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lundi 1 novembre 2021

macOS 12 Monterey is bricking some older Macs, so you may want to hold off on the update

Apple released macOS 12 Monterey to the public early last week. This major version was first revealed during the opening keynote of WWDC21, back in June. It had been in beta testing since then to ensure a smooth experience for the public. Ironically, it seems like the stable build has been bricking some users’ older Macs, based on online complaints.

According to MacRumors, tweets by angry and concerned users who are unable to power on their Macs have surfaced online. The update process to macOS 12 simply bricked their premium computers and rendered them useless. Macs are harder to restore when bricked, compared to iPhones, iPads, and iPods. In some cases they will even require physical repair as well.

It seems like the issue is mostly affecting older Macs, particularly Intel-powered ones. It isn’t as widespread as last year’s Big Sur bricking catastrophe, but it’s still killing enough devices for a PSA. If you have concerns or heavily depend on your Mac for work or studies, we suggest you wait for a future macOS update.

Apple is currently testing macOS 12.1 beta, but that isn’t expected to be released this month as stable to the public. It’s unclear if this version fixes the bricking issue, but it’s safe to assume Apple is aware of the problem now, considering Apple Support has acknowledged and replied to some of the tweets.

Have you updated your Mac to macOS 12 Monterey yet? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post macOS 12 Monterey is bricking some older Macs, so you may want to hold off on the update appeared first on xda-developers.



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Lenovo ThinkBook Plus shown off in leaked image with a second screen for drawing

Lenovo is working on a laptop with a second screen that might be tailored to digital artists, according to a new leaked image. Evan Blass recently shared an image of the laptop – seemingly called Lenovo ThinkBook Plus – on Twitter, featuring a 17-inch primary display as well as a small screen on the keyboard deck.

Based on the image, the laptop may be targeted towards digital artists, seeing as it’s running some kind of drawing app. The second screen seems to play a key role here, bringing the canvas closer to the user and supporting pen input for more accurate input. It looks like the user would be able to zoom in on the image on the smaller screen without it affecting the image on the main display, allowing users to make more precise adjustments while still seeing the big picture.

Unfortunately, this single image is all we have to go off of. However, a Lenovo ThinkBook Plus wouldn’t be a completely new line for Lenovo. The company currently has the ThinkBook Plus Gen 2 available for sale, and it too features two displays, but it’s a very different concept. The secondary display in this laptop is on the lid, just on the other side of the main display, and it’s an e-ink panel. This is meant to give users quick access to information without using as much power, and while it does support doodling with an active pen, it’s not meant for art at all. The main display itself is a 13.3-inch panel, so it’s a much smaller laptop than this would be.

There are a few laptops out there that try to cater to digital artists, and recent launches like the Surface Laptop Studio try to do it by allowing users to pull the main display closer to them or fold it over the keyboard. This is certainly a different approach, and it makes for an odd-looking keyboard deck with the keyboard itself being pushed off to the side.

There’s no indication as to when this 17-inch Lenovo ThinkBook Plus will launch, or if that’s even its final name. We’ll have to wait for the company to make an official announcement.

The post Lenovo ThinkBook Plus shown off in leaked image with a second screen for drawing appeared first on xda-developers.



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Swift Backup now supports Android 12 and rootless batch backups via Shizuku

Backing up your apps for installation on a new device is often the easiest and quickest way to set up a new smartphone. In the past, apps such as Titanium Backup have been used as comprehensive backup and restore options, though it required root. Apps like Swift Backup, however, can back up your APKs, your texts, your call logs, and applied wallpapers for free and without root. To restore special app data like permissions, battery optimization, and more, you still needed root access. Now, however, Swift Backup 3.7 is here and it introduces support for both Android 12 and rootless batch backups via Shizuku.

For the uninitiated, Shizuku is somewhat similar to Magisk. However, Shizuku manages shell access, not root access. Shizuku runs its own process with shell-level permissions. How the user activates that process depends on their device, Android version, and choice. Shizuku can be activated through ADB, through on-device wireless ADB (on Android 11 and later), or through root access. Apps implementing Shizuku can then request permission to use that process to perform elevated operations. For Swift Backup, Shizuku doesn’t quite grant the same level of access as root would, but it allows for further access.

