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mercredi 7 octobre 2020

Google Discover is getting a dedicated section for immersive Web Stories

The Google Discover feed on your devices is getting a dedicated section for Web Stories, a Snapchat Stories-like feature that was first announced all the way back in 2018. The feature allows publishers to post short, visually appealing pieces of content that users can easily skim through on their devices. Web Stories in Google Discover are already live in India, the US, and Brazil, and they’re currently available in English and Hindi. The company plans to extend availability to more regions and add support for more languages soon.

To check out the new feature, open up the Google app on your phone or swipe right on your home screen to open the Google Discover feed. Then, scroll down past the regular news and updates, and you’ll spot the new Stories carousel. You can browse through the carousel by swiping left or right, and you can tap on any story you wish to watch.

Tapping on a story opens it up, and then you can tap on either side of the screen to cycle through all the pages in the story. Swiping to the left opens up the next story while swiping to the right will take you back to the previous story. However, even though the feature works a lot like the Stories feature on Instagram and Snapchat, it currently doesn’t cycle through pages automatically. You have to tap on the right edge of your screen to move to the next page, or it will keep playing the same page in a loop.

Underneath each story on the Google Discover feed, you’ll find the publisher’s name, a share button, and a context menu button that will let you open up the help center and send feedback. To close an open story, you’ll have to tap on the ‘x’ icon in the top right corner.

In a blog post on the matter, Google reveals that it has been working with a diverse group of publishers and creation tools in the US, India, and Brazil to collaborate on Web Stories and build out its features. But you don’t need to be a big name publisher to post your own Web Stories. “Web Stories can be created by anyone, whether you are an individual creator or a publisher, and more than 2,000 websites have already published Stories that have been indexed by Google,” the company notes.

To help creators get started, Google has also floated a couple of different tools like the Web Story editor for WordPress, MakeStories, and NewsroomAI. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can post your own Stories, you can check out the new stories.google website or watch the Storytime YouTube series.


Source: Google India Blog

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Realme 7 Pro Special Edition, Realme 7i, Buds Air Pro, and Buds Wireless Pro launched in India

Following the launch of the Realme Narzo 20 Series late last month, the Chinese OEM has now unveiled a wide range of new devices in the Indian market. During a recent live-streamed event, Realme lifted the covers off a special edition Realme 7 Pro, Realme 7i, Realme Buds Air Pro, Buds Wireless Pro, and more. Here’s a quick look at the new smartphones and wireless earphones from Realme:

Realme 7i

Shortly after debuting the Realme 7 Series, the company launched a slightly tweaked version of the Realme 7 in Indonesia called the Realme 7i. The device featured a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. It included Qualcomm’s mid-range Snapdragon 662 SoC and a quad-camera array with a 64MP primary camera. Now, Realme has launched the device in the Indian market.

Realme 7i

The Snapdragon 662 chipset on the device is coupled with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 storage, and it’s backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The 64MP primary camera on the Realme 7i is paired with an 8MP wide-angle sensor, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. Over on the front, the device has a 16MP selfie camera.

Other features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C port for charging and syncing, a rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and 802.11b/g/n/a/ac dual-band WiFi. On the software front, the device runs Realme UI based on Android 10.

Realme 7 Pro Sun Kissed Leather

Alongside the Realme 7i, the company has also launched a special edition Realme 7 Pro Sun Kissed Leather variant. The device features a two-tone vegan micro-grain leather on the back panel. The new leather finish not only makes the device look good but also offers a premium soft-touch feel for a better user experience.

Realme 7 Pro Sun Kissed Leather

Interestingly, the Realme logo on the back of the special edition device isn’t printed onto the leather. Instead, the company has opted for a metal insert that won’t wear off over time. The hardware specifications of the special edition device remain the same as the regular Realme 7 Pro.

Realme Buds Air Pro

The Realme Buds Air Pro is the company’s latest pair of TWS earphones, which feature a design similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro. The TWS earphones Pro comes with Active Noise Cancellation up to 35db, a 94ms super-low latency gaming mode, and up to 20 hours of total playback with ANC enabled.

Realme Buds Air Pro

The Buds Air Pro packs in the company’s customized S1 high-performance noise cancellation chip, which is capable of offering the best noise cancellation experience while conserving power. The TWS earbuds pack in 10mm bass boost drivers, a dual-mic design for noise cancellation, instant auto-connect, Google fast pair support, and IPX4 water resistance. The earbuds will be available in two color variants — Soul White and Rock Black.

