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jeudi 19 mai 2022

HP Spectre x360 (2022): Release date, price, and everything you need to know

It’s been over a year and a half since HP introduced its last generation of the Spectre family of laptops, but it’s finally time for an upgrade. The 2022 HP Spectre x360 family is here, and it’s leaving behind the two models that have been around the longest. This year, we’re getting the HP Spectre x360 13.5 – which is the new name for the Spectre x60 14 – along with the Spectre x360 16. The Spectre lineup is usually home to some of the best laptops on the market, and this year looks to be no exception

The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is a brand-new design with new internals, while the Spectre x360 16 only has new internals. After all, the original model released just a few months ago and it wasn’t long before Intel introduced new processors, so this is more of a refresh out of obligation. Left behind are the HP Spectre x360 13 and 15. Regardless, these are two of HP’s best laptops and they have a lot to offer, so if you want to know everything there is to know about the HP Spectre x360 family in 2022, you’ve come to the right place.

Navigate this article:

HP Spectre x360 (2022) Specs

HP Spectre x360 13.5 HP Spectre x360 16
CPU
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U (15W, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1255U (15W, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 12MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1260P (28W, 12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 18MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-12700H (45W, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 24MB cache)
Graphics
  • Integrated: Intel Iris Xe
  • Integrated: Intel Iris Xe
  • Discrete: Intel Arc A370M (4GB GDDR6)
Display
  • 13.5 inch IPS, Full HD+ (1920 x 1280), touch, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-reflection
  • 13.5 inch IPS, Full HD+ (1920 x 1280), HP Sure View Reflect, touch, 1000 nits, 100% sRGB
  • 13.5 inch OLED, 3K2K (3000 x 2000), touch, 500 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, anti-reflection
  • 16 inch IPS, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), touch, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
  • 16 inch IPS, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), touch, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-reflection
  • 16 inch OLED, UHD+ (3840 x 2400), touch, 500 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, anti-reflection
Storage
  • 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 512GB PCIe SSD
  • 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 1TB PCIe SSD
  • 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 2TB PCIe SSD
  • 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
RAM
  • 8GB LPDDR4x 4266MHz (soldered)
  • 16GB LPDDR4x 4266MHz (soldered)
  • 32GB LPDDR4x 4266MHz (soldered)
  • 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (soldered)
  • 32GB DDR4 3200MHz (soldered)
Battery
  • 4-cell 66Whr battery
    • Up to 65W USB Type-C power adapter
  • 6-cell 83Wh battery
    • Up to 135W USB Type-C power adapter
Ports
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C)
  • 1x x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • microSD card reader
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1 x HDMI 2.1
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • microSD card reader
  • AC smart pin
Audio
  • Quad speakers by Bang & Olufsen
  • Dual-array digital microphones
  • Quad speakers by Bang & Olufsen
  • Dual-array digital microphones
Camera
  • HP True Vision 5MP IR camera with camera shutter, temporal noise reduction, and integrated dual array digital microphones
  • HP True Vision 5MP IR camera with camera shutter, temporal noise reduction, and integrated dual array digital microphones
Biometric authentication
  • IR webcam
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • IR webcam
  • Fingerprint sensor
Connectivity
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211/AX411
  • Bluetooth 5.2
Color
  • Nightfall Black with Pale Brass accents
  • Nocturne Blue with Celestial Blue accents
  • Natural Silver
  • Nightfall Black with Pale Brass accents
  • Nocturne Blue with Celestial Blue accents
Size (WxDxH)
  • 297.94 x 220.47 x 17.02 mm (11.73 x 8.68 x 0.67 in)
  • 357.89 x 245.36 x 17.27 mm (14.09 x 9.66 x 0.78 in)
Dimensions
  • Starts at 1.37kg (3.01 lbs)
  • Starts at 2.02kg (4.45lbs)
Price Starting at $1,249 Starting at $1,649

Release date

Both models of the HP Spectre x360 (2022) were launched on the same day, May 19th, on HP.com. They will also be available at Best Buy, both online and in physical stores.

HP Spectre x360 13.5 with the lid at 90 degrees and seen at an angle

HP Spectre x360 13.5

It’s possible that not every configuration will be available at launch, however, or that more configurations will be added over time. That tends to happen, since it can help devices stay relevant for longer while we wait for the next big refresh.

Price

Both of these laptops come in multiple configurations that affect how much you’re going to pay. Of course, the price is also likely to come down over time. Either way, the HP Spectre x360 13.5 will start at $1,249, and the Spectre x360 16 starts at $1,649, before taxes.

HP Spectre x360 16 in tent mode seen at an angle

HP Spectre x360 16 (2021)

In the case of the Spectre x360 13.5, that likely includes a Full HD+ display, an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. For the HP Spectre x360, the base price will likely include the Intel Core i7-1260P, no discrete graphics, a 3K+ display, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, but not with PCIe Gen 4 speeds. Either way, you can upgrade from there if you’re willing to spend a bit more to get an even better experience.

What’s new

As with any refresh, the new versions of the HP Spectre x360 come with a few changes compared to the previous models. Here’s what you can expect:

New design (HP Spectre x360 13.5)

One of the first things you’ll notice coming from the HP Spectre x360 13 or 14 to the new Spectre x360 13.5 is the new design language. HP has ditched the extremely angular look that we saw in previous models, and now the chassis curves near the edges, with only a thin line featuring the accent color to give the laptop a bit more flair. The color options are also slightly different: The Nightfall Black model has “pale brass” accents, which aren’t too different from before, but now there’s a Nocturne Blue model with “celestial blue” accents. This replaces the previous Poseidon Blue that had gold-colored accents.

