Partially remap the Pixel 4’s Motion Sense gestures without root

The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are Google’s newest flagships, featuring some worthy upgrades and a few cutting-edge technologies like Soli. Soli is a radar-based gesture recognition technology, which works on Pixel 4 through the sensor located on the top bezels of the device. Soli can sense motion around the device, and Google has leveraged this for the Motion Sense feature, allowing users to control music, silence alerts, or check their phone by waving their hand over the Pixel. If you are looking to do anything more than this, you need root, which is not something we recommend to each and every user. However, you can still remap the Pixel 4’s Motion Sense gestures without root, albeit in a limited fashion, following either of the methods mentioned below.

Method 1: Button Mapper

Button Mapper by XDA Recognized Developer flar2 introduces support for Motion Sense on the new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL through its newest v1.40 update. This app filters the logcat to detect when a Motion Sense event has happened, then allows you to set actions for those events. Although one can swipe in any direction to perform the action, the developer notes that swiping left or right has the highest rate of success. Note that you need to enable Motion Sense in the System Settings, and the “Reach to check phone” option also must be enabled. You also need to undertake a one-time ADB setup to allow the app to read logcat output. Also, keep in mind that you need the premium version of the app to remap the gestures.

Button Mapper — XDA Discussion Thread

Motion Sense through Button Mapper will work with the screen off, on the lockscreen and on the homescreen; the sensor is not active within other apps.

Button Mapper: Remap your keys (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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Method 2: Tasker

The other method involves Tasker, of course. While Tasker is also a paid app, it is likely that you already have it purchased or can put it to further use because of its unmatched versatility.

To remap the gestures without root using Tasker, you need the latest version of Tasker. Then, follow the steps below in order:

1. In Tasker, create a new Profile and choose the Event context.
2. Select “Logcat Entry” as the Event.
3. In the “Component” field, enter “Oslo/FlickGestureSensor” without quotes to remap the flick right/left/up/down gestures.
4. Then in the “Filter” field, enter “SOUTH“, “NORTH“, “EAST“, or “WEST“, without quotes, depending on the gesture direction you want to listen for. Though, note that accuracy is best for both the sideways flicks.
5. Finally, set the remap action you wish to undertake, and you are good to go.

Tasker ($3.49, Google Play) →

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There are limitations to what you can achieve with both of these non-root methods for remapping Motion Sense. If you want true and full remapping capabilities for Motion Sense gestures, enabling you to undertake whatever action you want, the best way is to root your phone and install the OsloBridger Magisk module.

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Chrome OS now shows your Chromebook’s End-of-Life info in Settings

Chromebooks, or laptops that run ChromeOS as the operating system, have a fixed support lifespan, during which Google regularly provides for updates that keep the OS running smoothly and relatively risk-free. This is a lot like the software support window for smartphones, in that you can still continue to use the device beyond the support period, but your device will be lagging behind on key features and will not receive key security updates. In an effort to be a bit more transparent in how long the user’s current Chromebook is supported, Chrome OS will now show End-of-Life information in Settings.

Chrome OS‘s update situation is complex. According to certain reports, Google promises to “provide each new hardware platform with 6.5 years of Auto Update support“. However, the support page linked in such reports no longer contains that information. Presuming the duration and other information to still be the same, 6.5 years of support appears to be rather generous compared to what we see on Android. However, the catch here is that the clock starts ticking “when the first device on the platform is released“. This means that devices launched later on will have a shorter update lifespan compared to devices launched earlier, with no reference to the actual purchase by the consumer. The smartphone equivalent of this would be to presume that the promised update lifespan would begin from the moment the first phone on a specific SoC is announced, meaning that everything else launched later on by other OEMs would no longer receive the same update love. Google does provide a centralized location for checking the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) for Chromebooks, and it recommends doing so before making a purchase decision. But we do find it unreasonable to expect the average consumer to bother knowing about this quirky update situation, as well as keeping in mind that they need to check the Auto Update policy webpage before making a purchase decision.

