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mardi 15 novembre 2016

Google’s PhotoScan app helps save old images, new editing features for Google Photos

Everyone has old family photo albums, or even boxes of pictures, that have not yet made the transition to the digital world. Today, Google revealed PhotoScan, a new stand alone app that's designed to help those old photos move into your smartphone, tablet or cloud account.

See also:

Best Photo Editor Apps for Android

September 10, 2016

Here's how Google itself describes the app:

PhotoScan gets you great looking digital copies in seconds – it detects edges, straightens the image, rotates it to the correct orientation, and removes glare. Scanned photos can be saved in one tap to Google Photos to be organized, searchable, shared, and safely backed up at high quality—for free.Google's Nat and Lo YouTube page offers a quick introduction to the PhotoScan app. At the time of this writing, it is not yet available for download via the Google Play Store, but we will update this post when it goes live.

google-photos-update

google-photos-update

In addition, the current Google Photos app is rolling out an update that adds some new image editing features. One of them lets users tap a button to see instant auto enhancements for a photo to help balance its exposure and saturation. Google is also adding 12 image filters that can be individually used with a photo with this update.

Finally, Google Photos will allow users to make more advanced light and color changes to images with sliders that can alter contrast, shadows, exposure and more. Again, this app update should be available for every Android user in the next few days.

Get it at Google Play


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OnePlus 3T announced: Snapdragon 821, 3400mAh battery, 16MP rear and front cameras

oneplus-3t-gunmetal-1

oneplus-3t-gunmetal-1

Not too long ago (June 2016, to be exact), OnePlus announced its latest controversial flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 3. Featuring an all-metal unibody design, some killer under-the-hood specs and a robust software experience, the OnePlus 3 quickly became one of the better phones in the $400 price range.

As with all smartphones, though, there is plenty of room for improvement, and OnePlus hopes its new flagship will appeal to those who wanted a little more out of the 3.

Enter: OnePlus 3T. With a premium aluminum design, beefed up specifications and affordable price point, the OnePlus 3T aims to be the best in the affordable flagship arena. We've got all the specs and details right here, so let's see what this new device is all about.

Don't miss:

OnePlus 3 review

June 14, 2016

OnePlus 3T design

As you may have guessed, the OnePlus 3T isn't all that different from the company's previous flagship, the OnePlus 3. Rather, the 3T builds off the success of the 3, offering a handful of key hardware and software updates that OnePlus says were "inspired by feedback from the active OnePlus community."

Perhaps the biggest difference between the 3T and the 3 in terms of design is a new color option. The OnePlus 3T comes in a new Gunmetal color now, as well as a Soft Gold version that will be available shortly after launch.

Other than the new color options, there aren't any noticeable changes in design.This shouldn't really come as a surprise, though. The OnePlus 3 just launched back in June with a complete redesign from its predecessor, the OnePlus 2. Thus, most of the changes found in the 3T can be found in under-the-hood specifications.

OnePlus 3T specifications and features

  OnePlus 3T
Display 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display
1920 x 1080 resolution, 401ppi
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Processor 2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
GPU Adreno 530
RAM 6GB
LPDDR4
Storage 64 or 128GB (Gunmetal only)
UFS 2.0
MicroSD No
Ports USB 2.0, Type-C
Dual nano-SIM slot
3.5 mm audio jack
Buttons Capacitive hardware keys and on-screen navigation support
Audio Speakers: Bottom-facing speaker
Microphones: Dual-microphone with noise cancellation
Cameras Rear: 16MP Sony IMX 298 sensor, 1.12μm, f/2.0 aperture, OIS, EIS, phase detection autofocus

Front: 16MP Samsung 3P8SP sensor, 1.0μm, f/2.0 aperture, fixed focus
Sensors Fingerprint, Hall, Accelerometor, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light, Electronic Compass
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.2
NFC
Battery Non-removable 3,400mAh
Dash Charge (5V 4A)
Software OxygenOS based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
Colors Gunmetal
Soft Gold (Available shortly after launch)
Dimensions and weight 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35mm
158g

