XDA

lundi 21 février 2022

Latest Fire TV software update reportedly blocks custom launchers

Amazon Fire TV Sticks are some of the most popular streaming dongles on the market, and there are a few to choose from on Amazon. The 4K streaming dongle, in particular, brings support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Developers have also had a great time with them, figuring out how to unlock the bootloader and install custom software that brings them closer to the stock Android TV experience. However, over the last couple of years, it became possible to switch to a custom launcher with a bit of work. Now, Amazon has begun blocking that method in a Fire TV software update.

As users have reported on Reddit and the XDA forums (via AFTVNews), a ton of Fire OS updates are rolling out for different devices that seemingly prevent users from using custom launchers.

Fire OS 7 (blocks custom launchers) software update version 7.2.7.3, build number PS7273/2622, rolling out to the 2nd-gen Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick, and the Fire TV Stick Lite.
Fire OS 6 (blocks custom launchers) software update version 6.2.8.7, build number PS6287/3768, rolling out to the Fire TV Stick 4K, 1st-gen Fire TV Cube, and the 3rd-gen Fire TV (Pendant).
Fire OS 5 (might block custom launchers) software update version 5.2.8.7 is rolling out to the 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick, 1st-gen Fire TV Stick, and the 2nd-gen Fire TV.

The method for installing a custom launcher on Amazon Fire devices is through Launcher Manager, available on the XDA forums. One of the apparent reasons Amazon has an issue with users switching the launcher is that advertisements are shown on the default home screen, likely a large source of revenue for Amazon from its Fire business. As a result, it’s likely that Amazon will continue to wage war on users changing their launchers on their devices, so long as it potentially hurts their revenue stream.

If you want to dodge the update, it’s possible to block software updates on your Fire stick via various different methods, including through DNS or through root access.

Via: AFTVNews

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Latest Fire TV software update reportedly blocks custom launchers

As users have reported on Reddit and the XDA forums (via AFTVNews), a ton of Fire OS updates are rolling out for different devices that seemingly prevent users from using custom launchers.

Fire OS 7 (blocks custom launchers) software update version 7.2.7.3, build number PS7273/2622, rolling out to the 2nd-gen Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, 3rd-gen Fire TV Stick, and the Fire TV Stick Lite.
Fire OS 6 (blocks custom launchers) software update version 6.2.8.7, build number PS6287/3768, rolling out to the Fire TV Stick 4K, 1st-gen Fire TV Cube, and the 3rd-gen Fire TV (Pendant).
Fire OS 5 (might block custom launchers) software update version 5.2.8.7 is rolling out to the 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick, 1st-gen Fire TV Stick, and the 2nd-gen Fire TV.

If you want to dodge the update, it’s possible to block software updates on your Fire stick via various different methods, including through DNS or through root access.

Via: AFTVNews

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How to set up the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung has finally revealed its latest lineup of flagship smartphones. This includes the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. These phones come in gorgeous, vivid colors that make you admire the way they look. If you’re not a fan of them, though, you could always buy cases for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus. Whether you plan to buy a Samsung Galaxy S22 model or not, you must be curious about the setting up process of these three phones. Or perhaps you are stuck somewhere and need help. Here’s how to set up the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra.

How to set up the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra

When you first turn your Galaxy S22 phone on, you have to choose the language of your device. Hit Start when you’re done.

Agree to the terms and conditions, in addition to the privacy policy. Note that you will not be able to proceed without accepting these. If you’d like Samsung to collect diagnostic data to improve their products, you can optionally enable that.

Choose which of your data and sensors Samsung can access through its apps and services. If you deny certain permissions, some Samsung apps might have limited features or not work as expected. Samsung does provide brief explanations on what the permissions will be used for, so you can decide if it is worth granting right away. Once you decide what the company can access through its apps and services, click on Agree.

Choose your home’s WiFi network from the list, and enter its password. This will allow you to complete the setup and use internet services on your smartphone.

After you join the WiFi network, give your Galaxy S22 phone a few minutes. During this process, don’t click any buttons or attempt to turn it off. Doing so may interrupt the process and you may need to restart the update check.

You will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. This allows you to use Google apps and services, such as the Play Store to download apps. Enter your Gmail address in this step, and then enter your Google’s account password on the next screen. If you have two-factor authentication (or 2-step verification) enabled, you will have to verify your identity through the method of your choice.

Agree to Google’s terms and privacy policy after you read them. Alternatively, you can skip adding a Google account to your Galaxy S22. This lets you use the phone and comes in handy if you just want to check out the phone’s hardware functionality. However, for a very large part of the userbase, signing into a Google account is recommended to experience the full set of software features on the device.

