LightBlog

mercredi 11 décembre 2019

OPPO is launching the Find X2 in 2020 with the Snapdragon 865, Sony’s new Image Sensor, and a better display

OPPO is a smartphone brand that isn’t well-known in the West, but they’re one of the key players in India and China, operating under the BBK Electronics umbrella like fellow brands OnePlus, Vivo, and Realme. The brand recently expanded to Europe, and in an effort to compete with the more premium offerings from rival smartphone brands, launched the Reno series this year. The Reno series has already seen two different releases and is about to see its third release. On the other hand, OPPO’s other premium smartphone series, the Find series, hasn’t seen a new release since the middle of 2018. During a discussion with OPPO after the company’s Innovation Day, however, we learned that the Find series will be brought back next year. The OPPO Find X2 is launching in Q1 of 2020, and it’ll be OPPO’s premium flagship smartphone with the company’s latest breakthrough technologies.

OPPO’s 2018 Find X was an Android smartphone that was ahead of its time. In a year full of notches, the Find X was the first smartphone to have no notch. It was also the first phone without a proximity sensor, and the first Android smartphone to support 3D facial recognition. The Reno series carried over the no-notch design, but many of the other features first-seen on the Find X weren’t brought to the Reno smartphones. That’s because the Find series has OPPO’s best technologies, and while there may be some overlap with the Reno series, OPPO says they’re targeting two different audiences.

So what can we expect from the upcoming Find X2? First, OPPO says they collaborated with Sony on their latest image sensor technology to create a larger sensor size for better light sensitivity. Specifically, they’re using Sony’s new 2×2 On-Chip Lens Solution, which brings a new “All Pixel omni-directional PDAF” technology. This technology improves the overall focus performance by the micro lens structure and basement layout of the image sensor, makes it so that the focus performance does not depend on the object shape or pattern, and enables high-speed auto-focus using phase differences in every situation.

Source: Sony

Next, the OPPO Find X2 will be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 mobile platform. Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 865 at last week’s Snapdragon Tech Summit, and we’ve covered what’s new in the SoC in extensive detail already, so I recommend reading our announcement article on the new platform. The Snapdragon 865 can only be paired with the Snapdragon X55 modem, which supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies for 5G, but OPPO’s Head of Global Sales, Alen Wu, and 5G scientist, Henry Tang, confirmed during a media round-table discussion that the upcoming device won’t have mmWave antennas – meaning it’ll only support sub-6GHz frequencies for 5G connectivity.

Finally, OPPO confirmed they’re placing major emphasis on the display quality of the Find X2. The company states there are big gaps in the mobile display industry in terms of display resolution, refresh rate, colors, and dynamic range, so we can expect the Find X2 to excel in each of these areas.

We’ll learn more about the OPPO Find X2 when it launches in Q1 2020. We don’t have any word yet on pricing or availability, but we can expect it to be expensive given it’ll have 5G support, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, OPPO’s cutting-edge smartphone technology, and is in OPPO’s premium Find series.


Featured image credits: Amelia Holowaty Krales for The Verge

The post OPPO is launching the Find X2 in 2020 with the Snapdragon 865, Sony’s new Image Sensor, and a better display appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/346YS2I
via IFTTT

Motorola One Power’s stable Android 10 update is rolling out

Early last month, Motorola opened an Android 10 closed beta program for the Motorola One Power. At the time, anyone registered on the Motorola Feedback Network could participate in the program and try out a preview build of Android 10 on their devices. While the initial build for the device included the Android security patches for October 2019, Motorola has now started rolling out a stable Android 10 update with the December 2019 patches.

Motorola One Power Android 10 stable

According to Motorola’s official support website, the company started rolling out Android 10 for the Motorola One Power on December 10th. The OTA update is being rolled out in a staged fashion, with only a handful of users getting the update notification in the first couple of days. By January 10, 2020, the company plans to roll out the update to all Moto One Power users.

Motorola One Power users who took part in the closed beta program have also received an update with the Android security patches for December 2019. Screenshots shared by an XDA member reveals that the update (build number QPT30.61-18) packs in the December 2019 security patches along with a few stability improvements. It’s worth noting that Motorola has still not managed to get Google Pay to work in this release and has urged users to wait a few days before the app is functional. As of now, we can’t confirm if the company has managed to fix the Google Pay issue in the stable release.


Source: Motorola support

Via: XDA Forums


Thanks to XDA Junior Member amit.akm for the screenshot!

The post Motorola One Power’s stable Android 10 update is rolling out appeared first on xda-developers.