Thankfully, Google is trying to be more transparent with regards to this. Chrome OS will now show the date after which the Chromebook will no longer receive software support. The commit that added this feature was merged last month, but users may not know that this information is now shown in Settings.

This is immediately more relevant to a user who already owns the device, as they are now presented with how long their personal device is supported for, instead of being redirected to a global page.

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Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the tip and screenshot!

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[Update 2: Now live in the US, Canada, and the Netherlands] Disney’s video streaming service brings Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and The Simpsons under the same roof for $6.99/month

Update 2 (11/12/19 @ 7:45 AM ET): Disney+ is now live in the US, Canada, and the Netherlands. Disney is offering a free one-month trial after which you’ll be paying $6.99 a month.

Update (8/19/19 @ 5:00 PM ET): Disney has shared more information about the devices and countries that will get Disney+.

The original article from April 12, 2019, is preserved without any changes.

Disney, the juggernaut which is synonymous with cartoons, is also the world’s most valuable media company. And, it has long the vision of becoming the top online streaming service. For almost two years, the media giant has been vocal about its plans to launch three separate services dedicated to providing family-friendly TV entertainment, sports streaming, and adult-oriented content sharing on Hulu. The sports service, called ESPN+, was launched almost a year ago and now, the second service is hatching out of the egg – well, not instantly but it is. The media giant has announced “Disney+”, its premium video-on-demand service which will be launched later this year.

Looking for all the latest #DisneyPlus news in one spot? Follow this thread for live updates from 2-6 p.m. PT today! pic.twitter.com/6qoNHbhwpO

— Disney (@Disney) April 11, 2019

The idea behind the new service is simple – Disney wants to eliminate mediators and reach viewers directly. Under the promised streaming service, users will have access to content such as movies or TV series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, and other franchises for a monthly subscription of $6.99 or for $69.99 a year. It will also host all episodes under the banners of the Star Wars saga and The Simpsons. Needless to say, most of this content will be exclusive to Disney+. At its annual investor’s day, the media behemoth announced that its streaming service will go live on November 12.

Robert Iger, the chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, told CNBC that providing a direct service to the consumers is easier and more beneficial than licensing content to third-parties. He added that this is how, Disney’s original productions will have a higher value in the long term. The company grossed over $7 billion at the box office in 2018 and is confident about translating this success to Disney+.

18 of Pixar’s 22 films will be available day one on Disney+.

— David Faber (@davidfaber) April 11, 2019

On the launch day, Disney+ will host 10 original movies and 25 original series besides 400 other movies and 7,500 episodes of TV shows – both airing and off-air. The list also includes 18 of Pixar’s 22 movies. While companies like Apple, Amazon, Hulu, etc. have been grappling to grab a large chunk of the online streaming business, Disney’s biggest competitor in the market is Netflix, with 140 million paid subscribers. This is where the pricing of Disney+ will play a pivotal role considering Netflix’s cheapest plan costs $9 a month while the standard plan is available for $13 in the U.S.

Since Disney owns 60% of Hulu, through its acquisition of Fox Studios, it also plans to expand Hulu in international markets. But the service will be separate from Disney+. Meanwhile, we wait to see if Netflix’s technology-first approach will help it sail through or sink its ship as the industry prepares for Disney’s disruptive pricing and global popularity.

Source: Variety

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Update: Devices + More Countries

We’re finally learning more information about which devices and countries will get Disney+. First, Disney already mentioned Roku and PS4 would get the service, but now we know Android, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Apple TV, and Xbox One will also get apps. We’re glad to see support for both Android TV and Chromecast since some streaming services ignore the former.

Next up is news about which countries will have access to Disney+. In addition to the US, Disney will launch the service in Canada and the Netherlands on November 12th. Pricing will be 8.99CAD ($89.99CAD per year) and €6.99 (€69.99 per year). On November 19th, the service will launch in Australia and New Zealand as well. Pricing will be $8.99AUD per month ($89.99AUD per year) and $9.99NZD per month ($99.99NZD per year).