The OnePlus 3T is basically a snappier, longer lasting version of the OnePlus 3, and that's thanks to the upgraded processor and battery size. Under the hood, you'll find Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 821 processor clocked at 2.35GHz, backed by 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The company says this will help improve overall performance of the device while also maintaining the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 820. As you may recall, the OnePlus 3 was more than capable of handling everyday tasks and gaming with ease. So, the addition of the 821 might not be a necessity, though it will certainly help bring the device to the next level in terms of performance.

oneplus-3t-soft-gold-1

oneplus-3t-soft-gold-1

The OnePlus 3T's battery is 13-percent bigger than the OnePlus 3's

Along with the addition of the Snapdragon 821, OnePlus has decided to include a sizeable upgrade in the battery department. The OnePlus 3T sports a non-removable 3,400mAh battery, which is a 13-percent increase from the OnePlus 3's 3,000mAh unit. Of course, the 3T also supports OnePlus' Dash Charge technology, which the company says will get you enough power for the day with just 30 minutes on the charger. Additionally, while the 3T's Snapdragon 821 is clocked at a faster 2.35GHz – up from 2.2GHz on the OnePlus 3 – the company assures power consumption is "similar to or less than" the Snapdragon 820 in most use scenarios.

One of the other changes found on the OnePlus 3T is an upgraded front-facing camera sensor. While the company's previous flagship came with an 8MP Sony IMX 179 sensor, the 3T sports a 16MP Samsung 3P8SP sensor, with a pixel size of 1.0μm and an f/2.0 aperture. OnePlus notes that when shooting in low-light scenarios, the 16MP front sensor will intelligently combine pixels to gather more light and reduce noise, which will result in clearer, more colorful photos in most conditions.

Related:

Best Android smartphone cameras

2 weeks ago

The new 16MP Samsung 3P8SP sensor should be great for selfies in low-light conditions

If you've been keeping up with the rumor mill lately, you may have gotten your hopes up that the 3T would come with an upgraded Sony IMX 395 sensor (the same one found in the OPPO R9s and R9s Plus) on the back. Unfortunately that's not the case here, as the OnePlus 3T sports the same rear-facing camera setup found on the OnePlus 3. This means it comes with a 16MP Sony IMX 298 sensor with a pixel size of 1.12μm and an f/2.0 aperture. The company does note that the 3T features an upgraded Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) algorithm to help with video stabilization, as well as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help with unwanted jolts and shakiness.

OnePlus has also added an improved manual mode to the camera app that will give you access to settings normally found only on DSLRs. You'll be able to control white balance, ISO, focus, shutter speed and more. Oh, and the 3T also supports RAW image files if you'd rather control more with your post-shot editing.

oneplus-3t-gunmetal-1

oneplus-3t-gunmetal-1

If you were holding out for a Quad HD display, Android 7.0 Nougat or any other radical improvements, those unfortunately aren't present here. The OnePlus 3T still features a 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, resulting in a pixel density of 401ppi. While inclusion of a Quad HD screen would have been a nice upgrade (especially for use in VR), the 3T's Full HD AMOLED panel will certainly help out with battery life.

This new device is also running OxygenOS, which is based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. We've been fans of OnePlus' Android skin since it launched, as it brings a certain level of customization to the UI while still retaining its simplicity. With it, you'll get customizable quick access icons in the status bar, resized app icons, a handy Ambient Display mode, custom icon pack support, Night Mode, accent colors and plenty more.

See also:

Android 7.0 Nougat review: an Android version for Android fans

4 weeks ago

It's unfortunate that the OnePlus 3T is running an old version of Android out of the box. However, it should be noted that during the 3T launch event, OnePlus mentioned that both the OnePlus 3 and 3T will get a stable build of Android 7.0 Nougat by year's end.

