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mercredi 7 avril 2021

Google Play Music’s final update lets you hide the app on your phone

The Google Play Music app on Android is receiving one final update that brings a new option to help you hide the app from your phone’s app drawer. The update comes just weeks after Google removed the option to let users download their Play Music library using Google Takeout.

As per a recent report from 9to5Google, the last Google Play Music update (v. 8.29.9112-1.W) has already started rolling out to users via the Play Store. Although you’ll still see a “Google Play Music is no longer available” screen following the update, the app now has a new “Free up space” section at the bottom. This section will help you “delete the Google Play Music local data from your device to free up space.”

Google Play Music Free up space Hide app pop-up Delete all local data pop-up

Screenshots: 9to5Google

The new Free up space section in Google Play Music includes three options — Hide app, Delete all local data, and Open app info. The Hide app option lets you hide the app from your phone’s home screen and app drawer, the Delete all local data option removes saved data from your device, and the Open app info option brings up the “App info” page. The Hide app option is the final nail in the coffin for Google Play Music, as it not only removes the app from your app drawer but it also prevents you from opening it.

The new Google Play Music update addresses a key concern for those who have devices that came with the app pre-installed. On such devices, Google Play Music is installed as a system app, and, therefore, it can only be disabled from the “App info” page. Thanks to the update, users will now be able to easily remove the app and all local data from their phones.

The update makes no difference for devices that came with YouTube Music pre-installed. That’s because you can uninstall Google Play Music on such devices just like you would uninstall any other app downloaded from the Play Store. If you have such a device, you should see an uninstall button on the app’s Play Store listing.

Google Play Music (Free, Google Play) →

The post Google Play Music’s final update lets you hide the app on your phone appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Play Music’s final update lets you hide the app on your phone

The Google Play Music app on Android is receiving one final update that brings a new option to help you hide the app from your phone’s app drawer. The update comes just weeks after Google removed the option to let users download their Play Music library using Google Takeout.

As per a recent report from 9to5Google, the last Google Play Music update (v. 8.29.9112-1.W) has already started rolling out to users via the Play Store. Although you’ll still see a “Google Play Music is no longer available” screen following the update, the app now has a new “Free up space” section at the bottom. This section will help you “delete the Google Play Music local data from your device to free up space.”

Google Play Music Free up space Hide app pop-up Delete all local data pop-up

Screenshots: 9to5Google

The new Free up space section in Google Play Music includes three options — Hide app, Delete all local data, and Open app info. The Hide app option lets you hide the app from your phone’s home screen and app drawer, the Delete all local data option removes saved data from your device, and the Open app info option brings up the “App info” page. The Hide app option is the final nail in the coffin for Google Play Music, as it not only removes the app from your app drawer but it also prevents you from opening it.

The new Google Play Music update addresses a key concern for those who have devices that came with the app pre-installed. On such devices, Google Play Music is installed as a system app, and, therefore, it can only be disabled from the “App info” page. Thanks to the update, users will now be able to easily remove the app and all local data from their phones.

The update makes no difference for devices that came with YouTube Music pre-installed. That’s because you can uninstall Google Play Music on such devices just like you would uninstall any other app downloaded from the Play Store. If you have such a device, you should see an uninstall button on the app’s Play Store listing.

Google Play Music (Free, Google Play) →

The post Google Play Music’s final update lets you hide the app on your phone appeared first on xda-developers.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasker ($3.49, Google Play) →

AutoSheets (Free, Google Play) →

The post AutoSheets is a new Tasker plugin to automate spreadsheet editing on Google Sheets appeared first on xda-developers.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasker ($3.49, Google Play) →

AutoSheets (Free, Google Play) →

The post AutoSheets is a new Tasker plugin to automate spreadsheet editing on Google Sheets appeared first on xda-developers.



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Signal starts testing a privacy-focused payments feature

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

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

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

Signal Payments MOB

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

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

Signal Private Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

The post Signal starts testing a privacy-focused payments feature appeared first on xda-developers.



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mardi 6 avril 2021

Signal starts testing a privacy-focused payments feature

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

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

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

Signal Payments MOB

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

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

Signal Private Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

The post Signal starts testing a privacy-focused payments feature appeared first on xda-developers.



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

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

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HP Elite Dragonfly G2

HP Elite Dragonfly G2

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

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

HP Spectre x360 14

HP Spectre X360 14

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

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

HP Envy x360 15

HP Envy x360 15 2021

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

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

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

HP Omen 15

HP Omen 15 2021

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

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

HP Chromebook x360 14

HP Chromebook x360 14c

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

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

HP Envy 17

HP Envy 17 2021

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

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

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

The post Here are the best HP laptops to buy in April 2021: Spectre, Envy, Omen and more appeared first on xda-developers.



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