Google is rolling out Nearby Share, its file-sharing AirDrop clone for Android 6.0+

Last year, we learned that Google was preparing a new file-sharing service for Android. This file-sharing service was originally called “Fast Share” during early iterations, but Google eventually rebranded it to “Nearby Share” during the course of development. We got an early glimpse at Nearby Share in January, and in late June, Google started testing the service with a handful of users on the latest Google Play Services beta release. Today, Google has announced that they are finally rolling out Nearby Share to millions of Android smartphones running Android 6.0 and above.

For those unaware, Android has never had a simple, fast, and unified way to share files between devices. Until Android 10, most Android devices did have access to Android Beam, a file-sharing service that required users to tap their phones together to initiate a handshake over NFC followed by a file transfer over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. Android Beam is, however, deprecated, clunkier, and slower than AirDrop, the file-sharing service on iOS that’s been around for years and is used by millions of iPhone and iPad users. AirDrop lets you quickly share files with any fellow iPhone or iPad users that are nearby. There are file-sharing services on Android that are arguably as simple and fast as AirDrop, but they all either require users to either download a third-party app or own a device from a specific smartphone manufacturer. Google is uniquely equipped to roll out a simple, fast, and unified file-sharing service thanks to its control over Google Play Services, which is installed on the vast majority of Android devices sold outside of China regardless of the manufacturer. That’s exactly what Nearby Share is—a simple, fast, and unified file-sharing service for Android.

With Nearby Share, Android users can quickly share files to nearby users with the tap of a button. After tapping the “share” button in an app, users can share file(s) by selecting the “Nearby Share” option. Nearby users will then get a notification that someone wants to share content with them. Users will always have the option to “accept” or “decline” the file, so files are never transferred without explicit confirmation. After tapping “accept”, the file(s) are transferred using the best available communication protocol: Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, or peer-to-peer WiFi. Thus, files can be shared even when the sender and recipient devices are both fully offline.

Google designed Nearby Share with privacy in mind. You can send and receive files anonymously, for example. You can also choose which contacts (all, some, or none) are able to immediately see you when you turn on Nearby Share.

Perhaps the best part of Nearby Share is that Google is making it cross-platform. While we don’t know about iOS compatibility, Google confirmed they’re working to expand the feature to additional platforms. The company confirmed that Nearby Share will work with Chromebooks in the coming months. In fact, it’s already available on Chrome OS if you enable a few feature flags. More general OS support, such as Windows, will be available via Google Chrome.

Starting today, select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones running Android 6.0 or later will start getting Nearby Share. Since this feature is baked into Google Play Services, it’ll eventually become available for more Android smartphones. Check out this support page for more information on how the feature works.

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ASUS ROG Phone 3 now supports the Google Phone app and playing HDR video in Netflix

The ASUS ROG Phone smartphones have been a thing for a while and they have often been regarded as the undisputed king of high-spec, overkill, gaming smartphones, and the ASUS ROG Phone 3 was recently launched along that formula. With an eye-watering 144Hz display (that can even be turned up to 160Hz if that’s somehow not enough for you), a beefy Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and very generous amounts of RAM and storage, it’s also the undisputed king of ridiculous specifications. This phone is able to handle almost everything you throw at it fairly easily. And for those of you who have purchased this device, you will be glad to know that the phone is getting a few improvements.

ASUS ROG Phone 3 XDA Forums

ASUS ROG Phone 3 XDA Review: The King of Gaming Smartphones is back

First off, Google Phone app support. The ASUS ROG Phone 3’s UI is pretty close to stock Android, but not quite stock Android, as the device uses its own suite of apps for some solutions. But if you want an experience that’s even closer to stock Android, now you can: you can now go ahead and download Google Phone, Google’s dialer that’s used on Pixel smartphones as well as in other Android phones that brings several features such as a clean UI, Call Screen for avoiding unwanted calls, spam protection, and much more.

Secondly, but not least important at all, is HDR video support for Netflix. As you may or may not know, in order to play HDR series and movies on Netflix your device needs to be manually approved by Netflix on their end, else, you’ll only get regular streaming. As of yet, you couldn’t stream HDR video on Netflix while using the ASUS ROG Phone 3 despite having a display capable of outputting that, but that’s changing now. The ASUS ROG Phone 3 now can playback Netflix at FHD HDR 10. So that’s pretty good news if you want higher quality for your movies and other content.