After you agree, give your phone a few seconds to contact Google servers.

Decide if you want Google Drive to backup your data. This is a good idea, as you can then restore a lot of data on any future device. Similarly, the data stored in your account from past devices will be migrated onto this device as well.

Choose which method you want to use to protect/lock your phone. Fingerprint authentication is one of the fastest and most convenient methods. You will still need to set a second layer of authentication if you use fingerprint authentication.

As mentioned, using fingerprint as your authentication method will require a secondary authentication as well, so that up as well.

Confirm the password or PIN you decide to go for by typing it twice.

Decide if you want to enable the Hey Google hot word. This allows you to control your phone and ask for information hands-free.

Choose whether Google Assistant can be accessed on the lock screen. The device warns you that someone with a voice similar to yours may be able to trigger the virtual assistant, though.

Give your phone some time to complete its restore processes.

Optionally, sign in with your Samsung account to access more features and services, such as the Galaxy Store. A Samsung account sign in is also needed to access the Samsung Members app, which is then used to run diagnostic tests on your device. A diagnostic test will tell you what features of the device are properly working, and it is a good check to perform when you take possession of a device (even moreso recommended for a second-hand purchase).

Voila! Once you’re past that step, you’re ready to go! you can either click Finish to start using your phone or tap on Explore your Galaxy to read through more tips.

Samsung Galaxy S22

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the entry flagship for 2022, bringing over top of the line performance and camera capabilities in a form that fits many pockets and budgets.

Buy from Samsung.com

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is the mid flagship for 2022, bringing over top of the line performance, display and camera capabilities in a larger housing for those that need to do more.

Buy from Samsung.com

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the top flagship for 2022, bringing over top of the line performance, display and camera capabilities alongside S Pen capabilities to deliver an ultra experience for power users.

Buy from Samsung.com

Which Samsung Galaxy S22 model did you buy, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post How to set up the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra appeared first on xda-developers.

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These Chromebooks will support Steam for Chrome OS at launch

Google has been working on bringing Steam support to Chromebooks for some time now. In late December, a merged commit on Chromium Gerrit revealed that Steam for Chrome OS was just around the corner. While that has yet to happen, we now know which Chromebooks will be the first in line to support Steam games.

As spotted by 9to5Google, in a code change posted over at Chromium Gerrit, Google has released an initial list of Chromebooks that will support Steam at launch. The list has six models, consisting mostly of ASUS and Acer Chromebooks.

Volta – Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1H)
Volet – Acer Chromebook 515
Voxel – Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-3W)
Delbin – ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500)
Drobit – ASUS Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)
Elemi – HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook
Lindar – Unknown/unreleased Chromebook from Lenovo

Moreover, Google has laid out minimum hardware requirements that Chromebooks must meet to run Steam games. Your Chromebook must have an Intel 11th Gen i5 or i7 processor and at least 7GB of RAM. That means most entry-level and affordable models will miss out.

9to5Google reports that they have also seen evidence that Google tested Steam on 10th Gen Intel Core and AMD chips. Nvidia seems to be closely associated with the Steam development, with Nvidia employees submitting multiple code changes to the Chromium Gerrit. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Nvidia has already made its intentions quite clear about taking the gaming on Chrome OS to the next level with its collaboration with MediaTek.

Google is also reportedly working with several OEMs to bring a new class of gaming Chromebooks to the market. These Chromebooks are said to be equipped with RGB keyboards and might pack Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake processors.

While still don’t know when Steam for Chrome OS is coming, there are several workarounds to run the service on your Chromebook right now. If you’re interested, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get Steam games up and running on your Chromebook.

With RGB Chromebooks reportedly on the way and official Steam support just around the corner, Google looks serious about making Chrome OS a viable option for gaming. However, it remains to be seen how all this plays out in the end.

The post These Chromebooks will support Steam for Chrome OS at launch appeared first on xda-developers.

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OnePlus launches a Ceramic White OnePlus 10 Pro “Extreme Edition” with 512GB storage

OnePlus unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 10 Pro, in China last month. During the event, OnePlus showcased the phone in two color variants — Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest. However, the company did not unveil the white variant that we spotted in a leak just a day before the launch. Today, the company has finally unveiled the OnePlus 10 Pro Extreme Edition in the Panda White colorway, featuring a ceramic white back, a black camera island, and 512GB of onboard storage.