HP Spectre x360 13.5 seen from the side

HP Spectre x360 13.5 in Nightfall Black

This is all inherited from last year’s HP Spectre x360 16, and this year’s version of that model remains the same. The 14-inch model also keeps the Natural Silver option if you want a more subdued colorway.

Much better webcam (HP Spectre x360 13.5)

Something else the smaller Spectre is inheriting from the larger model is the stellar 5MP webcam, which also includes a bunch of smart features to make video calls much better. This includes HP Auto Frame so you can stay visible during calls even when you move around, automatic backlight adjustments, and filters. There are enhancements on the audio side, too, including dynamic voice leveling, AI noise reduction, and more. Overall, these may very well be some of the best laptops with a 1080p webcam, and considering the previous model had a tiny 720p camera, this is a huge upgrade. The HP Spectre x360 16 already had this, and it’s the same this year.

New processors (and GPU on the x360 16)

When it comes to the internals, usually you’d expect each new iteration to come with the latest processors available, but there’s a bit more to it than that this time. The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is a fairly straightforward upgrade from last year’s model: It now comes with Intel’s 12th-generation U-series processors, which are direct follow-ups to the U-series processors in the previous model. These new CPUs have a hybrid architecture with efficient and performance cores, adding up to a total 10 cores and 12 threads, up from last year’s four cores and eight threads. However, the TDP of the CPU is the same 15W, so it’s a fairly standard upgrade.

With the HP Spectre x360 16, things are a bit more complicated. The original model used Intel’s 11th-generation H35 series processors, which didn’t receive a successor in the 12th-generation. Instead, the HP Spectre x360 16 now gives you the choice between the new P-series processors, which have a 28W TDP, or a typical H-series processor with a 45W TDP, so you can get the right balance of performance and battery life for your specific needs.

Additionally, the HP Spectre x360 16 now gives you the option for Intel Arc 370M discrete graphics, replacing the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 that was in the previous model.

No more Spectre x360 13 and 15

As we mentioned at the top, with this year’s models, HP is leaving behind the Spectre x360 13 and x360 15, which were the models that have been around the longest. These models both had 16:9 displays, and HP seems to be pushing for taller aspect ratios in its premium laptops, so this makes sense. You can still find a 16:9 display in the HP Envy x360, if you’re willing to step down to a less premium device.

Where can I buy the HP Spectre x360 (2022)?

If you’re interested in buying HP’s latest premium laptops, you can buy them directly from HP.com, which is also where you’ll find the most configuration options to choose from. Typically, only select SKUs are sent to retailers, so you’ll almost always have more options buying directly from the manufacturer. However, the laptops are also available at Best Buy. You can check them out below.

    HP Spectre x360 13.5
    The 2022 HP Spectre x360 13.5 has a 3:2 display and 12th-generation Intel processors with 10 cores and 12 threads.
    HP Spectre x360 16 (2022)
    The HP Spectre x360 comes with a large 16:10 display and it gives you the choice between 28W and 45W processors depending on your needs.

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mercredi 18 mai 2022

OnePlus 9 series receives fresh update with multitasking and gaming improvements

OnePlus is rolling out a fresh software update for the OnePlus 9 series, bringing a couple of multitasking and gaming improvements to the flagship devices. The update (version C.60) measures a little over 1.5GB and it packs improvements for the floating window feature, adds the HyperBoost end-to-end frame rate stabilizer, reduces game load time and power consumption, and more. However, the update doesn’t bring the Android security patches for May 2022 to the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro.

According to screenshots shared on the OnePlus community forums, the latest software update for the OnePlus 9 series includes the following changes:

  • Convenience & efficiency
    • You can now open up to 3 apps in floating windows at the same time in Split screen mode and switch between Floating window and Split screen modes
    • You can now use the Clock app in Quick Return
  • Connectivity
    • You can now open up to 3 phone windows on your PC
  • Games
    • Adds the HyperBoost end-to-end frame rate stabilizer
    • Heterogenous graphics: Reduces gaming loads and power consumption (only for some games)

As with all software updates from OnePlus, OxygenOS C.60 for the OnePlus 9 series is rolling out in a phased manner. It should reach only a handful of users today, with a broader rollout to follow in the coming days. If you don’t wish to wait for the OTA update, however, you can download the firmware package from the links provided below and flash the update manually.

OnePlus 9 XDA Forums || OnePlus 9 Pro XDA Forums

Download OxygenOS C.60 for the OnePlus 9 series

At the moment, we have download links for the incremental updates rolling out to the Indian variants of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. We’ll update this post with links for other regional variants as soon as they become available.

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer mlgmxyysd and XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the download links!


Source: OnePlus Community Forums

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Google intends to file for bankruptcy in Russia

It looks like trouble is brewing in Russia, where Google is set to file for bankruptcy due to the seizure of its assets. Since the seizure, the company claims that it has been unable to pay its staff, suppliers, and vendors. It is believed that roughly 1 billion roubles or around $15 million have been seized. As for Google personnel working in Russia, the company had moved its employees out of the country when Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

Russia initially fined Google around $112 million

According to Reuters, Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. has had problems for months leading up to the seizure of its assets. Russian authorities had previously requested the removal of content it deemed illegal from YouTube. This occurred sometime in December, with Russia fining Google 7.2 billion roubles or around $112 million. The fine was later increased by 506 million roubles or around $7.8 million. This fine was monumental, as it was the first of its kind in Russia.

