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vendredi 7 octobre 2022

Google Pixel Watch hands-on: It looks so much better in person

Alongside the Google Pixel 7 series, Google also introduced its first-ever smartwatch — the Google Pixel Watch. It’s been shrouded in controversy ever since its first unveiling thanks to rumors of outdated hardware, a large bezel, and potentially poor battery life. We got to play with it at the company’s launch event in New York City, and I have to admit that I’m a bit of a believer now.

While we can’t talk about a lot of details just yet, we got to play with these devices for a little bit, and we already have some thoughts.

google pixel watch lineup


Google Pixel Watch: Pricing & Availability

The Pixel Watch is available in one size only, but buyers can choose between Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE variants. The Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model will retail for $349.99, while the LTE version will set you back $399.99.

    Google Pixel Watch
    The Pixel Watch is Google's first Wear OS smartwatch featuring a unique design and support for a host of fitness tracking features.

The Pixel Watch is available for pre-order starting today, with the open sale to commence on October 13. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch and would like to give the Pixel Watch a chance, you can pre-order it by following the link above. You can also check out other deals on the Pixel Watch.


Google Pixel Watch: Specifications

Specification Pixel Watch
Material & Size
  • 41mm
  • Stainless Steel Case
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Dimensions & Weight
  • 40.64 x 40.64 x 12.2mm
  • 32g
Display 1.2-inch AMOLED display
Processor Exynos 9110
RAM & Storage
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB storage
Battery & Charging
  • 294mAh
  • Fast wireless charging
Durability 5ATM water resistance
Sensors
  • Compass
  • Altimeter
  • Optical heart rate sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG
OS Wear OS 3.5
Colors
  • Matte black
  • Silver
  • Gold

About this hands-on: Google invited us to the Google Pixel 7 series launch event in New York. While the company provided us exclusive access alongside other media persons to devices, the company had no input into the contents of this article.


Google Pixel Watch: Design

Google Pixel Watch series

The Google Pixel Watch is pebble-shaped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 coating the top, and it’s probably the prettiest smartwatch currently available on the market. It’s visually stunning, and, maybe a controversial take, but I don’t really care about the bezel all that much. Black backgrounds throughout Wear OS 3 do a great job at hiding it, though it’s noticeable when the background isn’t black.  I will have to say this, the Pixel Watch looks so much better in person — the leaked renders and the official marketing do not do complete justice to how great it looks.

Google Pixel Watch metal band

As for any additional watch bands, there isn’t a whole lot that you can get at the moment. Google had one of the premium metal bands available (which looked really good), but I was surprised to learn that they weren’t going to be available until spring. I figured that we already had the technology for metal bands, but I guess that’s not the case when it comes to Google. For what it’s worth, these are proprietary metal bands that only Google will support, so maybe that’s related. It is indeed a bummer that we cannot tap into the already existing standard strap ecosystem with this Watch.

I also like the mature and polished approach that the Pixel Watch exudes, despite being a first-generation product. It’s aiming to be a good watch first: something small and discrete that gets the job done without attracting unnecessary attention to itself through a large body or an unconventional or rugged design. It’s something you can pair with a blazer and still maintain your look. But that does mean you lose out on some of the benefits that come along with those approaches. We’ll have to assess if the Pixel Watch maintains a happy medium.


The Google Pixel Watch is really exciting

I’m really excited about the Google Pixel Watch and, as a whole, the Google ecosystem. Fitbit integration makes this a fantastic product for a layperson, and Apple is really the only competitor in this space for people who just want to exercise casually for health rather than to compete. Other devices have a big focus on workouts or adventure, but it seems that the Pixel Watch is a lot more down-to-earth in that regard.

What’s especially interesting as well is that, unlike other devices, Google’s Pixel ecosystem is still quite open. Take the Apple Watch for example — it only really works with Apple devices, and if you switch to Android, you’re in a bad spot where you can’t use your watch anymore. However, if you get a new Android phone and move away from a Pixel, you can still use your Pixel Watch as normal. I’m a big fan of this, as it feels more like an Android ecosystem product than a Google ecosystem product. Even Samsung has this weird tie-in for its Galaxy Watches, which requires a Galaxy smartphone to access the full gamut of features, essentially locking you down to that ecosystem unless you are willing to lose out on some features. With the Pixel Watch, Google is targeting all of Android rather than a subset within, and it is refreshing.

