Tag: Android

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Mobile Syrup

TCL patent reveals detachable smartphone camera module

The China National Intellectual Property Administration has published a TCL patent that shows off a weird smartphone with a removable camera setup.

The patent, first spotted by LetsGoDigital, shows off what looks like a normal-looking smartphone at first. However, it seems like you can remove its dual-camera housing and attach it to the side of the handset.

The image included in the patent shows off a phone with very thin edges and no front-facing selfie camera.

The patent outlines how two small connectors attach the camera module to the side of the device’s edges, allowing users to take selfies. This probably wouldn’t be great if you’re like me and like taking selfies. Being forced to move the camera constantly could get frustrating quickly, but if you’re someone who doesn’t care about your smartphone’s front-facing shooter, I can see this being a decent solution.

It’s unclear whether these cameras can also be used on their own when not connected to the smartphone. The patent was published and approved on September 28th.

In the past, TCL has shown off a ‘Fold ‘n Roll’ smartphone and a foldable that could have been the competitor to the Z Flip 3. As always, it’s important to note that this is just a patent and that this technology could never make its way into a TCL smartphone.

Source: LetsGoDigital

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Mobile Syrup

Google wants you to turn your iPhone 13 into a Google phone

Google has published a new blog post focused on turning your iPhone 13 series device into a Google-powered smartphone.

If I were Apple CEO Tim Cook right now, I’d be firing interns or breaking weird Apple Pizza trays in the cafeteria over the blatant disrespect.

The post comes from Google’s head of iOS, Luke Wroblewski, who by all accounts seems like a massive fan of Apple’s products based on his Twitter account, but somehow works for Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s house of AdSense.

Right off the top, the article explains how Google offers several iOS widgets that show off Google Photos highlights, Google Fit updates, what’s playing on YouTube Music or a quick search on Google Maps. The real slap in the face, though, is that in this screenshot, Google placed Gmail and Google News on the homepage and used a default Apple wallpaper.

Don’t even get me started on the three pinned apps in the bottom bar — seriously, don’t.

After the unholy hypocrisy that is the first 153 words of this so-called blog post, we get to a second screenshot filled with so many Google widgets that it makes the Android user inside of me more than a little perturbed given the widgets featured in Google’s mobile operating system still look they’re stuck in 2015 — at least for now.

When I started writing this story, I assumed Google had some insightful improvements for iPhone users who prefer Google apps, but nothing in the blog post is actually new.

At one point, the post even outlines to users how to create iOS Smart Stacks, and at the very end, it explains how to set Chrome as your default web browser. It also mentions that Chrome then integrates into Spotlight search, which might help you default into Google’s apps instead of Apple’s a little more.

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung reportedly looking to completely cancel S21 FE

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE might be entirelly cancelled, says South Korean publication DDaily. 

According to the report, the device’s mid-October release has been cancelled, and Samsung is “reviewing the smartphone launch itself.”

The report states that the ongoing global chipset shortage is the reason behind the often-rumoured handset’s cancellation. Further, DDaily says that Z Flip 3’s great sales is one of the reasons why Samsung is considering this decision. The Z Flip 3 is selling too well and production can’t keep up with the onslaught of orders.

While the report indicates that the S21 FE might have been cancelled, some leakers don’t think that’s actually the case.

Notable leaker Max Weinbach believes the Galaxy S21 FE will still launch at some point. With the S22 series’ rumoured February release fast approaching, we likely won’t need to wait long to learn more about the S21 FE’s true fate.

Source: DDaily Via: Android Authority 

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s how to invite Android friends to a FaceTime call on iOS 15

With the introduction of iOS 15, FaceTime calls have gained significant new features, including a ‘Microphone Mode’ with voice isolation/wide spectrum and a ‘Portrait Mode’ that blurs whatever is in your background.

However, the most notable feature is Android FaceTime support.

Similar to how Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Cisco Webex work, Apple’s FaceTime too now allows you to create a shareable link for others to join, no matter what platform they’re on.

The new feature will enable friends, family or colleagues who do not have an Apple device to join a FaceTime video/audio call via a web browser on any non-Apple device, including Windows PCs and Android phones.