Realme Buds Wireless Pro

The Realme Buds Wireless Pro is the company’s latest neckband-style wireless earphone, which also comes with Active Noise Cancellation up to 35db. The wireless earbuds feature 13.6mm bass boost drivers, Sony LDAC Hi-Res Audio certification, and a 119ms low latency gaming mode. The earphones weigh in at just 33g, and they include magnetic earbuds that will help you conserve battery when the earbuds are not in use.

Realme Buds Wireless Pro

The earbuds are powered by the same S1 chip, and they include a high-definition microphone with environmental noise cancellation. Realme claims that the earphones can last up to 22 hours on a single charge without ANC and up to 16 hours with ANC enabled. The Buds Wireless Pro also features fast charging support that can charge the earphones from 0-100% in just 1.5 hours.

Pricing & Availability

The Realme 7 Pro Sun Kissed Leather Edition will go on sale starting from October 16th via Flipkart, and you’ll have to shell out ₹19,999 (~$273) to get your hands on the 6GB/128GB variant and ₹21,999 (~$300) for the 8GB/128GB variant. The Realme 7i will also be available starting from October 16th via Flipkart, and it’s priced at ₹11,999 (~$164) for the 4GB/64GB variant and ₹12,999 (~$177) for the 4GB/128GB variant.

Priced at ₹4,999 (~$68), the  Buds Air Pro is the company’s most premium pair of TWS earphones so far. It will be available for purchase starting from October 16th via Flipkart. And finally, the Buds Wireless Pro is priced at ₹3,999 (~$55), and it will be available for purchase on Amazon from October 16th.

Since we’re quickly approaching the festive season in the country, the company has announced special discounted prices for the Realme Buds Air Pro and the Buds Wireless Pro. During the first sale, the device will be available for ₹4,499 (~$61) and ₹2,999 (~$41), respectively. All the aforementioned devices will also be available on Realme’s website.

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mardi 6 octobre 2020

Android Accessibility Suite 9.0 rolls out with new multi-finger gestures for UI control

Google offers a host of accessibility features on Android to help users with various disabilities, and the company keeps adding new features to the Accessibility Suite ever so often. This year in May, the company released Android Accessibility Suite v8.2, with a new TalkBack Braille keyboard for the visually impaired. Now, with Android Accessibility Suite v9.0, the company is rolling out multi-finger gesture support for better UI control.

The latest version of Android Accessibility Suite v9.0 has already started rolling out to users via the Play Store, and it includes support for multi-finger gestures. However, the feature is currently hidden within the TalkBack Developer settings.

Android Accessibility Suite 9 Multi-Finger Gestures

To enable multi-finger gestures on your device, update to the latest version of the Android Accessibility Suite from the Play Store link below. Once you’ve installed the update, navigate to the Accessibility option in your device settings. Here, tap on TalkBack and then select Settings on the following page. Scroll down in the TalkBack settings and then tap on the Developer settings option. Then tap on the toggle next to “enable multi-finger gestures.”

After you’ve followed the steps mentioned above, you’ll be able to find the multi-finger gestures within “Gestures” under the “Navigation” option of the main TalkBack settings page. The feature supports a host of multi-finger gestures, including two/three-finger tap, two/three-finger double-tap, two/three-finger swipe (up, down, left, right), and more. The gestures will allow you to perform various actions, including pause feedback, play/pause media, scroll, open global context menu, start selection mode, and more.

Android Accessibility Suite (Free, Google Play) →

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Tasker 5.10 rolls out in stable with Android 11 Controls support

Tasker developer joaomgcd showcased an experimental plugin earlier this year in August, which allowed the automation app to hijack Android 11’s new power menu to trigger any event. The plugin was rolled out to users with Tasker 5.9.4 beta late last month, and it allowed users to add Tasker tiles to the power menu as clickable buttons. Now, the feature is finally available on the stable channel with the latest update.

As you can see in the attached video, the new Power Menu Action feature in Tasker lets you create tiles for the power menu in Android 11. These tiles can be customized to trigger every available task on Android 11 with just a tap. But they’re not limited to single tasks. The tiles can also be dynamic in nature, allowing you to perform different tasks based on various factors like your location, time of day, etc.

Along with the Power Menu Actions, Tasker 5.10 brings a new Action Command which lets you trigger the Command event with the AutoApps Command System, an Event Command that you can trigger with the Command action, and the ability to allow third-party apps to send commands that trigger the Command event. Check out the changelog section below to see everything new in the latest Tasker update.