I’m especially interested to see how things shape up with Google as it introduces more devices. We have a pretty great pair of earphones in the Pixel Buds Pro, we have a decent watch by the looks of things, we have an upcoming tablet, and we have the company’s phones, too. It’s pretty interesting and puts up a decent fight against even the likes of Samsung. Are these products as good as Samsung’s? The jury is still out, but even if they’re not as good in this generation, that doesn’t mean they won’t be in the future.

The post Google Pixel Watch hands-on: It looks so much better in person appeared first on XDA.



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Google Pixel 7 series hands-on: Doubling down on a winning formula

The Google Pixel 7 series is here, and like last year, there are two devices — a Google Pixel 7, and a Google Pixel 7 Pro. I recently had hands-on time with both devices at the company’s launch event in New York City. While I can’t talk about a lot of details just yet, I’m able to talk about the brief time I spent with these smartphones at the launch event itself. These two smartphones debut the company’s new Google Tensor G2, which has a few key differences over last year’s Tensor chipset.

Google Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro: Pricing & Availability

You can pre-order the all-new Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro starting today by following the links below. The devices are available for a starting price of $599 and $899, respectively. Those who pre-order the Pixel 7 Pro from the Best Buy link below will receive a $200 Best Buy e-Gift Card and up to $400 with an eligible trade-in. On the other hand, Pixel 7 buyers will receive a $100 Best Buy e-Gift Card and up to $400 with an eligible trade-in.

    Google Pixel 7
    The Pixel 7 packs the second-gen Tensor SoC, a brighter 90Hz display, and improved cameras.
    Google Pixel 7 Pro
    The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's top-of-the-line flagship of the year, featuring the second-gen Tensor SoC, a 120Hz LTPO display, an additional telephoto sensor, and a bigger battery.

You can check out the other retailers and offers on the best Pixel 7 series deals.


Google Pixel 7 series: Specifications

Specification Google Pixel 7 Google Pixel 7 Pro
Build
  • 100% recycled aluminum frame
  • IP68
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
  • 100% recycled aluminum frame
  • IP68
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Dimensions & Weight
  • 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm
  • 197g
  • 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm
  • 212g
Display
  • 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED
  • 2400 x 1080p resolution
  • 90Hz refresh rate
  • 1400 nits peak brightness (25% higher brightness than the Pixel 6)
  • HDR support
  • 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO pOLED
  • 3120 x 1440p resolution
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • Variable refresh rate support (10-120Hz)
  • 1500 nits peak brightness (25% higher brightness than the Pixel 6 Pro)
  • HDR support
SoC
  • Google Tensor G2
    • 2x ARM Cortex-X1 @2.85Ghz
    • 2x ARM Cortex-A78 @2.35GHz
    • 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz
  • ARM Mali G710 MP07 GPU
  • Next-gen Google custom TPU
  • Google Tensor G2
    • 2x ARM Cortex-X1 @2.85Ghz
    • 2x ARM Cortex-A78 @2.35GHz
    • 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz
  • ARM Mali G710 MP07 GPU
  • Next-gen Google custom TPU
RAM & Storage
  • 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
  • 12GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 128/256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 storage
Battery & Charging
  • 4,355mAh battery
  • Wired fast charging (up to 50% in about 30 minutes with Google’s 30W USB-C brick)
  • Fast wireless charging support (Qi-certified)
  • Up to 72 hours of battery life with Extreme Battery Saver
  • 5,000mAh battery
  • Wired fast charging (up to 50% in about 30 minutes with Google’s 30W USB-C brick)
  • Fast wireless charging support (Qi-certified)
  • Up to 72 hours of battery life with Extreme Battery Saver
Security
  • In-display fingerprint scanner
  • Face Unlock
  • Titan M2 chip
  • In-display fingerprint scanner
  • Face Unlock
  • Titan M2 chip
Rear Camera(s)
  • Primary: 50MP f/1.85, OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
  • Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2, 114-degree FoV
  • LDAF
  •  Video:
    • 4K 60FPS video capture support on all cameras
    • 10-bit HDR video capture support
  • Primary: 50MP f/1.85, OIS
  • Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2, 125.8-degree FoV, autofocus
  • Telephoto: 48MP f/3.5, 5x optical zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 30x, OIS
  • LDAF
  • Video:
    • 4K 60FPS video capture support on all cameras
    • 10-bit HDR video capture support
Front Camera(s)
  • 10.8MP f/2.2 upgraded ultra-wide selfie camera, 92.8-degree FoV, fixed focus
  • Larger sensor for better night-time photos
  • 10.8MP f/2.2 upgraded ultra-wide selfie camera, 92.8-degree FoV, fixed focus
  • Larger sensor for better night-time photos
Port(s) USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Audio Stereo speakers Stereo speakers
Connectivity
  • 5G (mmWave support on select models)
  • 4G LTE
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • NFC
  • 5G (mmWave support on select models)
  • 4G LTE
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • NFC
Software
  • Android 13
  • Minimum 5 years of security updates
  • Android 13
  • Minimum 5 years of security updates
Other Features
  • Google One VPN
  • Software features:
    • Photo Unblur
    • Faster Night Sight
    • Real Tone improvements
    • Cinematic Blur
    • Audio message transcription
    • Clear calling
  • Google One VPN
  • Software features:
    • Photo Unblur
    • Faster Night Sight
    • Real Tone improvements
    • Cinematic Blur
    • Audio message transcription
    • Clear calling

