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jeudi 28 janvier 2021

iPhone 12 demand pushes Apple to become the #1 smartphone vendor in Q4 2020

Apple displaced Samsung to take the no. 1 spot in Q4 2020 in the world, thanks in large part due to the strong demand for the iPhone 12 lineup. Apple shipped 90.1 million devices, representing the highest shipment volume by a vendor in a single quarter and recording a 4% increase over the previous year.

Q4 2020 was Apple’s most profitable quarter ever, with the Cupertino giant breaching the $100 billion mark for the first time in terms of quarterly revenue, fueled by the strong sales of iPhones, Macbooks, and iPads. iPhone revenues were up 17% to $65.6 billion over the previous quarter as the company generated $111.4 billion in quarterly revenue.

Apple was the no. 1 smartphone player in Q4 2020 with a market share of 23.4%, followed by Samsung taking second place with 19.1% share and Xiaomi and OPPO coming in at third and fourth places with 11.2% and 8.8% share, respectively. In the face of continued U.S. sanctions, Huawei slipped to fifth place, accounting for 8.4% market share with shipments of 32.3 million devices, representing a decline of 42.4 % year-over-year.

IDC Q4 2020 smartphone market standing

The worldwide smartphone market grew 4.3% year-over-year, with a total of 385.9 million smartphones shipped in the December quarter, according to IDC.

“There are a lot of elements at play that are fueling the smartphone market recovery – pent-up demand, continued supply push on 5G, aggressive promotions, and the popularity of low to mid-priced phones”

Nabila Popal, research director with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers

However, for the full year of 2020, Samsung remained the no. 1 smartphone brand thanks to the continued success of the Galaxy A series, accounting for 20% of the global market share, with Apple and Huawei (including Honor) taking the second and third spots, respectively.

2020 smartphone market standing IDC

“Overall though, sentiment in the industry is positive, and 2021 will see the smartphone market rebound after a 7% decline in 2020.”

Ben Stanton, Canalys Senior Analyst

The overall smartphone market in 2020 saw a decline of 5.9% or 7% (depending on who you ask) as COVID 19 and lockdown wreak havoc on supply chains and slowed down manufacturing. However, market analysts are positive that the market will rebound in 2021, as it’s evident from strong Q4 2020 sales.

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Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTags can be used for automation as well as tracking

Along with the all-new Galaxy S21 series, Samsung launched the new Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy SmartTag during its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2021. While Samsung highlighted most of the prominent features of these devices during the launch event, the company seems to have skipped out on some important stuff. Over the last few days, we’ve learned quite a few new things about the Galaxy S21 series and the Galaxy Buds Pro, like the new Object Eraser feature on the Galaxy S21 devices, details about Samsung’s new 108MP ISOCELL HM3 sensor found on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, support for Google Duo’s auto-framing feature, the Galaxy Buds Pro’s hearing enhancement feature, and more. Similarly, we’ve now learned that the Galaxy SmartTags also pack an additional feature that Samsung skipped out on during the launch event.

As a recent tweet from Max Weinbach points out, the Galaxy SmartTags can do more than just help you find misplaced objects. You can also use it for automation. The SmartTags settings page shown in the screenshot clearly illustrates how you can use the button on the tracker to trigger actions like turning on/off your smart lights or other connected smart devices. This essentially makes the SmartTag a handy remote for your smart home devices.

Weinbach further demonstrates the Galaxy SmartTags’ automation capabilities in a short video, which highlights that you can assign two different actions to the tracker. These actions can be triggered by either pressing the button once or by pressing and holding the button, and you can customize them as per your preference in the SmartTag settings within the Samsung SmartThings app. Pressing the button twice in quick succession triggers the Find My Phone feature. In response to a comment on the tweet, Weinbach further adds that the automation feature only works with devices that are supported by the SmartThings app.

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These are the best cases, covers and skins for the regular Galaxy Note 20 in January 2021

The Galaxy Note 20 series is one of the more attention-worthy releases from 2020, and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is clearly the star of the show here. But the Note 20 Ultra also costs a pretty penny, so a lot of users would prefer spending lesser and getting the Galaxy Note 20 instead. If you’ve bought yourself a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, you can look through some recommended Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases over here. But if you have the regular Galaxy Note 20, here are some of the cases you can pick up for your shiny new phone and keep that plastic body covered.

