Facebook launches a cloud gaming service for free-to-play mobile games

Facebook Gaming on Monday unveiled a new cloud streaming gaming service, although it’s a bit different than what you might expect. Instead of providing access to PC or console games like Stadia, GeForce NOW, and Xbox Game Streaming, Facebook’s new service features access to free-to-play mobile games.

“Cloud gaming is about expanding the types of games we already offer, so we’ll start with the format people enjoy playing on Facebook: free-to-play games,” said Jason Rubin, VP of Play, Facebook. “That’s one of the reasons why we’re starting with games typically played on mobile devices.” Facebook said more than 380 million people play games each month on the social platform, so the company thinks there’s a big opportunity here. For now, the social giant’s service isn’t meant to replace your favorite gaming hardware, but that doesn’t mean the company won’t eventually compete in the same market as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Google, and Amazon.

“We believe in the long-term future of cloud gaming, but we aren’t going to try to wow you with the wonders of our data centers, compression algorithms, resolutions, or frames per second,” Rubin said. Rubin goes on to say that he doesn’t want to oversell the future of cloud gaming, seemingly implying platforms like Stadia or Amazon’s recently-announced Luna have done just that.

If you’re wondering just what Facebook’s end-goal is with this service, it’s probably to do with the potential to sell advertisements. The company outlines how game developers can deploy “cloud playable ads so people can instantly try out a game on Facebook.” These “interactive demos,” Facebook says, blur the line between games and ads, are less expensive and time-consuming to make, and allow for “multiple pieces of creative [to] run from a single APK.”

Facebook’s cloud gaming service will first launch in the U.S., with availability in California, Texas, and Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and more. Wider availability is expected in the coming months. As for the type of games you can access, Facebook said the first set of games in the new service include Asphalt 9: Legends, Mobile Legends: Adventure, PGA Tour Gold Shootout, Solitaire: Arthur’s Tale, WWE SuperCard, and Dirt Bike Unchained. As the service ramps up, its library will expand with the addition of action and adventure games. These cloud-streamed games will co-exist alongside Facebook’s existing catalog of instant games that are built in HTML5.

For now, Facebook’s new cloud gaming service is only available on Android and on the web, which means iOS users again miss out. “Even with Apple’s new cloud games policy, we don’t know if launching on the App Store is a viable path,” Rubin said. Facebook clearly isn’t happy with being unable to launch the service on iOS, but it’s possible the company could mimic what Amazon has done with Luna. Luna is available on iOS as a progressive web app (PWA), an avenue that Microsoft is reportedly pursuing, but the future of this method is uncertain given Apple’s conservative stance on cloud gaming services and web app standards.

Facebook Cloud Games

Facebook Gaming: Watch, Play, and Connect (Free⁺, Google Play) →

The post Facebook launches a cloud gaming service for free-to-play mobile games appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/35F4VhT
via IFTTT

Apple’s next AirPods Pro may ditch the stem to be more compact

Apple will reportedly introduce two new sets of true wireless earbuds next year, according to a Bloomberg report. The more expensive model will be a redesigned pair of AirPods Pro coming in the early part of next year. In addition, Apple is reportedly making new entry-level AirPods, along with over-ear headphones.

The new AirPods Pro will allegedly eliminate the stem that sticks out from the bottom, giving them a design that’s similar to Samsung’s latest true wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Live. However, Apple has reportedly run into issues fitting everything into a smaller package, which could result in a less ambitious design, Bloomberg said.

As for the new entry-level AirPods, the report claims they’ll include improved battery life and look similar to the current AirPods Pro with a shorter stem and replaceable ear tips. While they’ll look similar to the current AirPods Pro, the entry-level model will still lack high-end features such as active noise cancellation. Both new AirPods earbuds will reportedly feature a new wireless chip.

Bloomberg’s report also claims Apple is planning to introduce high-end, noise-canceling over-ear headphones, which were originally expected to go into production weeks ago. The headphones have allegedly been pushed back due to problems with the headband being too tight. The report also claims some of the headphone’s features had to be scaled back, including touch panels that were reduced in size.

