Your Android TV is getting an update to show personalized TV show and movie recommendations

Google is rolling out an update for the Android TV interface that will help you easily discover new content on the platform. The updated interface resembles the UI on the Google Chromecast with Google TV, but it features fewer tabs on the home screen.

As you can see in the attached screenshot, the new Android TV home screen has three new tabs at the top —Home, Discover, and Apps — next to the Search option. In contrast, the Google TV interface has six tabs — For You, Live, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library.

The Home tab on the updated Android TV interface offers a familiar home screen that gives you quick access to your favorite apps and channels. The tab is divided into a couple of sections, including Favorite Apps, Play Next, YouTube, and more. As you’d expect, the Apps tab is home to all your installed apps. However, unlike its Google TV equivalent, it doesn’t show recommended apps from the Google Play Store.

The new Discover tab is the only major change in the updated interface, and it works a lot like the For You tab on Google TV. The tab features personalized content recommendations based on your activity, along with trending content from Google. Much like the Home tab, the Discover tab includes a couple of sections that show movie, show and live TV recommendations from all your apps and subscriptions. It has a ‘Top picks for you’ section that shows personalized recommendations, a ‘Trending TV Shows’ section, and a ‘New movies and shows’ section.

Google has already started rolling out the new Android TV interface, and it should show up for users in the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France in the next few days. Users in other regions will have to wait a few weeks to receive the update on their devices.

The post Your Android TV is getting an update to show personalized TV show and movie recommendations appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3oM5Q7F
via IFTTT

Get certified as a cloud computing expert with this $25 training bundle

Even before the world started working from home, cloud computing was one of the hottest trends in tech. Today, everyone wants to put their daily operations online. The 2021 Cloud Computing Architect Certification Bundle helps you build a career in this niche, with nine courses working towards certification. You can get the bundle today for just $25.49 using code VDAY2021 at the XDA Developers Depot.

For anyone with a technical mindset, cloud computing is an exciting industry to work in right now. Most new technology is powered by remote servers rather than local hardware, and certified architects earn $128k a year on average according to PayScale. 

This bundle helps you join the party, with 21 hours of video tutorials starting with the fundamentals. Along the way, you learn about various cloud deployment and service models together with storage and networking. The courses are based on Microsoft Azure, working through three different levels of certification.

In addition, the bundle provides extensive content on machine learning — the technology behind self-driving cars and facial recognition. You should come away with the foundational knowledge to build your own intelligent software.

Your instructor is Idan Gabrieli, an entrepreneur and cloud computing expert with years of experience. He now teaches people online, earning 4.5 stars from students on Udemy.

Worth $1,800 in total, these courses are now only $25.49 for a limited time when you use the promo code VDAY2021.

 

The 2021 Cloud Computing Architect Certification Bundle – $25.49 with code VDAY2021

See Deal

Prices subject to change 

The post Get certified as a cloud computing expert with this $25 training bundle appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/36DUsVf
via IFTTT

Grab the Xperia 5 II in pink and get a free pair of Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM3 earbuds

The Sony Xperia 5 II is regarded by many as a spiritual successor to Sony’s now-defunct Compact series, offering essentially the same hardware and software experience as the Xperia 1 II in a smaller package. Nearly six months after its official launch, the company is now releasing a new pink version of the Xperia 5 II.

Originally exclusive to its home country Japan, the pink variant of the Xperia 5 II is now on sale across Europe alongside the usual black, blue, and grey colors. The price remains staggeringly high at €899. However, to make the deal compelling enough, Sony is throwing in a free pair of its excellent WF-1000XM3 ANC truly wireless earphones. The Sony WF-1000XM3 are routinely regarded as one of the best TWS on the market for their superb active noise cancellation performance and sound quality. They usually retail around €179 on their own, so this is a pretty good deal, in our opinion. So far, the pink variant has only gone sale in Germany, Italy, and Spain. It’s unclear if it will be coming to other markets such as the U.S as well.

For initiated, the Sony Xperia 5 II was launched in September of last year as a compact version of the Xperia 1 II. It features a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch response rate. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and only comes in a single 8GB/128GB model. It has three 12MP cameras on the back with ZEISS optic, packs a 4,000mAh battery, and offers a 3.5mm audio jack and stereo front speakers. The Xperia 5 II was launched with Android 10 out-of-the-box and recently received its Android 11 update.

A recent leak revealed that Sony might revive the Xperia Compact series to take on the iPhone 12 mini. As per the leak, the new Xperia Compact could feature a 5.5-inch flat panel with a water-drop notch on the front and a dual-camera setup on the back. The device is also said to feature a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a USB Type-C port, and a bottom-firing speaker.