    Official Galaxy Note 20 Kvadrat Cover

    Earth-friendly and eye-catching

    The Kvadrat case is a sustainable case made from recycled materials that is 100% compostable, and yet looks good. Available in Red, and Gray.
    Official Galaxy Note 20 Clear Cover

    Simple and basic

    The official Galaxy Note 20 Clear Cover is the most basic first-party case from Samsung, ensuring perfect compatibility with your new phone.
    Official Clear Protective Cover

    Transparent yet re-inforced

    This protective case is an upgrade over standard flexible TPU cases as it adds reinforcements on the sides without extra bulk. Comes in Black or White.
    Official Silicone Cover

    Slender and soft-touch

    The Silicone case is durable, soft to touch, and easy to hold. It provides grip, style, and protection with minimal bulk. Available in Black, Bronze, and Mint, it's the perfect companion for your phone.
    Official Clear Standing Cover

    Prop it up!

    If you spend a lot of time at a desk, being able to prop up your phone is a big plus. This case helps you achieve that while still protecting it against scratches and providing additional grip.
    Official Rugged Cover

    Military Protection!

    This case has been drop tested to military standards, and it can deflect and absorb most impacts. There are two kickstands built-in, too, for different angles in landscape mode.
    Official Leather Cover

    Elegance and Class

    This case claims to be made of genuine leather, with aluminum buttons and microfiber lining, ensuring that your phone feels premium to the touch. Available in Black, Brown, and Green.
    Official S-View Flip Cover

    Fold it Close

    If you want to protect both the front and back of the device, this flip cover is for you. You can flip it close, and still respond to calls, and alarms. Available in Black, Brown, and Mint.
    Official LED Wallet Cover

    Fully closed yet functional

    A flip cover with a wallet to store cards, and LED feature that makes use of the AMOLED display. You can respond to calls and more. Available in Black, Brown, and Mint.
    Spigen Liquid Crystal Case

    Clear as Crystal

    This see-through, anti-slip TPU flexible case from Spigen's Liquid Crystal Line is one of the best choices for a basic, cheap case. Show off your Note 20, while still keeping it comfortably safe.
    Spigen Rugged Armor Case

    Style meets Protection

    The Spigen Rugged Armor is one of the most popular choices for flexible TPU cases that boast of shock absorption while still being fashionable in their own right.
    Spigen Tough Armor Case

    For ultimate protection

    The Spigen Tough Armor is for those who need the most protection possible, thanks to its combination of impact foam, flexible TPU and hard polycarbonate that absorbs all damage
    Caseology Parallax Case

    When grip meets style

    The Caseology Parallax adds style to your device with its exciting texture and patterns on the back. You can get these protective cases in Aqua Green, Blue, Black, and Burgundy.
    Otterbox Defender Pro Case

    Critically acclaimed protection

    The OtterBox Defender Pro series is widely hailed at being one of the best choices for rugged cases. It also comes with a holster that doubles up as a belt clip and kickstand.
    Temdan Heavy Duty Case

    In-built screen protector

    The Temdan Heavy Duty case comes with a built-in screen protector, giving you all-around protection. It even supports wireless charging with the case on.
    Ringke Fusion X Case

    Rugged but sleek

    Ringke's Fusion X series comes with a rugged exterior for better grip, raised lips for better protection, transparent back, and lanyard holes on both sides for neck or hand straps.
    Dbrand Grip Case

    Customization and protection!

    Grip cases from Dbrand are not only known for offering military-grade impact protection, but also for their easy compatibility with the company's wide variety of skins!
    ESR Metal Kickstand Case

    Prop it up in style!

