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mercredi 14 septembre 2022

Google Photos revamps Memories and adds a collage editor

Google Photos isn’t just an online cloud storage service, it offers so much more than just being able to store your photos and videos. Over the years, the service has introduced different kinds of tools and also features that allowed users to experience their photos and videos in a different way. When Memories made its debut nearly three years ago, it gave users a chance to revisit the past. Now, Google is revamping Memories, giving users a new way to reminisce about the past.

Starting today, users will now see snippets from videos in Memories. The video snippets will be taken from longer videos that are stored in Google Photos, which could make for a nice and unexpected surprise. Furthermore, a subtle zoom effect will now be added to photos shown in Memories, which should make for a new kind of viewing experience. While these additions are rather tame, Google does have more ambitious plans, like adding instrumentals to Memories. Although the music could be interesting, let’s hope it isn’t similar to what is found in the sample video above. If all goes to plan, Google Cinematic Memories will roll out to users starting next month.

Google Photos Collage

In addition to the revamped Memories, Google is also rolling out a feature called Styles. Styles will automatically add graphic art to Memories with the intention of mimicking old scrapbooks. There will be several designs at launch and even some limited additions from artists like Shantell Martin and Lisa Congdon. Furthermore, going forward, users will now be able to share private Memories with friends and family members. The feature will first arrive to Android devices and will later roll out to iOS and web users. For those that want to be a little more hands-on, Google will also introduce a new collage editor that will allow users to pick photos, arrange them in a layout, apply edits and share them. With more than 30 different designs, the possibilities are endless.

Google Photos (Free, Google Play) →


Source: Google Blog 

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YouTube Shorts integrates with YouTube Music with a shared playlist

For the past few years, short-form videos have been a dominating force, requiring video streaming and social media platforms to adjust. While YouTube is predominantly known for its long-form videos, the company has done a pretty good job incorporating short-form videos on its platform with YouTube Shorts. Since its inception a little over a year ago, the platform has evolved to add several features and quality-of-life improvements. Today, YouTube Shorts will not only give users a new way to save music, but it will also offer light integration with YouTube Music.

YouTube Shorts Demo showing new playlist YouTube Shorts Demo showing new playlist

Going forward, YouTube Shorts will give users a better way to save the music that they hear on the platform. When watching a video, users can currently tap on the sound button in the bottom right-hand corner to pull up a group of other Shorts that are using the sound. While this option has pretty much been available from the start, YouTube will now add a Save button that will let users save music from a Short to a playlist called “Sounds from Shorts.” These items will exist inside the YouTube Shorts section of the YouTube app, but what makes this feature exciting is that the playlist will also show up in the YouTube Music app as well. Furthermore, if you’re a YouTube Music listener, you will have the option to save some of your favorite music to the Sounds from Shorts playlist and later use it in a Shorts video.

YouTube Shorts Demo showing new playlist YouTube Shorts Demo showing new playlist

This could become a big deal for users of both platforms, making it easier not only to find good music but also to create with good music. While the ability to save music to a special location is similar to what is found on TikTok, the latter feature of having a shared playlist that integrates with YouTube Music is an interesting twist. If you are interested in YouTube Shorts, you can check out some videos using the YouTube app.

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These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy in 2022

Apple has finally made it possible to buy a plus-sized iPhone for under $1000. The new iPhone 14 Plus comes with a bigger display and a massive battery inside, both of which are expected to make it a popular choice among consumers this year. It does, however, share a lot of similarities with the regular iPhone 14, one of them being the ceramic shield on the front to protect the display. While the ceramic shield is known to protect against cracks, it doesn’t offer the best protection against scratches. That’s why we think it’s important to pick up a screen protector while you’re shopping for the best accessories. Here are some of the best iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy on the market right now.

    Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector

    Up to 2X stronger than tempered glass

    The Belkin UltraGlass screen protector for the iPhone 14 Plus is said to be up to 2x stronger than regular tempered glass protectors. It comes with some thoughtful extras including an easy align tray, dust removal stickers, and a cleaning cloth.
    OtterBox TRUSTED GLASS Screen Protector

    Simple and reliable option

    OtterBox is a fairly popular name in the industry when it comes to cases and protectors for smartphones. The company's trusted glass screen protector is a simple yet reliable option for most users.
    Supershieldz tempered glass screen protector

    Comes with installation tray

    The Supershieldz tempered glass screen protector is a solid option for those who want something that's easy to install. It comes with an easy installation tray that lets you align the tempered glass properly.
    Spigen tempered glass scren protector

    9H hardened glass

    The Spigen tempered glass screen protector for the iPhone 14 Plus offers a clean finish and comes with an oleophobic coating to keep smudges and fingerprints at bay.
    Ailun privacy screen protector

    Anti spy privacy glass

    This privacy screen protector will the screen visible to only the person who's directly in front of it. It's perfect for those who are worried about others around them looking at sensitive information on their displays.
    Ferilinso screen protector

    Comes with camera lens protectors

    Ferilinso's package comes with as many as three screen protectors along with a handful of camera lens protectors. You also get a set of full installation tools which include a mounting frame and a cleaning kit.