Since Google did not pay, Russia seized its bank accounts, leading to the aforementioned plans to file for bankruptcy.

A Google spokesperson stated:

The Russian authorities (sic) seizure of Google Russia’s bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations.

Despite the impending declaration of bankruptcy, Google’s free services in the country will continue to operate like normal. This will include the likes of Gmail, Google Maps, Android, and the Google Play Store. This is at a time when many other major digital and physical services have either stopped working or have been blocked in the country. Despite YouTube still hosting what Russian authorities deem illegal, the service will not be shuttered and will continue to operate as normal. Maksut Shadaev, the minister of communications and mass media, stated that “we are not planning to close YouTube” with the main reason being that it did not want its users to “suffer”.


Source: Reuters

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How to download Android 13 for Google Pixel and other Android devices

Get ready to dig into Android 13! The next major release of Google’s OS is now available as a beta. For lucky owners of the Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4, or Pixel 4 XL, you’ll be among the first users to see what Android 13 “Tiramisu” has to offer.

Alongside the supported Google Pixel devices, Android 13 is also available for a wide range of devices from different OEMs through Developer Preview programs.

Keep in mind that the preview builds won’t give you the full Android 13 experience as it’s very much a work-in-progress. The beta is aimed solely at developers, since they need to test their apps against new Android platform APIs months before the next Android version becomes available for the general public. Installing the Developer Preview/Beta on your daily driver isn’t recommended, as you might face various system instabilities. Do back up your data before proceeding.

This page will serve as a one-stop download index for every Android 13 build released by Google. We will keep the page updated with the latest OTAs and factory images for the supported Pixel smartphones. You can learn how to install Android 13 on Google Pixel smartphones and other devices by visiting our dedicated guide.

Navigate this page:


Download Android 13 for Google Pixel devices

Android 13 Beta 2 (TPBB.220414.015)

For eligible Google Pixel devices, you can download the second beta build of Android 13 from the index below:

You can also download the official Generic System Image (GSI) packages from the index below:

GSI Downloads

Architecture GSI Package
x86_64+GMS Download Link
ARM64+GMS Download Link
x86_64 Download Link
ARM64 Download Link

Android 13 Beta 1 (TPB1.220310.029)

For eligible Google Pixel devices, you can download the first beta build of Android 13 from the index below:

You can also download the official Generic System Image (GSI) packages from the index below:

GSI Downloads

Architecture GSI Package
x86_64+GMS Download Link
ARM64+GMS Download Link
x86_64 Download Link
ARM64 Download Link

Android 13 Developer Preview builds

If you need to download older Developer Preview builds, you can found them listed below:


Additionally, Google offers ready-to-use Android 13 beta system images under the Android Emulator in Android Studio. A beta for Android TV is available as well.

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mardi 17 mai 2022

Apex Legends Mobile is now live for iOS and Android

It has been a long time coming but Apex Legends has finally arrived in the mobile space. After teasing the game last month, Apex Legends Mobile can now be downloaded globally for iOS and Android. The game was announced last month and was offered as a companion piece for its console and PC  counterpart. The Apex Legends Mobile Twitter account offered up a release schedule prior to launch, for those that wanted to play as soon as the game was released. Publisher EA also offered up more new details about the game, like a new Legend named Fade, a new World’s Edge map, and Team Deathmatch mode. Of course, this is just a small sample of what you can experience in-game.

Those hoping for the exact same experience as the console or PC version might be disappointed. Although set in the same world, it is a different experience, featuring familiar elements and environments. What will make this game truly unique is that it will be the first time that players interact with their characters using touchscreen controls. For so many that are used to playing with an input device, this could be quite jarring at first. Of course, if the controls are well thought out and accurate, it should take no time for players to get adjusted.

Although set in the same world, it is a different experience

Perhaps the most important element of the game is that it will be free-to-play. But cross-play will not be available. Those that pre-registered should have already received a notice. But if you haven’t you can now download the app through the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. For the latter, you can also head to the link below.

Source: App Store, Play Store

Apex Legends Mobile (Free+, Google Play) →

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Sonos leaks continue with the upcoming Sub Mini pictured for the first time

The leaky bucket at Sonos is no closer to being fixed up as The Verge reports on yet another new product on the way. Following the leak and subsequent announcement of the Sonos Ray soundbar, the next on the slate is apparently the Sub Mini. As you might be able to guess, it’s a subwoofer. And a small one at that.

It makes a lot of sense, though. The Sonos Ray is the company’s lowest-priced soundbar yet but to build out a full system with one currently requires the pretty expensive Sonos Sub. The two don’t really feel like a good mix, so a cheaper option would certainly be better and the Sonos Sub Mini might well be filling that gap.

Sonos Sub Mini

Sonos Sub Mini render generated by The Verge

The render above has been put together by the folks at The Verge who have seen images of the real deal and it’s definitely different from the squared Sonos Sub. The Sub Mini first leaked through some carelessly placed information in the Sonos app, but this latest leak tells us a little more. Like that it’ll be a wireless companion for the new Sonos Ray, the Arc, and the Beam. Its internal product name is also reported to be S37, which is next along from S36, a product that eventually launched as the Ray.

