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mardi 15 décembre 2020

Grab the Apple Pencil for $80 and turn your iPad into an art tablet

To me, one of the most attractive aspects of owning a tablet is being able to draw with it. While art tablets exist for desktops, drawing on a tablet and seeing the lines pop up on a screen elsewhere feels awkward, and isn’t something I found easy to get over. A good tablet and a good digital pen help to alleviate that problem. Apple Pencils tend to be worth it at $99, but now you can grab one on sale at Amazon for just $80!

If you’re working with an iPad, the Apple Pencil is a great accessory to have. The Pencil reportedly feels remarkedly similar to a physical pen and paper, but of course in a digital form. An artist more used to traditional media can make the jump to digital art with the Apple Pencil and iPad combo, and not have too much of a barrier to entry. Alternatively, those that like physically taking notes or journaling will find a lot to love with the setup. No need to buy expensive pens, paper, and stamps when you can replicate the feeling with a tablet you may already have!

If you grab the Apple Pencil from Amazon now, you’ll get it in time for Christmas. It might just be the perfect gift for the Apple lover in your life!

    Apple Pencil
    Get the perfect accessory for your iPad with the Apple Pencil. It might be the closest you'll get to actual pen on paper, and you can get the Pencil on sale for $80!

By the way, some models of the iPad are also on sale at Amazon. For example, you can pick up the New Apple iPad Pro 256GB model for just $1,000, which is $100 off MSRP. This tablet will also arrive before Christmas… so why not get both and make it the perfect gift? I can think of a lot of people in my life that would appreciate something like this!

    Apple iPad Pro (256GB)
    Looking for a great tablet? You can't do much better than the iPad Pro. The 256GB model is $100 off MSRP, and it'll make it in time for Christmas!

If you’re looking for even more Apple-themed holiday gifts, they’ve set up a special Amazon page just for that purpose, as well. I heard the new line of iPhones was pretty good, after all!

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Samsung Galaxy S21 leaked render shows off front panel design

What you need right now is another look at Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S21, and that’s exactly what we have. The latest look comes courtesy of Evan Blass, who posted a render of the device on Voice.com.

The leak comes amid a flurry of recent reports about Samsung’s upcoming plans, which may include a trio of new devices and potentially new headphones. As we saw in a recent hands-on video of the Galaxy S21, this new render shows the design has been tweaked slightly to feature a flat front panel, complete with a hole-punch display.

We can’t glean much else by this lone render; the bezels are quite minimal, but otherwise not much else stands out other than the sleek wallpaper. It’s not all that exciting. To be fair, most smartphones look identical from the front, so we can’t really fault Samsung. We’re expecting the real changes to be made on the back of the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S21 leaked render Evan Blass

We know the Galaxy S21 series will adopt a new camera module design, with the base model featuring a triple-camera arrangement. The Galaxy S21 Ultra, meanwhile, is expected to sport a quad-camera setup, along with the possibility of S Pen support, which would be a first for the Galaxy S line. We get no indication of any of that from this render, but there’s been plenty of recent leaks to paint a larger picture.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Forums

Samsung typically kicks off the year by announcing a new flagship device, so it won’t be long until we have an official look at the Galaxy S21 series. What’s different this year is Samsung is planning to hold an Unpacked event a little earlier than usual. We’re not complaining.

Blass said he is sitting on more leaks for the Galaxy S21 series, so expect additional information in the coming days and weeks.

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Google Meet adds live captions on the web in four new languages

This year has seen Google Meet become an increasingly important part of the company’s productivity tools. As businesses and schools go remote, the video chat service allows users stay in touch, and with live caption features, Google ensures meetings are accessible for everyone.

In an effort to make meetings even more accessible, Google has announced it’s adding live captions on the web in four languages: Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. Today’s announcement comes shortly after we discovered the feature in an APK teardown.

“We know from our work with teachers and parents over the years how essential caption tools can be for students with learning disabilities, as well as English-language learners in both K-12 and higher education,” Google said. “Professional development experts often encourage the integration of this technology to make lessons more accessible, especially in the time of COVID-19.”

