on Wi-Fi, and never. You can find these options in the Settings of the Play Store under “General” with version 17.9.17.

Source: 9to5Google

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Realme X2 kernel source code is now available

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme has seen tremendous growth around the world since its debut back in May 2018. While the company started its journey with budget-friendly smartphones, it has launched devices in a variety of price segments over the last year and a half. Most recently, the company launched its first true flagship — the Realme X2 Pro — and set a new benchmark for affordable flagships. Along with its aggressively priced smartphones, the company’s commitment to supporting third-party development for its devices has played a major role in solidifying its position in the market. Timely kernel source code releases coupled with a good update schedule have helped the company’s popularity skyrocket. Following the launch of the Realme X2 Pro, the company launched the Snapdragon 730G powered Realme X2 in China, Europe and India and now it has released kernel sources for the device.

Realme X2 XDA Forums

The timely kernel source code release for the Realme X2 will kickstart third-party development for the devices. It will help developers and power users delve deeper into the code that runs their device and improve its performance. Additionally, the kernel source code release will also help developers release custom ROMs and kernels for the device. If you’re among the several people who’ve purchased the new Realme X2, you should head over to our Realme X2 forums from the link above and keep a tab on the third-party development for the device. We expect to see some great custom ROM and kernel releases for the device in the following weeks which will help you make the most out of your new phone. If you’re a developer, you can access the kernel sources from the link below and spearhead development for the device.

Realme X2 Kernel Sources

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Google Photos 4.33 tests letting you zoom in while watching videos

Over the last few months, Google has released a slew of new features for Google Photos. The app has received support for manual face tagging, a new private messaging feature to share photos with friends, a simple account switching gesture to manage photos on multiple accounts, and more. The company keeps adding new features to the app with every update and a number of these features are tested behind the scenes before they’re released. More often than not, we’re able to discover these features before they’re released either through an APK teardown or by triggering them manually. The latest update for Google Photos, version 4.33, has one such feature that allows you to zoom into videos.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, has successfully managed to trigger the unreleased feature in the latest update for Google Photos. As you’d expect, the new zoom feature works pretty much like the zoom feature on photos and lets you zoom into videos by using the familiar pinch gesture. While it may not seem all that special, the feature could really come in handy when you want to focus on particular details in a video. As of now, Google has released no information regarding the new feature or its release date. But since the company has already started testing it on the latest version of Google Photos, it shouldn’t be long before it’s released to all users.

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Xiaomi is finally adding an equalizer to MiSound in MIUI 11

Ever since the launch of MIUI 11 back in September this year, Xiaomi has been testing more new features for its latest Android skin. The company has previously tested an app drawer and app shortcuts for the stock MIUI 11 launcher, new categories for the launcher, and HEIC support for the MIUI Camera app. Most recently, we saw new advanced display calibration controls in the latest nightly build. And now, the company seems to be adding an equalizer to MiSound in MIUI 11.

Igor Eisberg from the Xiaomi.eu, an MIUI-based custom ROM, recently discovered code for an equalizer in the MiSound app on the latest MIUI 11 nightly (v9.12.19). LineageOS contributor and XDA Senior Member abhishek987 managed to enable the equalizer manually and has shared the following screenshots with us. As seen in the screenshots, the new equalizer can be found within the Earphones option within the MiSound app and allows you to completely adjust the sound profile as per your preference.

Xiaomi MiSound MIUI 11 Xiaomi MiSound MIUI 11

Along with the new equalizer, you’ll also get access to a new Volume adjustment feature that will let you adjust the earphone volume depending on your age group. There are three group options to choose from — Up to 30 years old, 30-60 years old, and More than 60 years old — along with a custom preset option that allows you to make your own volume adjustments.

Selecting an age group gives you access to even more granular adjustments for the left and right ear volume levels, along with options to test the original sound profile and the adjusted sound profile. On top of all that, the app also lets you select the type of earphone/headphone you’re using for more accurate sound profiles.

Xiaomi MiSound MIUI 11 Xiaomi MiSound MIUI 11 Xiaomi MiSound MIUI 11

As mentioned earlier, the equalizer isn’t live in the latest MIUI 11 nightly which means that there’s still a long way to go before the feature is released to the stable version of the ROM. Currently, we have no information on the release date but we expect to learn more about the feature in future nightly releases.

