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mercredi 7 avril 2021

AutoSheets is a new Tasker plugin to automate spreadsheet editing on Google Sheets

Popular automation app Tasker today received a new plugin, called AutoSheets, that will let you easily automate spreadsheet editing on Google Sheets. The new plugin comes a few weeks after Tasker received an update on the beta channel that introduced a new feature to help users create custom sleep trackers.

As per a recent blog post by Tasker developer João Dias, the new AutoSheets plugin will let you automate just about anything in Google Sheets. The plugin supports a wide variety of actions at launch, including:

  • Add Rows: append rows of data to the end of a sheet or insert them somewhere in the middle of the sheet
  • Add Sheet: add a new Sheet (tab) at the bottom of your spreadsheet
  • Create Spreadsheet: create a whole new spreadsheet
  • Delete Cell Content: clear the contents of cells without actually removing lines of columns from the sheet
  • Delete Rows/Columns: remove rows and columns from sheets along with their content
  • Duplicate Sheet: Create a new sheet inside a spreadsheet which is a copy of an existing sheet
  • Format Cells: change the appearance of cells on your sheets like background or text color
  • Get Cell: a simple way to get the value of a single cell on your sheet based on its location or the value of a cell on a different column (great for Cloud Variables)
  • Get Data: get multiple rows/columns of data at the same time. Optionally name the output data as multiple arrays for easier data parsing
  • Get Spreadsheet: get info on a spreadsheet itself like its ID, sheet names, etc
  • Insert Empty Rows/Columns: Simply insert new rows/columns with no content
  • Update Cells: update the content of cells without inserting any new rows/columns

The following video shows how you can use the aforementioned actions to log events in a spreadsheet automatically:

You can use the AutoSheet Tasker plugin to log notifications from specific apps on your phone automatically. For example, you can use it to log notifications from your banking apps to keep track of your daily expenditures. It can also be used to automatically log fitness data, home automation data, and location data. Furthermore, experienced Tasker users can utilize the new plugin to store Tasker Variables in a spreadsheet.

Want to give it a shot? Check out a few sample AutoSheets projects to get a feel for the plugin by following this link. If you’re new to the automation app, make sure to check out our Tasker forums for tips and tricks that will help you make the most of it.

Tasker ($3.49, Google Play) →

AutoSheets (Free, Google Play) →

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Signal starts testing a privacy-focused payments feature

Signal has rolled out several new features over the last couple of months to capitalize on the recent backlash against its biggest competitor WhatsApp. The privacy-focused messaging service has rolled out support for encrypted group calls, custom wallpapers, animated stickers, and more. It has also received a new backup feature that lets you transfer chats to a new device easily. In order to give users a viable alternative to WhatsApp Payments, Signal has now started testing a new privacy-focused payments feature in the UK.

As per a recent blog post from Signal’s developers, the latest beta update for the app brings support for a new feature called Signal Payments. The feature will let you send and receive payments on the platform using MobileCoin.

MobileCoin is a privacy-focused payments protocol that offers users a digital wallet and a companion cryptocurrency called MOB. The latest Signal beta update lets users in the UK easily link a MobileCoin wallet to the app to send and receive funds. It also offers a simple interface to help you keep track of your balance and review your transaction history.

Signal Payments MOB

Due to the way in which MobileCoin is designed, Signal will not have access to any of your payment info. The blog post notes: “As always, our goal is to keep your data in your hands rather than ours; MobileCoin’s design means Signal does not have access to your balance, full transaction history, or funds. You can also transfer your funds at any time if you want to switch to another app or service.”

If you’re willing to give Signal Payments a shot, you can sign up for the beta program by following this link. The latest beta release will become available on the Play Store after your registration is complete. Once you have your MobileCoin wallet set up on the app, you’ll be able to purchase MOB on FTX and other exchanges for your transactions. As mentioned above, the feature is currently limited to users in the UK, but we expect it to expand to more regions soon.

Signal Private Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

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mardi 6 avril 2021

Here are the best HP laptops to buy in April 2021: Spectre, Envy, Omen and more

HP is a reliable name in the computing world and it has had its fair share of the market. It’s one of the leading PC manufacturers, with a large portfolio of laptops and desktops catering to all kinds of users, be it enterprise, students, gamers, creative professionals, and many more. If you are in the market looking for a new laptop, specifically from HP, then you’ve come to the right place. We have listed down some of the best HP laptops to buy in 2021 featuring the latest hardware to offer you the best of performance.