Well, those are some of the best screen protectors you can buy for the iPhone 14 Plus right now. All of them are solid options to consider but we think the OtterBox trusted glass deserves a special mention for being a simple and reliable option. You can also pick up the Belkin UltraGlass protector directly from the Apple online store or check out something different like the Ferilinso privacy screen which makes the screen only visible when you’re looking at it head-on. This is an ever-evolving list, so we’ll keep an eye on the market and add more listings in the future.

    Apple iPhone 14 Plus
    Apple's new iPhone 14 Plus is the one to get if you want a phone with a bigger display and a long-lasting battery life.

Apple’s new iPhone 14 Plus is bigger and lasts longer than the standard iPhone 14, which is also why it costs more than the regular variants. Even with the best deals, you’re looking at a significant price tag for this particular device. So why not protect it with one of the best screen protectors? In fact, we also recommend picking up one of the best cases for it to get all-around protection from accidental drops and bumps.

The post These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro screen protectors to buy in 2022

Apple launched the iPhone 14 series during its Far Out event. This time around, the focus was on the Pro models. So if you plan to buy an iPhone 14, we advise you to choose the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max. The regular variants are almost unchanged iterations of their predecessors, so Pro is the way to go. It’s also worth mentioning that you will need to buy a charger of your own. The box only includes a cable and misses out on the charging brick. So — what’s new in the Pro department? Some of the biggest changes include the retirement of the notch in favor of hole and pill cutouts. Though, there’s a twist — the Dynamic Island. To make the cutouts more useful, Apple has integrated software elements into them, including system alerts that animate smoothly. To help you defend your Island, we’ve prepared a list of the best screen protectors for the iPhone 14 Pro.

    Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT

    Tempered Glass

    This tempered glass screen protector includes an easy installation frame. Thanks to it, you're unlikely going to mess up the installation process.
    ESR Armorite

    2 Pack

    This pack includes two tempered glass screen protectors with 110-lb impact resistance. It also includes an installation frame.
    ZAGG Invisible Shield

    Scratch Resistant

    This oil-resistant screen protector utilizes the Ion Matrix technology and comes with installation tabs and tray to ensure a bubble-free application.
    OuYteu Screen Protector

    Lens Protection

    If you tend to mess up the screen protector application, this one's for you! This pack includes three units, in addition to two camera lens protectors.
    NatuBeau Screen Protector

    3 Pack

    This pack similarly includes three screen protectors but misses out on the lens protectors. They have a solid 9H hardness rating.
    QHOHQ Screen Protector

    Installation Frame

    This affordable pack comes with three tempered glass camera lens and screen protectors. It also includes an installation frame for accessibility.

Buying a screen protector for your iPhone 14 Pro will help you maintain a scratch-free display. This way, when the protector gets too bruised or old, you just take it off and install a new one. Meanwhile, the actual screen would remain in a pristine condition. I’m a firm believer of it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By spending a few bucks on precautions, you could end up savings hundreds of dollars — by avoiding a display replacement.

    Apple iPhone 14 Pro
    The iPhone 14 Pro packs the 2022 A16 Bionic chip and supports the Always-On Display feature, in addition to Apple's Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 14 Pro has a gorgeous screen. Apart from the aforementioned Dynamic Island, it also supports the Always-On Display (AOD) feature. For the unfamiliar, this addition dims the Lock Screen and displays relevant information at almost all times. Thanks to its 1Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t consume a lot of battery juice.

Which of these screen protectors will you buy for your iPhone 14 Pro, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro screen protectors to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro cases you can buy in 2022

The iPhone 14 Pro is the star of the show in Apple’s latest smartphone lineup. While the standard iPhone 14 is an incremental upgrade, the Pro model is packed with tons of exciting features and improvements, including the new pill-shaped notch that enables Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, powerful A16 Bionic chip, and improved cameras. Starting at $999, the iPhone 14 Pro is certainly not a cheap phone. Sure, it has durable materials such as a Ceramic Shield front, stainless steel frame, and Gorilla Glass, but an accidental drop on a hard surface can leave your phone’s display or the back scratched or cracked. That’s why it’s best to put a case on your shiny new iPhone 14 Pro as soon as you get it.

Below, we have rounded up the best iPhone 14 Pro cases, so you don’t have to spend time searching the internet for the right one. If you need other accessories, check out our recommendations for the best chargers and cables you can buy for iPhone 14 Pro.