OnePlus 10 Pro First Impressions: Premium hardware, fast performance, and some OPPO touches

In a recent post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, OnePlus officially unveiled the new white variant of the OnePlus 10 Pro. It features the same design as the other two color variants, but it has a white ceramic back panel finish and a black camera module that give it a Panda-esque look.

OnePlus 10 Pro white teaser

While OnePlus’ announcement poster calls it the OnePlus 10 Pro Extreme Edition, it isn’t all that different on the inside. It features the same hardware as the other two colorways, with storage being the only exception. While the other two variants are available with up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the white variant of the OnePlus 10 Pro comes with 512GB of storage. Since OnePlus typically doesn’t offer more than 256GB of storage on any of its devices, this is kind of a big deal.

The OnePlus 10 Pro Extreme Edition will be available for pre-order in China starting today. The device will go on sale in the region on March 1, and it will set you back CNY5,799 (~$916). That’s about $90 more than the 12GB+256GB variant, which is definitely worth the extra storage.

OnePlus 10 Pro Camera Review and Shootout: Fast and accurate clicker with a great camera app

OnePlus still hasn’t shared any details about an international launch, though. So we might still have to wait a while before we can get our hands on the white variant. At the moment, we’re not sure if OnePlus will launch the new Extreme Edition variant in international markets or not. We’ll make sure to let you know as soon as we find out.

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Samsung reveals Galaxy Tab S8 series pricing, pre-order and sales info for India

Samsung India has finally shared the pricing details for the company’s latest flagship tablet lineup, the Galaxy Tab S8 series. If you’re thinking of getting your hands on one of the new Galaxy tablets, you can pre-order them starting tomorrow or wait until the next month for the first open sale.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series: Pricing & lineup in India

Although Samsung opened pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab S8 series in several markets right after unveiling the devices, Indian buyers could only register their interest on Samsung’s website. The wait ends now, as you can pre-order the new Galaxy Tab S8 series devices in the region starting tomorrow. Samsung says that the Galaxy Tab S8 series will be available for pre-orders in India between February 22 and March 10.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Galaxy Tab S8 Plus will be available in one RAM/storage option — 8GB+128GB. Both tablets come in 5G and Wi-Fi-only variants in three colorways — Graphite, Silver, and Pink. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is available in a single 12GB+256GB configuration in the Graphite finish. It’s also available in both 5G and Wi-Fi-only options. Unlike the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung is offering all the colorways of the Galaxy Tab S8 series in the Indian market.

Pricing in India:

Galaxy Tab S8 (8GB+128GB):
- WiFi: ₹58,999
- 5G: ₹70,999
Galaxy Tab S8 Plus (8GB+128GB):
- WiFi: ₹74,999
- 5G: ₹87,999
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (12GB+256GB):
- WiFi: ₹1,08,999
- 5G: ₹1,22,999

When can I pre-order/buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series in India?

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab S8 series in India begin on February 22, while open sales should begin sometime after March 10. The new tablets will be available at offline retail stores across the region, Samsung Exclusive stores, Samsung’s online shop, and major online retailers. Customers who pre-book the tablets between February 22 and March 10 will get a free keyboard cover and a cashback of up to ₹10,000 on the Ultra model, ₹8,000 on the Plus, and ₹7,000 on the regular variant.

Samsung will also host a live pre-booking event later today at 6:00 PM IST. Those who pre-book a Galaxy Tab S8 series tablet during the live pre-booking event will get additional benefits and exclusive limited-time offers.

If you’d like to pair your new tablet with a Galaxy S22 series device, you can learn all about the lineup’s pricing and availability details for the region by checking out our previous coverage.

The post Samsung reveals Galaxy Tab S8 series pricing, pre-order and sales info for India appeared first on xda-developers.

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dimanche 20 février 2022

How to create a zip file for photos and videos on an iPhone

One of the many reasons a person would buy an iPhone is its cameras. There’s no denying that with each new release we’re noticing significant improvements to the outputted photos and videos. However, this comes at a cost — the disk space they consume. Sharper photos and videos have larger file sizes, and that can be an issue for those who are low on storage. While Apple provides a storage optimization option that offloads photos stored in iCloud, not all users are willing to pay for iCloud Plus to expand the 5GB limit. A zip compresses files so that they consume less space. It additionally makes it easier to share multiple files with one share action, making it rather priceless for when you need to send an entire collection of information. Unfortunately, though, the Photos app on iOS 15 still doesn’t support zipping. Here are the step you need to follow to create a zip file for photos and videos on an iPhone.