It’s worth noting that non-apple users can only join a FaceTime call and can’t create one.

Here is how you can initiate a FaceTime call and invite your friend to it on iOS 15:

  • Launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone running iOS 15.
  • Tap on ‘Create Link.’
  • Give a name to the video room by tapping ‘Add Name.’ This step is optional.
  • Decide how you want to share the link (message, email, WhatsApp, Instagram) and tap that option. Proceed to send the link to all the people you want to invite.

That’s all you need to do on the iOS end. Once your invitees receive the link and open it, they’ll be redirected to the webpage with a popup asking for their name.

Upon joining, you’ll have to admit the invitees. While they’ll have all the traditional FaceTime controls, i.e., camera On/Off, mic mute, switching between the rear and front camera, they won’t be able to use Memojis, filters, stickers, etc.

Follow along the screenshots below:

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Mobile Syrup

Surface Duo 2 will get three years of OS, security updates

Microsoft will offer three years of Android and security updates for the Surface Duo 2.

A company representative confirmed the update promise to Android Authority following the unveiling of its newest Surface smartphone.

“We are committed to providing three years of OS and security updates,” the representative said.

It should come as good news to anyway planning to pick up a Surface Duo 2, although it’s disappointing Microsoft isn’t planning to offer longer support for such an expensive device. Three years is starting to become the minimum expectation as other smartphone makers like Samsung push to four years of security updates and Apple goes much further (the company’s iOS 15 upgrade supports 2015’s iPhone 6S and 6S Plus).

It’s also worth noting that Microsoft’s update promise matches the one it made about the original Surface Duo. Unfortunately, update speed is something the company will need to work on — it only just announced the Duo would get Android 11 by the end of 2021. Android 12 is expected to launch in October.

Ultimately, my concern is that this indicates software may continue to be an issue for the Duo 2. It was undoubtedly a problem for the Duo. Microsoft seems to have fixed many of the Duo’s hardware problems with the Duo 2 (at least, they have on paper), but if it can’t get software in order, the Duo 2 may be a really tough sell at $1,899.

Source: Android Authority

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Mobile Syrup

Google clarifies Assistant Driving mode is baked into Android, coming soon

The long, drawn-out saga that is Google Assistant’s Driving Mode might finally be coming to a close.

Google has outlined its in-car info strategy for the fall, and it’s finally committing to a release window for the smartphone-based driving mode.

Google says that the feature is rolling out in the coming weeks to the U.S., Canada, Ireland, India, and other countries. Once it’s available, drivers can say a phrase like “Ok Google, Let’s drive” to launch the system. If you say this phrase currently, the operating system tosses you to Google Maps, where you’ll see the app launcher from Assitant Driving Mode, but nothing else.

Once Driving mode launches, it takes over your screen and transforms into a more straightforward distraction-free interface. This includes large touch targets for buttons and restricted access to most apps. This time, the user-interface is designed to be accessed through voice first.

While I’d argue that this does look better than the phone-based version of Android Auto, it’s not exactly what Google showed off in 2019. It also matches the in-car Android Auto interface that appears when you plug your phone in, which is a nice touch.

What Google is less clear is what sort of update this feature requires. For example, will this be something that only Android 12 users can utilize, or will it roll back to an older version of the OS through an app like Android Auto did in its early days?

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

European Union could force all smartphone manufacturers to use USB-C charging

Europe could soon require all smartphone manufacturers to use USB-C charging, according to a new EU Commission ruling proposal.

The commission says the proposal aims to reduce e-waste and the “consumer inconvenience” resulting from different chargers. The commission also mentions that it wants manufacturers to stop selling chargers alongside electronic devices to minimize e-waste further.

“With today’s proposal… USB-C will become the standard port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles,” reads the report.

The report then says that it has reduced the number of mobile chargers in Europe from 30 to just three, with Apple’s proprietary Lightning port part of the smaller list. The report states that roughly 20 percent of devices sold in Europe feature the Lightning port, but that the EU wants to change this — possibly by forcing Apple to adopt USB-C.

