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Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 678 with improved performance and photography enhancements

Jason England
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If you geek out over Android like we do over here, then you’ve all probably heard of Qualcomm and its line of processors for flagship phones. For example, the Snapdragon 888 set to power high-end phones in 2021. However, Qualcomm also makes a range of processors to power phones at every level.

Today, the chipset maker announced the brand new Snapdragon 678, a follow-up to the 675 with “upgraded performance, dynamic camera features, and enhanced streaming capabilities.”

“Snapdragon 678 brings advanced mobile capabilities for daily entertainment at lightning-fast speeds over reliable connections and long-lasting battery life for consumers worldwide.”

The Snapdragon 678 offers enhancements over the 675 with the Qualcomm Kryo 460 CPU core with a clock speed of up to 2.2GHz. The graphics processor has also been improved featuring the Qualcomm Adreno 612 GPU for faster rendering of graphics.

This will allow for gamers to experience high framerates with fewer frame drops, and the 678 has been optimized for many popular game engines, including Unity, Messiah, NeoX, and Unreal Engine 4.

Along with the increased horsepower, improvements to photography and videography have also been made. The Snapdragon 678 will be able to capture photos with triple-camera setups at up to 48MP with zero shutter lag. The third-gen Qualcomm Artificial Intelligence Engine will help with low-light photography, laser autofocus, and with taking portrait mode photos with bokeh.

Lastly, the Snapdragon X12 LTE modem included on the 678 supports carrier aggregation with download speeds up to 600Mbps and uploads of up to 150Mbps. Plus, it has been “engineered to provide users fast connections, even in congested areas, so they can stream videos, download music, and enjoy accurate navigation and location in real-time.”

What this all means for you is better performance in midrange phones for 2020. Last year, we saw several popular brands use the Snapdragon 675 such as Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung. In 2021, we can expect to see Samsung’s more affordable A-series of phones adopt the 678 to offer good performance on a budget.

Pixel 5 review

Andrew Allen
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Google has long frustrated users with the Pixel phone for generations. The original Pixel showed a huge jump in camera technology but lacked truly compelling hardware. From there we’ve had the giant display notches and weird air gestures. However, with the new Pixel 5, I think Google has made the best Pixel device yet by returning to basics.

Design

Let’s be honest, the industrial structure that is the Pixel 5 isn’t earth-shattering. This year’s model is a metal body covered in a matte plastic coating. This makes for a great feeling in the hand, but it’s not winning any design awards.

The Pixel 5 is like a pickup truck. Most of them aren’t sculpted works of art like a sports car, but they get the job done. That’s the Pixel 5. It’s utilitarian and just functional.

Despite the militant casing, Google has updated many features of the Pixel 5 to make it look like the most modern version of the Pixels we’ve seen thus far. Specifically, the 1080×2340 6-inch display is now edge to edge with a symmetrical layout. Other than a hole-punch selfie camera in the top left, the front of the Pixel 5 is all screen.

This leads to a compact footprint very similar to last year’s Pixel 3a. I have recently found myself not wanting a larger screen in most instances. The Pixel 5 does a great balancing act of screen real estate and pocketability.

Around the right side, you have the traditional Pixel layout of the volume rocker and power button. At the bottom is a pair of down-firing speakers and the USB-C power port. The left is flanked by a flush SIM tray and that’s all.

It’s also worth mentioning the Pixel 5 technically has a stereo speaker system. However, if you can’t find it in the photos, it’s because the top earpiece speaker is now under the display. The sound “vibrates” the screen in place of the standard grilled cutout found on most devices. I personally don’t have an issue with it but you might find it slightly more muffled than previous Pixels.

Another hidden feature? Wireless charging is present even though the main body of the Pixel 5 is metal. How? Glad you asked.

Google has done a bit of trickery here. You may have noticed the main body reference above. That’s due to the back of the phone has a literal cutout for the Qi wireless charging coil. With the plastic coating over the entire body, you can’t see the difference.

Cameras

Flip the over and you’ll be greeted with a squared, double camera array. This houses a 12.2MP main shooter and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. The 12.2-megapixel is the same lens that Google has carried since the Pixel 2. However, the company has continuously improved its output via software.

That is still true. While other cameras in the likes of the Samsung S20 have closed the gap, and possibly exceeded it with hardware, Google’s Pixel 5 still takes some of the best photos you are going to find from any Android phone. It’s also the most consistent in my experience.