As you can see from the above changelog, Swift Backup can now, through the use of Shizuku, batch backup supported app parts, batch restore, batch enable/disable apps, batch uninstall apps, backup and restore permissions, and toggle the battery optimization of each app. Previously, those features required root access, though there are still other features (such as full app data backup and restoring) that require root access. Configuring Shizuku is pretty easy to do, and it allows for granting special Android permissions from your smartphone. The Swift Backup developers have also said that they intend to integrate Material You support in a future update.

Shizuku (Free, Google Play) →

Swift Backup (Free+, Google Play) →

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Best monitors for MacBook Pro 2021 you can buy right now

The new MacBook Pro 2021 models feature a fantastic Liquid Retina XDA display. The mini-LED technology makes them better than all the previous MacBook panels we’ve seen so far. That being said, even a beautiful and large display like that isn’t enough to take full advantage of all the raw power these new MacBooks offer. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best monitors for MacBook Pro 2021 models you can buy right now.

There are two main things to consider while shopping for a monitor for your MacBook Pro. The first, and perhaps the most important thing to consider, is USB-C connectivity. Yes, the new MacBook Pro models do have an HDMI port, but it only supports one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. The Thunderbolt 4 ports have native DisplayPort output over USB‑C and can be used to connect more monitors.

The second thing to consider is the image quality, of course. MacBook Pros, especially, the new models have a great display, so adding a subpar quality panel won’t do justice to the overall experience. This is even more important if you plan on using the display for media consumption or creative workloads. You should look at the ones that cover wide color gamuts and have high color accuracy. Thanks to the sheer number of options on the market, it’s not difficult to find the good ones. From high-quality 4K monitors to fancy curved panels, here are some great options to consider:

    LG UltraFine 27-inch 4K Monitor

    Best overall monitor for MacBook Pro

    The LG UltraFine 4K is one of the best monitors for the MacBook Pro. This 27-inch 4K monitor connects seamlessly with the new notebooks. It supports USB Type-C connectivity and shows all monitor controls in the settings panel of your MacBook. It's a VESA HDR400 panel that covers up to 99% of the sRGB space. It also supports USB-C with 60W Power Delivery and comes with a height-adjustable stand that matches Apple's design aesthetics.
    ASUS ProArt 27-inch 4K monitor

    Great monitor for content creators

    The ASUS ProArt is a surprisingly good monitor for content creators. This 4K HDR panel covers 100% of the sRGB color space and is a Calman verified panel for high color accuracy with DeltaE < 2. It also supports a bunch of color calibration profiles and comes with a well-built stand to maintain the overall aesthetics of your setup. The connectivity options on this monitor include DisplayPort over USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB 3.1 hub.
    LG UltraWide WFHD 29-inch monitor

    A solid ultra-wide monitor

    Ultra-wide monitors are best for those looking for more screen real-estate and we think the LG UltraWide monitor 29 perfectly fits the boat. With an aspect ratio of 21:9, this ultra-wide USB-C monitor eliminates the need for a secondary monitor. It's an IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1080 and it covers up to 99% of the sRGB color space too. Overall, a great panel to take advantage of the new MacBook Pros.
    BenQ SW270C PhotoVue 27-inch QHD monitor

    Great monitor for photo editing

    The BenQ PhotoVue is a professional-grade monitor that's quite popular among photographers. This 27-inch 4K photo monitor covers up to 99% of the Adobe RGB and 95% of DCI-P3 color space. It's a fantastic panel for photographers to dole out images. The monitor also includes a plethora of ports including the USB 3.1, DisplayPort, HDMI, SD card reader, and USB-C. LG also makes a 32-inch variant of this panel if your budget allows for it. All units come with a shading hood to reduce screen glare.
    ASUS ZenScreen 14-inch FHD Monitor

    Best portable monitor

    The ASUS ZenScreen is for the folks who're looking for a portable display that's also easy on their wallet. It's a 14-inch FHD monitor with a USB Type-C connector. It can be used in both portrait as well as landscape mode and is very easy to handle too. It's not as premium as other monitors in the collection, but it's one of the most affordable panels on the list. It's only 8mm thick and you can easily carry it in your backpack along with your MacBook Pro.
    MSI Prestige PS341WU 32-inch Monitor