Changelog

Added:

  • Added Action Power Menu Action which allows you to create tiles for the Android 11+ Power Menu.
  • Added the Power Menu Shown event which triggers when the Power Menu screen is shown on Android 11+
  • Added Power Menu tiles for every available task on Android 11+
  • Added Action Command which allows you to trigger the Command event with the AutoApps Command System
  • Added Event Command which can be triggered with the Command action
  • Added ability for third party apps to send commands that trigger the Command event but they have to explicitly ask the user for a permission to do so.
  • Added Phone Call permission to kid apps when they use Contact Via App action
  • Added text option to Signal and Telegram messages in the Contact Via App action
  • Added option to add to new project when importing a profile or task from Taskernet
  • Added option to disable number of enabled profiles in Tasker notification

Changes:

  • Changed the dialog where you choose an icon so that it shows an icon for each option
  • Don’t warn user about deprecated HTTP GET action if in kid app
  • Don’t execute actions in exit tasks of active profiles when shutting down: was previously executing all of them, even if disabled or in non-matching if conditions so it was unwanted behaviour. Tasks in profiles with the Device Shutdown event will still run.

Removed:

  • Removed option to insert SMS into messaging database since it wasn’t possible to do that anymore

Bugfixes:

  • Fixed situation where the same variable is set multiple times in a row to different values and the same value would be reported in the Variable Set event
  • Fixed %TETHER variable in some situations
  • Fixed long standing situation where Tasker would run disabled actions when the device is shutting down
  • Fixed keyboard automatically hiding in input fields on Scenes on Android 11+
  • Fixed Termux command so it’s compatible with upcoming Termux release
  • Fixed dialogs not cancelling when screen is rotated while they are showing
  • Fixed crash when reading a file too large to be read
  • Fixed copying/moving files with weird extensions to external SD cards
  • Fixed javascripts for devices that do not have recent webviews
  • Fixed a few crashes

Tasker ($3.49, Google Play) →


Source: joaoapps, Reddit

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Teracube 2E is an affordable, sustainable smartphone with modest specs and a 4 year warranty

Teracube has introduced an affordable new smartphone that takes sustainability to a whole new level. The Redmond-based company unveiled the Teracube 2E, which is designed with recycled materials and comes with a fully biodegradable case. If you pre-order the device today, you can get it for just $99.

The Teracube 2E features a 6.1-inch HD+ IPS display, the MediaTek Helio A25 octa-core processor, 64GB of expandable storage, and a 4000mAh battery. The device also features a dual-camera setup, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Android 10, with three years of guaranteed software upgrades.

Teracube 2E Specifications

Teracube 2E Specs
OS Android 10
Processor Mediatek Helio A25 Octa-core processor 1.8GHz
Memory 4GB RAM w/ 64GB storage
Display 6.1-inch HD+ IPS Display
Rear Camera 13MP + 8MP
Front Camera 8MP
Battery 4000mAh
Security
  • PIN
  • Pattern
  • Fingerprint
  • Face unlock
Connectivity
  • WiFi a/b/g/n/ac
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • NFC
Ports
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • USB-C port
  • Dedicated Dual-SIM with separate microSD slot
Color Black
Size 155.2mm x 73.3mm x 10.1mm

The specs aren’t necessarily the point of the Teracube 2E. The company said its goal is to provide consumers with a sustainable option that’s still high quality. That’s why the Teracube 2E is made from 25% recycled plastics and features a fully biodegradable case made of wheat starch and biodegradable polymers. The device also doesn’t come with the usual in-box accessories like a charging cable, wall charger, or earbuds.

Buyers who opt for the Teracube 2E are being promised a four-year warranty, encouraging consumers to keep the device longer, rather than upgrading on an annual basis. As part of the warranty, consumers get free two-way shipping for accidental repairs for a flat fee.

The Teracube 2E isn’t the only sustainable-first smartphone on the market, but it’s certainly one of the most affordable. The device is available now for preorder in the U.S., Canada and Europe, with early bird pricing at $99. Once the device ships in December, the price will go up to $199. The device can be used with T-Mobile, Metro, Ting, StraightTalk, Simple Mobile, Mint, and more.

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YouTube Premium subscribers get early access to experimental YouTube features

Going forward, only YouTube Premium subscribers can get early access to experimental YouTube features. Google previously picked users at random to beta test features before rolling them out to a wider audience.

YouTube’s experimental features page has been updated to reflect the change (via AndroidCentral). “For a limited time, Premium members can try out new features that we’re working on,” the page says. “Share your feedback to help us build a better YouTube.”

 

YouTube Premium is a monthly subscription that features an ad-free experience, the ability to download videos, background play, and YouTube Music Premium. You can sign up for a one-month free trial, but then it costs $11.99 per month after that.

