Tag: smartphones

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 now available for Pixel phones, AOSP

Android 13 is finally here, at least, if you’ve got a Pixel. Google started rolling out the official Android 13 update to eligible Pixel phones on August 15th.

Alongside Pixel phones, Google also pushed the Android 13 update to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). That means Android 13’s code is now available for everyone. While that doesn’t mean your phone will get Android 13 right away, access to AOSP can help speed things along.

Those who have followed the Android 13 developer previews and beta releases over the last several months likely won’t find many surprises in the stable version of Android 13. It’s a fairly modest upgrade over Android 12, with a focus on refinding some features — like Material You — and adding various quality of life improvements.

How to download Android 13

Image credit: Google

Before we get into what’s new, let’s talk about how to get the update. For Pixel users, it’s pretty simple: open Settings > System > System update. The update should appear there once it’s available for your device, although it could take some time to show up (Google likes to roll out these updates slowly to ease pressure on servers and catch any serious bugs that sneak through). My Pixel 6a is running the Android 13 beta and hasn’t gotten the stable update yet, so expect it could take a while.

It’s also worth noting that people with the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, or 6a won’t be able to downgrade back to Android 12. As spotted by 9to5Google, a Google warning on the developers website where it hosts factory images for its devices says Android 13 includes a “bootloader update that increments the anti-roll back version.” If you’ve got one of these devices, you may want to hold off until you’re sure you won’t need to go back to Android 12 for some reason.

Finally, although updating through the system update option on your phone is the easiest way, the impatient among us can download the factory images or over-the-air (OTA) images from Google’s developers website and install them manually. Unless you know what you’re doing, though, you’re probably better of waiting for the update to show up on your phone automatically.

Some of Android 13’s best new features

GIF credit: Google

Instead of an exhaustive list of new features (because there are a lot!), we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the best new features in Android 13:

GIF credit: Google

  • Set languages for individual apps instead of changing it system-wide (great for people who speak multiple languages).
  • Private photo picker lets you share specific images with certain apps, instead of the whole media library.
  • Immersive listening experience with headphones that support head tracking via Spatial Audio.
  • Improved connectivity with ChromeOS.
  • Better tablet UI with new taskbar and split-screen functionality.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio support.
  • Expanded Material You colour options.
  • Cinematic wallpapers.
  • Improved launcher search on Pixel phones.
  • Opt-in notifications.
  • Quick-access QR code scanner.
  • And more…

Source: Google Via: Android Central

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Mobile Syrup

Get Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G for $10/mo for 24 months at Vidéotron

Vidéotron is currently offering a solid deal on Samsung’s recently released Galaxy A53 5G for Quebec-based customers.

The device is available for a one-time payment of $588 or for 24 monthly payments of $10 each, bringing the phone cost down to $240. The smartphone is only available in the ‘Black’ colourway and with 128GB of storage.

The A53 can then be paired with Vidéotron’s plans, including its 20GB/$50 plan, $40GB/$60 plan, 50GB/$75 plan or a different plan that you can find here.

The A53 is Samsung’s new mid-range device with a 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display and a quad camera setup. It features a 5000mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging. On the front, the device features a punch-hole setup with a 32-megapixel, f/2.2 wide-angle camera.

“Overall, the A53 is a stellar mid-range option. It features a decent camera, good battery, a premium-like design and a reasonable even price tag,” said MobileSyrup staff reporter Dean Daley in his review of the mid-range device.

Click here to go to the device listing on Vidéotron’s website.

Source: Vidéotron Via: RedFlagDeals

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Mobile Syrup

Base iPhone 14 models to use different grade materials for OLED panels over Pro models

The OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone 14 may see slightly different grade materials used. Depending on the model tiers, supplier Samsung Display is reportedly utilizing varying materials.

Apple has yet to officially announce its new flagship device. However, many expect the new series to be available in four models. As is tradition, Apple is expected to launch four models, two being its base models and two Pro variations. While unconfirmed, many expect the series to include the base iPhone 14, Max, Pro, and Pro Max.