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

Motorola One Power’s stable Android 10 update is rolling out

Early last month, Motorola opened an Android 10 closed beta program for the Motorola One Power. At the time, anyone registered on the Motorola Feedback Network could participate in the program and try out a preview build of Android 10 on their devices. While the initial build for the device included the Android security patches for October 2019, Motorola has now started rolling out a stable Android 10 update with the December 2019 patches.

Motorola One Power Android 10 stable

According to Motorola’s official support website, the company started rolling out Android 10 for the Motorola One Power on December 10th. The OTA update is being rolled out in a staged fashion, with only a handful of users getting the update notification in the first couple of days. By January 10, 2020, the company plans to roll out the update to all Moto One Power users.

Motorola One Power users who took part in the closed beta program have also received an update with the Android security patches for December 2019. Screenshots shared by an XDA member reveals that the update (build number QPT30.61-18) packs in the December 2019 security patches along with a few stability improvements. It’s worth noting that Motorola has still not managed to get Google Pay to work in this release and has urged users to wait a few days before the app is functional. As of now, we can’t confirm if the company has managed to fix the Google Pay issue in the stable release.


Source: Motorola support

Via: XDA Forums


Thanks to XDA Junior Member amit.akm for the screenshot!

The post Motorola One Power’s stable Android 10 update is rolling out appeared first on xda-developers.



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

Realme 1 and U1 updated with December 2019 security patches, and more

Earlier this week, Realme rolled out updates to the Realme X2, 5, 5S and C2, bringing November security patches, dark mode quick toggle, and more to these devices. Now, the company is rolling out a new software update to last year’s budget smartphones: Realme 1 and Realme U1. The update brings the latest security patches, improvements to the stock launcher and Notification Center, and also fixes known issues reported by users.

Realme 1 XDA Forums

In terms of new features, the update adds a quick toggle for the system-wide dark mode in the Notification Center so you can quickly enable it without digging deep into the device settings. Additionally, flash on call feature has also been added which, as the name suggests, blinks the flashlight whenever you receive an incoming call to draw your attention.

You can find the full update changelog for both devices below.

Realme 1

Security

  • Android security patch: December 2019
  • Notification Center and Status Bar
  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center

Settings

  • Added flash on call feature

Launcher

  • Added click the blank area to back to the launcher on recent task interface

Known issues fixed

  • Fixed the issue of the volume bar blocked by the camera while horizontal status
  • Fixed the issue that the background of the WhatsApp dialog interface is not clear with dark mode

Realme U1

Security

  • Android security patch: December 2019

Notification Center and Status Bar

  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center

Settings

  • Added flash on call feature

Launcher

  • Added click the blank area to back to the launcher on recent task interface

Staged OTA rollouts may take some time to reach every device but you can skip the wait and download the new update right away by following the download links below for your respective device. Both updates weigh over 2GB so make sure you’ve connected to WiFi or have enough mobile data before hitting the downloading button.

 Download OTA package for Realme 1

 Download OTA for Realme U1

For those wondering whether their device will receive the ColorOS 7 and Android 10 update, Realme confirmed earlier this month that they would not update the Realme 1 and Realme U1 to the latest version. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given most budget devices in the market only receive one major Android update during their lifetime. The Realme 1 and Realme U1 were launched with Android Oreo out of the box and have already received one major update in the form of the Android Pie based ColorsOS 6 which was rolled out back in June this year.

The post Realme 1 and U1 updated with December 2019 security patches, and more appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2E8dxjo
via IFTTT

Realme 1 and U1 updated with December 2019 security patches, and more

Earlier this week, Realme rolled out updates to the Realme X2, 5, 5S and C2, bringing November security patches, dark mode quick toggle, and more to these devices. Now, the company is rolling out a new software update to last year’s budget smartphones: Realme 1 and Realme U1. The update brings the latest security patches, improvements to the stock launcher and Notification Center, and also fixes known issues reported by users.

Realme 1 XDA Forums

In terms of new features, the update adds a quick toggle for the system-wide dark mode in the Notification Center so you can quickly enable it without digging deep into the device settings. Additionally, flash on call feature has also been added which, as the name suggests, blinks the flashlight whenever you receive an incoming call to draw your attention.

You can find the full update changelog for both devices below.