It’s unclear why Google moved experimental features to YouTube Premium. Perhaps Google is doing it as a way to entice people to sign up for the service. Or perhaps people weren’t testing YouTube’s experimental features often enough, and the company decided subscribers would be more likely to test them out.

There are only three experimental features live right now, including the ability to search for videos in Chrome via voice and watch videos on the home screen on iOS 14. These experimental features are available until October 20th, 2020. Another experimental feature lets you filter topics on your home screen in 3 new languages: Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

Google previously made YouTube Premium and YouTube Music prepaid plans available in India around this time last year.

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Today’s Top Tech Deals: Surface Pro 7 Bundle Discounts, Half Off the Echo Show 5, and More!

Happy Tuesday! I’m counting down the days to Prime Day, which is a week from today. You might be wondering if Prime Day is a fun set of days for a Deals Guru such as myself. My response is that famous Curb your Enthusiasm gif and an empty bank account. So instead of giving you a straight answer, I’ll be looking at this round-up of Galaxy Note 20 covers and cases as I wonder if the flagship will see a deeper discount next week.

Today’s top tech deals include half off the Echo Show 5 as an early Prime Day deals, a discount on the Surface Pro 7 bundle, and more!

Garmin Vivoactive 4S, 20% Off

It can be hard to stay motivated to exercise, but one thing that I round helped me a lot is a smartwatch. I love looking at data, for one, and pleasing the robot motivator in my various apps always felt nice too. Today at Amazon, you can pick up the Garmin Vivoactive 4S for $280, $70 off the MSRP. This watch tracks everything from steps to energy levels to how stressed you are, allowed you to download songs and hook up Bluetooth headphones for easy listening, and plenty more. If you’re looking to really get into fitness and tracking, you can’t go wrong with this watch.

    Garmin Vivoactive 4S
    Track it all and then some with the Garmin Vivoactive 4S. Only $270 at Amazon, you can track all your fitness activities, phone notifications, and things you never thought you needed to know. Grab one today!

Early Prime Day Deal: Half Off the Echo Show 5

Prime Day is a week from today, but why wait to take advantage of the deals? If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can pick up an Echo Show 5 for half off at $45. This handy smart home device can read you the time, connect to a wide variety of apps, and allow you to check in on cameras around the house all with a simple command. If you’re leaning into the smart home life, the Echo Show should definitely be on your to-buy list.

    Amazon Echo Show 5
    Get your smart home set up even better with the Echo Show 5. Control the smart cameras around the house, get step by step cooking instructions, and plenty more. It's currently only $45 for Amazon Prime members!

Samsung 3.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer, $30 Off

One of the most common buys during the holiday shopping season is a new TV. That’s great, but a good TV needs a good sound system to truly be spectacular. Grab the Samsung soundbar and subwoofer combo for just $270 at Walmart, and you’ll be well on your way to a great home theater setup.

    Samsung 3.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer
    Get a sound system your new TV deserves. With the Samsung soundbar and subwoofer, you can have quality sound without breaking the bank... and without your neighbors complaining about the noise.

Surface Pro 7 + Type Cover Bundle Starting At $599

For productivity, it’s almost easier to recommend a high-end tablet over an actual laptop. With a keyboard cover and the right specs, tablets are easier and lighter to carry around, have touch screen functionality, and more than many laptops do not. At the Microsoft Store, you can get yourself a Surface Pro 7 with a keyboard cover starting at $599. The base specs come with 4GB RAM and 128 GB, but you can expand those before checking out if needed.

    Surface Pro 7 + Type Cover Bundle
    Need to be productive anywhere you go? The Surface Pro 7 is light and can do anything you need. Starting at $599, you can customize the bundle to give the device more power, if needed!

Motorola Razr 5G (Unlocked) for $1,200

Ready to step into the world of foldable phones? Do it for cheaper by getting the Motorola Razr 5G for $200 less, bringing the unlocked phone’s total to $1,200. This foldable flip phone is globally unlocked, and used with any 4G network in and out of the US. You can also use the Razr on 5G networks, if they’re available with your carrier!

    Motorola Razr 5G (Unlocked)
    Join the foldable phone life today with the Razr 5G, currently $200 off at Amazon. While this model was created for the US, it's globally unlocked so you should be able to use it with any plan.

More Tech Deals

Looking for even more tech deals? We have them for you below!

Early Prime Day 2020 Deals

We’ve rounded up the early Prime Day 2020 deals we have found so far below!

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