Android Beam will be removed permanently with the release of Android 14

After making its debut a little over a decade ago, Android Beam may finally be laid to rest with the release of Android 14. It was only a matter of time before the feature would be removed, as it had already been deprecated with Android 10. While this might not be a big deal, there are underlying issues with this move, mainly having to do with Google and its relationship with Android.

For those unfamiliar, Android Beam allowed users to connect two devices to start a data transfer easily. The feature would be initiated by touching two devices that had both NFC and Android 4.0. Once the process was initialized, files could be transferred over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This process could also be used to transfer smaller items like browser pages, contact information, map information, and more. The best part of this feature was that you did not have to set up a connection in advance. As long as you had NFC and Android Beam enabled, the process would work seamlessly with supported devices.

With data transfers still in their infancy when Android Beam was introduced, this was a simple and elegant solution when wanting to share files or data with someone. But it didn’t really catch any traction and as time passed, better technologies emerged that made it easier to send files and data to other devices, making Android Beam obsolete.

So how could this relic from the past affect those in the present? For starters, removing this feature isn’t too much of an issue because there are alternatives in many forms, with Google’s Nearby Share getting the traction that Android Beam never received. But with its removal, Google has taken something away from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and “replaced” it with a closed source proprietary alternative.

Android has and most likely always will be open source. But over time, Google has slowly created an ecosystem on top of AOSP with its Google Mobile Services (GMS) and Google Play Services. Unfortunately, these have become necessities for most, and it is proprietary, with nearly all manufacturers complying with Google’s terms to have these services available on their products. So while Android is an open source project, it seems even more closed off than ever as we inch towards newer versions of Android.

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Source: Mishaal Rahman (Twitter)

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Bose will use Qualcomm’s S5 Audio SoCs on future wireless audio devices

Bose is gearing up to launch new TWS earbuds as part of its QuietComfort Earbuds range. While the company hasn’t made any official announcements, we recently got our first look at the upcoming QuietComfort Earbuds II. Shortly after we covered the leak, Bose sent out invites for a September 7 launch event. We suspect that the company could unveil the QuietComfort Earbuds II at the event, and it could pack Qualcomm’s S5 Audio SoC.

At the ongoing IFA trade show in Berlin, Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon announced that future wireless audio devices from Bose will pack the chipmaker’s S5 Audio SoCs. Although Amon didn’t specifically name the QuietComfort Earbuds II, the timing leads us to believe that the upcoming TWS earbuds could be the first to launch with the S5 Audio SoC. It makes sense for Bose to adopt the platform for its next-gen TWS earbuds, as it has an ultra-small form factor and offers extremely low-power performance with a wide range of features.

The Qualcomm S5 Audio chip features a quad-core processor with a dual-core 32-bit processor application subsystem and a dual-core 240MHz programmable DSP audio subsystem. The chip packs a Bluetooth 5.3 radio with Bluetooth LE Audio, Google Fast Pair support, wake-word and button activation for digital assistants, and Qualcomm Adaptive ANC for an enhanced noise canceling experience. In addition, the chipset features support for three microphones with Qualcomm’s clear voice capture (cVc) technology. It even supports Qualcomm’s aptX Audio, aptX Voice, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive technologies.

It’s a perfect fit for the QuietComfort Earbuds II, which will reportedly offer some of these features. However, we’ll have to wait a few days for Bose’s launch event to confirm whether it comes with the Qualcomm S5 Audio chip or not.

Are you looking forward to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II? What features do you expect to see on the TWS earbuds? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Bose will use Qualcomm’s S5 Audio SoCs on future wireless audio devices

Bose is gearing up to launch new TWS earbuds as part of its QuietComfort Earbuds range. While the company hasn’t made any official announcements, we recently got our first look at the upcoming QuietComfort Earbuds II. Shortly after we covered the leak, Bose sent out invites for a September 7 launch event. We suspect that the company could unveil the QuietComfort Earbuds II at the event, and it could pack Qualcomm’s S5 Audio SoC.

At the ongoing IFA trade show in Berlin, Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon announced that future wireless audio devices from Bose will pack the chipmaker’s S5 Audio SoCs. Although Amon didn’t specifically name the QuietComfort Earbuds II, the timing leads us to believe that the upcoming TWS earbuds could be the first to launch with the S5 Audio SoC. It makes sense for Bose to adopt the platform for its next-gen TWS earbuds, as it has an ultra-small form factor and offers extremely low-power performance with a wide range of features.

The Qualcomm S5 Audio chip features a quad-core processor with a dual-core 32-bit processor application subsystem and a dual-core 240MHz programmable DSP audio subsystem. The chip packs a Bluetooth 5.3 radio with Bluetooth LE Audio, Google Fast Pair support, wake-word and button activation for digital assistants, and Qualcomm Adaptive ANC for an enhanced noise canceling experience. In addition, the chipset features support for three microphones with Qualcomm’s clear voice capture (cVc) technology. It even supports Qualcomm’s aptX Audio, aptX Voice, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive technologies.