OnePlus 3T pricing and availability

The OnePlus 3T will be available from Tuesday, November 22 in the United States and Canada, and Monday, November 28 in Europe. Both 64 and 128GB models in Gunmetal will be available at OnePlus.net starting at USD $439 and USD $479, respectively. The 64GB Soft Gold edition will be available shortly after launch.

For a complete list of available countries and pricing details, head to http://ift.tt/1Ps8mYB.


So now that you've gotten a good look at OnePlus' next big flagship, what are your thoughts? Be sure to tell us what you think in the comments below!

Next:

Best Android phones

2 weeks ago


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OnePlus 3T pricing and availability: here are the details

oneplus-3t-soft-gold-1

oneplus-3t-soft-gold-1

If you're reading this, you're probably already aware that OnePlus has just taken the wraps off its latest flagship, the OnePlus 3T. With an upgraded processor, much larger battery and a new front-facing camera sensor, the company is hoping its new affordable flagship will appeal to those who were looking for a little more out of the OnePlus 3.

If you're in the market for a new smartphone and are wondering where to buy the OnePlus 3T, we've got you covered. Here are all the pricing and availability details we know thus far.

See also:

OnePlus 3T announced: Snapdragon 821, 3400mAh battery, 16MP rear and front cameras

2 minutes ago

The OnePlus 3T will be available in 64 and 128GB variants in the new Gunmetal color option at launch, while the 64GB Soft Gold version will go on sale at a later date. The phone officially goes on sale Tuesday, November 22 in the United States and Canada, and Monday, November 28 in Europe. As per usual, the device will go up for sale at OnePlus.net.

Pricing is as follows:

  OnePlus 3T (64GB) OnePlus 3T (128GB)
USD 439 479
EUR 439 479
GBP 399 439
CAD 599 639
DKK 3,299 3,599
HKD 3,388 3,788
SEK 4,295 4,795

If you're wondering where you'll be able to buy the OnePlus 3T, we've got you covered on that front as well:

North America

  • United States
  • Canada

Europe

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom

Asia

  • Mainland China
  • Hong Kong
  • India

So now that all the details are out there, are you planning on buying the OnePlus 3T? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!



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Best Bluetooth headsets for when you’re on the go

We live in an amazing world of convenience. With every new year, technology advances another step forward in its quest to make our lives a little easier. One example of such progress is the Bluetooth headset. No longer are they simply for business professionals. Their uses now go beyond calling and offer up a solid alternative if you want to operate your phone hands-free. You can send messages, and with the right stereo headset, listen to high-quality music wherever you are.

You can still purchase the Mono headset which only makes calls, but if you want something a little more new and fresh, keep reading to see our top picks. As you go down this list, understand that high-end Bluetooth headsets have fairly new tech inside and as such are not very cheap with prices starting around $60 and heading upward.


Motorola Moto Hint

1174929

1174929

Motorola is one of the few companies that can put cool features in their devices that are more than cheap gimmicks. Thankfully, the Moto Hint is no exception. This device is nothing more than an earbud with all of the best features around. Boasting loud speakers with CrystalTalk Noise Canceling tech, you'll be able to listen to music or call your friends with no outside interference. The most impressive part about the Moto Hint is that it has an AI system that allows you to directly ask questions or get information as needed. Then when you're ready to make a call, simply touch your finger to it. Included with the Moto Hint is a charging case that gives an extra 8 hours of charge for those long road trips. Overall, this is a device that belongs in the future, but for $89.00, you can bring it to the present.

Buy now on Amazon

Sennheiser Bluetooth Headset

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vsvspnruhdjb50k9cbyv58-30

Sennheiser knows that when operating a Bluetooth headset, sound clarity is key, and they've pulled out all the stops. While this is the most expensive headset on the list, the quality more than makes up for the $138.56 price tag. Fitted with the famous HD Sennheiser sound tech, you'll be sure to hear all your calls and music with the utmost clarity. Even the people on the other line get some enhanced clarity as well.  The Sennheiser is fitted with 3 digital microphones for optimal sound detection. Couple that with Wind Safe and Active Guard tech, and you'll never have to worry about wind feedback or acoustic shock. It doesn't get much better than that.