Google said that providing Meet users with live captions in more languages will help feel more students feel empowered to participate in lessons. Google said it has also made captions settings “sticky,” so they’re easier to use. So, if you turn captions on or off, or if you choose a certain language, your preferences will be saved the next time you join a meeting.

Over the last several months, Google Meet has become an incredibly powerful tool for video conferencing. In addition to more live caption languages, Meet has also introduced breakout rooms, attendance reports, and hand-raising — all tools educators can use to hold better meetings. Learning virtually can be challenging, but Meet’s many different features has taken some of the difficult out of the transition.

As a reminder, Google Meet will offer unlimited calls (up to 24 hours) through March 31, 2021, so you can chat with friends and family as much as you want over the holidays. Live captions in Spanish, French, German and Portuguese will rollout to Meet web users beginning today.

Google Meet - Secure Video Meetings (Free, Google Play) →

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Microsoft is bringing Surface Duo to more countries in 2021

Microsoft has announced that it is to roll out its Android-based Surface Duo device outside the US for the first time. The company confirmed today that the dual-screen Android device is coming to Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with full details of pricing and availability available at the beginning of 2021.

In a lengthy puff piece on the Microsoft blog, the company also confirmed that an ‘enhanced’ version of 2020 mega-app TikTok is now available in the Google Play store, which takes advantage of the second screen. Other enhanced apps include Amazon Kindle (which lets you use the Duo as a ‘book’ that opens) and Spotify. For its own part, Microsoft proudly confirmed it is now the third-largest Android Independent Software Vendor (ISV) in the world, thanks to its decision to create Android versions of its most popular Windows apps, and focus on them in the wake of the failure of Windows Mobile.

Questions were raised, at launch, about Microsoft’s less-than-modest pricing for the Surface Duo, as well as the fact that, as a dual-screen device, many apps (particularly launchers) didn’t render properly. But with Android Studio catering more and more to dual/folding/rolled screens, and developers working to bring optimised versions to the new form factors, it has created quite a following, with demand for a release outside the US growing. Certainly, anyone who thought that Microsoft wasn’t ‘all in’ on Surface, only needs to look at this year’s releases: Surface Book 3, Surface Go 2, Surface Laptop Go, a new Surface Pro X and of course the Surface Duo, its first official piece of Android hardware.

Microsoft has also been working hard at making web pages work better in a dual-screen environment. In September, it released a new set of APIs aimed at helping developers make the most of the twin displays. We’ll be interested to see which apps are next to take a dive into dual screen. We’d love to see streaming services come up with something – perhaps a version of Amazon Prime Video which uses the second screen to display its X-Ray content?

The post Microsoft is bringing Surface Duo to more countries in 2021 appeared first on xda-developers.



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Here are the Best Chromebooks for Students to Buy in 2020

With an increasing number of students attending classes at home, the demand for laptops and Chromebooks is through the roof right now. But finding the right Chromebook could prove to be a bit of a challenge, especially since some eCommerce portals are flooded with older models that aren’t a part of Google’s eight-year update plan for new Chromebooks.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a great Chromebook for school or university, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of the best Chromebooks for students available right now, and it includes options that will fit every budget and use case. So, let’s jump right in and find out which Chromebook is best suited to your needs.

Navigate this guide to the best Chromebooks for students:

Best Chromebook for school students: ASUS Chromebook Flip C214

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is the best Chromebook for school students because of two main reasons — it’s affordable and it offers a very durable design. At a starting price of under $400, the Chromebook Flip C214 offers a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB of eMMc storage, an 11.6-inch 360-degree touchscreen, a MIL-STD-810G certified body with rubberized edges, and a spill-proof keyboard.

ASUS Chromebook C214

While its specifications may not seem all that impressive on paper, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is capable enough to handle all your online classes and assignments. And you can easily get a full school day’s worth of use out of it, thanks to its 50Wh battery that can last up to 11 hours on a single charge.