EU executive vice president Margrethe Vestager made the following statement in the report:

“European consumers were frustrated long enough about incompatible chargers piling up in their drawers. We gave industry plenty of time to come up with their own solutions, now time is ripe for legislative action for a common charger. This is an important win for our consumers and environment and in line with our green and digital ambitions.”

As you may have already guessed, Apple has resisted the shift to USB-C in the past concerning the EU’s efforts. For example, last year, when the organization voted on the concept of a standard charger, Apple released a statement stating that adopting USB-C would “stifle innovation.”

In a statement to the BBC, Apple said, “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”

With the release of the iPhone 12, Apple stopped including a charging brick in the box of its smartphones, citing environmental concerns related to materials and shipping costs. This move also likely saved the tech giant a lot of money. The company has also shifted to USB-C charging with several of its other devices, including Macs, most iPad models and its accompanying ecosystem of accessories. Some Android devices from companies like Samsung, for example, also no longer include chargers in their boxes.

It’s unclear if this law will go through, given it’s still in the proposal stages and must first be passed by lawmakers and several governments. However, it’s possible that in a few years, Apple could be forced to adopt USB-C for the iPhones it sells in Europe.

Source: European Union, BBC Via: Engadget

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s how to connect your Nintendo Switch ‘Pokemon Unite’ account to mobile

Though Pokémon Unite is now available on Android and iOS, it’s been playable on the Nintendo Switch for a couple of months now.

If you’re like me, you’ve already played this multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) on your mobile device, but now you’re thinking about taking the experience to your smartphone.

Unlike several other games, Pokémon Unite allows you to crossplay between Android, iOS and the Nintendo Switch, and even further, you’re also able to link your accounts.

Here’s how to do it:

When you first log onto the mobile version of Pokémon Unite, the game will ask you for your language preference and then your birthday.

After that, Pokémon Unite asks you to connect your Google account, Facebook, Pokémon Trainer Club, Nintendo Account, or create a new account.

For me, I used the Nintendo Account and entered my username and password.

Following that, the game kicked me out, which I’m not sure will happen for everyone. However, when I logged back in, I had full access to my Pokémon, items and clothing.

It’s a pretty straightforward process for anyone looking to combine accounts.

The new update also includes a battle pass that features a space theme, with the top reward being a new ‘Galatic Ghost 094’ skin for Gengar.

To learn more about the update, click here.

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 series will reportedly lack Olympus-branded cameras

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 series has previously been rumoured to feature a collaboration with Olympus tied to its cameras, but now it seems like that won’t happen after all.

According to LetsGoDigital, Olympus/OM Digital Solutions GmbH, told the publication that the company isn’t planning to work with Samsung.

Further, Olympus didn’t say whether or not the partnership was on the table at one point. With that, it seems that the Galaxy S22 series won’t feature any Olympus branding of any kind.

Several smartphone manufacturers have partnered with camera companies, including Vivo with Zeiss, OnePlus with Hasselblad and Huawei with Leica.

Oddly, earlier rumours indicated otherwise regarding a potential Samsung and Olympus partnership. It’s possible Olympus wasn’t entirely honest with LetsGoDigital due to an NDA or perhaps, Samsung and Olympus previously were in talks at some point, but they fell apart.

Samsung will likely unveil its Galaxy S22 series in January of next year.

Source: LetsGoDigital

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 CAD renders surface showing familiar design

Samsung’s Tab A-series aren’t the company’s flagship devices, but they still offer a tablet form factor, pretty good specs and a reasonable price. The latest leak from the well-known Steve Hemmerstoffer and 91Mobiles is giving us our best look at Samsung’s upcoming Tab A8.

The leakers shared CAD-based renders and a few specs about the upcoming device.

The device reportedly will offer a similar design to its predecessor with a metal body and thick bezels around the screen. There’s also a single 8-megapixel rear-facing camera on the back, as well as a volume rocker and fingerprint sensor on the side.

The tablet features a 10.4-inch screen with an FHD+ resolution, four speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 3.5mm headphone jack, optional LTE connectivity.

The Galaxy Tab A8 will also ship with Android 11 and One UI 3.1 out of the box.

Source: 91mobiles