Navigate this article:

Official cases for the iPhone 14 Pro

As always, Apple has released a bunch of first-party cases for the new iPhone 14 Pro. These cases are a bit on the expensive side, but they are made out of high-quality materials, provide the best fit and compatibility, and support MagSafe.

    iPhone 14 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe

    Official clear case

    This official clear case from Apple is thin and lightweight and offers reassuring grip. It's made out of polycarbonate and flexible materials and comes with a scratch-resistant coating applied to its interior and exterior. It also has built-in magnets, allowing you to snap your MagSafe charger or Qi charger without having to remove the case.
    iPhone 14 Pro Leather Case with MagSafe

    Official leather case

    The official leather case is made from specially tanned and finished leather and its exterior feels soft to the touch. It also develops a beautiful patina over time. And just like the clear case, this one also has built-in magnets for MagSafe charging convenience. You can pick from five amazing colors, including Midnight, Umber, Forest Green, Ink, and Orange.
    iPhone 14 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe

    Official Silicone case

    Featuring silky, soft-touch exterior, this official silicone case feels great in hand and has a microfiber interior for extra protection. It's available in a wide selection of colors, including PRODUCT Red, Storm Blue, Lilac, Sunglow, Midnight, and Chalk Pink.

Clear cases

With clear cases, you can easily show off the true beauty of your iPhone 14 Pro. They are slim, lightweight, and provide good protection against dust, smudges, and scratches.

    i-Blason Ares

    Built-in screen protector

    This clear case from i-Blason features dual-layer design and comes with a built-in screen protector, offering full-body protection.

    Promoted

    Mkeke

    Non Yellowing

    The Mkeke clear case shockproof airbags for added drop protection and raised bezels to prevent camera and screen from picking up surface scratches.
    JJGoo

    Clean and clear

    Show off your iPhone 14 Pro's amazing design with this thin and clear case. Made from anti-yellowing materials, the case will maintain its clean for a long time.

Rugged cases

As the name suggests, rugged cases are made out of tough materials and provide better protection than soft silicone cases. If you have buttery fingers and drop your phone a lot, consider getting a rugged case from the list below.

    Spigen Tough Armor

    Magnet integrated case

    Spigen makes one of the best tough cases and this Tough Armor case for the iPhone 14 Pro is no exception. It has Extreme Protection Tech that dissipates impact shocks and drops more effectively. It's also compatible with MagSafe, letting you wirelessly charge your iPhone without taking the case off.
    Poetic Neo Series

    Military-grade protection

    This rugged case from Poetic offers military-grade drop protection. It's made of impact-absorbing TPE and has a durable PC back with reinforced corners. The case also has raised lips to protect the display and camera bump.
    CaseBorne

    5-layer protection

    This rugged case from CaseBorne has 5-layer construction with MIL-STD 810G certification for best in class protection. Reinforced corners and raised lips protect the screen and camera while the built-in kickstand lets you prop up the iPhone for hands-free video calls and content consumption.

MagSafe cases for the iPhone 14 Pro

These cases come with built-in magnetic rings and are compatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories.

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit

    Integrated magnets

    The Spigen Ultra Hybrid clear case has integrated magnets that perfectly aligns to the MagSafe charger. The case has a yellow-resistant coating, tactile buttons, and Air Cushion tech for shock absorption.
    TORRAS Magnetic case

    MagSafe compatible

    The TORRAS Magnetic case features a translucent back and a built-in magnetic ring for compatibility with MagSafe chargers and accessories. The case also offers military-grade drop protection and has raised lips to protect the camera and display.
    Caseology Parallax Mag Case

    Two-tone color

    This stylish case from Caseology features Hexa Cube design and integrated magnets for MagSafe compatibility. The case also offers solid protection against drops, falls, bumps, and scratches.

Thin cases

If you don’t like extra bulk, a thin case is your best bet. Thin cases aren’t good at handling drops and falls, but they will keep your phone safe from everyday scratches, fingerprints, and general wear and tear.

    Carbon Fiber TPU

    Carbon Fiber print

    This case has a cool carbon fiber design and matte texture. The raised lips for the display and camera module provide better scratch protection while the oleophobic coating keeps the fingerprints and smudges at bay.
    TORRAS

    Slim and protective

    This ultra-thin case is only 0.03-inch thick and fits the iPhone 14 Pro like a glove. It also has an anti-fingerprint coating and raised lips around the camera lens and display. You can pick it up in Yellow, Black, and Purple colors
    Feaigit

    Translucent back

    A slim case that features a translucent hard back and soft TPU bumper. It also boasts military-grade drop protection and an anti-slip design for secure grip.