About this hands-on: Google invited us to the Google Pixel 7 series launch event in New York. While the company provided us exclusive access alongside other media persons to devices, the company had no input into the contents of this article.


Google Pixel 7 series: Design

Google Pixel 7 camera visor

From the outside of both smartphones, there are a few differences to distinguish them from last year’s Pixel 6 series. For a start, the camera visor sheds most of its glass in favor of a metal shield. The result of this is that we get a more uniform and seamless look, compared to the busier and conjoined look from last year. The metallic bar has a matte finish on the regular Pixel 7, but a glossy finish on the Pixel 7 Pro — just some extra differentiation in case you couldn’t tell them apart from the number of rear cameras. The camera visor also blends slightly more into the side rails of the phone. The Pixel 6 series last year was quite polarizing in its design, and I imagine that if you hated that design, you’re not going to be a fan of this one either, despite the refinements.

That hardware in the camera rail isn’t much of an improvement over last year’s model, though the 4x telephoto has been upgraded to a 5x telephoto. There are some interesting computations going on in the background when switching between the different levels of zoom, but we’ll be sure to explore that a lot more in our full review.

Google Pixel 7 display

The front of both phones is rather unchanged from last year, though the Pixel 7 actually comes in a tad smaller than the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 Pro has a curved 120Hz QHD display, whereas the Pixel 7 has a flat display that’s full HD and comes in at 90Hz. They both pack a single front-facing camera in the top center. You can tell the phones apart from each other with the curved screen as a reference.

I’m glad that Google is making some fun color phones, and in general, I’d love to see more interesting colors from other manufacturers. I like that Google has basic black-and-white devices for people who don’t want something fun, but the Hazel-colored Pixel 7 looks really good. It makes sense as well that the non-Pro is a more playful device, and the Pro has a more premium design. If you want to know what else is different between the two phones, check out the Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro.


Google Pixel 7 series: Cameras

Google Pixel 7 Pro

I got to play around with the cameras for a bit, and while I don’t have any photo samples to show you, I was impressed with what I saw. For starters, 15x zoom was usable, and that’s likely thanks to the machine learning algorithms that Google has employed. I also found that the elements in the photo that are lacking still look far better than any other phone that reaches too far into zooming in. You’d still wouldn’t want to zoom that far in if you can avoid it, but just in case you need to, it’s there and it works okay.

As for 2x zoom… well, it’s still pretty useless. I don’t understand why companies created 3x zoom lenses (a far more versatile lens) and then the vast majority switched back to 2x zoom — either through cropping or through telephoto lenses. Google is only cropping here so it’s less egregious, but I’d much prefer a 3x zoom lens over a 2x zoom lens in general.


Google Pixel 7 series: First impressions

Google Pixel 7 Pro is Hazel color and Google Pixel 7 in Lemongrass color

Google Pixel 7 Pro is Hazel color and Google Pixel 7 in Lemongrass color

Overall, I’m pretty impressed by both of these devices. If they can double down on improving things from the Google Pixel 6 series (especially with Tensor and all of its flaws), then it’s already in a pretty good position. The cameras look like they will be impressive, and Google’s software smarts never fail to deliver. We’ll be sure to bring you a full review as soon as we can and be sure to let us know in the comments if there’s anything, in particular, you’d like us to cover in our review. If you’ve pre-ordered your device, don’t forget to check out the best Pixel 7 cases and best Pixel 7 Pro cases.

The post Google Pixel 7 series hands-on: Doubling down on a winning formula appeared first on XDA.



