LightBlog

mercredi 2 juin 2021

Samsung has two new ARM-powered laptops, the Galaxy Book Go and Galaxy Book Go 5G

Today, Samsung announced the heavily-leaked Galaxy Book Go and the Galaxy Book Go 5G, two similar but different laptops. The former uses Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset, while the latter has a Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2.

“PCs continue to enable our digital lives, helping us connect to our friends and family, work and learn remotely, and find outlets for creativity and relaxation.” said Woncheol Chai, SVP and Head of Experience Planning Team, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy Book Go series takes advantage of Snapdragon compute platforms to provide today’s mobile-first users the seamless communication, sustained productivity, and immersive entertainment experiences they expect—all in one device. With the new addition to the Galaxy Book, Samsung offers wider options to our consumers to choose a device that best fits their needs.”

Dimensions 323.9 x 224.8 x 14.9 mm
Weight 1.38 kg
OS Windows 10 Home/Pro
Display 14-inch TFT FHD (1920 x 1080)
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform
Graphics Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Connectivity Qualcomm Snapdragon X15 LTE modem,
Wi-Fi 5, 802.11 ac 2×2,
Bluetooth v5.1
Color Silver
Memory 4GB, 8GB (LPDDR4X)
Storage 64GB, 128GB (eUFS)
Camera / Mic 720p HD / Digital Mic
Battery 42.3Wh (Typical)
Adapter 25W USB Type-C Fast Charger
Speakers Dolby Atmos
Ports USB Type-C (2), USB 2.0 (1), 3.5pi Headphone/Mic, MicroSD, nano SIM, Nano Security slot

Cellular connectivity is a key feature of these laptops, hence the word ‘Go’. However, Samsung seems to be making 4G laptops and 5G laptops across the board these days with its Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Flex2. With ARM, however, the cellular modem is built into the chipset so it can do so at a lower price point, although the base model Galaxy Book Go actually has a Wi-Fi only SoC.

Starting at $349, it comes with a 14-inch FHD display, Dolby Atmos audio, and it comes in at 14.9mm. Weighing in at just over three pounds, it’s not as thin as light as its flagship siblings in Samsung’s lineup. Still, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is much lighter than most of what you’ll see at its price point. On top of that, the 42.3WHr battery should get some solid battery life, and it has cellular connectivity. Indeed, there’s a lot of value here.

Samsung Galaxy Book Go with highlighted features and ports

As far as ports, there are two USB Type-C ports, along with one USB Type-A port. Indeed, this might actually be the first Windows on ARM device with a the legacy USB port. It’s also got a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD slot.

Samsung also touted that this is part of its whole ecosystem. This is notable, as a lot of companies that make Windows on ARM PCs have tended to leave some of their own apps and services out instead of making them work on the new chip architecture. Samsung Galaxy phones can easily connect to Microsoft’s Your Phone app with Link to Windows, and you’ll be able to mirror your screen and pin Android apps. You can also extend your screen to a Galaxy Tab S7.

The Samsung Galaxy Book Go is set to arrive this month, starting at $349. The Galaxy Book Go 5G is coming later on this year.

The post Samsung has two new ARM-powered laptops, the Galaxy Book Go and Galaxy Book Go 5G appeared first on xda-developers.



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

Chrome OS 91 adds Nearby Share for file transfer between Chromebooks and Android

In June last year, we first learned that Android’s Nearby Share feature would make its way to several other platforms, including Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. We were able to try the feature on Chrome OS soon thereafter by enabling a couple of experimental flags. Now, almost a year after we first spotted the feature, it has finally started rolling out to users with Chrome OS 91.

In a recent blog post, Google announced that it has started rolling out Chrome OS 91 to supported devices. The update brings several new features to the platform, with Nearby Share support being the most significant addition. Once you receive the update on your Chromebook, you’ll be able to use the feature to easily share files with an Android device or other supported Chromebooks. Much like the Android version, Nearby Share on Chrome OS can send files over Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, WebRTC, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to transfer files to a connected device even without an internet connection.

Notification badge support in Chrome OS

Along with Nearby Share, the latest Chrome OS update brings support for Android-style notification badges. These notification badges will appear on app icons to notify you when the app has an active notification or something new for you to view. Furthermore, the update includes a host of new wallpapers and account images for Chromebooks by artist Leo Natsume.

Offline access for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files

On top of that, Chrome OS 91 also brings offline access support for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files from the Files app. As you can see in the GIF attached above, this feature will let you easily open and edit Docs, Sheets, and Slides files even when you’re not connected to the internet. Unlike the other features mentioned above, offline file access support isn’t live at the moment. Google will roll it out to users later this month.

The post Chrome OS 91 adds Nearby Share for file transfer between Chromebooks and Android appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/34JmVY0
via IFTTT

Best external monitors for the 24-inch Apple iMac with M1: ASUS, LG, Samsung, and more!