    If you spend a lot of time at a desk, being able to prop up your phone is a big plus. This case from ESR does that while still protecting against scratches, and providing additional grip.
    Vapesoon Waterproof Case

    Double your IP68 protection

    The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is already IP68 certified, but if you want to double your peace of mind, this case comes with IP68 protection of its own, and an integrated screen cover.
    Torras Shockproof Case

    Basic case that gets the job done

    This case features a TPU frame, a hard polycarbonate back and some shock-absorbing corners, giving you surprisingly decent protection for a small price.
    Redpepper Shockproof Case

    Full frame case with wireless charging support

    This case from Redpepper is a full-frame case with integrated screen protector and is compatible with wireless charging without removing the case.
    i-Blason Cosmo Series Case

    When you don't want boring

    Most cases for the Galaxy Note 20 are quite industrial-looking and boring. If you want something more fun and exciting, the i-Blason Cosmo series brings along a lot of color and bling.
    VRS Design Damda Glide Pro

    Industrial look with card space

    If you do fancy an industrial look, this one's for you. This case protects your phone and can also store up to 4 credit cards or some cash under the sliding door at the back.
    Cutebe Case with Print

    Add a printed design!

    This case involves a transparent case with reinforced bumpers, along with a white or black option for a printed design, subtly augmenting the design and look of your Galaxy Note 20.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of cases on offer for the Galaxy Note 20. What you end up choosing depends on what you prefer and on your budget. If you have a higher budget, you can always opt for the official cases which offer maximum compatibility with the phone and other official accessories. Samsung’s Kvadrat cases are also less harmful to the environment, as they are made majorly from recycled materials and are compostable. Samsung offers a whole lot of options ranging from basic cases to rugged cases to leather options and even flip covers and wallet cases.

Higher budget spenders can also look for tried-and-trusted brands like OtterBox and Dbrand — not only do they have great offerings that provide the ultimate in protection, they also have a history and reputation of consistently providing such protection. Lower down the line, options from Spigen, Ringke, and Caseology give you a wide variety of choices. You can go completely clear and flexible with thin see-through cases, or opt for a re-inforced bumper, or go for a harder TPU shell, or go even harder with a dual-layer design and a polycarbonate shell. Choose your pick!

Of course, all of these cases are for the Note 20 regular variant. If you have the Ultra, you can check out the cases for the Note 20 Ultra. If you haven’t already, you can buy yours from one of the best deals around for the phone.

The post These are the best cases, covers and skins for the regular Galaxy Note 20 in January 2021 appeared first on xda-developers.



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mercredi 27 janvier 2021

OnePlus 6, 6T get OxygenOS 10.3.8 update with January 2021 security patches

OnePlus has announced a new update for the Plus 6 and OnePlus 6T, which includes the January 2021 security patches. Beginning today, the company is rolling out OxygenOS 10.3.8 to the nearly three-year-old devices.

Like other software releases, OnePlus is rolling out OxygenOS 10.3.8 in stages, so you may not see it right away. OnePlus said that only a limited number of users will get the update today, with a broader rollout to take place in a few days. The company is doing this to ensure there are no critical bugs.

“For those who were on previous versions for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T, we appreciate your active feedback and for reaching out to us,” OnePlus said in a forum post. “With your help, we have been able to better optimize and improve several key areas. Thank you for your patience and as always, we look forward to getting your continued feedback via the Community app.”

Below is the changelog:

  • System updates
    • Updated MemberShip to 1.2.0.2
    • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.01
    • Updated GMS package to 2020.09
  • OnePlus Store
    • An intuitive and convenient way to manage your OnePlus account, get easy-to-access support, discover exciting members-only benefits, and shop for OnePlus products. (Please note that it can be uninstalled)

OnePlus has continued to actively support the OnePlus 6 and 6T over the last several months, releasing monthly updates with the latest security patches. Recently, the company introduced an OxygenOS update that featured a quick reply option in gaming mode and accidental touch prevention in Game Space.

Today’s update doesn’t introduce any notable new features. However, OnePlus is including its OnePlus Store app with the update. If you’re unfamiliar with the app, the company describes it as a “convenient way to manage your OnePlus account, get easy-to-access support, discover exciting members-only benefits, and shop for OnePlus products.

The company said the app can easily be installed if you don’t want it on your phone.