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These are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases to buy in 2022

There is no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the most stylish Android phone on the market right now. While the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is all about multitasking, content consumption, and utility, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is about fun and fashion statement. The latest clamshell phone isn’t a huge departure from its predecessor as far as design is concerned. If presented side by side, you’d be hard-pressed to tell apart the Galaxy Z Flip 3 from the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But there are several key upgrades that make the Galaxy Z Flip 4 Samsung’s most refined clamshell phone yet. The new model is lighter than its predecessor and has a flatter frame, making the phone more comfortable to hold. Additionally, Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 4 uses Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and an Armor Aluminum Frame for better durability. Although the new model is more robust, it’s still advisable to cover it with a protective case. The last thing you want is to scratch or damage your $999 foldable.

Thankfully, plenty of protective cases are available for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. To help you pick one, we have rounded up the best Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases below. From official options to more stylish third-party offerings, our collection features a wide range of options covering different needs and budgets.

Navigate this article 

Top Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases

There are many cases available for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 but we have chosen these as our top picks.

    Clean and clear

    The Spigen Air Skin case is a slim clear case that keeps your Galaxy Z Flip 4 scratch-free without adding extra bulk. The case is wireless charging compatible and won't turn yellow over time, unlike other clear cases.
    SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro

    Dual-layer protection

    SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro series is rated for 20-foot drop protection and features dual-layer TPU and PC materials for improved durability. The case is compatible with wireless chargers and features elevated bezels to protect the camera lens and screen.

    Promoted

    Galaxy Z Flip Flap Leather Cover

    Touch of leather

    This is the most expensive case that Samsung sells for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. It's made out of real calf leather material and feels soft to the touch. The case also features a luxurious leather flap on the back that provides an extra layer of protection to the hinge. You can pick up this leather case in Peach, Serene Purple, and Black hues.

If you want just basic protection without sacrificing looks, the Spigen Air Skin is the perfect option. Meanwhile, the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro is a solid rugged case for those who want the best-in-class protection. And Samsung’s Flap Leather case is for those who desire something luxurious.

Thin and clear cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4

Clear cases are for those of you who want to show off the back of your smartphone while also adding some protection. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is offered in a Bespoke Edition that lets you customize the upper and lower back panels. So if you want to show it off, get a clear case. This way, you can also retain the original look of the device.

    Spigen Air Skin

    Slim and protective

    Spigen’s Air Skin case protects your clamshell from everyday scratches and fingerprints without adding extra bulk. You can choose from four colors: Cornflower Blue, Crystal Clear, Glitter Crystal, and Rose Purple.
    Spigen Thin Ring

    Ring grip

    Another great case from Spigen that’s thin and clear but doesn’t compromise on protection. Additionally, the case has a ring grip on the back that prevents the phone from slipping out of your hand. It's compatible with wireless chargers.
    Restone case

    Non-yellowing

    This translucent case from Restone is made out of hard PC back and soft TPU and offers good drop protection. Unlike other transparent cases, this one won't turn yellow in a few months. The case has reinforced cushion corners to prevent the camera lens and the display from making contact with the surface

Galaxy Z Flip 4 rugged cases

If you drop your phone often and are constantly worried about shattering the display or denting the edges, you need to get a rugged case. Rugged cases are intentionally thick and offer a great deal of protection for your smartphone. They can get bulky, but that’s the trade-off you make for better peace of mind. Often, these cases will have a dual-layer design for the case. Choose the one that best fits your needs.

    Spigen Tough Armor

    Foam technology

    This tough case from Spigen features foam technology for extra shock resistance. It's crafted with durable materials and offers military-grade drop protection. Unlike the two-piece design cases, this one also protects the hinge.
    i-Blason Armorbox

    Belt-clip holster

    iBlason's Armorbox case offers military-grade protection against drops, bumps, and scratches with its rigid polycarbonate outer shell and shock-absorbing TPU inner shell. Bezels are elevated so that the camera lens and screen will not pick up surface scratches. The case is wireless charge compatible and comes with a convenient belt-clip holster.

    Promoted

    Otterbox Symmetry Flex

    Built-in hinge protection

    Otterbox’s Symmetry Series Flex is an excellent rugged case that not only looks stylish but also protects your foldable against drops and scrapes. It has raised edges around the camera and display, and it also protects the hinge when folded. It's available in Black, Blue, and Purple colorways.

Kickstand cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes with a unique design that doesn’t particularly require a kickstand per see. With the hinge, you can use the Flip 4 in Flex Mode and do most things that would have otherwise needed a kickstand case. But just in case you want to place the phone completely open, a kickstand case still retains some utility. Some of these kickstands also double up as rings for holding the phone, so maybe that could be what you are after.