Apple announced a refresh to its iMac range with a new model at its Spring Loaded event last month. The latest version comes in a variety of colors and is redesigned to have a very sleek-looking profile. It’s also powered by Apple’s in-house chipset, the M1 Silicon. If you’re planning to get your hands on the new 24-inch iMac, especially with a multi-monitor setup, we’ve got some notes for you.

First of all, the new iMac supports only one external monitor with up to 6K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. As explained by my colleague, if you attempt to use more than one external screen, the iMac will just start mirroring the display. The same applies if you’re trying to use an adapter or a dock. This essentially means that you’re limited to a dual-monitor setup. The iMac also comes with only two Thunderbolt ports, regardless of the model you choose (the higher variant has two more USB C ports that are just USB 3 and not Thunderbolt). This means that you’ll end up losing a Thunderbolt port if you plan on connecting a second display.

If you’re fine with just one additional display, then here are some of the best monitors for iMac 2021.

    Apple Pro Display XDR

    Most premium experience

    Want to go all-out and get the best display experience possible on the new iMac? You need to get Apple’s Pro Display XDR. It costs a fortune, but with a 6K resolution, 1600-nits of peak brightness, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid-Log Gamma (HLG) playback, it doesn’t get better than this.
    ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV

    Best for media creators

    The ASUS ProArt PA279CV is a solid display if you plan on using your new iMac for creative tasks like photo or video editing. It comes with a 27-inch 4K resolution IPS panel that offers 100% sRGB coverage, factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy and a USB-C port for seamless connectivity.
    LG 38WN95C-W

    Best ultrawide experience

    The 38-inch LG 38WN95C-W is one of the best ultra-wide monitors on the market. It features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, so it's easy to hook up and the panel itself is pretty impressive with VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, and 98% coverage of DCI-P3. It also comes with a 144Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time for a smooth experience.
    ASUS ZenScreen Portable Monitor (MB16AC)

    Compact and affordable

    The ZenScreen portable monitor from ASUS should be a great companion for the new iMac. Having a compact, portable design, it can be easily installed and moved away from your desk effortlessly. It offers a 15.6-inch IPS panel while a USB-C port ensures a single port connectivity solution.
    LG Ultragear 27GN650-B

    Best 1080p monitor with HDR

    For its price, the 27-inch LG Ultragear 27GN650-B is a winner if you're looking for the best 1080p performance. The monitor comes with an IPS panel with support for basic HDR, 144Hz refresh rate, and support for FreeSync and G-SYNC.
    Samsung Business SH850

    QHD on a budget

    Samsung’s latest Business series monitors are actually pretty good for the asking price. The SH850 has a 24-inch panel which makes it symmetrical to the display on the iMac, and while it cannot match up to the resolution, it is still one of the best QHD monitors at this budget. As a bonus, it comes with USB-C connectivity and a 3-year warranty.

The Apple Pro Display XDR is going to be the premier choice with the new iMac but it is also one of the more expensive options. If you are a content creator, you would be served decently with the ASUS ProArt Display as well. If you just need to a secondary display to throw some chat apps on, then the Samsung Business series will also get the job done.

If you are planning on adding an external monitor to your new iMac, we suggest that you use a Thunderbolt dock so you don’t lose out on a precious Thunderbolt port. We recently listed some of the best Thunderbolt docks on the market today. Additionally, if you’re interested, we also have a list of some of the best Thunderbolt 3 laptops.

The post Best external monitors for the 24-inch Apple iMac with M1: ASUS, LG, Samsung, and more! appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3uM1O1U
via IFTTT

Chrome OS 91 adds Nearby Share for file transfer between Chromebooks and Android

In June last year, we first learned that Android’s Nearby Share feature would make its way to several other platforms, including Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. We were able to try the feature on Chrome OS soon thereafter by enabling a couple of experimental flags. Now, almost a year after we first spotted the feature, it has finally started rolling out to users with Chrome OS 91.

In a recent blog post, Google announced that it has started rolling out Chrome OS 91 to supported devices. The update brings several new features to the platform, with Nearby Share support being the most significant addition. Once you receive the update on your Chromebook, you’ll be able to use the feature to easily share files with an Android device or other supported Chromebooks. Much like the Android version, Nearby Share on Chrome OS can send files over Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, WebRTC, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to transfer files to a connected device even without an internet connection.

Notification badge support in Chrome OS

Along with Nearby Share, the latest Chrome OS update brings support for Android-style notification badges. These notification badges will appear on app icons to notify you when the app has an active notification or something new for you to view. Furthermore, the update includes a host of new wallpapers and account images for Chromebooks by artist Leo Natsume.

Offline access for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files

On top of that, Chrome OS 91 also brings offline access support for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files from the Files app. As you can see in the GIF attached above, this feature will let you easily open and edit Docs, Sheets, and Slides files even when you’re not connected to the internet. Unlike the other features mentioned above, offline file access support isn’t live at the moment. Google will roll it out to users later this month.