Realme 1

Security

  • Android security patch: December 2019
  • Notification Center and Status Bar
  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center

Settings

  • Added flash on call feature

Launcher

  • Added click the blank area to back to the launcher on recent task interface

Known issues fixed

  • Fixed the issue of the volume bar blocked by the camera while horizontal status
  • Fixed the issue that the background of the WhatsApp dialog interface is not clear with dark mode

Realme U1

Security

  • Android security patch: December 2019

Notification Center and Status Bar

  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center

Settings

  • Added flash on call feature

Launcher

  • Added click the blank area to back to the launcher on recent task interface

Staged OTA rollouts may take some time to reach every device but you can skip the wait and download the new update right away by following the download links below for your respective device. Both updates weigh over 2GB so make sure you’ve connected to WiFi or have enough mobile data before hitting the downloading button.

 Download OTA package for Realme 1

 Download OTA for Realme U1

For those wondering whether their device will receive the ColorOS 7 and Android 10 update, Realme confirmed earlier this month that they would not update the Realme 1 and Realme U1 to the latest version. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given most budget devices in the market only receive one major Android update during their lifetime. The Realme 1 and Realme U1 were launched with Android Oreo out of the box and have already received one major update in the form of the Android Pie based ColorsOS 6 which was rolled out back in June this year.

The post Realme 1 and U1 updated with December 2019 security patches, and more appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2E8dxjo
via IFTTT

Truly Wireless Earphones Comparison – TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Apple AirPods and Airpods Pro

Phone accessories can often be indispensable, especially to power users. Whether by trying to extend battery life or listening to some tunes, you probably use some smartphone accessories regularly, if not daily. From earbuds to cables and charging bricks, these enhance our smartphone experience by accentuating their pros or diminishing their cons. We have taken a look at some of the more popular smartphone accessories in a previous article. This time, we will be focusing on comparing some popular options in the truly wireless earphones category. Read on to find out what’s the best option for your needs and budget!

RavPower provided the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53 for review purposes but had no involvement in the content of this article. The other earphones are personal purchases. All opinions expressed herein belong to the author.

TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53 Samsung Galaxy Buds Apple AirPods (gen 2) Apple AirPods Pro
Bluetooth Version 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Size
  • Case: 81.3 (W) x 38.1 (D) x 28 (H) mm
  • Earbud: 17.5 (W) x 19.2 (D) x 22.3 (H) mm
  • Case: 38.8 (W) x 70 (D) x 26.5 (H) mm
  • Earbud: 16.5 (W) x 18 (D) x 40.5 (H) mm
  • Case: 44.3 (W) x 21.3 (D) x 53.5 (H) mm
  • Earbud: 21.8 (W) x 24.0 (D) x 30.9 (H) mm
  • Case: 60.6 (W) x 21.7 (D) x 45.2 (H) mm
Weight
  • Case: 53.9g
  • Earbud: 5.6g (per bud)
  • Case: 39.6g
  • Earbud: 4g (per bud)
  • Case: 40g
  • Earbud: 5.4g (per bud)
  • Case: 45.6g
Battery 5 hours
  • 6 hours
  • 13 hours with case
  • 5 hours
  • 24 hours with case
  • 4.5 hours (with ANC)
  • 5 hours (without ANC or Transparency)
  • 24 hours with case
Waterproofing IPX7 None None IPX4
Charging Micro USB USB C, Qi Wireless Lightning, Optional Qi Wireless Lightning, Qi Wireless
Control Touch Control Touch Control Touch Control
Noise Isolation/ Cancellation Noise Isolation Noise Isolation None Noise Isolation and Active Noise Cancellation
Price $44.95 $129.99
  • $159.00 (without wireless charging)
  • $199.00 (with wireless charging)
$249.00

Out of these four wireless earphones, I think it’s best to actually split these up into two different comparisons. The Samsung Galaxy Buds vs. AirPods Pro and then the SoundLiberty 53 vs. AirPods. These comparisons are fairer if we want to contrast sound quality and noise isolation. The AirPods Pro compares well to Galaxy Buds, for instance, while SoundLiberty 53 compares well to the regular AirPods.

Truly Wireless Earphones - TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Apple AirPods, Apple AirPods Pro

The SoundLiberty 53 wireless earphones are very reliable. They feel comfortable in your ear while having a lot of bass. SoundLiberty claims to have some noise isolation, but with the earbuds in, you cannot really notice any noise isolation happening, if at all. They sound very similar to AirPods Gen 2: if you were to do a blind sound test, it would be hard to tell which is which. Both are very light and comfortable in your ear. The case on the AirPods does feel a lot more premium than the SoundLiberty 53 case, and given this is an integral part of a wireless earbud product, it’s something worth keeping in mind. The SoundLiberty 53 case is made of cheap black plastic, while the AirPods are in a more premium white glossy plastic.