    ASUS Chromebook Flip C214
    The Asus Chromebook Flip C214 is the best pick for school students as it offers a durable construction, a spill-proof keyboard, and decent specifications at a very affordable price!

In terms of I/O, the Chromebook Flip C214 offers a USB 3.1 Type-A port, 2x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm combo jack. It also features a microSD card slot for easy expansion, 2W stereo speakers, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 support. ASUS offers the Chromebook in two variants, and if you choose the premium option you even get an EMR stylus that you can use to take notes effortlessly.

Best detachable Chromebook: Lenovo Chromebook Duet

If you’re on a very tight budget and you want a Chromebook that can double up as a tablet, then you may want to consider getting the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. Priced starting at $290, the Chromebook Duet offers a 10.1-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The Chromebook packs MediaTek’s Helio P60T octa-core processor, coupled with ARM’s Mali-G72 GPU, 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. At this price point, it’s a great Chromebook for young students, but it may not be as durable as the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

With these specs, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet breezes through light workloads but multitasking isn’t one of its strong suits. Battery life, on the other hand, is fantastic and the Chromebook can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. It comes with a detachable keyboard that has a compact TKL layout and a usable trackpad.

    Lenovo Chromebook Duet
    If you're looking for a Chromebook that you can use both as a laptop and as a tablet, then the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a great choice that won't cost you a fortune.

For connectivity, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet supports 802.11 a/b/gn/ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and a single USB 2.0 Type-C connector for data transfers and charging. Since the Chromebook features a single USB Type-C port, you’ll have to invest in a dock if you wish to connect multiple accessories at the same time. Lucky for you, we have curated a list of the best Chromebook docking stations you can get to add some much-needed ports to this Chromebook.

Best premium pick: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

In case you’re willing to spend as much as $1000 on a Chromebook, then the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is the best option you can get right now. It features a 13.3-inch 4K Super AMOLED touchscreen, an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, and 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for all your school or university needs.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook also comes with an S Pen that you can use to take notes during classes. When you’re done with work, you can also use the Chromebook to relax and enjoy some Netflix or YouTube, as it packs a fairly impressive set of stereo speakers.

    Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
    If it's a premium experience that you're looking for, then you just can't go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. Its vivid Super AMOLED display, premium construction, and built-in S Pen are sure to make some heads turn when you open it up in your classroom.

In terms of ports, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook includes two USB Type-C ports, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a microSD card reader. For connectivity, the Chromebook supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth.

Best value pick: ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

For those of you who are looking for a sweet spot between the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, there’s the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434. While it may not be the best Chromebook on this list, it features a decent selection of hardware that will fulfill all your needs without burning a hole in your pocket.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

The Chromebook Flip C434 starts at around $450 and it packs Intel’s Core m3-8100Y processor, a 14-inch FHD LED display, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. The base model is more than sufficient to power through your light workloads without any hassle and it offers great value for your money. But if you’re willing to spend the extra dollar, you can spec it up with an Intel Core i5-8200Y processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage.

    ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
    The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 may not be the best Chromebook out of this lot, but it certainly offers the best bang for your buck. Starting at around $450, the Chromebook offers decent hardware that will help you breeze through schoolwork without burning a hole in your pocket.

For connectivity, the Chromebook Flip C434 offers two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, one USB 3.1 Type-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/mic combo jack. It features 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity.

Best battery life: Google Pixelbook Go

If great battery life is what you’re searching for, then you shouldn’t look beyond the Google Pixelbook Go. While it is pricey for its modest specifications, the Pixelbook Go can deliver up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. On top of that, it even supports 45W fast charging, which can provide an additional 2 hours of use with just a 20-minute charge.

Google Pixelbook Go

Spec-wise, the base variant of the Google Pixelbook Go won’t blow your mind. It packs an 8th-Gen Intel Core m3 chip, 8GB RAM, and 64GB of storage. It features a 13.3-inch FHD display, a lightweight chassis, and a paltry selection of ports, including just two USB Type-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack.