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Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime with MediaTek Helio G80 launches in India for ₹9,999 (~$133)

Xiaomi’s base number series represents a tight value package aimed at the entry-level and budget segments. Over the years, Xiaomi has been consistently raising the bar with the very definition of entry-level. While there have been smaller price increases over the years, these still retained excellent value as Xiaomi matches it well with spec bumps. The consequent price gap in the entry-level allows Xiaomi to introduce other models in the form of “A” and “C” sub-series. Now, Xiaomi has released the new Xiaomi 9 Prime in India, which on the face of it, looks to be a rebrand of the globally launched Redmi 9.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 XDA Forums

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Specifications

Specifications	Xiaomi Redmi 9
Dimensions & Weight	163.32 × 77.01 × 9.1 mm 198g
Display	6.53-inch LCD 2340 x 1080 19.5:9 400 nits Gorilla Glass 3
SoC	MediaTek Helio G80 12nm 2x ARM Cortex A-75 6x ARM Cortex A-55 Mali-G52 GPU
RAM	4GB LPDDR4X
Storage	64GB 128GB Dedicated microSD slot
Battery	5,020mAh Supports Quick Charge 3.0 (18W) 10W charger included
Rear Camera	13MP primary camera, f/2.2 8MP wide-angle camera, f/2.2 5MP macro camera, f/2.4 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.0
Android Version	Android 10 with MIUI 11

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The Redmi 9 Prime in India bears very large similarities with the Redmi 9, but we’ll know this for sure once we get access to MIUI builds from the devices. So far, the spec sheet looks the same, but knowing Xiaomi and its confusing rebranding habits, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few minor differences existed.

What bears mentioning on the Redmi 9 Prime in India is that the pricing on the product is slightly higher than expected from the number series. Nonetheless, it does feel justified, as you get a solid package that could have easily been branded under the Redmi Note series. We don’t know yet if a vanilla Redmi 9 would launch in India, so there is still space below the Redmi 9 Prime that Xiaomi can capitalize on. We already know that the Redmi 9C is coming to India as the POCO C3, and there is a Redmi 9A also present globally. So if you have tight budget constraints, there is still a glimmer of hope left.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime will be available in India in four different colors: Space Blue, Mint Green, Matte Black, and Sunrise Flare. Xiaomi is raising the base storage and RAM, so the base 4GB + 64GB variant will cost you ₹9,999 (~$133) while the 4GB + 128GB variant will cost ₹11,999 (~$160).

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime from mi.com

You can buy the Redmi 9 Prime in a special early access sale on August 6 on mi.com, Amazon India, Mi Homes, and Mi Studios. General availability is expected from August 17, 2020, across these channels.

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Best Pixel 4a Deals: How to pre-order Google’s new budget beast

After months of delays due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Google’s new Pixel 4a smartphone has finally been announced. The new mid-range Android phone packs a similar feature set to the Pixel 4 including its excellent camera and clean Android experience, but at a significantly lower price. While the Pixel 4 starts at $799, the Pixel 4a retails for less than half that at $349 and will launch on August 20th.

You can pre-order the Google Pixel 4a right now from a few different retailers including Amazon, Google’s own store, and Best Buy. You don’t have a lot of choice around size, storage, or color as there’s only one option available: the Just Black model that comes equipped with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. Nonetheless, Amazon lets you bundle a case with your new phone to give you a little choice between options.

Unlike previous devices – including the Pixel 3a series last year – there’s no XL model. However, Google has announced the Pixel 4a 5G, which will launch later this year and will likely come with a display larger than the 5.81-inch OLED panel on the Pixel 4a. There’s also a more-than-capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, the excellent 12.2MP dual-pixel rear camera from the Pixel 4, and a 3,140mAh battery. Given the battery problems that plagued the regular Pixel 4, the larger battery in the Pixel 4a should result in all-day battery life.

Despite a few compromises compared to its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 4a is easily one of the best Pixel devices ever made and the best value-for-money smartphone you can buy right now.