Buy now on Amazon

Jabra Stealth Headset

jabra_stealth_04

jabra_stealth_04

Despite the other premium entries on this list, you can still get a solid headset for a lot less money. This is where the Jabra Stealth comes in. This headset sports a compact and sleek design due to the microPOWER tech that lies inside. It is also fitted with Noise Blocking and HD Voice quality, as well as a music streaming capability. Furthermore, this headset can even pair with two devices at the same time, though I'm not entirely sure what the use behind that would be. Easily the greatest thing about the Jabra is its tracking functionality that can tell you where to find your phone if ever you lose or misplace it. That's something everyone needs these days. All these features can be yours for $63.11 on Amazon, and that's a steal in my opinion.

Buy now on Amazon

Plantronics Explorer 500

explorer500_black_withusb

explorer500_black_withusb

Plantronics' goal with the Explorer 500 is not only to provide an excellent headset experience but to also rid the need of headphones of any sort. On top of the typical call and text functionality, the Explorer comes fitted with GSMA certified HD Voice, noise canceling, and wind protection technology. You'll have no problem listening to your mom on your way to Thanksgiving dinner or listening to Onerepublic's new album on the go. Furthermore, the Explorer 500 is also capable of handling voice commands with Siri, Google Now, and Cortana altogether, so this would also make a great gift for that iPhone or Android user in your family. If all of this sounds enticing to you, the Explorer can be purchased for $50.00 on Amazon or $59.99 on the Plantronics website.

Buy now on Amazon

Plantronics Voyager 5200

503320-plantronics-voyager-5200

503320-plantronics-voyager-5200

If Plantronics can create a quality device that sells for only $60, imagine what they could create at twice the selling point. The glorious result of this is the Plantronics Voyager 5200. While it does cost around $120, the amazing design and features justify that price of entry. Foundationally, the Voyager 5200 supports a lot of the same features that the Explorer 500 does, such as smartphone AI, HD Voice, noise canceling, and wind protection. However, those features are much more improved this time around. Instead of your average wind protection, the Voyager sports six layers of Windsmart tech to almost completely negate the effects of outside noise. On top of that, the Voyager is equipped with Smart Sensors that detect whether or not it's in your ear, and directs the audio accordingly. Couple all of that with a companion app that will help you locate the device if you lose it; and the Voyager becomes on the best choices for a Bluetooth headset.

Buy now on Amazon

Jawbone ERA

3_4_lo_black_10_fnl_ek_fnlv4_rgb_hr

3_4_lo_black_10_fnl_ek_fnlv4_rgb_hr

Jawbone believes in compactness and making sure that the comfort of the wearer comes first. The ERA is proof of this. Being their smallest Bluetooth headset yet, Jawbone has designed it with the contour of the human ear in mind. With headsets of this caliber, it has all of the features you would expect on board: HD audio, smartphone AI, and a neat companion app. When it comes to noise cancellation, though, Jawbone takes a different approach. The ERA is fitted with NoiseAssassin 4.0, a military-grade noise canceling technology. Once you begin speaking, the headset picks up on it and blocks out all other noises by focusing on yours. It's an interesting way to create clarity, but it works incredibly well. The ERA is currently available on Amazon for $69.50.

Buy now on Amazon

Those were our picks for the best Bluetooth headsets, but we want to hear from you guys as well! What is your favorite Bluetooth headset? Do you currently use one? Let us know down in the comments!



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Several BLU phones have been secretly sending personal data via third-party app

BLU-R1-HD-review-10

BLU-R1-HD-review-10

The unlocked smartphone company BLU has now admitted that several of its handsets have been secretly sending out personal data collected from their owners. The data was transmitted via a third-party app that was installed on six of its phones.