    Google Pixelbook Go
    If you often find yourself in situations where you don't have access to a power outlet for hours at a stretch, then the Google Pixelbook Go should be the one for you. It offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, and it even features 45W fast charging support that can give you an additional 2 hours of use with just a 20-minute charge.

With the aforementioned specifications, you can expect decent performance from the Pixebook Go for day-to-day school tasks. But if you want something a bit more powerful, Google does offer Core i5 and Core i7 powered models with more RAM, more storage, and even a 4K display. However, you’ll have to pay a significant premium to get those features.

Best Chromebook for productivity: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a solid option for those looking to maximize their productivity, as it features a tall 3:2 display that lets you view more content on your screen than any of the other Chromebooks on this list. But its display’s aspect ratio isn’t the only thing that makes the Spin 713 a great buy.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Chromebook also offers decent hardware at a relatively affordable price, including Intel’s 10th Gen Core-i5-10210U chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. With this kind of hardware, it can comfortably handle almost anything you throw at it in day-to-day use.

    Acer Chromebook Spin 713
    With a stunning 3:2 2L display and a built-in HDMI port, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is the best Chromebook for productivity that you can get in the market right now.

On top of that, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 also offers a good selection of ports, including one USB 3.0 Type-A port, two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. The inclusion of an HDMI port is especially great since it eliminates the need for a dongle if you wish to connect your Chromebook to an external display.

Best display: Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630

Rounding off the list is the Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630, which offers a stunning 15.6-inch 4K display that is perfect for media consumption. So if you’re on the lookout for a Chromebook with the best display, the Yoga Chromebook C630 is the one you should go for. And it’s no slouch in terms of performance either.

Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630

The Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 packs an Intel Core i5-8250U processor and 8GB of RAM, which is good enough to help you power through all your assignments and homework. And once you’re done with work, you’ll also be able to enjoy your favorite movies or TV shows in glorious 4K without any stuttering.

    Acer Chromebook Spin 713
    Looking for the best display that's great for both work and media consumption? Then the Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 is a great option for you. It features a 15.6-inch 4K display that bigger and better than the displays on any of the other Chromebooks on this list.

In terms of ports, the Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 offers two USB Type-C ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a microSD card reader. For connectivity, it features support for 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1.


Which one out of the aforementioned Chromebooks for students will be your workhorse for the next few school years? If I had to pick just one, I’d probably go with the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, mostly because of its 3:2 display, built-in HDMI port, and affordable price tag. But if I had money to spare, I’d probably get the top-end variant of the Google Pixelbook Go. That sleek design and exceptional battery life are a bit tough to pass. In case none of the Chromebooks mentioned above sound appealing to you, you can also check out our list of the best Chromebooks you can buy in 2020 for a couple of additional options.

The post Here are the Best Chromebooks for Students to Buy in 2020 appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Photos uses machine learning to make your images look 3D

Smartphone cameras have become increasingly sophisticated with portrait features, night modes, and more. But how about making your images look more cinematic? Google Photos has announced a new feature that will do just that.

Google is calling the feature “cinematic photos.” Essentially, the feature will “use machine learning to predict an image’s depth and produce a 3D representation of the scene—even if the original image doesn’t include depth information from the camera.” Google will then apply a small animation to the photo, giving it a smooth panning effect.

The result Google shared gives the photo much more life and depth. And it gives the impression that a much more expensive camera was used to take the photo, when in reality it’s all thanks to Google’s sophisticated machine learning technology.

Google Photos will automatically create cinematic photos for you as long as your app is updated. When a cinematic photo is created, it’ll show up in your recent highlights at the top of your photo grid. You can then share the result with friends and family. Keep in mind that every cinematic photo is shared as a video.

As cool as the new feature looks, it gives me slight pause. With Google Photos getting rid of free unlimited storage next year, I wonder how much space each cinematic photo will take up. Regular smartphone images hardly take up any space, but turning many of them into short videos could add up.