New reports claim that Samsung Display will be using the “latest and most advanced” material sets for the Pro models of iPhone 14. Reports now expect the supplier to use its prior generation materials for the OLED panels of iPhone 14 and Max, however. The reasoning behind this is to save on costs.

Samsung Display is using its M11 material set for the base 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 models. The two higher-tier Pro models are expected to use the supplier’s M12 material set.

The result of this means that there will be a slight difference in pixel quality between the base models and the high-end iPhone 14s. However, for the average user, the differences aren’t likely to be noticeable. Apple has proven to make good use of OLED panels in the past. This news shouldn’t raise any red flags as of yet.

However, this does show yet another example of how the base iPhone 14 models differ from their Pro counterparts. In June, reports came forward stating all models will support 6GB of RAM. However, only the Pro models may support the upgraded LPDDR5 type of RAM.

Another big difference to come from the iPhone 14 series is the departure of a ‘mini’ model. This year, many expect Apple to replace it with the Max model, moving away from a smaller form factor.

We’ll know for certain when Apple reveals the full lineup. Historically, the company hosts a September keynote to announce new products, including the iPhone.

Source: TheElec

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Mobile Syrup

Some iPhone 14 rear cameras are reportedly experiencing ‘quality issues’

Following up on last week’s report that some of Apple’s memory panel suppliers are experiencing component shortages, it now seems that the iPhone 14’s rear camera is suffering from “quality issues.”

According to often-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple recently changed rear camera suppliers following experiencing “coat-crack quality issues” with the iPhone 14’s rear shooter. Kuo says the tech giant made this move to avoid significant iPhone 14 production delays, but that it could still switch back to its original supplier.

With this in mind, there’s a possibility that this could result in limited iPhone 14 supplies in the smartphone’s launch window, though Kuo says this is unlikely.

Apple is rumoured to have plans to launch four new iPhone models this coming fall, including the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max. The iPhone mini line likely won’t return this year. Apple’s high-end devices are expected to feature a new A14 chip, while the lower-end devices will offer last year’s A13.

The iPhone 14 Pro smartphones are also rumoured to get a new pill-shaped camera cutout and a 48-megapixel wide camera capable of shooting 8K video.

Other notable rumoured upgrades include a larger f/1.9 aperture, better low-light performance and improved autofocus in the iPhone 14 Pro/iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple will likely officially reveal its iPhone 14 devices during an event in September.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

Apple facing supply issues with iPhone 14, though impact should remain limited

Apple’s upcoming flagship iPhone 14 series is reportedly facing supply issues as the company prepares for its release. Suppliers are experiencing shortages in regards to components. However, TF International Securities’ Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes this should have a limited impact on the mass production of the devices.

I have learned that recently some iPhone 14 panel and memory suppliers have experienced supply issues,” Kuo says in a tweet. While on the surface, this could be cause for concern given that Apple historically reveals and launches a new iPhone around September each year. However, Kuo continues to explain that other suppliers can help fill the gap.

As Kuo notes, Samsung is “almost the sole supplier for 3Q22 and can meet iPhone 14 Pro production ramp-up demand.” Kuo expects Micron & SK Hynix to begin shipping in Q4 2022 at the earliest. Micron’s certification schedule is said to have started later. Hynix, on the other hand, encountered quality issues.

As far as panel suppliers go, Kuo predicts that Samsung and BOE will fill the gap caused by LG Display. The panel supplier ran into appearance issues in regards to the base iPhone 14 and Max models. However, Kuo says LG Display “should not take much time to address the issue.”

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard the iPhone 14 is facing supply issues. In May, it was reported that some of the iPhone 14 series devices could be delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns in China. Additionally, the ongoing war in Ukraine could also pose hurdles for Apple’s supply chain.

Apple hasn’t shied away from juggling the releases of certain iPhone models. For instance, in 2018, Apple launched the iPhone XR ahead of its more premium iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Perhaps the iPhone 14’s lineup could face a similar rollout given the production conditions.