The post Grab the Xperia 5 II in pink and get a free pair of Sony’s excellent WF-1000XM3 earbuds appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3pKn8mT
via IFTTT

Samsung removes four phones from 2017 from its security update schedule

Samsung has been doing a great job of pushing security updates to its devices over the last couple of months. The company’s security update schedule has improved to the extent that it’s now pushing the latest Android security patches to some of its devices even before Google officially publishes the corresponding Android Security Bulletin. On top of that, Samsung recently announced that it would offer three generations of Android OS upgrades for most of its devices, which is the same level of software support that Google offers for its Pixel lineup. But while the company may release software updates for a longer duration to devices launched in the last couple of years, it has removed four phones from 2017 from its security update bulletin.

As per a recent report from Android Police, Samsung recently updated its Security Updates page and removed four devices from the security updates list: the Galaxy J3 Pop, Galaxy A5 2017, Galaxy A3 2017, and the Galaxy A7 2017. This means that these devices won’t get any Android security patches going forward. Along with these devices, Samsung also removed the Galaxy Fold 5G from the update list, but that seems to have been an error on the company’s part. The foldable device has now been added back to the monthly security update list.

The report further reveals that Samsung has moved the Galaxy A8 2018 from the monthly update schedule to the quarterly update schedule. The Galaxy A8s, on the other hand, has been moved to the “other regular” patches list. Samsung has also added the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra to the monthly updates list, while the Galaxy A02 and Galaxy M12 have been added to the quarterly updates list.

Head over to Samsung’s Security Updates page to check the Android security update schedule for your device.

The post Samsung removes four phones from 2017 from its security update schedule appeared first on xda-developers.

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

Microsoft makes it easy to switch from Chrome to Authenticator for password management

Microsoft Authenticator is a two factor (2FA) authentication app that adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and apps. Although the app was primarily designed to provide 2FA protection for Microsoft accounts and products, it can be used with any app or website which supports two-factor authentication for login. In December, the app gained a password management feature, allowing users to autofill saved passwords and log-in credentials.

The Microsoft Authenticator is now receiving (via Windows Central) a new beta on Android and iOS that expands the scope of the password management feature even further. Earlier the app could only sync passwords and login info saved to your Microsoft Edge browser. But the new beta now lets you import passwords directly from Google Chrome or any CSV file.

The new feature is only available in the latest beta of Microsoft Authenticator, version 6.21, to be precise. If you’re on the stable version, you can join the beta program here.

Microsoft Authenticator (Free, Google Play) →

After installing the beta app, head to the Passwords tab, and at the top, you should see a message inviting you to try out the new import feature — alternatively, you can also find the option under the Settings. Microsoft says it can import passwords directly from Google Chrome or a .CSV file. To import Google Chrome passwords, follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome browser and head to Settings > Passwords.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right-hand side corner and select “Export Passwords.”
3. Verify your identity using your PIN or fingerprint.
4. From the Share menu, select the Authenticator app. You’ll be again asked to verify your identity using your PIN or fingerprint.
5. All your passwords should now have been successfully imported to the Microsoft Authenticator app

Apart from Google Chrome, you can also import your passwords from Firefox, Lastpass, Bitwarden, and Roboform. To do so, simply export your data in a .CSV file and then share the file to the Authenticator app.

The post Microsoft makes it easy to switch from Chrome to Authenticator for password management appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2NXepQ5
via IFTTT

Here are the Best Cheap Laptops that you can buy today: Lenovo IdeaPad 3, ASUS VivoBook 15, and more!

The laptop market is flourishing due to the coronavirus pandemic. One of the biggest reasons has been the fact that a majority of office goers, as well as students, have moved to a work-from-home or study-from-home environment. This also means that some of them have no option but to invest in a new computer. However, if you still haven’t got your hands on a decent notebook for your everyday work, then you’ve come to the right place.

Today we are checking out some of the best cheap laptops that you can buy on a tight budget. We have restricted the budget within the $350-$600 range, which should be good for decent machines that can handle most of your daily tasks like making presentations, attending video calls, writing notes, or just a casual movie when you want to take a break.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The IdeaPad series from Lenovo is a recommended option thanks to its fairly slim design and worthy hardware. The IdeaPad 3 is available in a variety of options ranging from the Intel Pentium Gold processor with 4GB of RAM priced under $300 to a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 variant that offers 12GB of RAM and a touchscreen with a 256GB SSD for about $540. There is also an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U variant that is available for just under $500. The IdeaPad series is quite reliable but make sure that you double-check the screen resolution before buying as some of the models only offer an HD resolution display.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent budget option if you are looking for good balance of performance and a slim design.