    A Premium ultra-wide monitor

    The MSI Prestige PS341WU is a great option if 4K resolution isn't enough for you. Its main claim to fame is the 5,120 by 2,160 pixels display, making it one of the sharpest in the market. It also comes with a great set of features including a Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support, and more. It's also one of the best-looking monitors in the collection with beautiful white aesthetics.
    BenQ EW3280U 32 inch 4K Monitor

    Best entertainment monitor

    We understand not all MacBook Pro users are professional content creators, which is why we're adding a solid entertainment monitor. The BenQ EW3280U is a 4K monitor with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and a 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut. What we love the most about this display is that it comes with an impressive built-in speaker system for a fantastic entertainment experience. The only real drawback is that it doesn't support charging, which means you'll be using an additional port for it.
    ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32-Inch FHD Monitor

    Best for multi-tasking

    The ViewSonic VX3276 is a reliable 32-inch 1080p monitor if you don't want to burn a huge hole in your pocket. It'll connect to the new MacBook Pro 2021 models via an HDMI cable for a solid 1080p output. This is perfect for those who simply want an additional display for multi-tasking. This IPS monitor isn't the best for colour-sensitive work, but it's also not nearly as expensive as some other monitors mentioned in this collection.
    Apple Pro Display XDR 32-inch 6K Monitor

    Made by Apple

    Last, but definitely not least, we have the Apple Pro Display XDR. This is perhaps the most expensive monitor you can buy for your MacBook Pro. It's a Retina 6K display with a resolution of 6016 x 3384 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It goes without saying that it's one of the best monitors for content creators out there who can afford its eye-watering price of $4999 for the Standard glass model. Pro stand and VESA mount are sold separately, so don't forget to grab those if you're setting up a new workstation.

As you can see, there are plenty of great MacBook Pro compatible monitors on the market. The LG UltraFine 27-inch 4K monitor is our pick for the best MacBook Pro monitor because we think it offers a good mix of features for the price. Content creators dealing with colour-sensitive work will be pleased with the Calman verified ASUS ProArt 4K monitor. But if you’re an average user looking for a secondary display for multi-tasking, then you should be leaning towards the 32-inch ViewSonic FHD monitor.

The new MacBook Pro is definitely one of the Best Macs out there, so we recommend picking up a monitor from our collection to build a powerful workstation. As always, don’t forget to tell us which monitor you’re planning to buy from the list. Also, be sure to check out our collection of the best MacBook Pro cases to add some protection to your new notebook.

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Join XDA forums for the Redmi Note 11 series, Huawei Watch GT 3, Xperia Pro-I

As expected, Techctober was choke-full of smartphone announcements. While the Pixel 6 was obviously the biggest launch of October, there were multiple intriguing launches towards the end of the month. Xiaomi unveiled its latest Redmi Note 11 series, Huawei launched a pair of smartwatches with HarmonyOS 2.1, and Sony refreshed its Xperia Pro lineup with a new model.

We’re happy to announce that XDA forums are now open for all three devices mentioned above.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 series

Last week, Xiaomi introduced the new Redmi Note 11 series, featuring the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Redmi Note 11 Pro, and Redmi Note 11 5G. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is the most feature-packed of the trio, offering up to 120W fast charging support that claims to fully charge the phone in under 15 minutes. The Redmi Note 11 Pro isn’t too different from the Pro+, with two only differing in the areas of charging speed, battery, and the SoC. Finally, the Redmi Note 11 5G is the cheapest offering in the new lineup, packing a 6.6-inch LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC, up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, a 50MP primary camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. For more details, be sure to check out our launch coverage of the Redmi Note 11 series.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 XDA Forums

Huawei Watch GT 3

The Huawei Watch GT 3 is a modified version of the Chinese Huawei Watch 3. The smartwatch comes in 46mm and 42mm sizes and runs HarmonyOS 2.1. Both models feature an AMOLED display, an array of sensors, GPS, 5 ATM water resistance, Bluetooth 5.2, and wireless charging.

Huawei Watch GT 3 XDA Forums

Sony Xperia Pro-I

The newly unveiled Sony Xperia Pro-I is a direct successor to the last year’s Xperia Pro. At $1800, the Xperia Pro-I is one of the most expensive non-foldable phones out there. But Sony says it’s not aimed at mainstream consumers but rather at professional photographers and creators. The phone’s main highlight is its camera hardware, featuring a 12MP primary camera with a massive 1.0-inch sensor and two 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto shooters.