It’s a perfect fit for the QuietComfort Earbuds II, which will reportedly offer some of these features. However, we’ll have to wait a few days for Bose’s launch event to confirm whether it comes with the Qualcomm S5 Audio chip or not.

Are you looking forward to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II? What features do you expect to see on the TWS earbuds? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan goes live in Colombia and Ireland

Microsoft recently began testing a service tier, allowing users to share the benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with friends and family members. While the test was only made available to Xbox Insiders, Microsoft has now made the program available to those that are currently living in Colombia or Ireland.

So what are the details? The Xbox Friends and Family plan can be shared with up to four people. For now, the only criteria seems to be that the primary account holder and those that share the account must reside in the same region. This isn’t a significant restriction, and things could change as more regions become eligible for the shared plan. Users participating in the shared plan will get their own separate accounts and Xbox profiles. That means each individual in the plan can access their own stats, achievements, game saves, and more. Also, sharing an account doesn’t mean you always have to play together, with each user being able to play when they want and how they want.  This means users aren’t restricted to just playing on a console and can also connect to the service using a PC, a compatible mobile device, or through the web.

Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family members will have access to all perks associated with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account like having access to hundreds of games, guaranteed day one access to Xbox Game Studios titles, membership discounts, and free access to EA Play. Current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account holders that are interested can head to the online Microsoft Store to join the Friends & Family program. The program is currently part of a pilot and is only available to those in Colombia and Ireland. In Colombia, the monthly price will be 49,900 Colombian pesos (roughly $11.20 with conversion), and in Ireland, it will cost €21.99 (roughly $21.90 with conversion).

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Source: Xbox Ireland, Xbox Colombia 
Via: Brads Sams (Twitter)

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Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan goes live in Colombia and Ireland

Microsoft recently began testing a service tier, allowing users to share the benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with friends and family members. While the test was only made available to Xbox Insiders, Microsoft has now made the program available to those that are currently living in Colombia or Ireland.

So what are the details? The Xbox Friends and Family plan can be shared with up to four people. For now, the only criteria seems to be that the primary account holder and those that share the account must reside in the same region. This isn’t a significant restriction, and things could change as more regions become eligible for the shared plan. Users participating in the shared plan will get their own separate accounts and Xbox profiles. That means each individual in the plan can access their own stats, achievements, game saves, and more. Also, sharing an account doesn’t mean you always have to play together, with each user being able to play when they want and how they want.  This means users aren’t restricted to just playing on a console and can also connect to the service using a PC, a compatible mobile device, or through the web.

Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family members will have access to all perks associated with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account like having access to hundreds of games, guaranteed day one access to Xbox Game Studios titles, membership discounts, and free access to EA Play. Current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account holders that are interested can head to the online Microsoft Store to join the Friends & Family program. The program is currently part of a pilot and is only available to those in Colombia and Ireland. In Colombia, the monthly price will be 49,900 Colombian pesos (roughly $11.20 with conversion), and in Ireland, it will cost €21.99 (roughly $21.90 with conversion).

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Source: Xbox Ireland, Xbox Colombia 
Via: Brads Sams (Twitter)

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Lenovo’s new IdeaPad 5i Chromebook has a fast 120Hz display

Lenovo has launched a new Chromebook, two new Android tablets, and a new series of monitors at the IFA show in Berlin. The new IdeaPad 5i Chromebook is Lenovo’s first 16-inch Chromebook with a 120Hz display. Alongside it is the second generation Tab P11 Pro and Lenovo Tab P11 which are getting slight technical improvements. Capping out the announcements are five monitors, focused on the needs of both gamers as well as those looking to stay productive.

IdeaPad 5i Chromebook

The highlight of the announcements for most people will be the IdeaPad 5i Chromebook. This is a significant addition to Lenovo’s Chromebook lineup, as it’s the first that is 16-inches in size, but it doesn’t have a launch date or price in the United States. It is a decently specced machine, though.

The IdeaPad 5i Chromebook sports a 2.5K resolution borderless display, with a refresh rate of 120Hz, which will make the content on the screen look fluent and fast. This refresh rate isn’t quite common on Chromebooks, either, which makes it extra special.

Powering the device are Intel Core i3-1215U or Intel Pentium 8505 CPUs and either 4GB or 8GB of RAM. For storage, you can choose between an eMMC or an SSD. the eMMC options include 64GB or 128GB, and traditional SSDs will come in 256GB or 512GB.

There’s also an FHD webcam on board, and two user-facing speakers for added immersive feeling. Weight comes in at 4.10 pounds and the Chromebook is about 0.8 inches thick. Ports range from 2 USB-A Type-C ports, 2 USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD card slot.