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[Update: Watch Active2 4G variant launched] Samsung launches Galaxy Tab S6 with S-Pen, Galaxy Watch 4G, and Galaxy Watch Active2 in India

Update (12/23/19 @ 6:06 AM ET): Samsung has finally launched the Galaxy Watch Active2 4G in India. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on October 10, 2019, is preserved as below.

Samsung is the second-largest smartphone brand in India but it leads the overall market of consumer electronics due to its expansive portfolio of products. Today, Samsung is expanding the portfolio further with three new products that have just been launched in India. These include the premium tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, their first LTE-enabled smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 4G, along with the Galaxy Watch Active2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a premium tablet in the same segment as the iPad Pro. It is one of the most powerful Android tablets and the Indian variant is powered by Snapdragon 855 along with 6GB of RAM. Meant for a truly immersive entertainment and gaming experience, the Galaxy Tab S6 features a 10.5-inch WQXGA Super AMOLED display and four AKG-tuned speakers near each of the corners. Additionally, the screen houses an optical fingerprint scanner and sports 128GB of internal storage.

The Galaxy Tab S6 comes with an S Pen inside the box and this stylus attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet where it also charges wirelessly. Like the Apple Pencil, the S Pen has a pressure-sensitive tip and comes with 4000-levels of pressure sensitivity. The stylus is Bluetooth enabled and can be used for gestures like taking selfies or scroll through the contents of the Gallery remotely.

In terms of design, the Galaxy Tab S6 has footprint fairly similar to the Tab S5e but the dual camera on the back of the former instantly draws your attention. This setup comprises a 13MP primary sensor along with a 5MP ultra-wide-angle camera with 123º wide field of view. On the front of the Galaxy Tab S6, there’s an 8MP selfie shooter.

The Galaxy Tab S6 is powered by a large 7,040mAh battery. To refill the battery, Samsung is launching a 15W “Adaptive Fast Charger” inside the box. We’re yet to test out the charging time taken by the not-so-fast charger as well as check for faster charging using other power bricks with higher charging rates.

Samsung will also be selling a specific keyboard case for the Galaxy S6. This keyboard case can be split into two parts – one being the keyboard along with the trackpad which aligns with the magnetic connectors on the bottom edge of the Tab S6 and the second being a backplate with a kickstand that can be used to incline the Galaxy Tab S6 at any desired angle.

samsung galaxy tab s6

One of the key features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the DeX Mode which allows users to switch into a desktop-style UI that can be used with either the keyboard case or with the help of an external keyboard and mouse. Samsung says that many apps have specially designed interfaces for the DeX mode but most of these apps otherwise would run like tablet apps only.

In terms of connectivity, the Tab S6 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, as well as LTE via a single SIM slot. When it comes to the software, the tablet runs Samsung’s OneUI based on Android 9 Pie. Being a flagship tablet, we can expect an Android 10 release for the Galaxy Tab S6 but the company is yet to start beta testing Android 10 so we’re not sure about the exact rollout.

In India, the Galaxy Tab S6 will only come in Mountain Gray and Cloud Blue colors.

Specifications Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Size
  • 244.5 x 159.5 x 5.7mm, 420g
Display 10.5-inch WQXGA, Super AMOLED
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 CPU:
  • 1x 2.84GHz Kryo 485 +
  • 3x 2.42GHz Kryo 485 +
  • 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 385

Adreno 640 GPU

Memory and Storage
  • 6GB/8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of storage
  • Expandable storage up to 1TB via MicroSD card
Camera
  • Rear: 13MP (f/2.0) + 5MP (f/2.2)
  • Front: 8MP (f/2.0)
Video
  • Recording: UHD 4K (3840×2160) @ 30fps
  • Playback: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @ 30fps
Audio 4 speakers tuned by AKG; Dolby Atmos
Ports USB3.1 (Type C), POGO
Type-C headset connector included
Sensors Optical Fingerprint Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor,
Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Light Sensor
Wireless Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4G+5GHz
  • VHT80 MU-MIMO
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • LTE
GPS GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo
Battery and Charging 7,040mAh (0.35mAh S Pen); Fast Charging
Android Version Android Pie with One UI
Accessories Book Cover Keyboard, Book Cover, POGO Charging Dock, S Pen

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G is Samsung’s first smartwatch in India that comes with cellular connectivity. Besides the eSIM support, the Galaxy Watch 4G is essentially the same as last year’s Galaxy Watch. The existing features include inbuilt storage for storing media which is now complemented by Spotify. Users can either pair Bluetooth headsets with the Galaxy Watch 4G or listen to media content using the inbuilt speakers. Additionally, the inbuilt GPS comes in handy for tracking a wide variety of exercises.