No details on price, its actual size, or release timeframe are available yet, just this first look at the actual device and a name. The same report also details Sonos’ internal frustration at the number of leaks in recent times spoiling new product launches. Sonos Voice Control leaked ahead of time as well as the Ray. And when it came to the new colors for the Sonos Roam portable speaker, well, Sonos did a pretty good job of outing that one early without any outside help.

Source: The Verge

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Xiaomi continues work on new tablet and foldable features in MIUI

Xiaomi’s custom Android skin — MIUI — already offers several useful features for large-screen devices. As Ben noted in his review of the Xiaomi Pad 5, MIUI on the tablet offers a host of handy features, like the ability to open multiple apps in floating windows, split-screen view support, a home screen dock, and more. However, it’s far from perfect.

Thankfully, Xiaomi is aware of the shortcomings and is working on adding a host of new features in MIUI that will offer users a better experience on tablets and foldable devices. XDA Senior Member and trusted Xiaomi tipster kacskrz has spotted a couple of these upcoming changes in the latest MIUI 13 beta release, giving us a clear idea of what to expect from upcoming MIUI releases for tablets and foldable phones.

What’s new in MIUI 13 for tablets and foldable devices?

The latest MIUI 13 beta for China packs two new menu items in device settings labeled “Features for big screen” and “Features for tablets.” These new menu items appear only if the target device is “zizhan” (Xiaomi’s upcoming foldable) or “dagu” (an upcoming Wi-Fi-only Xiaomi tablet based on Snapdragon 865/870).

MIUI 13 beta China new menu options for big screen and tablet devices watermarked

Credit: kacskrz

As you can see in the attached screenshots, the new “Features for big screen” page includes new wallpaper options for foldable devices, “App display mode” settings, customizations for games, new keyboard options, floating window settings, and display behavior settings for when the device is folded or unfolded.

MIUI 13 beta China features for big screen menu watermarked MIUI 13 beta China features for tablets menu watermarked

Credit: kacskrz

On the other hand, the “Features for tablets” page includes “App display mode” customizations, an MIUI+ Beta option, keyboard customizations for tablets, and floating windows settings. Most of the features listed within these new menu options are not live in the current beta release. However, kacskrz has managed to grab a few graphics showcasing the new keyboard options for tablets and foldable devices.

The following images showcase a new keyboard layout for foldable devices, which will let users split the keyboard from the center, making either half more accessible on large screens. This split-keyboard layout will offer users further customization options. These include the ability to duplicate the central buttons for a more flexible typing experience and an option to switch the left and right halves of the keyboard with a single tap.

MIUI 13 China beta new keyboard options MIUI 13 China beta new keyboard options MIUI 13 China beta new keyboard options

Credit: kacskrz

While we don’t have access to similar images for the other new options, we do have some information about them, thanks to a couple of new code strings. The strings reveal that the “Keep screen on after folding” setting will present users with options to prevent the device from locking the screen when folded, keep the outer screen on after folding during calls or while using the camera, and keep the cover screen on after folding to continue performing the current task.

Furthermore, strings about the new “Games” option on the “Features for big screen” page suggest that it will give users access to a few display options for games, letting them limit the game window to a certain section of the display or play it in full-screen mode. The option will likely let users move the game window around and align it with the top, bottom, or side edges of the display.

As mentioned earlier, these new features are not live in the latest MIUI 13 beta release. At the moment, we don’t have any official information from Xiaomi regarding the rollout either. But we’ll make sure to let you know as soon as we have more details.

What do you think of these new MIUI features for tablets and foldable devices? Let us know in the comments section below.

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lundi 16 mai 2022

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy S21 receive May 2022 update in the U.S.

It’s one thing to buy an Android smartphone, but it’s another to have it supported. Over the past few weeks, Samsung has been updating its Galaxy smartphones at an astonishing rate. So it comes as no surprise at the start of a new week, we get more updates. This time, Samsung has started pushing its May 2022 update to unlocked variants of both the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Galaxy S21 series of devices to those in the United States.

The first new firmware, which arrives as F916U1UES2GVD2, is for the Galaxy Z Fold 2. While some updates offer extra perks and additions, this update for the unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 is pretty bare-bones, only including the latest security patches for May. In addition to the unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 getting updated, Samsung has also delivered updates for the unlocked Galaxy S21 line of phones in the United States.

Samsung has been updating its Galaxy smartphones at an astonishing rate.

The other update arrives as firmware version G99xU1UEU5CVDC, making its way to the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra in the United States. According to SamMobile, for the Galaxy S21 series of handsets, the May 2022 update will not only include the latest security updates, but also some additions. Unfortunately, it appears that the firmware does not offer any additional information about these additions at this point.

If you own an unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 or Galaxy S21 series handset, you’ll want to make sure to update your phone immediately. In order to do this, you can head to the settings of the device and check the software update area. If it is not available, be patient or make sure to check that your handset is an unlocked U.S. variant. If you own a different Samsung device and want to check to see whether your handset has an update pending, be sure to check out our full list.


Source: SamMobile (1, 2)

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What configurations does the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business come in?