Sony Xperia Pro-I XDA Forums

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These are the best docking stations for the MacBook Pro in 2021

For a few years, Apple sold most of its MacBook laptops without any ports aside from Thunderbolt and a headphone jack. While some might have considered that a push forward, it was undeniable that a lot of users still missed the classic ports they were used to. Because of that, using a docking station became almost mandatory for anyone with a MacBook Pro, and thankfully, tons of solutions arose.

With the recently-announced MacBook Pro 2021 models, Apple has finally brought back a decent supply of classic ports. Out of the box, you get HDMI, an SD card reader, and a MagSafe charger that’s going to be much safer than a simple USB Type-C connector. But if you have one of the previous MacBook Pro models, and even if you have a newer one, you might still want a docking station to take the capabilities of the MacBook Pro even further.

Now, docks can simply be powered by a USB Type-C/Thunderbolt port, but one thing that’s been constant with MacBooks is specially designed docks that fit with the whole design of the original chassis. Because we don’t yet have docks designed for the new 2021 MacBook Pros, we’re going to save those kinds of tailor-made docks for the end of this list. For now, let’s take a look at the docking stations you can use with any modern MacBook Pro.

    Anker Apex 12-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

    Versatile Thunderbolt 4 dock

    If you want a powerful dock that looks the part, the Anker Apex is a great choice. With a Thunderbolt 4 connection, it can charge your laptop at up to 90W and it gives you 12 ports including Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB ports, HDMI outputs, and Thunderbolt daisy chaining.
    Brydge Stone Pro Docking Station

    Powerful and discreet

    The Brydge Stone Pro gives you the power of a Thunderbolt 3 docking station, with 11 ports and 87W charging, in a compact chassis that's very elegant. Plus, you can also use it to raise your laptop to be even more discreet or a more comfortable typing experience.
    LENTION USB-C Docking Station

    Docking station and laptop riser

    This USB Type-C docking station gives you tons of ports to connect peripherals, displays, Ethernet, 100W charging, and SD cards, and it also serves as a riser for your laptop, so you can get better airflow or get a more comfortable angle for typing. It's not Thunderbolt, so it has more limited bandwidth, but it's much more affordable.
    Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma

    Add some flair

    Want a bit of pizzazz in your desk setup? The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma gives you three USB ports, Ethernet, an SD card reader, and Thunderbolt daisy chaining support in a sleek chassis that features RGB lighting to make your setup more lively.
    Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 docking station

    Professional Thunderbolt 4 dock

    This Kensington dock gives you similar connection options to the Razer one we just looked at, but comes in a much more professional design and adds a USB Type-A port and includes Kensington lock slots, so you can make sure it doesn't get stolen easily.
    Plugable USB-C Docking Station

    Capable and reasonably priced

    If you prefer a vertical dock, this Plugable USB Type-C docking station adds a ton of ports to your laptop, including multiple USB ports, display outputs, and Ethernet. It's not Thunderbolt, but because of that, it's also more affordable than most.
    Belkin Connect USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock

    Need a lift?

    This is another docking station you can use as a riser for your MacBook Pro, and it's a great one. This gives you a ton of USB ports, an SD card reader, Ethernet, and various display outputs. It's not Thunderbolt, but it's still very versatile and pretty affordable.
    Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock

    Sleek Thunderbolt 3 dock

    This Plugable Thunderbolt 3 dock gives you a solid selection of ports, including fast USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, GIgabit Ethernet, and 96W charging, all in a compact chassis. It's also one of the more affordable Thunderbolt docks out there, so it's a great option.
    WAVLINK USB-C Hub

    Small and cheap

    If you just need a simple and portable hub for some extra peripherals, this WAVLINK adapter should do the trick. It can charge your laptop at up to 100W and includes HDMI, USB Type-A ports, Ethernet, and SD card readers to cover most basic needs you may have, and it's super affordable.

And those are the docks you can use with just about any MacBook Pro that has a USB Type-C port, which should cover most of the modern models (from around 2016 onward). But for some models, specifically those released since 2016 and before the new 2021 MacBook Pro, you can get some specialty docks that are built around the design of the laptop. These can be interesting options, too, so let’s take a look at a few.