As previously noted, Apple’s likely to launch the iPhone 14 this fall. Though, we’ll have to await official confirmation from the company at its keynote later this year.

Source: @mingchikuo

Via: 9to5Mac

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Mobile Syrup

Steven Spielberg directed a three-minute-long music video using an iPhone

Famed director Steven Spielberg recently shot his first ever music video, using an iPhone. Spielberg, whose resume covers everything from Indiana Jones to E.T., now includes the music video for Marcus Mumford’s single Cannibal.

In preparation for his first, self-titled solo album, Marcus Mumford partnered with Spielberg on a music video. “On Sunday 3rd July in a high school gym in New York, Steven Spielberg directed his first music video,” Mumford wrote on Twitter. Mumford, who is best known for being the lead singer of Mumford & Sons, says the music video was shot on his iPhone.

The black and white video sees Mumford playing his new single. Spielberg shot the entirety of the three-minute-long music video in one go on the iPhone, impressively.

Posting some behind-the-scenes photos, Spielberg is shown to be shooting the video on an office chair with actress Kate Capshaw as the “almighty dolly grip.” Mumford later adds, “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the people around me to bring this music to you, and I cannot hope to express all of my gratitude,” he added. “When people get it, it blows my mind. Kate and Steven just got it, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Mumford credits Spielberg as Director with Capshaw as Producer, Art Director and Dolly Grip. Additionally, Kristie Macosko Krieger serves as producer and behind-the-scenes videographer. Plus, Carey Mulligan acts as a costumer and sound.

While Spielberg ventured outside of his bubble and into the music industry, the director is back in his comfort zone. On November 23rd, 2022, Spielberg’s next film The Fabelmans is due to release in theatres. The film stars Vancouver’s own Seth Rogen in a semiautobiographical story based loosely on Spielberg’s childhood.

Image credit: @marcusmumford

Source: IGN

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Mobile Syrup

New renders show off the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 ahead of official announcement

Samsung has yet to officially announce its new Galaxy Z Flip 4, but new unofficial CAD-based renders have emerged, showing us what the device might look like.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has been a known quantity for a few months. Unofficial specs have pointed out that the device may share many similar features to its predecessor. Based on all the information gleaned from reports, the device isn’t bound to redefine Samsung’s foldable line. Looking at the new renders, that notion continues.

The new CAD-derived renders show off the device in its Bora Purple colour variation. There don’t appear to be any stark differences between the Z Flip 4 and the Z Flip 3. However, when looking at the antenna grooves, the upcoming device features darker tones. The volume buttons also look more pronounced. Additionally, the camera array doesn’t appear to be as flush with the rear of the device.

The renders only give a glimpse of the side profile of the device. This, unfortunately, limits what we’re able to take away ahead of Samsung’s reveal.

Turning our attention to internal specs, reports expect the Z Flip 4 to feature a 6.7-inch FHD + sAMOLED display with 120Hz support. The device may support 8GB RAM with 128/256Gb storage options. Additionally, the device is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

Samsung is expected to host its Unpacked event in August, where it will likely unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4, among other devices. Confirmation of the event should arrive within the next couple of weeks.

Image credit: 91Mobiles

Source: 91Mobiles

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Mobile Syrup

Chris Evans retires his iPhone 6s, says he’ll miss the Home Button

After many, many years, actor Chris Evans is retiring his iPhone 6s. The notable actor, who portrayed Marvel’s Captain America, the WW2 soldier out of time, is saying goodbye to his seven-year-old phone.

On Instagram, Evans wrote that he and his faithful iPhone 6s “had a good run.” Evans continued to reminisce about his time spent with the phone over the years. Part of the transition process from the old iPhone 6s to the new iPhone 13 was giving up the Home Button.

As the humorous, yet slightly poetic post continues, Evans says he won’t miss the struggles of maintaining the phone’s battery life or taking “grainy pictures” on the 12-megapixel camera of the iPhone 6s. “It was a wild ride,” Evans concludes.