For 2022, Samsung greatly upgraded its consumer-oriented laptops like the Galaxy Book 2 Pro, giving them faster processors, improved webcams, and more. While you can buy those laptops as a business user, this year, Samsung also focused more specifically on the enterprise market with the new Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business. This new business laptop comes with a more classic design with more room for upgradeability and Intel processors with vPro support. But what configurations are available for the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business exactly? Right now, there are only three.

The official spec sheet for the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business mentions a few configuration options, including different CPUs – from an Intel Core i3 through a Core i7, with or without vPro – optional NVIDIA GeForce MX570 discrete graphics, and up to 64GB of RAM. However, many of these options are limited to specific markets or simply aren’t available just yet. If you’re in the United States, right now, you can buy one of just three configurations, and the only things that change are the processor and storage.

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business configurations

If you’re looking to buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business right now in the United States, these are the configurations you can choose from:

Processor GPU RAM Storage Display Price
Intel Core i5-1250P vPro Intel Iris Xe (80 EUs) 16GB 256GB 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) $1,850
Intel Core i7-1270P vPro Intel Iris Xe (96 EUs) 16GB 512GB 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) $2,150
Intel Core i7-1270P vPro Intel Iris Xe (96 EUs) 16GB 1TB 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) $2,450

Right now, that’s about it. There are no configurations featuring the optional NVIDIA graphics yet, and if you want more than 16GB of RAM, you’re going to have to upgrade the laptop yourself. That could change over time as Samsung potentially rolls out new configurations, but that’s not the case right now. We’ll keep this list updated if any new configurations show up.


If you haven’t yet, you can check out the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business below. Aside from the hardware specs, the laptop comes with Microsoft Secured-Core PC certification, tamper alerts, BIOS auto-recovery, and other security and management features that are important to businesses. If you’re not necessarily looking for a business laptop, maybe check out our list of the best laptops overall to see what else is out there.

    Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business
    The Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Business is a business laptop powered by Intel's 12th-generation P-series processors with vPro support, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage.

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iOS 16 could introduce new Apple apps and major changes to the system

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2022 is only three weeks away! We’re expecting to see the previews of iOS 16 and macOS 13 during the main keynote of this anticipated event. Generally speaking, hardware leaks tend to be more frequent than software ones. However, we still sometimes get sneak peeks of the latter category — especially when official reveals near. We’ve already heard that iOS 16 could be revamping the notification system. That’s in addition to taking the Focus feature to the next level and introducing more health-related features. A new report now shares even more details about iOS 16 and its potential additions. This update could be introducing fresh Apple apps and bringing major changes to the system. These changes could possibly include new ways to interact with the operating system.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 16 won’t bring a full redesign to the operating system (OS). In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, he states:

While I don’t expect Apple to present a full redesign of the software, there should be major changes across the system, new ways of interacting and some fresh Apple apps. The news about watchOS 9 will be significant as well.

Despite the lack of a notable face-lift, Mark believes that this OS update will still make some major changes to the system — including new ways to interact with it. It’s still unclear what these new interaction mechanisms could be. However, a solid assumption would be interactive widgets — a highly requested feature that is long overdue.

Apart from the system changes, Gurman mentions that iOS 16 could introduce fresh Apple apps. Apple Music Classical is one potential app we could be seeing. That’s because traces of it have been discovered in iOS 15.5. Apart from Classical, it’s unclear what other apps the company could be working on.

Lastly, Mark shares that watchOS 9 will be a significant update. We’ve already heard rumors about it redesigning the existing Watch Faces. We will see what other changes the company is baking during the official reveal on June 6. Until then, we can sit back and hope that these annual OS releases don’t disappoint through feature scarcity.

Will you be installing iOS 16 beta on your daily driver? Let us know in the comments section below.


Source: Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter

The post iOS 16 could introduce new Apple apps and major changes to the system appeared first on XDA.



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Samsung launches a revamped Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in some markets

Samsung has launched a revamped version of the affordable Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in a few markets. The new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is essentially the same device with a new SoC, an additional RAM/storage variant, and updated software. According to the official product listing on Amazon Italy, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G chip instead of Samsung’s in-house Exynos 9611. As such, buyers should expect marginally better performance with the newer variant.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022): Specifications

Specification DEVICE FULL NAME HERE
Dimensions & Weight
  • 244.5 x 154.3 x 7.0 mm
  • 467g
Display
  • 10.4″ TFT LCD
  • 2000 x 1200
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
RAM & Storage
  • 4GB RAM + 64GB storage
  • 4GB + 128GB
Battery 7,040mAh
Rear Camera(s) 8MP
Front Camera(s) 5MP
Port(s)
  • USB Type-C
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • LTE (optional)
Software One UI 4 based on Android 12
Other Features S Pen included

Like its predecessor, the updated Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) comes in a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage base variant, which is priced at €399.90. In addition, Samsung is offering a 128GB variant at a €50 premium. These prices are for the Wi-Fi-only model. The LTE variant is currently only available in the base RAM/storage configuration at €459.90.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2022

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) comes with Samsung’s One UI skin based on Android 12 out of the box. In contrast, the older model launched with One UI 2.0 based on Android 10. The updated software alone makes it a pretty good deal, as most other tablets in this price segment come with older versions of Android.