    DagaRoo

    Car mount support

    This is one of the more interesting cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. It comes with an integrated ring that can be used to prop up the device for hands-free use. In addition, the case also supports magnetic car mounts. The two-way design means there's no protection for the hinge. You can pick it up in Purple, Pink, Navy, and Black.
    Caka

    Built-in kickstand

    This is one of the few cases that comes with a proper kickstand. The magnetic kickstand can be used to prop up the device for content consumption. The case also protects the hinge and has raised lips around the camera and display.
    VRS Design

    Multiple viewing angles

    This sturdy case offers solid drop protection and comes with a built-in kickstand, allowing you to easily mount your Galaxy Z Flip 4 vertically or horizontally.

Wallet cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4

The concept of wallet cases is that you can keep a few credit cards and cash along with your phone. A lot of us do financial payments through our phones, and if not, we do it through a card. So carrying a dedicated wallet can be avoided if you just get a wallet case.

    Linyune

    Zipper wallet

    This wallet case from Linyune is slim and lightweight and offers 3 card holders. It also has a zipper wallet to store cash. It's made out of high-grade PU leather.
     Ephoou

    Card holder

    Made out of premium PU leather, this wallet case can store your credit cards, ID cards, and cash, allowing you to leave your wallet at home. It comes in Black, Brown and Pink colorways.
    CCSamll

    Wireless charging compatible

    This wallet case has three credit card slots and one photo holder. It offers good in-hand feel and is compatible with wireless charging, unlike other wallet cases.

Stylish cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4

Sometimes, you need cases that not only offer some level of protection to your device but also added a layer of personality to it. These stylish cases help make your device stand out from the drab crowd of black and gray, with eye-catching prints and textures.

    Caseology Nano Pop Silicon Case

    Robust protection, slim fit

    Caseology’s silicone case features a two-piece design with hard PC back and soft TPU. The dual-tone color finish looks stylish, while the raised edges protect the camera bump. You can pick up this case in Light Violet, Burgundy Bean, and Blueberry Navy colors.
    i-Blason Cosmo series

    Marble pattern

    This stylish case from i-Blason's Cosmo series features stylish marble pattern and uses impact-resistant TPU for stellar protection against drops and scrapes, and falls.

    Promoted

    Caseology Parallax

    3D pattern

    Stylish and protective, this Caseology case feels great in hand thanks to its ergonomic design. Raised lips protect the camera and screen while the textured sides provide a better grip. The case is available in two understated colors: Matte Black and Midnight Blue.

A protective case will go a long way in keeping your brand new Galaxy Z Flip 4 safe from potential damage and everyday scratches. Most of the cases in our collection feature a two-way design, which means they will protect the back panel and sides but not the hinge. This isn’t a huge deal but if you want extra peace of mind, consider going with the Spigen Tough Armor or Otterbox Symmetry Flex, as both these cases offer hinge protection. If money is no object, Samsung’s official Flap Leather cover is the best option. It provides a great in-hand feel and also protects the hinge.

     Sweet Galaxy Z Flip 4 deal for XDA readers
    For a limited time, Samsung is offering free memory upgrade and a free case on pre-booking of the Galaxy Z Flip 4. In addition, XDA readers also get a $100 Samsung Credit and up to $900 enhanced trade-in credit on eligible devices. Click on the link below to activate the offer.

Official Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases from Samsung

Unlike a bunch of other OEMs, Samsung does not include any cases in the box. What it does offer is a selection of high-quality first-party case options. These cases are from Samsung themselves, so you can rest assured regarding their compatibility with your phone, although many consider them to be a bit pricey.

    Galaxy Z Flip 4 Clear Slim Cover

    Keep it clear

    This official clear cover from Samsung is soft and durable and lets you show off the beautiful design of your Galaxy Z Flip 4 while protecting it from drops, bumps and scratches.
    Galaxy Z Flip 4 Silicone Cover with strap

    Reassuring grip

    This silicone cover comes with an attached strap that lets you wrap your fingers around it for extra security. The case has a matte finish and soft surface and comes in two White and Black colors.
    Galaxy Z Flip Silicone Cover with Ring

    Ring grip

    This ring cover is a great alternative to the silicone cover with strap. In addition to providing a secure place to grip your phone, the ring grip adds some style and personality. The case comes in five beautiful colors, including Bora Purple, Arctic Blue, Khaki, Navy, and Pink.
    Galaxy Z Flip 4 clear cover with Ring

    Clear case with ring

    What do you get If you combine the official clear case and ring case? The Clear Cover with Ring. The ring grip on the back lets you securely hold the phone while the transparent cover lets you show off the color of your Galaxy Z Fliip 4.