Evans, whose latest film was Pixar’s Lightyear, received a resounding number of supportive comments about his iPhone 6s. Celebrities and friends came to congratulate the actor for stepping into 2022 with both feet. The Hidden Figures alum Octavia Spencer wrote: “OMG! I just gave up my home button last week. Transitioning to the 13 has been easier than I thought. So…. #IFeelYouBuddy.” Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Greenberg, and Yvette Nicole Brown also all chimed in as well.

Some fans also jumped in to speak their mind. One user wrote “We about to get selfies in 4K… I’m gonna start panicking.”

Evans’ determined use of the iPhone 6s became a bit of an internet meme over the years. He’s been spotted on set and in public, championing the use of the iPhone 6s. All good things must come to an end, however.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Source: @chrisevans

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s Camera and Photos can identify plants and flowers

Today I learned that the iPhone’s stock Camera and Photos app are capable of identifying plants and flowers (via The Verge/@jjvincent).

I know that covering tech and, in particular, Apple’s products and the iPhone are a big part of my job, but you’d be shocked by how much doesn’t end up hitting my radar. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m too close to the subject matter or what, but this isn’t the first time I’ve run into something like this. A few weeks ago, it was swiping down to access Search instead of right (I know, I know…), and now, it’s ‘Visual Look Up.’

Yes, I’m well aware that Google Lens exists and Snapchat scan is a thing, but as primarily an iPhone user, I’ve always wanted a feature like this to hit Apple’s smartphone — and it appears it arrived alongside iOS 15 (I have a vague recollection of Visual Look Up being very briefly discussed during Apple’s WWDC keynote last year.

iOS 15

Here’s how Visual Look Up works:

First, launch Apple’s Photos app and find the image of a plant or flower you want to identify. Once you find one, look for the little ‘i” icon under it. Tap it and then select ‘Look Up,’ and prepare to be surprised.

It’s worth noting that as an avid gardener, I tried the feature with nearly all of my plants, and the results are somewhat mixed. For example, while my tomatoes, grass and petunias were easily identified, the weird plant my neighbour planted in front of my house comes up as ‘No Content Found.’ I ran into a few other wild flowers that weren’t able to be identified, too.

To my surprise, the feature also works on pets (I tried it with several pictures of my cat), art and a few other objects. Amusingly, Photos thinks my cat is a ‘British Shorthair’ or a “Abyssinian,’ when she’s really just a common, not very intelligent house cat.

Visual Look Up first launched in the U.S. but has since made its way to Canada, Australia, the U.K., Singapore, Indonesia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Mexico. It’s unclear when the feature first launched in Canada.

Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Here’s why Apple’s original iPhone didn’t feature copy and paste

One of the most perplexing things about the original iPhone was the fact that despite all of its forward-thinking, high-tech features, it didn’t support ‘copy and paste.’

On his Twitter account, former Apple engineer Ken Kocienda recently revealed why the OG iPhone didn’t offer the very basic functionality, and the reason is far simpler than many likely assumed.

According to Kocienda, there just wasn’t time to implement the feature.

He says that the team was already working on the iPhone’s virtual keyboard and, for the era, its very unique autocorrect system. Following the smartphone’s launch, Kocienda and his team were finally able to start working on cut and paste. This is when he came up with the idea for the now-familiar “magnifying text loupe” that lets users know precisely where their text cursor is located in order to make copy and paste feel more seamless and natural.

Kocienda goes on to say that even with the virtual magnifying glass, the iPhone’s cursor still moved between characters after the user lifted their finger from the iPhone’s display. He then created a “touch history” log designed solely for text editing to ensure that when you removed your finger from the display, the screen still detected the user’s finger just milliseconds after their last touch.

Copy and paste was first added alongside iPhone OS 3.0 back in 2009. The feature then came pre-installed on all iPhone 3GS devices. The iPhone 3GS first launched with Rogers back in 2008.

Almost amusingly, Windows Phone 7 would arrive a few years later and also mysteriously didn’t support copy and paste at launch.

Source: @Kocienda Via: 9to5Mac