Navigate this article:

HP Elite Dragonfly G2

HP Elite Dragonfly G2

The new and refreshed HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is one of the most premium offerings from the company. Announced back in January earlier this year, the 2-in-1 laptop is primarily targeted at business users and comes with the latest Intel 11th-gen Tiger lake processor options with up to 32GB of RAM. The 13.3-inch IPS display is offered in different screen options, including a full HD low-power version, a full HD version with HP’s Sure View privacy feature, and a UHD option that supports HDR400 with 1,000-nits of brightness. There is also an improved keyboard with spill-resistance and a unique feature where it can detect if the laptop is on your lap by determining how steady and even the surface is and adjusting the temperature accordingly. Other notable features include a webcam privacy shutter, fast battery charging, Wi-Fi 6, and an optional Tile tracker that helps you find your device even when your PC is turned off using the dedicated app. It is also one of the only laptops that currently offers the option of a 5G modem. Speaking of which, if you are interested, here are the best 5G laptops on the market today.

    HP Elite Dragonfly G2
    The new HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is one of the most premium offerings from HP with great design and hardware including the latest Intel 11th-gen CPUs and the option of 5G modem

HP Spectre x360 14

HP Spectre X360 14

Rated as the best 2-in-1 laptop in our list of the best laptops of 2021, the new HP Spectre x360 14 is as good as it gets. An update from last year’s Spectre x360 13, the new model offers a slightly taller 3:2 13.5-inch display that is available in a standard full-HD resolution with 400-nits of brightness. You can also opt for a 3K2K (3000 x 2000-pixels) OLED panel or even a 1,000-nit option that comes with a special anti-reflective technology for better privacy. The laptop is available in a base model that starts with the above-mentioned full-HD panel, a Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of storage with 16GB of Intel Optane. The top variant comes with the Intel Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage with 32GB Intel Optane, and the OLED display. Notably, if you opt for the anti-reflective display option, that also gets you 2TB of storage. The new Spectre x360 14 comes in three color options just like the previous model, including Nightfall Black, Poseidon Blue, or Natural Silver.

    HP Spectre x360 14
    One of the best 2-in-1 laptops, the new HP Spectre x360 14 now offers a taller display with the newest hardware including Intel's new 11th-gen CPUs and the option of a 2K3K display.

HP Envy x360 15

HP Envy x360 15 2021

The Envy series is also a great option if you don’t want to stretch your budget. HP offers the Envy x360 15 with the latest Intel 11th-gen processors and only recently announced a refresh where you can also get the laptop powered by the new AMD Ryzen 5000U series of processors meant for thin and light notebooks. The standard configuration features a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080-pixel) IPS touchscreen offering 250-nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut coverage. It can also be configured with a 4K OLED panel. On the AMD side, you get the option of an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U with a 256GB NVMe SSD or AMD Ryzen 7 5700U with 512GB NVMe SSD. Both variants will be offered with 8GB DDR4 memory clocked at 3200MHz, although it will not be user upgradeable.

On the Intel side, you can get the laptop with Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 options. While most of the features are similar, the Intel variants feature Wi-Fi 6 AX201, and if you opt for the Core i7 model, you can get 12GB of DDR4-3200 RAM along with 512GB PCIe storage and 32GB Intel Optane memory. The Core i5 version will offer 8GB of RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD. The Intel SKUs will also feature a Thunderbolt 4 port with USB 4 which means data throughputs of up to 40Gbps.

    HP Envy x360 15 with AMD
    The new HP x360 15 2-in-1 laptop has been refreshed this year that offers slight changes in design and the option of the latest AMD Ryzen 5000U CPUs
    HP Envy x360 15 with Intel
    The new HP Envy x360 15 delivers the best performance at its price with Intel's new 11th-gen Tiger Lake CPUs in an affordable 2-in-1 form factor.

HP Omen 15

HP Omen 15 2021

HP has its dedicated Omen brand for gamers, and currently, the best option is the Omen 15, which comes with a sleek design and excellent performance. Powered by the Intel 10th-gen Core i7-10750H six-core processor, you can configure the notebook with 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 3070. With this hardware combination, you can be assured that you get the best gaming experience even in the most demanding AAA game titles. HP offers the Omen 15 with a 15.6-inch 144Hz refresh rate panel having a full-HD resolution. Notably, the company also has options with the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series of processors, but those models are currently selling exclusively from HP’s own website.

    HP Omen 15
    The new HP Omen 15 is now offered with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU with Intel's 10th-gen CPU. It is also available with AMD's new Ryzen 5000 series CPU.