The post Chrome OS 91 adds Nearby Share for file transfer between Chromebooks and Android appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/34JmVY0
via IFTTT

Apple may finally equip future iPads with OLED screens

Apple’s newly launched iPad Pro 2021 comes with a mini-LED display. But it looks like the smaller models in the lineup, such as the iPad Air, will come with an OLED display, a new report has revealed.

The Korean publication ETNews, citing industry sources, says that Apple has decided to switch to using OLED panels for some iPad models launching in 2022. Samsung and LG, who provide OLED panels for iPhones, are belived to be the suppliers, the report notes.

Known Apple analyst Min-Chi-Kuo was the first to reveal this change back in March. At the time, Kuo said that the upcoming iPad Pro 2021 would feature a mini-LED display while some iPad models would switch to OLED panels starting next year.

If true, this will be the first time that the Cupertino giant will use an OLED panel on an iPad. Although Apple has been using OLED panels on its iPhones since 2017, it has continued to use LCDs on the iPad lineup. The new iPad Pro 2021 uses mini LED, but the underlying technology is still based on LCD.

iPad Pro 2021 Review: Apple’s M1 is too powerful for “just” an iPad

While OLED panels have become commonplace on smartphones, it’s still a rarety in the tablet space. Except for a handful of tablets such as Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, Lenovo Pad Pro, and Galaxy Tab S6, most tablets on the market, including iPads, come with an LCD. A properly calibrated OLED can provide many benefits over an LCD, including richer colors, deeper contrasts, and lower power draw. At the same time, OLED panels are also prone to issues like screen burn-in.

Switching to OLED will likely happen in a phased manner. According to Kuo, the iPad Air will be the first to adopt an OLED panel.


Featured image: iPad Pro (2021)

The post Apple may finally equip future iPads with OLED screens appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3yZ6aGf
via IFTTT

Apple may finally equip future iPads with OLED screens

Apple’s newly launched iPad Pro 2021 comes with a mini-LED display. But it looks like the smaller models in the lineup, such as the iPad Air, will come with an OLED display, a new report has revealed.

The Korean publication ETNews, citing industry sources, says that Apple has decided to switch to using OLED panels for some iPad models launching in 2022. Samsung and LG, who provide OLED panels for iPhones, are belived to be the suppliers, the report notes.

Known Apple analyst Min-Chi-Kuo was the first to reveal this change back in March. At the time, Kuo said that the upcoming iPad Pro 2021 would feature a mini-LED display while some iPad models would switch to OLED panels starting next year.

If true, this will be the first time that the Cupertino giant will use an OLED panel on an iPad. Although Apple has been using OLED panels on its iPhones since 2017, it has continued to use LCDs on the iPad lineup. The new iPad Pro 2021 uses mini LED, but the underlying technology is still based on LCD.

iPad Pro 2021 Review: Apple’s M1 is too powerful for “just” an iPad

While OLED panels have become commonplace on smartphones, it’s still a rarety in the tablet space. Except for a handful of tablets such as Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, Lenovo Pad Pro, and Galaxy Tab S6, most tablets on the market, including iPads, come with an LCD. A properly calibrated OLED can provide many benefits over an LCD, including richer colors, deeper contrasts, and lower power draw. At the same time, OLED panels are also prone to issues like screen burn-in.

Switching to OLED will likely happen in a phased manner. According to Kuo, the iPad Air will be the first to adopt an OLED panel.


Featured image: iPad Pro (2021)

The post Apple may finally equip future iPads with OLED screens appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3yZ6aGf
via IFTTT

Dolby Vision, Atmos could come to PS5 and Switch as they aren’t Xbox exclusive

Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos could come to the Sony PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch as Microsoft has confirmed that it doesn’t have an exclusivity deal with Dolby. The confirmation came shortly after Microsoft’s Xbox France team erroneously shared a blog post claiming that the company had signed a two-year console exclusivity deal with Dolby.

For the unaware, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are the first consoles to feature Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. While the consoles came with Dolby Atmos support at launch, Dolby recently confirmed that it was rolling out Dolby Vision support to Xbox Insiders part of the Preview Alpha ring. Shortly after the announcement, Xbox Wire France shared a blog post claiming that Microsoft had signed a two-year console exclusivity deal for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Microsoft has now removed the post and issued a clarification, which states (via Engadget):

“A blog post was mistakenly published by a local Xbox team that included inaccurate information regarding exclusivity of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X|S. There is no exclusivity agreement of either tech on Xbox. We are proud to partner with Dolby to offer Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision to gamers on Xbox and will have more to share about the general availability of Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X|S soon.”

Thanks to this clarification, you can now expect Sony and Nintendo to offer Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support on the PlayStation 5 and the upcoming Switch upgrade. At the moment, the companies haven’t shared any information on the matter. But as the technologies gain more traction and developers release more games with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, Sony and Nintendo will likely update their consoles to support the new technologies. We’ll let you know as soon as we receive an official confirmation from Sony or Nintendo.

The post Dolby Vision, Atmos could come to PS5 and Switch as they aren’t Xbox exclusive appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2SMYA14
via IFTTT