Pricing & Availability

At the moment, Samsung has not shared the pricing and availability details for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) for all regions. The tablet is currently up for pre-order on Amazon Italy, and it should become available in more markets soon. If you’ve been thinking of getting an affordable Android tablet for yourself or a friend, you can order the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) from the link provided below. The tablet is available in a single Oxford Gray colorway and it comes with an S Pen in the box.

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
    The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is essentially the same tablet with a new Snapdragon SoC and updated software.

The post Samsung launches a revamped Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in some markets appeared first on XDA.



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Windows 10 and Windows 11 audio drivers arrive for the Steam Deck

Valve recently announced through its official Steam Deck Twitter account that new Steam Deck audio drivers are now available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Previously, the Steam Deck offered crippled audio support for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with limited support for Bluetooth or USB-C audio devices.

Valve has updated its support page with info on a new APU driver that brings complete audio support for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Those brave enough to install Windows on their Steam Deck will want to download the latest drivers from the Steam Deck support page. If you have previously installed older drivers, you can still install the new one. Just make sure to check the “factory reset” box in the installer.

While Valve has always touted that its Steam Deck is a PC capable of running different operating systems, it also offers a disclaimer stating that there is no formal support for those heading down this path. As noted on its support page, Valve is “providing these resources as is and are unfortunately unable to offer ‘Windows on Deck’ support.” Despite this, the company has made strides to improve the experience over the past few months, adding a new Lock Screen, frame rate limiting, and more.

Of course, running Windows on your Steam Deck has some drawbacks, with the most crucial being the lack of a dual-boot option. This means you’ll have to completely wipe out the stock experience to gain access to Windows. If running Windows isn’t a priority, you might want to wait, as Valve has already committed to a dual-boot option that will arrive in a future update.

Initially, support for Windows arrived a month after Steam Deck’s release. Unfortunately, it didn’t offer support for Windows 11. That problem would be rectified a month later, with the Steam Deck gaining support for Windows 11.  While interest in the Steam Deck has been strong, pre-order fulfillment looks to be going at a snail’s pace. Those pre-ordering now will be forced to wait a few months, with Valve giving an estimated shipment date of Q3 2022. In the meantime, you can check out our unboxing and extensive coverage of all things Steam Deck.


Source: Steam 

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dimanche 15 mai 2022

Chromebooks are the perfect place to teach yourself about Linux

The best Chromebooks you can get today have come a long way from the early days. No longer is Chrome OS just a fancy browser running on a laptop. It has grown to incorporate Android and Linux and the platform is now a lot more capable than you might have thought.

The second of those is particularly important. I’m not about to preach about how everyone should immediately switch to Linux. Or that 2022 is the year of the Linux desktop. Or anything like that. However, it is in the limelight right now with the immensely popular Steam Deck on the shelves.

Why am I talking about learning Linux? Well for one, it’s never too late or a bad idea to learn something new. Linux isn’t just some other desktop operating system you don’t currently care about. It has plenty of applications out in the big wide world. All those cloud servers? Running Linux. On a smaller scale, the Raspberry Pi is a tiny, extremely flexible Linux computer you can use to do many wonderful things. A Chromebook is a great place to play around with Linux in relative safety.

Linux and Chrome OS: A match made in harmony

Linux on Chrome OS

My own love affair with Linux began in 2020 during the great global event that kept us all indoors a lot more. I’d dabbled with Chromebooks in the past, but mainly because my work keeps me in the browser all day. I picked up a cheap Acer Chromebook to play around with but eventually, it went back in the drawer.

Then I found it, applied many, many updates, and brought it up to date. And that included the Linux support that until then I had missed out on. And this is where the journey began. I enabled Linux and started doing a lot of Googling.

Enabling Linux adds a Debian container seamlessly into your existing Chrome OS setup.

But what exactly is it all about? The short version is that enabling Linux on a Chromebook adds a Debian container on top of the OS. Chrome OS itself is based on Linux, but highly customized. Linux is described on Chromebooks as a “developer environment” and it lives alongside anything else you have on your machine.

The Debian container is a fantastic place to tread your first Linux footsteps because there’s no risk to the rest of your laptop. It’s isolated from Chrome OS, though it does have integrations. You can share folders from Chrome OS to Linux, you can view Linux files in the Chrome OS Files app. You have the ability to share USB devices, such as your microphone, with the Linux container. You can almost use Linux like any other app, dipping in and out of it at your leisure.

The beauty of this sandboxed approach is that if you mess something up, you can just destroy it and start again. It’s so simple to set up that anyone can do it. In my case, it happened a lot, and while I found my feet I certainly appreciated the ease of use on Chrome OS over using Linux on a dedicated machine.

Get comfortable with the terminal

Linux terminal on Chrome OS

It’s easy to point to memes about Linux users and the terminal. But when you’re comfortable using it and any of the many terminal-based tools you can use, you might find your mind firmly changed. Using the terminal is a fast and efficient way of getting things done. And in server environments or even on a headless device like a Raspberry Pi, you’re going to use a lot of Terminal.

I used to wonder why I would ever need to use a terminal. Now I spend much of my day inside one, and I’m no developer. I use Neovim to write all my work before putting it into our CMS. I use Ranger when I want to dart about the Linux and Chrome OS file systems. I use Git and Github to synchronize various configuration files and settings between machines. Taking notes, using SSH to connect to other machines, running speed tests, or even checking the weather forecast. All things I do from the terminal with text commands. Never once needing to interrupt my flow to use a mouse or trackpad, or open another application.