In addition to cinematic photos, Google also announced Memories will now regularly surface photos of the most important people in your life and also your favorite activities, such as baking or hiking. Google’s algorithms will apparently determine your favorite things based on the photos you upload.

You’ll start seeing cinematic photos in Google Photos over the next month, so keep an eye out.

Google Photos (Free, Google Play) →

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Best Galaxy Note 20 Deals December 2020: Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung, Verizon & more!

After months of leaks and speculation, the Galaxy Note 20 is here, and as you might expect, a flagship specs list means a premium price tag. The regular Galaxy Note 20 starts at $999 in the US, while the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra starts at $1399. However, as with every Samsung launch, there are also some deals to be had if you place an early pre-order so below, we’ve rounded up all the best deals for the Galaxy Note 20, including ways to save on multiple devices and the best postpaid deals we can find as well.

Where to buy the Galaxy Note 20

One of the biggest phones of the year is going to be available through every major carrier and most major retailers across the world.

Best Unlocked Galaxy Note 20 Deals in the US

The unlocked Galaxy Note 20 is available at three major retailers: Amazon, Samsung, and Best Buy. They all offer different deals, check them out below!

 Amazon

Thinking of grabbing the Galaxy Note 20 at Amazon? If you have the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, you can sign up for an 18-month payment plan. Of course, while you’re there you can also pick up a Galaxy Note 20 case (and we’ve summarized the best ones!).

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20
    If you want the easiest check out possible, and the safety of ordering through your existing Amazon account, look no further. You can also sign up for a payment plan if you have the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa.

Samsung

If you have a recent phone to trade-in, you’ll want to get your Note 20 from Samsung. Get up to $550 off with a trade-in, bringing the phone’s grand total down to just $450. Normally you can only get up to $400 off. Also, for the holidays, you can get a special red version of the Galaxy Note 20, exclusively from the Samsung Store.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20
    Forget the rest of the deals – if you want to save a bundle on your unlocked Galaxy Note 20 and have a recent phone, Samsung's trade-in offer is the best. You can get up to $550 in credit with the right trade-in, making the Note 20 highly affordable.

Best Buy

Best Buy’s deal are actually pretty lacking right now. You can save $50 on an unlocked phone by activating today, but their carrier deals are non-existent at this time. Still, Best Buy isn’t a bad retailer to go with!

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20
    Now that Black Friday is over, Galaxy Note 20 deals are sparse at Best Buy.

Best Carrier Galaxy Note 20 Deals in the US

Of course, each major carrier is also selling the Galaxy Note 20. Here are the best deals for each of them:

Verizon

Verizon usually has a ton of promotions to take advantage of with their phones, and the Galaxy Note 20 is no exception. Here are just a few of those offers:

  • Buy one phone, get a second for up to $1,000 off with a new line
  • Get up to $550 off with a trade-in
  • If switching from another carrier, get a $250 Verizon e-Gift Card on select Unlimited plans
  • Free Verizon Stream TV
  • 12-months of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now for free

If you can stack multiple deals, you’ll save big on the Galaxy Note 20 at Verizon!

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20
    Get the full power of Verizon's 5G mmWave network and take advantage of the myriad of deals while you're at it. Whichever one you go for, expect great coverage and blazing fast speeds when you're in a mmWave 5G area!

AT&T

AT&T Next lets you pay for your phone over 30 months, with the Galaxy Note 20 costing $33.34 per month on the plan. But, that’s without taking advantage of AT&T’s trade-in offer! If you’re switching to AT&T from another carrier, adding a line, or upgrading your plan, the Galaxy Note 20 will only cost $10/month! Additionally, you can save $50 on the Galaxy Buds Live if you bundle it and the Note 20 together.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20
    If you've got a recent phone to trade in, and don't mind being on AT&T, this might be the deal for you. Bring your total down to just $10/month when you switch and trade in a phone!

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