The Galaxy Watch 4G supports eSIM functionality for Airtel and Reliance Jio in India since these are the only two operators that offer eSIM functionality in the country. It will be available in 42mm and 46mm dial sizes in Silver and Golden colors.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung has also introduced the Galaxy Watch Active2, which is a sportier and lightweight design. The bezels around the dial can be used to as a touchpad to simulate the functionality of the rotating dial. The smartwatch is capable of 39 different types of workouts. Besides the various inbuilt and downloadable watchfaces for the Galaxy Watch Active2, users will also be able to simply create new watchfaces matching with their attire by taking a picture of what they’re wearing. The smartwatch comes with options between stainless steel and aluminum dials in silver, black, and rose golden colors with a variety of straps to choose from.

The heart rate sensor on the Galaxy Watch Active2 is improved and now comes with eight photodiodes for highly effective and fast measurements. In India, Samsung is only launching the 44mm variant of the smartwatch and it comes with a 340mAh battery. The smartwatch comes with 4GB of internal storage which can be used to save media files to be played on the go. The Indian variant does not get LTE support but there’s Wi-Fi for the watch to connect directly to the network.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Watch 4G, and Galaxy Watch Active2: Price & Availability in India

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is priced at ₹59,990 (~$845) in India and the S Pen does not need to be bought additionally. This price is for the 6GB/128GB variant of the Tab S6 with LTE support. The keyboard case must be bought separately and is priced at ₹10,999 (~$155) but under the limited period offer, early birds can get it at 50% discount i.e. for ₹5,499 (~$78) .

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G 42m model will be priced at ₹30,990 (~$435) and the 46mm model will be priced at ₹28,490 (~$400) . The non-4G variants in 42mm and 46mm sizes are currently priced at ₹29,990 (~$425) and ₹26,000 (~$365) in India but we may see a price-cut.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Steel finish will be priced at ₹31,990 (~$450) whereas the Aluminum variant will cost ₹26,990 (~$380) .

All of these products will be available online via Amazon India, Flipkart, and Samsung’s e-Shop as well as through Samsung’s premium retail stores throughout India starting tomorrow i.e. October 11th.


Update: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 4G variant launched in India

Samsung has finally launched the 4G/LTE variant of the Galaxy Watch Active2 in India. The smartwatch comes with e-sim connectivity with support for Airtel and Reliance Jio. The presence of 4G and LTE allows users to make calls directly from the watch, as well as stay connected to the internet on the move.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 4G comes with a 44mm steel dial in silver, black and gold finishes for ₹35,990 (~$505). The Galaxy Watch Active2 4G will be available across offline channels, Samsung Opera House, Samsung e-shop and leading online portals.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 4G from Amazon.in

The post [Update: Watch Active2 4G variant launched] Samsung launches Galaxy Tab S6 with S-Pen, Galaxy Watch 4G, and Galaxy Watch Active2 in India appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Duo 69 tests sharing the current image as a “Moment” during video calls

Google has been adding some cool new features to its video calling app, Google Duo, over the last couple of months. The app has received features like home calling and call reminders, a new low light mode for better video calling in dark environments, a dark theme, and much more. Google started rolling out Google Duo 69 last week with a few of these new features along with an unreleased feature, called “Moment capture”, that’s currently in the testing phase.

Google Duo Google Duo

Our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, managed to enable the feature manually and it added a new toggle called “Moment capture” in the app settings. Once the toggle is turned on, it brings up a new button in video calls which captures the image you and your call partner are currently seeing. For instance, if you and your video call partner are both seeing each other through the front-facing cameras on your phones, then you’ll capture an image of both your faces by tapping on this button. This essentially makes it a side-by-side screenshot feature baked into Google Duo. The feature even allows you to quickly share the screenshot from within the app, making it even more useful.

In case you turn off the “Moment capture” toggle in the app Settings, the app gives you a warning that people can still take screenshots even if the feature is turned off. The feature can really come in handy if you want to take a quick screenshot of whatever you’re seeing on your screen during a video call and it eliminates the need to use the power button + volume down shortcut. As of now, Google has released no official information regarding the feature or its release date. Since “Moments capture” is currently in the testing phase, it’s quite possible that the feature may not be released in its current state.

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