Downloads

Thanks to XDA Member Some_Random_Username for the download links!

OnePlus 6 Forums || OnePlus 6T Forums

 

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YouTube, Netflix reportedly requiring AV1 decode support for future content

Earlier this month, we reported that Google will require new Android TV devices launching later this year to ship with hardware that supports AV1 decode. While YouTube for Android TV and Netflix for Android already stream certain content encoded in AV1 depending on the device and network settings, it appears that both platforms are poised to require AV1 decode support for future content.

In a press release announcing its new VideoSmart VS640 edge computing SoC, Synaptics announced that “the platform offers the next generation AV1 video decode format — a requirement for future YouTube and Netflix content…” This is interesting because while we’re heard through the grapevine that Google is requiring device makers ship hardware with AV1 decoding support in order to pass certification to stream certain high-resolution YouTube content, we’ve never had direct confirmation of this requirement. If this statement from Synaptics is accurate — and we have no reason to believe it isn’t — then it’s not just future Android TV devices that will ship with AV1 decode support.

We don’t know exactly what kind of future YouTube and Netflix content will be delivered only in AV1 — we’re guessing it’s all 4K60 HDR and 8K videos — but we now know that it will be a requirement of at least some future content. And there’s no chance that TV makers will want to miss out on supporting whatever it is that YouTube and Netflix have to offer, so there’s a good chance that AV1 support will become the norm going forward. LG and Samsung — neither of which use Android TV in their products — have already started to implement hardware-accelerated AV1 support in some of their TVs, for example. In 2021, expect to see more and more TVs launch with hardware capable of AV1 decode, though it likely won’t be a prominent part of their marketing.

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Ring launches its cheapest smart doorbell, the Video Doorbell Wired

Amazon on Wednesday introduced a new Ring doorbell that retails for just $59. That makes it the company’s most affordable video doorbell yet—and a great option for those who have been curious about getting a smart doorbell for their home.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired (I know, not the most exciting name) isn’t just cheap, but small, too. Not that size has really been an issue with Ring’s other video doorbells, but it makes the latest version more inconspicuous. It won’t be such an eyesore outside of your front door.

“Since day one, Ring’s focus has been to invent security solutions that solve real customer problems,” said Jamie Siminoff, Founder and Chief Inventor of Ring. “With Ring Video Doorbell Wired, we packed the features that matter into a small, compact design, giving customers more choice when it comes to selecting the Ring Video Doorbell that best fits their needs.”

As the name implies, the new security device can only be used as a hardwired doorbell, unlike the other options that are battery-powered. You can get a Video Doorbell for $99, which isn’t too much more expensive. It’s about choosing what fits best in your home.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired includes 1080p video with night vision, two-way talk with noise cancellation, custom motion detection zones, and support for other Ring products and services. You can also add a Ring Protect subscription, which lets you review, share, and save every video and photo. A basic plan starts at $40 per year.

Every doorbell from Ring features end-to-end encryption, which the company rolled out earlier this year.

The newest video doorbell is a great option for anyone looking to dabble in smart security. If you own other Amazon devices, such as an Echo Show, you can see when someone ring your doorbell, so there’s a nice harmony.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired can be preordered now from Ring and Amazon for $59, with a launch set for February 24.

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Best Galaxy S21 Ultra deals: Where to pre-order Samsung’s new flagship!

Samsung’s next generation of smartphones is here with the flagship Galaxy S21 series! It may feel like it’s been a long time coming, with all the information we already know about the Galaxy S21 line, but now you can finally pre-order these devices and get ready to step into 2021 with a brand-new, shiny new smartphone. If you want the best that Samsung has to offer, there are already a few Galaxy S21 Ultra deals you can snap up to help save on your pre-order!

You may ask, which Galaxy S21 should I buy? Why exactly should I get the Galaxy S21 Ultra over the normal Galaxy S21 or the Galaxy S21 Plus? We have the answer — it all depends on your smartphone priorities! The Galaxy S21 Ultra is, of course, the high-end option of the S21 line, and it has a price tag to match at $1,200. We do, however, have a guide to the Best Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus deals as well. A bigger price tag comes with high-quality features, though, including S Pen compatibility, quad rear-cameras, and a 120Hz refresh rate at a QHD+ resolution, a first for Samsung. There’s plenty to like about the Galaxy S21 Ultra!