Wallet cases

Wallet cases are really versatile. They let you store your ID cards, credit cards, and cash while providing full body protection.

    SUANPOT

    9 card slots

    This wallet case has eight card slots and a cash pocket. It also has RFID blocking tech to keep your credit cards safe. The case comes in a wide selection of colors, including Black, Blue, Red, Purple, and Pink
    SUANPOT Leather wallet case

    Leather wallet case

    Featuring PU leather and soft TPU, this stylish folio case can securely store your ID and credit cards. It’s available in 22 exciting colors.
    Voscu Wallet case

    3 card slots

    This detachable wallet case is made out of high-quality vegan leather and has three slots to store your cards and cash. It's compatible with MagSafe accessories and offers enhanced camera and screen protection.

Kickstand cases

Kickstand cases let you prop up your phone for hands-free entertainment. There are plenty of kickstand cases for the iPhone 14 Pro on the market, but these we think are the best options right now.

    TORRAS

    Metal kickstand

    This case from TORRAS offers miltary-grade drop protection and comes with a built-in metal kickstand, letting you prop up your iPhone 14 Pro in landscape or horizontal mode.
    ESR

    3 stand modes

    This clear case not only protects your phone from drops and scratches, but it also enables a hands-free viewing experience with its built-in freely-adjustble kickstand.
    FACBINY

    A clear case with kickstand

    This clear case comes with an attached kickstand that lets you prop up your iPhone 14 Pro at different angles for FaceTime and video watching. The case also has embedded magnets for MagSafe charging.

    Apple iPhone 14 Pro
    The iPhone 14 Pro packs powerful A16 Bionic chipset, a new camera system, and a pill-shaped notch with Dynamic Island.

These are the best iPhone 14 Pro cases on the market right now. We’ll keep updating this list as and when new options become available, so check back. We have also rounded up the best iPhone 14 cases in a separate article, in case you have the smaller phone.

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mardi 13 septembre 2022

Flickr adds a new category supporting virtual photography

While many have chosen Instagram as their home for posting photos, some still rely on the services that are a little more scaled back. Flickr is an image and video hosting service that has been around for nearly two decades. It first launched back in 2004, and while it has changed hands through numerous parent corporations, it still retains a majority of its core values when it comes to the services it offers. Today, the platform is launching something a bit unique, a dedicated category for virtual photography.

According to Flickr, virtual photography is “an emerging art form” that has to do with photos that are taken within a virtual environment. Now, this can be photos actually taken in VR or photos that were taken in a video game. Previously, Flickr offered users three different categories to choose from when uploading photos: illustration/art, photos, and screenshots. But to embrace this new form of virtual photography, Flickr is adding a new category to its platform called virtual photography. It states that while there is a “screenshots” category already on the platform, it “didn’t quite meet the needs of this creative and growing community.”

Now, users on the platform can filter content using the new category to more accurately find what they are looking for. Furthermore, the new category allows users to choose how their art can be best categorized. However, Flicker states that when they created this category, that they envisioned it for “video game photography and content shared by the Second Life community.” The new update will also allow group admins to allow the new category as an “accepted content type.” If you’re interested in the platform and want to try it, but it seems a little confusing, you can get an in-depth walkthrough by Flickr on how to set your content type.

Flickr (Free, Google Play) →


Source: Flickr

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Apple plans to introduce new ads to the App Store by this holiday season

Apple fans might be riding the high from the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra announcements. But, there is some bad news for iOS users, as it looks like Apple has solidified its plans to deliver more ads to its users through the App Store.

We first heard about this during the summer, but now it looks like we are getting more details about Apple’s plans, and it looks like it will come by the year’s end. According to CNBC,  Apple has plans to implement new ad placements by the holiday season. The source states that this message was sent to developers, encouraging them to buy ads and join an online session. The new ads will apparently focus on expanding the ad space found in the App Store. Currently, Apple only shows one ad on the App Store search page and one ad on the App Store search results.

 

Apple will most likely give developers more details when the event takes place on September 21, 2022. But it has been reported previously that Apple could look to expand ad placement to the Today tab and also under the suggested app section. Apple spoke with CNBC, stating:

Apple Search Ads provides opportunities for developers of all sizes to grow their business. Like our other advertising offerings, these new ad placements are built upon the same foundation—they will only contain content from apps’ approved App Store product pages, and will adhere to the same rigorous privacy standards.

While Apple certainly generates a lot of revenue from its hardware business, it also makes quite a bit from its services business, reporting $68 billion for 2021. It remains to be seen when and if the new ads will arrive, but Apple is sure to have a very good holiday season regardless, with the release of its newly designed iPhone 14 Pro and also its Apple Watch Ultra.


Source: Eric Seufert (Twitter), CNBC

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