HP Chromebook x360 14

HP Chromebook x360 14c

If Windows is not your thing, then HP has some Chromebook options too. The HP Chromebook x360 is one of the best Chromebooks available from the company that features up to a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 processor but as of now, it is available with the Core i3-10110U that is paired with 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash memory that can be expanded using a microSD card. The 14-inch touchscreen panel on the laptop comes with a full-HD resolution, and since it has a 2-in-1 design, the screen can be folded all the way to be used in various modes. Additionally, HP offers a fingerprint scanner for added security, while connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, a USB 3.0 Type-A port, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack.

    HP Chromebook x360 14
    A 2-in-1 laptop powered by Google's Chrome OS, the HP Chromebook x360 14 should be an excellent companion for your everyday tasks especially if you are a student.

HP Envy 17

HP Envy 17 2021

Looking for a laptop with a large screen real estate? The new Envy 17 that HP announced last month comes with a slight improvement in performance and design. The notebook was already selling with the latest 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake Core i7-1165G7, but you now get an updated GPU that includes the NVIDIA GeForce MX450. The laptop comes with a 19% larger touchpad compared to the previous generation model and a lighter chassis which now starts at 2.5kg. The 17.3-inch display is offered with either full-HD or 4K resolution LCD. As for the memory and storage, the laptop comes with 12GB of DDR4-3200 non-user accessible memory and a 512GB PCIe SSD along with 32GB of Intel Optane H10 memory. Consumers can also opt for up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe storage. The new Envy 17 also comes with a physical camera shutter, AI noise removal, HP QuickDrop, and more.

    HP Envy 17
    The HP Envy 17 was recently updated and now offers a more refined design along with the option of new NVIDIA MX450 graphics.

We have been listing some of the best laptops in various categories so you can make an informed decision before buying one. Do check out our monthly buying guides and let us know what you think about our recommendations. To get you started, here are the best cheap laptops that you can buy on a tight budget. If you have a wider budget and do not have any strong brand preferences, here are the best laptops you can buy right now.

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Xbox Game Pass to offer GTA V, NHL 21, MLB The Show 21 and more this April

Microsoft has just dropped its first wave of games that will be making its way to Xbox Game Pass in April. The most popular ones from the list include Grand Theft Auto V and Zombie Army 4: Dead War as well as new titles for sports fans including NHL 21 and MLB The Show 21. With the announcement, Microsoft continues to expand its list of games offered via its subscription service.

Here is the complete list of games coming to Xbox Game Pass this April:

  • Grand Theft Auto V (Cloud and Console) – April 8
  • Zombie Army 4: Dead War (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – April 8
  • Disneyland Adventures (Cloud) – April 8
  • Rush: A Disney/Pixar Adventure (Cloud) – April 8
  • NHL 21 (Console) EA Play – April 12
  • Rain on Your Parade (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – April 15
  • Pathway (PC) ID@Xbox – April 15
  • MLB The Show 21 (Cloud and Console) – April 20

In its latest blog post, Microsoft also announced that it is expanding the availability of touch controls for users who are enjoying Xbox Cloud Gaming on their smartphones. Over 50 touch-enabled games are being added, including the likes of Minecraft Dungeons, Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, Slay the Spire, and more. You can check out the entire list of touch-enabled games available on Xbox Cloud Gaming over here.

A new feature is being added to the Xbox Game Pass where you can enjoy gaming with your friends by either jumping right into a multiplayer session or begin installing the games your friends are currently playing. Additionally, there are a bunch of new DLCs, game updates, Xbox Game Pass Quests, and Game Pass Ultimate Perks that you shouldn’t miss.

Lastly, the following games will be leaving Xbox Game Pass this month:

April 15

  •     Deliver Us the Moon (Console and PC)
  •     Gato Roboto (Console and PC)
  •     Wargroove (Console and PC)

April 16 (EA Play)

  •     Madden 15 (Console)
  •     Madden 16 (Console)
  •     Madden 17 (Console)
  •     Madden 18 (Console)
  •     Madden 25 (Console)
  •     NHL 18 (Console)
  •     NHL 19 (Console)

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This is our first look at LG’s never-to-be-released Rollable and V70 phones

Before LG announced it was pulling out of the mobile market, the company was expected to launch the V70 and a rollable smartphone. While these devices will never officially reach consumer hands, new leaks have revealed they’re very much real products.

Twitter user FrontTron shared images of what are allegedly the LG V70 and LG Rollable. The LG Rollable was teased as far back as September of last year and then again during CES 2021, when LG actually showed off a working prototype. The image of the LG Rollable shared by FrontTron appears to be from a filing on Korea’s National Radio Research Agency (NRRA) and SafetyKorea certification sites.

We were able to track down the source for the LG Rollable, but couldn’t find the source of the LG V70 image. The image of the alleged V70 reveals the device would have sports a triple camera setup and a glass back with curved edges. That’s about all we could discern from the picture.