Lastly, in the US you will be able to get a Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle for $12.99 per month.

Source: Engadget

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Update 2: Disney+ launched, here’s how to start your free trial

The much-awaited streaming service is now live in the US, Canada, and the Netherlands. The platform brings content from production houses including Disney, PIXAR, Marvel Studios, National Geographics, and movies under the Star Wars franchise. In the US, you’ll have to pay $6.99 per month for the service but you can also get a combo package including content from Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month. You can start your free trial by visiting this link.

In Canada, the service is available for CAD 8.99 a month while you will be paying €6.99 in the Netherlands.

The service is available on a vast array of platforms including Android TV, AppleTV, Chromecast, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, as well as on LG and Samsung TVs. The content will also be available on the desktop site on all computer platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS but there doesn’t seem to be any desktop app yet. For mobile devices, the Disney+ app is available for Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, iOS, and Amazon Fire Tablets. Lastly, it can also be accessed on gaming consoles such as Xbox One and the PS4.

If you’re in India, all of the Disney+ content will available via Hotstar. We’re not sure of the exact roll-out but Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame will be available on the platform starting November 13th.

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Via: Gadgets 360

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Honor V30 with punch hole display and 5G launching in China on November 26

The days of the infamous notch seem numbered as more and more manufacturers are gravitating towards other alternatives to house the front-facing sensors on smartphones. Several manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi have added pop-up camera modules on their smartphones to achieve the seamless no-bezel look, while others like Samsung and Huawei have opted for punch-hole displays to house the front-facing sensor. The punch-hole display seems to have caught on quite well and we already have quite a few devices featuring the same. In fact, leaks reveal that the next flagship from OnePlus will also feature a punch-hole display. Huawei’s sub-brand Honor already offers a couple of smartphones with the design and it doesn’t seem like the company’s going to stop any time soon.

As per a recent post on Weibo, Honor will be launching the all-new Honor V30 in China on November 26 and the device will feature a dual punch-hole display like the one found on the Galaxy S10 Plus. This means that the upcoming smartphone will house two selfie-shooters within the cutout on the display.

As of now, there’s no information from the company regarding any of its hardware specifications, but the post does reveal that the Honor V30 will feature 5G support. The company has also released two promotional posters of the upcoming device and from the looks of it, the Honor V30 will have quite a substantial chin at the bottom. The Honor V30 is the direct successor to the Honor V20 from last year and it’s expected to offer flagship specifications at a competitive price. The device will most likely be released in international markets early next year under the View 30 moniker.

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Source: Weibo

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Instagram is testing Scenes: a TikTok-like video editing tool for Stories

It’s a well-known fact that Facebook’s Instagram has blatantly copied a number of features from Snapchat. The popular Stories feature, for instance, is a direct knock-off of Snapachat’s Story feature and Facebook didn’t even make the effort to give it a unique name. While this may or may not have directly influenced Snapchat’s declining popularity, it definitely helped Instagram get where it is today. Now, it seems like Instagram has set its sight on the popular video-sharing platform TikTok and is looking to copy an essential feature from the app.

As per a recent tweet from prolific reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong, Instagram is now working on a new TikTok-like video editing/remixing tool for Stories called Scenes. When released, this new tool will allow you to remix other users’ Scenes if their account is public. You’ll get the option to add your own music to the Scene, change the playback speed, add a timer or AR effects to each clip before you post it as your own story.