Finally, the same Bloomberg report said Apple is entertaining the idea of releasing a third HomePod speaker, slotting it between the HomePod and HomePod mini. There is a possibility, however, that Apple could simply cut the price of the HomePod ($299), instead of introducing a new product altogether.

Since its release in 2016, Apple’s AirPods line has become one of the company’s most successful products, setting the standard for true wireless earbuds. Apple then released the AirPods Pro in 2019 with active noise cancellation and a more compact design. However, there’s been increased competition from the likes of Samsung, Bose, Google, and dozens of other audio accessory makers over the last few years, so Apple is seemingly hoping its new models will stave off the competition.

Featured image: Huawei FreeBuds Pro (left), Apple AirPods Pro (right)

The post Apple’s next AirPods Pro may ditch the stem to be more compact appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3mpR3i0
via IFTTT

Google Pay isn’t working for some Pixel 5 users

Any major phone release is likely to come with at least one showstopping bug, and Google’s Pixel 5 is no exception. Reports have surfaced from some users claiming they’re unable to make contactless payments using Google Pay.

Some early-adopters of the Pixel 5 have started to complain on the Google Support Forums (via 9to5Google) that they have been unable to complete transactions from their new Pixel 5 handsets, and since then, 9to5Google captured this very issue on video (embedded below). (For what it’s worth, XDA’s Adam Conway has no issues with his own Pixel 5 review unit.) Despite all the usual troubleshooting steps — clearing the cache, setting up the card again, rebooting the phone — it seems that if you’ve fallen prey to this bug, your only option to rejoin the land of Google Pay-ing is to factory reset your device and hope it doesn’t happen again. But don’t.

We suspect it’s a problem limited to the Pixel 5, as the same set-up, with the same account and cards, doesn’t cause issues on the Pixel 4 or Pixel 4a. This rules out the bug as being Android 11 or even Pixel software-related. The phones in question pass SafetyNet Attestation’s CTS profile check — at least we know that 9to5Google’s unit does — so that’s likely not the cause of the issue, either.

Feedback on Google’s support forums suggests that, based on conversations with banks, the payments aren’t being refused — they’re just not being sent out by the handset in the first place. One theory is that the Pixel 5 is not restoring backed up data correctly when the user migrates, and if that’s the case, a Factory Reset is likely to beget many more factory resets. What we need is a proper fix.

Google has yet to officially acknowledge the issue, but once it does, we can’t see it being unfixable — it’s unlikely for it to be the hardware, which should mean that once it’s acknowledged, there’ll be a software update for the Pixel 5, the Google Pay app, Google Play Services, or all 3, and everything will be rosy again.

It’s no ‘bendgate’ or ‘aerialgate’, so perhaps we should just be glad that in the great scheme of things, Pixel 5’s traditional launch showstopper is relatively minor.

Google Pixel 5 Forums

Google Pay: Pay with your phone and send cash (Free, Google Play) →

The post Google Pay isn’t working for some Pixel 5 users appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/31KxvNx
via IFTTT

Microsoft Swiftkey for Android prepares to add clipboard sync with Windows 10

It might not be the flavor of the month since Google’s GBoard arrived on the scene, but Microsoft-owned Swiftkey still continues to bring improvements to its own Android keyboard experience. The next major feature looks like be clipboard sync for Windows 10.

Android developer Alessandro Paluzzi uncovered the new feature (via 9to5Google) in a recent SwiftKey release thanks to some reverse engineering. The description for the new menu option says you’ll be able to “copy and paste text from your other Windows devices.” You will, of course, have to “enable this on your Windows device as well,” and once you do, Microsoft warns that it “receives your clipboard data to sync across your Windows devices.”

#Microsoft is working on the possibility of sync the #SwiftKey keyboard clipboard history to the cloud pic.twitter.com/XckRYnYkHE

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) October 9, 2020

It makes sense, of course. Microsoft officially adopted Android as its mobile platform de jour some time ago, and anything that makes for an even more seamless experience with its own ecosystem is going to be high up the developer to-do list.

Samsung owners have something similar already with the “Link to Windows” feature, but this brings the same functionality to other Android brands, adding the cloud element, which should prevent any device-based limitations. Indeed, when the partnership was announced, Microsoft claimed that without the cooperation of individual OEMs, native clipboards sync for other devices would be impossible thanks to limitations in Android 10+. However, with SwiftKey being an input method, those limitations don’t apply to its access to clipboard data.