Unfortunately, despite these devices existing in prototype form, they’ll never see the light of day. LG this week announced plans to pull out of the smartphone business after several years of reporting losses. The company entertained the possibility of selling off its mobile business, but nothing panned out.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying. LG has released some of the market’s most interesting ideas, including last year’s LG Wing. The company was ultimately outperformed by Samsung, and also overtaken by mid-range players like Xiaomi.

Despite plans to shut down its smartphone business, LG has said it will continue to provide Android OS updates — at least for the foreseeable future. Some of its devices will even be updated to Android 12. It remains to be seen if LG can stick to its promise, but at least for now we know that owners aren’t being completely abandoned.

It would have been nice to see a final version of the LG Rollable, but it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, we’re left with the image above and the earlier teases to remind us what could have been.

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Here’s when your OPPO phone is expected to get ColorOS 11 (Updated April 2021)

After rolling out ColorOS 11 Beta and stable updates to the OPPO F15, Reno 2 Z, Reno 2 F, Reno 10x Zoom, and others last month, OPPO has now shared a timeframe for the next batch of phones that will receive the latest version of ColorOS this month. Check out the below lists to see if your device is scheduled to get the new update.

The following phones are scheduled to receive the stable ColorOS 11 update based on Android 11 this month. Many of these devices already had a beta program available for them for the past few weeks. For example, OPPO opened up an Android 11 beta for the Reno 2 Z in India just last month.

  • April 9, 2021
    • OPPO A9 (Indonesia)
  • April 14, 2021
    • OPPO Reno 2 Z (India)
  • April 21, 2021
    • OPPO Reno 2 (India, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Phillippines, Cambodia)

ColorOS 11 stable rollout April 2021

OPPO will also open up a ColorOS 11 beta for several new mid-range and budget smartphones, allowing users to try out the new software and point out bugs ahead of the public release. These are the devices that will receive a ColorOS 11 Beta in the coming weeks.

  • April 13, 2021
    • Reno Z (Saudi Arabia, UAE)
  • April 14, 2021
    • OPPO A5 2020 (India, Indonesia)
    • OPPO A9 2020 (India, Indonesia)
    • OPPO A73 5G (Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
  • April 27, 2021
    • OPPO A53 (India, Indonesia)

ColorOS 11 beta rollout April 2021

Finally, OPPO has also shared details about its ongoing ColorOS 11 stable rollout for the European and EEA region OPPO phones. The company is currently rolling out a stable ColorOS 11 update to the OPPO Find X2 series, Reno 4, Reno 4 series, Reno 3, Reno 3 Pro, A72, and A52. Meanwhile, the rollout for the Reno 2 will kick off on April 21.

ColorOS 11 is the latest version of OPPO custom skin and offers many exciting features and improvements. Some of the main highlights include a new dark mode, improved Always On Display mode, three-finger translation with Google Lens, Super Power Saving mode, Flex Drop, Ringtone maker, and a whole lot more. Check out our in-depth review of ColorOS 11 to learn more about the new software.

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Sony announces three new games coming to PlayStation Now this April

It’s that time of the month again. Sony has announced the next set of games that will be available to PlayStation Now subscribers. Three new games will be available starting today, April 6. Announced via the official PlayStation blog, players will get access to Marvel’s Avengers, Borderlands 3, and The Long Dark.

For the unacquainted, PS Now is Sony’s primarily cloud-based streaming platform, where players can get access to new PS4, PS3, and PS2 games that are updated every month. Unlike a PS Plus subscription, PS Now allows you to play most of its games by streaming them instead of downloading and storing them on the physical disk space (though some titles can be downloaded for offline play).

Marvel’s Avengers will be available until July 5, while Borderlands 3 will stick around on the service until September 29. As for The Long Dark, there is no confirmed date when the game will be making its exit.

Expect the PS4 version of Marvel’s Avengers to be offered to PS Now subscribers, including the game’s campaign and co-op gameplay. There is no confirmation whether the first two DLC packs for Kate Bishop and Hawkeye will be included.

Award-winning role-playing action game Borderlands 3 will include online and split-screen co-op regardless of the players’ level or mission progress.

The Long Dark is a fairly old first-person survival horror game where you play the role of a crash-landed bush pilot Will Mackenzie who has to survive the icy Canadian wilderness after a geomagnetic regional storm disaster.

Sony has also announced a free 7-day trial for its PlayStation Now subscription service that will be available starting April 7. Opting for the trial will give you access to all previously released PS4, PS3, and PS2 games, along with the newly announced additions. The service costs $9.99 per month, $24.99 for three months, and $59.99 for the entire year.

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