$538 at Amazon

Acer Aspire 5

Similar to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Acer offers the Aspire 5 in multiple SKUs ranging from the 10th-gen Intel Core i3 to the Core i7. You can choose the appropriate configuration depending on your needs and budget. Additionally, Acer is also offering a touchscreen if you are willing to pay extra. It doesn’t look as good as the offering by Lenovo, but it does offer a few extra features like a fingerprint scanner, an IPS display, and Wi-Fi 6.

Acer Aspire 5

The Aspire 5 packs some really good features for its price and is available with the 10th-gen Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processor options.

$430 at Amazon

ASUS VivoBook 15

The VivoBook 15 by ASUS is a sleek notebook and features the company’s Ergo Lift design that lifts up the keyboard deck when you open the lid. You can choose between the 10th-gen Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processor options with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. It also features slim bezels with an 88% screen to body ratio, a backlit keyboard, and a fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello authentication.

ASUS VivoBook 15

The VivoBook range from ASUS is an entry-to-mid range offering and features a premium design with option of a 10th-gen Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor.

$463 at Amazon

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

If Windows is not your cup of tea, then the next best option on a budget is a Chromebook. Go for the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 if you want solid performance as it is loaded with the 10th-gen Intel Core i3 processor with 4GB of RAM. It features a 2-in-1 design which means that the 13.3-inch FHD display can be flipped all the way to transform it into a tablet. Lenovo also claims a battery life of up to 10 hours which should be good enough to last you all day.

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a great notebook if you don't want to fiddle about with Windows. Since it features a 2-in-1 design, you can also use it in tablet mode.

$378 at Amazon

HP 15 Laptop

This is one of the only laptops that we could find with the latest 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake processor. The HP 15 Laptop is available with a Core i5-1135G7 processor with the new Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, and a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. The notebook also comes with Wi-Fi 6, a USB Type-C port as well as a sleek and attractive looking design.

HP 15 Laptop

If you are looking for a budget notebook with the latest 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake processor, then the HP 15 Laptop might be one of the only options out there.

$532 at Amazon

---

These are some of the best cheap laptops currently on the market. Having said that, Intel’s new 11th-gen Tiger Lake processors, as well as AMD’s new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors, are expanding to more notebooks as we speak. This means that we can expect more options in the coming weeks. If you have a wider budget, you can check out the best laptops that we recommend. Also, check out some of the best and highly recommended Chromebooks that you can buy today as they are usually better-value options on lower budgets.

The post Here are the Best Cheap Laptops that you can buy today: Lenovo IdeaPad 3, ASUS VivoBook 15, and more! appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/36D04z4
via IFTTT

Download: Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are getting Android 11 update with MIUI 12

Xiaomi’s Mi 10T series was launched in September 2020 with MIUI 12 on top of Android 10, and the good-looking smartphone duo made its way to India a month later. Being a flagship grade device, users expected that the underlying Android layer would receive fairly quick updates to the latest version of Android and it did happen. The Redmi K30S, i.e. the Chinese variant of the Mi 10T, picked up the Android 11 update a while ago through the closed beta channel of MIUI. Although the China beta ROM can be flashed on the Indian and global variants, there are a few shortcomings such as the lack of Google Play Services that are keeping most people away. The waiting period is finally over, as Xiaomi has now begun the rollout for the stable version of Android 11 to Mi 10T/10T Pro owners in India.

Xiaomi Mi 10T XDA Forums

Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro Performance and Gaming Review: T is for Terrific

The Android 11 update for the Indian Mi 10T series carries build version V12.1.1.0.RJDINXM and it ships with January 2021 security patches. The build is still based on MIUI 12 — not MIUI 12.5 — which is a bit disappointing. But for what it’s worth, unlike the Chinese ROM, this version does not have any limitation related to Google apps as it is made for the Indian model.

As of now, Xiaomi internally marks the current Android build for the Mi 10T as “stable beta”. For those not familiar with the Chinese OEM’s update policy, it means an authorized Mi Account might be required to manually install the ZIP file on your phone. However, the validation routine can be bypassed under a custom recovery environment. Thus, all you need to do to flash this build is to unlock the bootloader, install TWRP, and then flash this ROM.

Download Android 11 with MIUI 12 for the Mi 10T series (codename: apollo) — V12.1.1.0.RJDINXM

Once Xiaomi marks it to be stable enough, they are going to flip a server-side switch that will eventually remove the need for such authorization before flashing. Alternatively, they could also release new builds with additional bug fixes.

---

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer yshalsager for providing the download link!

The post Download: Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are getting Android 11 update with MIUI 12 appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3av8x8n
via IFTTT