Instagram is working on Scenes, a TikTok-like video editing/remixing tool for Stories

Other users will be able to remix your “Scenes” if your account is public

You are given music, video speed, timer, AR Effect, etc to edit each clip

This feature is previously known as Clips pic.twitter.com/5y1DGACFis

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) November 12, 2019

 

For now, there’s no information from Instagram regarding this new feature, however, considering Wong’s track record, we can be sure that it will be released sometime in the near future. It’s worth noting that a similar unreleased feature called Clips was spotted within the app previously, so there’s a chance that Instagram might make further changes to it before it’s officially rolled out to the public. What are your thoughts on Instagram Scenes? Do you think it’ll be as popular as its counterpart on TikTok? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Source: Jane Manchun Wong

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At A Glance widget tests showing Google Assistant reminders

Google’s “At A Glance” is one of the most simplistic yet useful widgets. The widget changes dynamically based on the information that might be relevant to you at a specific time. At A Glance was introduced as a simple time & weather widget exclusively as part of the Pixel launcher. It was eventually made available to other users and can now show alerts related to traffic, your upcoming flights, and calendar events. Now, Google may be looking to extend the scope of the information that the widget broadcasts with new alerts for upcoming reminders, alarms, and more.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, managed to activate three new options in the preferences for At A Glance on his Google Pixel 4. Just like the previously available features, the new additions have toggles beside them to allow users to switch the respective alerts on or off. The new additions will include alerts for upcoming reminders which will be shown on the At A Glance widget to give you a heads-up before anything. The reminder subject and the remaining time start showing up on the widget 30 minutes before the reminder.

Besides reminders, the At A Glance widget should also be able to show upcoming alarms. Additionally, there’s a toggle titled “Experiments” and its description says it includes “new Assistant actions.” We’re not exactly sure what these actions are. These might be related to the App Actions, which are personalized suggestions shown at the top of the Pixel launcher’s app drawer.

Notably, another Assitant-related feature called “Assitant-powered intelligent tips” was spotted earlier this year in the preferences for At A Glance but we never witnessed a wider roll-out of the feature. So, we will have to wait to confirm the purpose of the Assistant actions on the widget.

Interestingly, I’m seeing a toggle for Reminders on only one of my two Pixel devices and the representation on the homescreen is slightly different from what Mishaal sees on his device. It is most likely because of an A/B test and if you see something similar on your smartphone, feel free to report in the comments below. You can open preferences by long-pressing on the widget or by going to Home Settings > At A Glance.

Google (Free, Google Play) →

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Samsung Galaxy A51 renders show off 48MP quad rear cameras and punch-hole display

It’s just been over a month since Samsung launched the Galaxy A50s in India. The premium mid-ranger from the company packed in an Exynos 9611 chip, coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also featured a triple camera setup on the back, with a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. While it hasn’t been all that long since its release, Samsung seems to be prepping up for the release of its successor, the Galaxy A51. Leaked renders of the device have now surfaced online, revealing some key design changes and features.

Infamous leakster @OnLeaks recently shared a couple of high-quality renders and a 360-degree video of the upcoming Galaxy A51.  The renders suggest that the Galaxy A51 will feature a 6.5-inch punch-hole display, like the one found on the company’s flagship devices, with minimal bezels on all sides.

On the back, the device will feature a new rectangular camera module which will include four cameras in an L-shaped array, along with an LED flash. Unlike the front of the device, the back panel will feature curved edges with the Samsung branding in the center. The renders don’t include a fingerprint scanner on the back which leads us to believe that the A51 will feature an in-display fingerprint scanner, just like its predecessor.

Both the power button and volume rocker can be found on the right edge of the device, while the SIM card tray is on the left. On the bottom edge, the Galaxy A51 will feature a USB Type-C port for charging and data syncing, along with a single loudspeaker grill and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Previous leaks suggest that the Galaxy A51 will feature a substantial 4,000mAh battery and will run One UI 2.0 out of the box. Furthermore, the quad-camera setup will likely include a 48MP primary sensor, a 12MP wide-angle sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and a 5MP depth sensor. Up on the front, the device will feature a single 32MP selfie shooter.

A Geekbench listing of the device suggests that it will be powered by the Exynos 9611 chip, along with at least 4GB of RAM. However, we aren’t sure if the Geekbench listing is a reliable source. As of now, there’s no further information from the company regarding the device or its release timeline. But we expect to learn more as its launch draws closer.

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Source: Twitter, Pricebaba

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