Of course, if you know where to look, you may not have to pay that full price tag. We’ve rounded up all of the pre-order links and Galaxy S21 Ultra deals below, so here’s how you can save on your pre-order!

Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals

If you’re looking to pick up an unlocked Galaxy S21 Ultra, you can grab it directly from the Samsung Store, or go with Amazon or Best Buy.

Samsung Store

Did you reserve your Galaxy S21 Ultra from the Samsung Store? Congrats, because now you get to save $50 on accessories with your new phone! That’s not all, though! If you get in your pre-order before January 28, you’ll get an additional $200 credit towards the accessories you want. Finally, you’ll get free GalaxyTag with purchase! If you have a previous phone to trade-in, you can also save up to $700 by trading in your current or spare phone!

Finally, let’s not forget about the special made to order colors–Phantom Titanium, Phantom Navy, and Phantom Brown. These are only available at the Samsung Store!

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    Pre-order your Galaxy S21 Ultra before January 28 to get $200 in pre-order credit for accessories! You'll also get a free GalaxyTag with purchase. If you reserved your pre-order, now's the time to use your accessory credit too!

Best Buy

Looking to go to Best Buy? You can save big depending on what carrier you go with! You save $50 today for a Galaxy S21 Ultra, whether unlocked or with a carrier. You can save a lot more with an eligible trade-in, though… up to $800, in fact!

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    Save up to $800 at Best Buy with an eligible trade-in! Depending on whether you go with an unlocked phone or carrier, you're set to save even more.

Amazon

You can’t argue with the convenience of Amazon! While the massive retailer isn’t offering any deals on the Galaxy S21 Ultra right now, you do get the advantage of simple Release Day Shipping. If you have the Prime Rewards Visa, you can also sign up for an 18-month payment plan!

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    You won't get any deals going with Amazon, but you will enjoy Release Day Shipping if you have Amazon Prime! Also, you can sign up for an 18-month payment plan if you have the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa.

Carrier Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals

If you don’t mind your Galaxy S21 Ultra being locked to a carrier, you can get some great deals! You can go with Verizon or AT&T.

Verizon

Verizon has tons of different deals to take advantage of! With the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you’ll want to take advantage of some savings, too. The deals all depends on if you’re switching to Verizon or upgrading to a new line, including:

  • Switch to Verizon to get $1,000 off Galaxy S21 Ultra with eligible trade-in
  • Otherwise, save up to $600 with an eligible trade-in
  • Buy a Galaxy S21 Ultra, get $1,000 off a second when you add a new line
  • 25% Galaxy S21 Ultra cases and screen protectors
  • 50% off Verizon charging accessories
  • Get $100 Verizon Dollars when signing up for a Verizon Visa card, plus $100 credit if you use it to pay your bill

For the Galaxy S21 Ultra, payment plans are either $49.99 for 24 months or $39.99 for 30 months.

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    Whether you're switching to Verizon or already a member, the carrier has all sorts of deals to take advantage of! Use trade-ins and other special pre-order promotions to get the price of the S21 Ultra down.

AT&T

Both new and existing AT&T users can get up to $800 off the Galaxy S21 with an eligible trade-in. That’s a nice chunk off the price of the S21 Ultra! Also, you can save 50% on the purchase of the Galaxy Buds Pro with the purchase of any device (including, of course, the Galaxy S21 line).

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    If you're part of AT&T, you can grab your S21 Ultra here! Save up to $800 with an eligible trade-in, and save 50% on the Galaxy Buds Pro.

Are you planning on grabbing the Galaxy S21 Ultra, or are you looking at the Galaxy S21 Plus or the normal model instead? Let us know in the comments! Also, don’t forget to grab a new pair of earbuds with the Galaxy Buds Pro!

    Galaxy Buds Pro
    Getting a Galaxy S21? Get some awesome new earbuds to go with your device!

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