We won’t know for a while exactly how this will work in practice, though, since the feature isn’t live yet. Also, the exact mechanism isn’t clear—will it be a dedicated button? A long press? A hamburger menu? They all have their advantages and disadvantages in crowded keyboard real-estate.

The second and perhaps the more pressing is the age-old issue of security and privacy. We’re talking about a feature that sends whatever you put on the clipboard to the cloud, and back again. That means it’s going to pass through any number of nodes where it could be intercepted. We’d want to be very, very confident that it was impenetrable before we thought about copying over bank details with it.

Whatever happens, until SwiftKey goes public with this feature, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Most notably, we have no timescale for when, or even if, this feature will reach stable builds. In the meantime, it’s back to the sharing menu for you.

Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard (Free, Google Play) →

The post Microsoft Swiftkey for Android prepares to add clipboard sync with Windows 10 appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3mrLQpQ
via IFTTT

OnePlus 8T kernel source code and unbrick tool are now available

The OnePlus 8T was announced on October 14. The smartphone is the mid-cycle refresh to the OnePlus 8. It’s been less than two weeks since the phone went on sale, and already we are seeing OnePlus promoting third-party development for the device by releasing the kernel source code. This comes as no surprise as the OEM has historically been receptive to the needs of the developer community. Moreover, the device-specific unbrick package, commonly referred to as “MsmDownloadTool”, is up for grabs as well.

OnePlus 8T XDA Forums

OnePlus 8T Review: The T upgrade that makes sense

Timely kernel source releases allow developers and power users to dive deeper into the code that runs the device, figuring out different ways to tinker with configuration parameters. A properly documented kernel source release is also helpful for the device bring-up process for AOSP-based custom ROMs such as LineageOS as well as for custom recoveries like TWRP, which in turn forms the base for further custom ROM experiences. As the OnePlus 8T (code-name “kebab”) is launched with Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 out of the box, the company has published the kernel source code for this device in the same branch as the OnePlus 8/8 Pro’s Android 11 release, rather than under its own branch. You can find the actual commit in the kernel source code tree by clicking below.

OnePlus 8T Kernel Sources

Talking about the unbrick tool, it is a low-level flashing utility that can revive individual bricked OnePlus devices. The flasher utilizes Qualcomm’s Emergency Download Mode (EDL), which means you can restore your device even when you don’t have access to the Fastboot interface. The tool can also be used to rollback the user’s phone to a previous release of OxygenOS. It should work with the Chinese, Indian, European, and North American unlocked variants of the phone.

Unbrick tool for OnePlus 8T

If you’ve picked up the T-Mobile variant, though, you need a different unbrick package. Functionally, it is identical to the unbrick tool for the international variants of the phone.

Unbrick tool for OnePlus 8T (T-Mobile Variant)

OnePlus 8T

The OnePlus 8T features upgrades over the OnePlus 8 where it counts and also borrows some of the best features from the OnePlus 8 Pro.

Buy from OnePlus

The post OnePlus 8T kernel source code and unbrick tool are now available appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/34vY5f4
via IFTTT

Save big on Samsung’s Frame TVs at an early Black Friday price

We all know that subsection of technology–the stuff that looks neat and stylish on the surface, but in reality is inferior in terms of specs while charging a premium. It feels bad getting suckered into something that ties the look of your room together but ends up being difficult to work with. Thankfully, Samsung Frame TVs are not like that!

I’ve always looked at Samsung Frame TV sets cautiously. While the super-thin TVs are a really cool concept and a creative replacement for typically bulkier sets, it’s hard to imagine that it’s actually… you know, a good TV. When I saw the Samsung Store was offering the latest version of the Frame TV starting at $480, I was intrigued enough to look at, and then pleasantly surprised by the spec sheet.

If you go for the 32-inch model which is on sale at $480, you’ll get a Full HD panel with 4K upscaling. For the 43-inch model and above, which are also on sale and you can save up to $500 on, you’ll get a 4K UHD QLED display. You can use Alexa or Google Assistant as well, making this a competent smart TV. Finally, a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth pictures, whether you’re watching movies or playing games.