    Tobenone MacBook Pro docking station

    Big and powerful

    This relatively large docking station uses two USB Type-C ports on your MacBook Pro and gives you plenty of ports to connect to, including six USB Type-A ports, USB Type-C, two HDMI ports, and more. It's large, but it's capable and affordable.
    HumanCentric Vertical Stand with USB-C Dock

    Hold your laptop up

    This is a unique docking station that can hold your MacBook Pro up when it's closed so you can use it with a desk setup instead. It uses two USB Type-C ports on your MacBook Pro and gives you USB Type-A, display outputs, Ethernet, and more.
    Anker USB-C Hub for MacBook

    It fits right in

    Unlike most USB hubs out there, this Anker hub is designed to fit right on the side of the MacBook Pro. It uses two USB Type-C ports and it fits right in with the design, so it looks like an extension of the laptop itself. It includes a few ports like USB Type-A, Type-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader.
    Lyare 12-in-1 Docking Station

    Compact and sturdy

    This small docking station looks sturdy and professional, while also giving you way more ports than you'd expect for its size. It uses two USB Type-C ports (it doesn't support Thunderbolt speeds), and it gives you HDMI, USB Type-A, Type-C, Ehternet, and even VGA.
    LandingZone 16-Port Docking Station

    A perfect fit

    This is one of the more unique docking stations yet, as it fits the MacBook Pro 16-inch perfectly on both sides and adds a whopping 16 ports for all kinds of connectivity. There's also a version for the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
    Brydge Vertical Docking Station

    Elegant vertical dock

    This vertical Brydge dock perfectly fits the 13-inch MacBook Pro, connecting to the two Thunderbolt ports on the side and passing through the signal to the ports on the base, giving your desk setup a clean and elegant look.

Some of these may actually work with the new 2021 models, because what makes them unique is that they use two USB Type-C ports next to each other. The new MacBook Pro 2021 models still have two Thunderbolt ports side-by-side, but we can’t assure yet that they’re at the same distance from each other to work with these docks. However, we’d recommend looking at the first set of options if you’re not sure. One other thing that’s worth noting with all of these options is that the M1-based MacBook Pro 12-inch will always only support one display output, no matter which dock you get. This isn’t the case for the M1 Pro (which supports two) and M1 Max (which supports up to four).

Looking for other accessories for your MacBook Pro? Check out our list of the best MacBook Pro cases you can buy. And if you’re looking to upgrade, you can buy the new MacBook Pro below – it’s one the best Macs Apple has made in a while.

    MacBook Pro (2021)
    The MacBook Pro 2021 is a powerful laptop thanks to the M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets, featuring a high-end CPU and GPU and up to 64GB of unified memory.

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Apple could be copying Pixel’s coveted “car crash detection” feature next year

Google always includes exclusive features on Pixel phones, likely to lure more people and increase sales. One of these features is car crash detection, which automatically calls emergency services (in supported regions) when a crash is detected unless you choose not to. It now seems like Apple is working on something similar for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

According to MacRumors, a report by The Wall Street Journal indicates that Apple has been silently testing this feature and collecting relevant data for the past year. The report mentions:

Apple products have already detected more than 10 million suspected vehicle impacts, of which more than 50,000 included a call to 911.

Apple has been using the 911 call data to improve the accuracy of its crash-detection algorithm, since an emergency call associated with a suspected impact gives Apple more confidence that it is indeed a car crash, according to the documents.

The feature would use iPhone and Apple Watch sensors to detect potential car crashes and offer to automatically call 911, similar to how Fall Detection currently works on the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models. The new car crash detection feature is still in testing and might never be released. Though it is rumored that Apple will make it available next year.

Some newer cars already offer this feature, but many of them require a subscription service or extra fees. It’s safe to assume Apple’s implementation, if it occurs, will be free to use, just like other similar health and emergency features on its devices. So iPhone users might end up saving money (and potentially their lives), thanks to this feature.

It’s unclear if Apple is planning to make it an iPhone 14 exclusive or bake it into a future iOS version with support for older models. Theoretically, current iPhones can support this feature, considering Apple is using them to collect data and build the car crash algorithm. However, sometimes Apple resorts to software exclusivities to market newer devices that don’t have a lot to offer on their own.

Do you currently pay a subscription to have your car call 911 in case of a crash? Let us know in the comments section below.

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