Be sure to check out the best Galaxy Z Flip 4 deals if you haven’t pre-ordered the device yet. We have also rounded up the best Galaxy Z Flip 4 chargers in a separate article.

The post These are the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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Signal’s new Stories feature is now available on the beta channel

Privacy-focused messaging app Signal is receiving a new update on the beta channel, which brings the Stories feature that we spotted in an APK teardown earlier this year. As expected, the feature lets you share images, videos, and texts with your friends that automatically disappear after 24 hours.

Although we got our first look at Signal’s Stories feature shortly after we published our findings, the company has now officially announced its rollout in a post on its community forums. As per the post, the feature is rolling out with Signal version 5.52 beta for Android and version 5.57 beta for iOS. The feature appears as a new tab in the bottom bar, and you can tap on it to view a list of Stories shared by your friends.

Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal.

To create and share your own story, you can either tap on the My Stories button at the top of the page or the camera icon in the bottom left. This opens up a viewfinder to help you quickly capture an image and share it with your friends. You also get the option to pick a photo from your phone’s gallery to share as a story.

Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal.

After you click/select an image to share, you’ll get the option to add a message to your story, add annotations to the image, crop the image, or save it to your device’s storage. You can also share videos to your Stories in a similar fashion.

Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal. Screenshots of Stories feature on Signal.

In addition to images and videos, the feature lets you share text Stories with your friends. To create a text story, simply select the Text option in the bottom bar on the new story page, tap on the screen to enter text, and tap on the circle in the bottom left corner to change the background color. You can also add links to your text Stories by selecting the button next to the background color option. Once you’re done, you can share your story by tapping on the arrow in the bottom right corner.

Since Stories on Signal is currently only available on the beta channel, you’ll have to enroll in the app’s beta program to try the feature. You can follow this link to enroll in the beta program on Google Play.

Signal Private Messenger (Free, Google Play) →


Source: Signal Community

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jeudi 6 octobre 2022

Pre-order the Pixel 7 series on Best Buy and get an e-Gift Card worth up to $200

At its Made by Google event today, Google finally launched its latest flagship smartphones — the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The new devices bring several improvements over the Pixel 6 series from last year, including the second-gen Tensor SoC, improved cameras, and brighter displays. Thanks to the new Tensor G2 SoC, the smartphones also offer a couple of cool machine-learning features that you won’t find on any other Android phone. If you’re thinking of purchasing the Pixel 7 or the Pixel 7 Pro, you’d be glad to know that Best Buy is offering e-Gift Cards worth up to $200 with pre-orders right now.

Pre-order the Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro at Best Buy

Best Buy is offering a free $200 e-Gift Card on Pixel 7 Pro pre-orders right now. Additionally, you can get up to $400 off with an eligible trade-in. Snag the deal by following the link below.

    Google Pixel 7 Pro
    The Pixel 7 Pro is Google's top-of-the-line flagship of the year, featuring the second-gen Tensor SoC, a 120Hz LTPO display, an additional telephoto sensor, and a bigger battery.

If you don’t want to shell out the big bucks on the Pro model, you can pre-order the regular Pixel 7 instead. Best Buy will give you a free $100 e-Gift Card with your purchase and up to $400 off with an eligible trade-in. Follow the link below to pre-order it right away.

    Google Pixel 7
    The Pixel 7 packs the second-gen Tensor SoC, a brighter 90Hz display, and improved cameras.

In case you missed our in-depth coverage of the Pixel 7 series. Here’s a brief overview of Google’s latest flagships. The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 1,400nits of peak brightness, Google’s Tensor G2 SoC, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. The device sports a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an upgraded 10.8MP selfie shooter for all your photography and videography needs. It also offers an in-display fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock support, the Titan M2 chip, a 4,355mAh battery, and stereo speakers.

On the other hand, the top-of-the-line Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support, the Tensor G2 SoC, 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. It features the same primary, ultra-wide, and selfie cameras as the regular variant but has an additional 50MP 5x optical zoom telephoto camera. Like the vanilla model, the Pixel 7 Pro also gets an in-display fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock support, the Titan M2 chip, and stereo speakers. However, it packs a larger 5,000mAh battery.

Which one of these devices are you going to pre-order? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Pre-order the Pixel 7 series on Best Buy and get an e-Gift Card worth up to $200 appeared first on XDA.



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