Truly Wireless Earphones - Apple AirPods Truly Wireless Earphones - TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53

The charging situation is a bit worse for us USB Type-C Android fans. The AirPods use a lightning port for charging, while the SoundLiberty 53 earphones use Micro USB. AirPods have an optional wireless charging case but that costs an extra $40 upfront or $60 after the fact. The SoundLiberty 53, on the other hand, has no wireless charging option. As for the value of the two, the SoundLiberty 53 offers a bigger bang for your buck. The SoundLiberty 53 sound the same, they are more comfortable, and they are a third of the price. For $45, I’d definitely buy the SoundLiberty 53 over AirPods any day, particularly if you mainly intend to use them with non-Apple devices.

As for Galaxy Buds and AirPods Pro, both are very similar. They both have very good sound quality as well as great noise isolation. They both feature wireless charging as well, but the Galaxy Buds use USB C on their charging station while the AirPods Pro use a lightning port. Both of them also have good battery life. The difference is with Active Noise Cancellation, which is generally a hard thing to imagine, as there are very few times you truly hear nothing. Just imagine hearing absolutely nothing, not even your own breathing. That serenity is what ANC is like. The AirPods Pro have very good ANC for earbuds, but it isn’t the best ANC in the world — a lot of headphones have much better ANC — but as far as wireless earphones go, it’s great. That being said, is it worth another $120 compared to the Galaxy Buds? No. The noise isolation is very good on the Galaxy Buds anyway. It only lets in slightly more sound than AirPods Pro without ANC. There really is no reason to spend that extra $120 on Active Noise Cancellation, even though it’s nice to have.

TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53 Earbuds || Apple AirPods || Samsung Galaxy Buds || Apple AirPods Pro

The post Truly Wireless Earphones Comparison – TaoTronics SoundLiberty 53, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Apple AirPods and Airpods Pro appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/36p62AP
via IFTTT

LineageOS is dropping its own superuser implementation in favor of Magisk

LineageOS is one of the most popular custom ROMs available for Android devices, if not the most popular custom ROM out there. This custom ROM takes Android as found on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and adds its own flavor on top of it. A lot of custom ROMs tend to then adopt LineageOS as their own base, so any major change that LineageOS undertakes for itself tends to propagate throughout the custom ROM community. The developers behind LineageOS are aware of this repercussion and make informed decisions accordingly. The upcoming release of LineageOS is significantly changing how root access is handled, as the ROM is dropping support for its own addonsu binary in favor of Magisk.

The next major release for LineageOS will be called LineageOS 17, without any surprises here. The custom ROM is in the process of being re-based on top of Android 10. Despite being a custom ROM, and thus having significantly more flexibility than an OEM UX skin, LineageOS chooses to not ship with a pre-installed root binary — meaning that there is no way for apps to obtain superuser access on a fresh installation of just the ROM. In order for apps to request superuser access, the user must consciously install a superuser binary and a superuser manager. Most users have been defaulting to installing Magisk and Magisk Manager, mainly because of the workaround that Magisk offers against SafetyNet detection, as well as the easy-to-use framework for Magisk Modules.

Despite being the popular choice, LineageOS does not officially recommend Magisk as the preferred rooting solution. Some ignorant users end up installing incompatible Magisk Modules on their devices and then flood the ROM maintainers with bug reports for broken behavior — which is a definite headache for maintainers to deal with. The ROM instead relied on its own addonsu package to provide the superuser binary and a simple superuser manager.

This addonsu was offered with LineageOS 15.1 and LineageOS 16 releases, but with official LineageOS 17, this will no longer be offered. For this release, root access over ADB will be the officially supported way for users to mess with important files on their devices. If the user wants to grant apps superuser access, then they will have to install Magisk and Magisk Manager. While LineageOS still isn’t officially supporting Magisk by incorporating it into official builds, this demotion for addonsu essentially elevates Magisk to being the de facto supported solution.

But why is LineageOS dropping addonsu in the first place? That is because PrivacyGuard, a LineageOS feature that addonsu leveraged, is also being removed in LineageOS 17. PrivacyGuard offered users advanced permission management controls over what was possible on stock Android. The LineageOS team was unable to port the PrivacyGuard framework to the new Android 10 base, and instead, the team is utilizing Google’s own Permissions Hub feature in Android 10. This Permissions Hub feature is the same permission controls that we saw in our early leaked Android Q builds, but one that was absent in public releases. Google did not release the feature in Android 10, but the code for it still exists in AOSP. LineageOS has forked it and will offer it as the alternative to PrivacyGuard.

The post LineageOS is dropping its own superuser implementation in favor of Magisk appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/35dRUKx
via IFTTT