Pixel 4a price and release date in the US

Google’s new smartphone is launching in the US on August 20th, with the phone only sold for $349, and a phone bundled with a case retailing for $389. Although it was just announced, there are already offers available that can reduce the price to only $249.

Google Pixel 4a | $349 at Amazon

Amazon launched pre-orders early, and if you act quickly, you can still secure one for the release day of August 20th. They also have three bundled case options available as well.

View at Amazon

Google Pixel 4a | From $249 at Best Buy

If you're planning to buy a Pixel 4a and also want to join Sprint, look no further than this deal. Best Buy is offering the Pixel 4a for $349 unlocked, but you can get it for $249 with a new Sprint activation or $299 if you upgrade on Sprint or activate on T-Mobile and Verizon when you buy it. An absolute steal.

From $249 with activation at Best Buy

Google Pixel 4a | $349 at Google Store

Google's own online store is also offering the Pixel 4a, with a tasty 0% finance offer bringing the cost down to just $14.54 per month! You can also sign up for Fi at the same time, as well as pick up the full range of compatible accessories.

$349 at Google Store

Pixel 4a price and release date in the UK

While you can get the Pixel 4a from August 20th in the US, you’ll have to wait until October 1st to get your hands on it in the UK. It will be priced at £349, including 20% VAT, and pre-orders will open on September 10th, although you can join the official waitlist right now.

Google Pixel 4a | £349 at Google Store UK

Although you can't pre-order the Pixel 4a in the UK yet, you canjoin the official waitlist ahead of pre-orders opening on September 10, 2020.

£349 at Google Store UK – Join the Waitlist

Are you planning to buy the Pixel 4a? Found a better deal? Let us know in the comments below!

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Microsoft adds Virtual Desktop and Android TV support for its Remote Desktop app

A little over a week ago, Microsoft released a major update to version 10.0.7 of the Remote Desktop app for Android, introducing support for Windows Virtual Desktop, Android TV, and Microsoft Authenticator integration.

Here’s the full changelog for Microsoft Remote Desktop version 10.0.7 for Android:

• Implemented full support for Windows Virtual Desktop.​
• Rewrote the client to use the same underlying RDP core engine as the iOS and macOS clients.​
• New Connection Center experience.​
• New Connection Progress UI.​
• New in-session Connection Bar.​
• Added support for Android TV devices.​
• Integration with Microsoft Authenticator to enable conditional access when subscribing to Windows Virtual Desktop feeds.
• Enabled the transfer of connections and settings from Remote Desktop 8.​

According to Microsoft, the new Remote Desktop app features a rewritten client that uses the same underlying RDP core engine as the iOS and macOS clients. The update also includes a new Connection Center experience, a new Connection Progress UI, and a new in-session Connection Bar. And, as mentioned, Microsoft has added support for Android TV devices, so users can browse their desktop from the comfort of their TV. Finally, Remote Desktop for Android now features integration with Microsoft Authenticator “to enable conditional access when subscribing to Windows Virtual Desktop feeds.”

Microsoft’s updated app for Android is available now in the Play Store.

Remote Desktop (Free, Google Play) →

If you prefer using the older version of the app (version 8.1.80), Microsoft is keeping the legacy version alive as “Remote Desktop 8” on the Google Play Store. This is the same Play Store listing as the first version initially released in 2013.

Remote Desktop 8 (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Microsoft

Via: AndroidPolice

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Realme’s new V series of 5G smartphones is coming to Europe

Realme kicked off 2020 with the launch of its first 5G-enabled smartphone — the Realme X50 5G. The device was shortly followed by the company’s first flagship 5G smartphone — the Realme X50 Pro 5G — which featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 chip. Soon thereafter, the company launched the Realme X50m 5G — a slightly more affordable version of the Realme X50 5G. In a bid to make 5G devices more affordable and well within the reach of average buyers, the company debuted a new V series of 5G smartphones in China yesterday. As part of the new series, the company launched the Realme V5 — a MediaTek Dimensity 720 powered 5G device which is priced starting at CNY 1,499 (~$215).