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen) and Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen)

The other two addition’s in Lenovo’s IFA launch are the second generation Tab P11 Pro and Lenovo Tab P11. The Tab P11 Pro will start at $400 and will come in September 2022. The Tab P11 will start at $250 and will come in January 2023. Both of these are generational improvements with slight jumps in processing power.

The Tab P11 Pro 2nd Gen will be Lenovo’s new flagship Android tablet, replacing the first generation when launched. It keeps a lot of the same design features as the first version but gets a bump in specs. Now onboard is the MediaTek 1300T SoC which Lenovo says can offer 120% more power than the last generation. RAM and storage options will range from 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The screen is still bright and vibrant, keeping an 11.2-inch 2.5K resolution OLED panel with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The optional keyboard case is also unchanged, as is the Lenovo Precision Pen 3. Ports are just a single USB Type C, which was a complaint that wasn’t addressed from the last generation.

The Lenovo Tab P11 2nd Gen is the cheaper version of the P11 Pro. It comes with the MediaTek Helio G99 under the hood, for a 50% boost in power between generations. RAM and storage options include 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It has a slightly less vibrant IPS display, but in a lower 2K resolution but still with the 120Hz refresh rate.

Both tablets are guaranteed to get two major Android OS updates up to Android 14. Lenovo will also include a subscription to Nebo, which is a note-taking, and drawing, app. MyScript is also included, which is a calculation tool.

Lenovo Legion Y32p-30 Gaming Monitor

As for the gaming monitor, Lenovo is launching the Legion Y32p- 30. This is a 31.5-inch display that has a 144Hz refresh rate, and 0.2ms response time. Of course, it’s 4K resolution, too, and has some bonus features like a sensor that can detect the brightness to adjust the screen for the best viewing depending on the time of day. RGB lights can be found under the bezel, too. The main ports include 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB Type-C.

Note that Lenovo is including joystick navigation on this monitor. This has been a top requested feature and makes navigating the menus easier. The stand is ergonomic and can swivel, pivot, and move up and down. A cell phone holder is included at the bottom front of the stand for convenience.

The Lenovo Legion Y32p-30 Gaming Monitor is expected to start at $750. It will come in December of 2022.

New ThinkVision Monitors

Capping out Lenovo’s announcements are a series of new ThinkVision monitors. The notables on the list include the T34w-30, T32p-30, and the S25e-30.

If that confused you, don’t worry. Of the bunch, the most interesting is the ThinkVision T34w-30. This monitor is a 34-inch WQHD resolution display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 1500R curve. This is a widescreen display for multitasking, which is why the refresh rate will cap out at 60Hz. Ports include USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4.

The ThinkVision T32p-30, meanwhile, is a new Lenovo monitor catered more toward everyday users. With slim bezels, it has a 31.5-inch panel tuned at 4K resolution.

Last up is the ThinkVision S25e-30. This is a monitor for small businesses. It sports a 24.5-inch panel at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The monitor can cover 99% sRGB color gamut and has a 75Hz refresh rate. Connectivity options include VGA, HDMI 1.4, and 3.5 mm audio out.

The ThinkVision T34w-30 Monitor starts at $849.00 and is expected to become available in January 2023. The ThinkVision S25e-30 starts at $179 and will come in January 2023. Lastly, the ThinkVision S25e-30 will start at $849 and will come out in January 2023.

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Apple iPhone 14 Pro may relocate privacy indicators to the hole-and-pill cutout

Rumors have been swirling since the beginning of the year about Apple replacing its iconic notch with a hole-and-pill cutout on the iPhone 14 Pro. As we get closer to the announcement of the next iPhones, we are hearing more and more news about how Apple may utilize the new design. While filling in the cutout with black seemed like a strange idea initially, we are getting new details about how Apple may use the blacked-out area.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple will use the newly created space between the hole-and-pill to relocate the green and orange indicators that are currently on the iOS status bar. If you’re unfamiliar with these indicators, they were added in iOS 14, giving users a visual representation of when the microphone or camera was in use. If the camera was in use, a green indicator dot appeared in the status bar. The same would apply to the microphone, with an orange indicator appearing in the status bar when in use.

The problem with the current design is that both indicators cannot appear simultaneously, even if the camera and microphone are being used. If you are using an app that utilizes both, it turns orange and quickly shifts to green. The source states that with the upcoming change, iOS will be able to show both indicators at once. Additionally, Apple plans to allow users to tap on these indicators to see a list of which apps are using or have used the camera or microphone.

Furthermore, Apple may also redesign the Camera app, moving the advanced features to the top of the display. Currently, they reside in a sub-menu near the bottom near the shutter button. The change will give users more screen real estate, dedicating more of the display to the camera’s live preview. The source indicates that these new changes are being tested and that Apple plans to implement them in a future version of iOS. But, since they are in testing, there is always a possibility that they could be removed. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to find out, as Apple will hold its “Far Out” event on September 7.

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro may use the hole-and-pill cutout to relocate privacy indicators.

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Source: 9to5Mac

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