See also:

Best Android security practices

June 30, 2016

According to The New York Times, the security firm Kryptowire first discovered that an app in some of BLU's phones was transmitting data to a Chinese server every 72 hours. It's not yet clear if the data was being mined for advertising purposes or to collect intelligence for the Chinese government. However, the story adds that the company that wrote the software, Shanghai Adups Technology Company, claims the app was made for a Chinese phone manufacturer to monitor users. It also claims it was not meant to be installed on handsets sold to a U.S. audience.

BLU has since admitted that about 120,000 of its phones "had been collecting unauthorized personal data in the form of text messages, call logs, and contacts from customers" via the "Wireless Update" app. The six phone models that were affected are the R1 HD, the Energy X Plus 2, the Studio Touch, the Advance 4.0 L2, the Neo XL, and the Energy Diamond.

BLU now claims the offending app "has since been self-updated and the functionality verified to be no longer collecting or sending this information." However, it's likely that many BLU phone buyers won't be able to trust the company again after this serious breach of security.  There's no word if the company will offer any refunds, but it did say, "Our customer's privacy and security are of the utmost importance and priority" and that any customers with questions about this situation can call them at 1-877-602-8762 or email them at service@bluproducts.com.

If you own a BLU smartphone, or were thinking of buying one, has this discovery put you off on getting any future handsets from the company?



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Twitter gets tougher on trolls with new anti-harassment features

Twitter Android Authority teaser

Twitter Android Authority teaser

Twitter has been front and center lately in the war against online harassment, and today the company revealed some new features that are designed to make using the social network easier for its members. The biggest new feature will allow users to mute items in notifications.

See also:

How to delete a Twitter account

May 12, 2016

In a blog post, Twitter says that users will be able to mute any words, phrases, and even conversations from their notifications, in case they don't want to get any alerts about them. Previously, users were only able to mute individual accounts. This feature, which will also include support for muting hashtags and emoji, will be rolled out over the next few days. It stated:

This is a feature we've heard many of you ask for, and we're going to keep listening to make it better and more comprehensive over time.

This will certainly offer its users a more direct way to report any hateful or harassing speech they encounter. Finally, the company says it has retained its support teams on its policies and will offer them an ongoing refresher program on its anti-harassment efforts.

While Twitter admits these new efforts won't wipe out hate speech or harassing users on their service for good, it does say it is committed to improving itself as it learns more about these kinds of situations. Do you think these changes and additions will make Twitter a safer place to express yourself?

Get it at Google Play


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Carphone Warehouse offers free VR headset with pay-monthly smartphone purchases (UK)

android-authority-carphone-warehouse-deal2

android-authority-carphone-warehouse-deal2

Thanks to a holiday offer from the Carphone Warehouse, any pay monthly smartphone purchase will now include a free VR headset.

The Goji headset, manufactured by the Carphone Warehouse, has a retail price of £24.99 and is compatible with smartphone screen sizes from 3.5 to 6.0-inches. It comes with a one-year warranty and magnetic button similar to what appears on Google Cardboard.

To receive one, all you need to do is select a pay-monthly smartphone on the Carphone Warehouse site and you should see the Goji headset offer on the following page. The Carphone Warehouse says that the headset comes free with any pay monthly purchase, though elsewhere it states that it applies to "selected pay monthly and upgrade deals" – make sure your phone qualifies before you make the final purchase.

See also:

Google's Daydream View VR headset officially goes on sale

5 days ago

Note that your smartphone should feature at least a Full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) display to get the most out of the VR experience. Though the Carphone Warehouse offers the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) with a VR headset, its 854 x 480-pixel display will lead to substandard visual quality when it's used as a VR screen.

Also, the few Goji VR user reviews on the Carphone Warehouse are mostly negative, and point out that it lacks a QR code for compatibility with the Google Cardboard app.

If you're okay with all that, head to the Carphone Warehouse to get the deal.



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