Realme V5: Specifications

Specification	Realme V5
Display	6.5-inch FHD+ LCD 90Hz refresh rate 180Hz touch sampling rate 90.7% screen-to-body ratio
SoC	MediaTek Dimensity 720 2x ARM Cortex A-76 6x ARM Cortex A-55 Mali-G57 MC3 GPU
RAM & Storage	6GB LPDDR4x + 128GB UFS 2.1 8GB + 128GB
Battery & Charging	5,000mAh 30W Realme Dart charge support 20W flash charge support 18W USB PD fast charging support
Fingerprint sensor	Side-mounted
Rear Camera	48MP f/1.8 primary camera 8MP wide-angle camera, 119-degree FOV Macro sensor Depth sensor
Front Camera	16MP
Other Features	microSD card expansion slot Dolby Atmos support Hi-Res Audio support
Android Version	Realme UI based on Android 10

The new Realme V5 features a 6.5-inch LCD display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 90Hz refresh rate, and 180Hz touch sampling rate. The display features a single hole-punch cutout in the top left corner, which houses a 16MP selfie shooter. As mentioned earlier, the device is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 720 chip, which features two ARM Cortex-A76 cores and six ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2GHz, along with the ARM Mali-G57 MC3 GPU.

The Realme V5 features a quad camera setup on the back, with a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP wide-angle camera, a dedicated macro sensor, and a depth sensor. The device is powered by a massive 5,000mAh battery, with support for the company’s 30W Dart fast charging technology, 20W flash charging, and 15W USB PD quick charging. The device is being offered in two RAM/storage variants, with the base 6GB/128GB model priced at CNY 1,499 (~$215) and the 8GB/128GB model priced at CNY 1,899 (~$270).

While the new Realme V5 is yet to go on sale in China, the company has now revealed that it will soon be making its way to the European market. According to a recent statement from a Realme spokesperson, the Realme V series (the V5 in particular) will soon be launched in most overseas markets where the company currently operates in, including Europe. This news is in line with recent reports which suggested that phones with MediaTek’s Dimensity chips will start shipping on overseas devices later this year.

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YouTube Music can now play recommended music via Google Assistant, allow external devices to start music, and more

Google is slowly but surely getting ready to shut down Google Play Music, and YouTube Music is its replacement, for better or worse. The company has been adding features to bring YouTube Music up to speed with Google Play Music, and it has made some fair progress in recent months. The latest set of updates rolling out to YouTube Music add new features such as the ability to play recommended music via Google Assistant, allowing external devices to start playback, and bring over the “Recent Activity” section, in addition to other recent changes such as Android TV support and Google Maps integration.

Play recommended music on YouTube Music via Google Assistant

You can now play recommended music with simple Google Assistant voice commands. On Assistant-enabled phones and Google Nest smart speakers, you can say “Hey Google, play recommended music from YouTube Music” and have personalized music suggestions across your favorite artists and genres based on your listening history, play on your device.

Recent Activity

The “Last Played” section within the Library tab has been renamed to “Recent Activity”. This section now also shows recent albums and song additions to your library, much like how Google Play Music did.

Google did not note this feature in its press release, but the change has been spotted by users on Reddit.

Initiate YouTube Music playback via external devices

The app is now also surfacing an option that allows users to start playback through external devices, a feature that already existed in Google Play Music.

Google did not note this feature in its press release, but the change has been spotted by users on Reddit.

YouTube Music comes to Android TV

Google has brought over Android TV support for YouTube Music in a rather strange way. Instead of releasing a dedicated YouTube Music app for Android TV, Google has decided to instead bake the functionality within the existing YouTube for Android TV app. This server-side change was already spotted last month, so Google’s press release confirms its official rollout.

Google Maps integration

This is another feature that has already been rolling out to users over the past month, but Google is announcing the same nonetheless. You can now add YouTube Music’s playback controls to the navigation screen on Google Maps, making it easier to control music playback during your commute. To do so, tap on your profile picture in the top right corner of Google Maps and then tap on the Settings option. In the Settings menu, select Navigation settings and then tap on the toggle next to the “Show media playback controls” setting. Then select YouTube Music from the pop-up window, tap on Next, and then OK to confirm your selection.

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YouTube Music - Stream Songs & Music Videos (Free, Google Play) →

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