The best part about Frame TVs being on sale directly at the Samsung Store? The generous payment plans! You can pay for the TV with 48 monthly payments at 0% APR, making it really affordable for those whose wallets may be light during the holiday shopping season. It makes the 32-inch model just $10 a month!

Samsung Frame TV Black Friday Sale

Get a TV that'll look great in your living room while still being powerful! Frame TVs are on an early Black Friday discount at the Samsung Store, and you can pick one up starting at just $480. There are also 48-month, 0% APR payment plans!

Starting at $480 at Samsung Store

The post Save big on Samsung’s Frame TVs at an early Black Friday price appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2HDW8EF
via IFTTT

OnePlus announces the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 for Europe and North America

Following a series of highly detailed leaks, OnePlus has officially announced the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100. The new Nord N lineup promises to provide users with a flagship experience at a fraction of the cost, building on the Nord’s release earlier this year.

Specification	OnePlus Nord N10 5G	OnePlus Nord N100
Display	6.49-inch with 90Hz refresh rate	6.52-inch
SoC	Snapdragon 690	Snapdragon 460
RAM & Storage	6GB of RAM 128GB of storage (microSD expandable to 512GB)	4GB of RAM 64GB of storage
Battery & Charging	4,300mAh Warp Charge 30T	5,000mAh
Rear Camera(s)	64MP main lens 8MP ultra-wide 2MP macro 2MP monochrome	13MP main lens 2MP bokeh 2MP macro
Front Camera(s)	16MP	8MP
Port(s)	USB-C 3.5mm audio jack	USB-C 3.5mm audio jack
Software	Oxygen OS 10.5	Oxygen OS 10.5
Other Features	Rear fingerprint sensor	Rear fingerprint sensor

OnePlus Nord N10 5G

If you’re anxious to jump into the 5G market, you can do worse than the new Nord N10 5G. The device is essentially a sister to the affordable Nord handset that was released overseas earlier this year, featuring a 6.49-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery that is supported by Warp Charge 30T.

The Nord N10 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 690 processor and also features a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 64MP main lens. The other three lenses include an 8MP ultra-wide lens and two 2MP macro and monochrome lenses. The handset sports a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The Nord N10 5G is topped off with OxygenOS 10.5, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Although the Nord N10 5G shares similarity to the previous Nord in name, that’s largely where the similarities end. The Nord’s specs are slightly superior, but it’s a little more expensive. At the end of the day, however, you’re essentially getting the same experience, so you can’t go wrong with either option.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G Forums

OnePlus Nord N100

The OnePlus Nord N100 is the most affordable OnePlus device we’ve seen in a long while. Not since the excellent OnePlus X have we seen a price attached to a OnePlus device so low. Clearly, the company isn’t afraid to go after the lower price segment, contrasting nicely with the recent OnePlus 8T.

What stands out about the Nord N100, aside from its price, is the large 6.52-inch display, which is a great size for gaming and watching Netflix. The display is flanked by dual stereo speakers that will further immerse users in whatever content they’re consuming.

The Nord N100 comes with a Snapdragon 460 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, and a triple camera setup that include a 13MP main lens, a 2MP bokeh lens, and a 2MP macro lens. There’s also an 8MP front-facing camera, and all of that is backed by a robust 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charge. You also get USB-C and a 3.5mm audio jack.

To top it all off, the Nord N100 offers OxygenOS 10.5, with support for features like Dark Mode, Zen Mode, and a slew of customization options.

OnePlus Nord N100 Forums

---

Pricing & Availability

OnePlus said its mission with the Nord N series is to make cutting-edge technology more accessible to a wider range of users, and it certainly looks like it has succeeded in doing so. “The OnePlus Nord N Series represents the next step in our strategy to expand our smartphone offerings to more price points,” said Pete Lau, Founder and CEO of OnePlus.

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G in Midnight Ice and OnePlus Nord N100 in Midnight Frost will launch in Europe with a starting price of £329 and £179, respectively. The company said it will share pricing and availability for North America at a later date.

The post OnePlus announces the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 for Europe and North America appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3mkU1V2
via IFTTT