Getting comfortable with Linux and the terminal has truly changed my personal workflow. Proof you don’t have to be into coding to make it work for you. There are terminal clients that can do all kinds of crazy things, even checking Twitter and Reddit or opening full web pages. But beyond just making the workday faster, I truly feel like I’ve learned something useful.

Linux also makes Chrome OS better

GIMP on Chrome OS

If you want to learn Linux from scratch a Chromebook is a great place to start. There’s plenty of choice at affordable prices and there are some really nice Chromebooks out there now. But there’s another thing Linux does on a Chromebook. It makes Chrome OS better.

Linux makes Chrome OS better.

Chrome OS is still heavily reliant on web apps and extensions. It has Android built-in now, but I’m not much of a fan of that. It uses up so much of the system resources that I haven’t personally been able to justify leaving it enabled.

Linux, on the other hand, is a better way of plugging the gaps Chrome OS can’t on its own. Alongside being a kick-ass container to scratch any terminal itches, Debian on Chrome OS has full GUI application support.

That means a lot. You can’t run Photoshop on a Chromebook, but you can run the Linux version of GIMP. Need an audio editor, how does Audacity sound? Video work? Try Kdenlive. You might not find the apps from the names you’re used to, but on Linux, you’ll probably be able to find a free and open-source alternative.

Your particular Chromebook’s hardware will be a factor, just as it would on a Windows laptop. If you have a Celeron and 4GB of RAM, you probably won’t have a great time editing a video in Kdenlive. Nevertheless, in my experience, a budget Chromebook with Linux turned on has been an overall better time than a similarly budget Windows laptop.


If you have a Chromebook already then you should definitely be getting that Linux environment turned on. And if you’re looking for a new laptop but you’re a little jaded with Windows, then give one a look. Modern Chromebooks are a hybrid of the Chrome browser you’re familiar with and the world of web apps, with a Linux desktop machine and even an Android device thrown in.

They’re not going to be for everyone, but there’s a lot more you can get done these days on a Chromebook than in the old days. And you never know, you might find you’re a closet Linux user waiting to burst out. That’s what happened to me. All from enabling it on a Chromebook two years ago.

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HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 review: For people that want a specific array of ports

As far as Thunderbolt 4 docks go, HP’s solution is a solid one, all depending on what you want. It has either 100W or 230W output, depending on the model you choose, so even if you have a powerful ZBook Fury G9, the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 can charge it.

That’s not all. This is one of few Thunderbolt 4 docks I’ve seen that has two DisplayPort ports. Most docking stations I come across sacrifice this in favor of more Thunderbolt ports, which can be a problem. After all, unless you already have a USB Type-C monitor, having only Thunderbolt ports means you still need more dongles, the thing the dock was supposed to solve in the first place.

The big issue I take with it is that the cable that connects to your laptop is not removable. Yes, there’s a warranty, but still, this is an expensive product. If something happens to that 0.8m cable, it’s not like you can just plug in another one.

But ultimately, I do think that this is my favorite selection of ports on a Thunderbolt 4 dock that I’ve seen so far. However, you do have to want specifically this.

    HP Thunderbolt Dock G4
    HP's Thunderbolt Dock G4 has Sure Start, up to 230W output, lots of display out options, and more.

      Features:

      Pros:

      Cons:

Navigate this review:

HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 price and availability

  • The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 starts at $329 for the 120W model and maxes out at $439 for the 280W model.
  • It will be released in May 2022 (this month).

HP just announced the Thunderbolt Dock G4, and it said that it’s going to arrive in May, which is this month. Unfortunately, despite only 20 days being left in the month at the time of announcement, it didn’t provide a specific date.

There are two different models, one that’s 120W with 100W output and one that’s 280W with 230W output. The former is $329 while the latter is $439.

HP Thunderbolt Dock G4: Specs

Dimensions 3.9 x 3.9 x 2.7 in (98 x 98 x 68 mm)
Weight 120W: 1.68 lbs (762 g)
280W: 1.76 lbs (798.3 g)
Security HP Sure Start
Top components LED and power button to power or wake host system
Front components (1) USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) port with data and power out (15W)
Side components Right side: (1) Kensington Standard Lock Slot
(2) USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports – 1 on each side (5 Gbps each)
Back components (2) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps each) Charging ports, power output: 7.5W
(1) HDMI 2.0 port
(2) DisplayPort 1.4 ports
(1) Power barrel port (120W or 280W)
(1) Ethernet port: 2 internal NIC cards to support 1 Gb and 2.5 Gb Ethernet4
(1) USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 DisplayPort
(1) ThunderboltTM 4 port
Network manageability features vPRO (wired or wireless)
eTag
Disconnected Firmware updates
PXE Boot
Wake on LAN (from the Off, Sleep or Hibernation States)
MAC address pass-through (from the On, Off, Sleep or Hibernation States)
WLAN-LAN Switching
Networking Supports 1 Gb and 2.5G Ethernet
Power to host Up to 100W via USB-C / 230W to host using 280W power supply via combo cable
External monitor support Up to 4
Power delivery (PD) profiles PD 3.0: 5V/5A, 9V/5A, 12V/5A, 15V/5A, 20V/5A
Operating voltage and current 120W: Input 100 to 240V 1.7A 50 to 60Hz. Output is 19.5V at 6.15A
280W: Input 100 to 240V 1.7A 50 to 60Hz. Output is 19.5V at 14.35A
Temperature (operating) 0° C to 35° C (32° F to 95° F)
Relative humidity noncondensing (operating) 10 % to 90 %
Maximum altitude unpressurized (operating) 15 m to 3,048 m (- 50 ft to 10,000 ft)
Cable length 0.8m
Security slot type Standard Kensington lock slot
What’s in the box Dock, power supply, power cord, warranty
Price 120W: $329
280W: $439

Design: One of few docks with two DisplayPort ports

  • While most Thunderbolt 4 docks include multiple Thunderbolt ports, HP opted for DisplayPort and HDMI instead.
  • The connecting cable is non-removable and there is no SD card slot.

Compared to the size of its predecessor, which is oddly the G2, the Thunderbolt Dock G4 is exactly the same. In fact, with the exception of the port selection, it looks almost the same. Well, except that there’s a button on top for power, whereas the previous generation actually used the entire top as a power button, causing people to accidentally turn off their PCs.

Top down view of HP Thunderbolt Dock G4

It comes in at 3.9×3.9.2.7 inches, so it has a more rectangular shape than some other docks. A lot of competing solutions are longer and shorter, with options for whether to use them horizontally or vertically. Personally, I like the look of this one, just because I find those longer designs to be a bit unattractive.

Rear view of HP Thunderbolt Dock G4

And then there’s the port selection. As far as rear ports go, you’ll find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5Gbps), an Ethernet port, a Thunderbolt port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with DisplayPort, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port. Essentially, the change from the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 is that the company replaced the VGA port with an HDMI 2.0 port.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I really like that there are two DisplayPort ports. To me, the biggest benefit to Thunderbolt is the ability to connect dual 4K displays on a single port, but if my monitor doesn’t have USB Type-C, I’ll still need that DisplayPort. If I need an extra dongle, it feels like it defeats the purpose of the dock.

Angled view of Thunderbolt Dock

Another improvement over the last generation is that you’ll find USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports on both sides, as opposed to just one. This makes for a total of four USB Type-A ports, and the nice thing about having them on the sides is that you don’t have to reach around back to access them. For example, you might plug a keyboard and mouse into the ports on the back, but then you can use the ones on the sides for things you unplug frequently, like external storage.

One thing I’d have liked to have seen on the sides or the front is an SD card reader. This is something you’ll find on a lot of Thunderbolt docks, because it’s something that’s missing on modern ultrabooks. It’s a real shame there isn’t one here.

Front view of HP Thunderbolt Dock

The USB Type-C port on the front is USB 3.2 Gen 2 for 10Gbps speeds, which is interesting because all of the other USB ports are USB 3.2 Gen 1. You’ll also notice that the cable that’s going to connect to your laptop is attached to the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4.

This is an issue. The cable is 0.8m long, which feels like the perfect length for something that’s on your desk. There’s no doubt about that. But if something happens to the cable, it’s not like you can unplug it and plug in a new one. The same goes for if you do need a longer cable length.

Like I said earlier, there is a warranty, which should be a year, but even after that, this is an expensive unit to have to replace if something goes wrong with a cable. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about plugging in the right cable, as that’s an actual pain point when it comes to Thunderbolt.

120W vs 280W: Which one is better?

  • The more expensive, 280W model will mostly benefit you only if you have an HP ZBook workstation.

As I mentioned, the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 comes in two models: 120W and 280W. While the latter is a bit heavier, the biggest difference between the two is the wattage. The 120W model, which is the one that HP sent me for review, has 100W output, which will charge up any regular laptop and even some beefier ones.

Angled view of HP Thunderbolt Dock

The 280W model can charge at 230W, but frankly, your laptop probably doesn’t support that. This model has dual Thunderbolt connections, and it’s designed to be used with an HP ZBook or something along those lines. The dual cables are separated now though, so you can plug them into any laptop with two Thunderbolt 4 ports. You just won’t get 230W charging because most laptops don’t support that. You will get more bandwidth though, and that will help depending on how many high-resolution displays you want to connect.

I think that for most, the 120W model is a lot more sensible. Output maxes out at 100W, because that’s the most that Power Delivery supports for this, although at some point, we’re going to see 230W Power Deliver. That just doesn’t seem to be here yet.

Who should buy the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4?

With a wide range of Thunderbolt docks on the market, the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 isn’t for everyone.

Who should buy the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4:

  • Customers that have an HP workstation and can benefit from the 280W model
  • People connecting dual monitors via DisplayPort

Who should not buy the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4:

  • People who need an SD card reader
  • Users that want multiple Thunderbolt ports on the dock
  • Users that have USB Type-C but not Thunderbolt (Qualcomm and AMD-powered machines)

When choosing a Thunderbolt dock, you should really take stock of what your needs are. If you need an SD card reader, it’s probably not sensible to spend over $300 on a dock that doesn’t have one and then buy a dongle. There’s a big market for Thunderbolt 4 docking stations, and they all have variations.

The big difference I see from HP’s entry is that it has two DisplayPort ports and an HDMI port, so if your monitors use those, you don’t need dongles for that. On the other hand, if you have two USB Type-C monitors, this dock will let you hook those up, but now you’re running out of ports. Those additional display ports do take the place of additional Thunderbolt ports, so again, just make sure that that’s what you want.

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