Other shooters may outperform the Pixel 5 from time to time, but I have no hesitation in quick shots with Google’s software running the show. The results are almost always better and the photo results have the same top-notch output. A Pixel shot always looks like a Pixel shot photo.

The camera bump also sees a new 16-megapixel ultra-wide. This new shooter allows you to get a pretty decent field of view other than the main shooter’s compact layout. The results aren’t quite as sharp as the 12.2-megapixel, but they still produce nice shots when you want the added capture range.

The addition of an ultra-wide 16-megapixel lens comes at the removal of the dedicated telephoto option. I personally am content with the trade-off. The post-processing of the main camera still produces great portrait shots without the need for another sensor.

Speaking of, Google has thrown in a few more tricks in the software. One is Portrait Light. This gives you the ability to change the light and shade of the portrait photo after the fact.

If the subject looks off or the light source is coming from a weird angle, you can simply just move the light. It sounds trivial, but in practice, it’s pretty impressive. Google being able to have this much leverage over a photo after the hardware has done its job is remarkable.

Another change is that Night Mode is now automatic in the default camera option. You can still choose it manually in the slide menu as well. However, having it just happen based on the lens picking up a lack of light is just a much more natural interaction than the previous iteration.

Google has also finally made video a priority. You can now shoot recordings in full 4k 60 with image stabilization on by default. The results are much improved from previous generations and help eliminate shaky hands like mine.

Battery Life

One of the few things that Google has consistently not made a priority on the Pixel line is battery life. This has officially changed with the Pixel 5. With the more efficient Snapdragon 765G, the Pixel 5 has zero issues lasting me all day and into the night.

While results will vary from user to user, I’ve been impressed by the new 4000mAh battery pack. I’m seeing around 15-18 hours of general use before having to really look for a charger. This is a far cry of my Pixel 4 XL that always struggled past 12 hours.

Real World Use

We’ve covered all the basics and specs, but what’s that translate to when actually using the new Pixel 5. To me, this makes for the best overall experience Pixel users have been offered by Google. You still get an outstanding camera and clean software. You still get the great Google Assistant options like music detection and call monitoring.

The icing on the cake is the price and newfound battery life. While this is mainly due to the choice in a more mid-range processor from Qualcomm, you won’t see it much in day to day interaction.

Is it slightly less powerful than the 800 series in other flagships? Yes. Does it show up much? No. Honestly, you will only see it with the occasional gaming and in the time it takes to post-process photos at times.

One of the best features is a return to the good ole days of 2 years ago…the fingerprint scanner is back! While many will debate me on this, the traditional capacitive fingerprint reader is a much more consistent option for biometric security. Add that to the current conditions of a health crisis of millions of folks wearing masks makes it a welcome reunion on the Pixel 5 hardware.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 5 is a hard pivot for Google’s smartphone strategy. Despite this move, it’s not a bad one. The company has ceded to the giants of Samsung and Apple. Instead, it will try to fill the “high mid-range” that OnePlus has recently left behind.

With great size, much better battery life, and the same solid performance, the Pixel 5 is the best Pixel we’ve seen yet. Better yet, at only $699 in either Just Black or Sorta Sage it’s not going to break the bank. Google has a winner and the best Pixel you can buy with the Pixel 5.

Signal messaging app adds encrypted group video calls in time for the holidays

Jason England
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This year has seen a lot of changes to the way we used to do normal everyday things. Many workplaces have gone online-only, schools have gone back and forth between remote learning, and even celebrating a birthday or the holidays have gone online. Through all of this video conferencing calls have been a key way for us to spend time together while apart.

To that end, the privacy-focused messenger Signal has just announced that it has added encrypted group video calls to its app. Like everything else with Signal the feature is 100% free and end-to-end encrypted ensuring everything you say and do is completely private.

In the blog post, it details that group calls are only supported with the new style Signal groups, the call button won’t be available in legacy groups. However, your legacy groups will be updating to the new style group chat within the coming weeks.

When you start an encrypted group video call on Signal it will split the screen into a grid giving you a view of all participants. If you’d rather put the focus on the person speaking, you can swipe up to switch the view and Signal will automatically switch showing a view of the person who is currently speaking.

The only real downside, at the moment, is that Signal only supports group calls with up to five people at a time, but the team is working on expanding that to more users.

Looks like you won’t be having any classes or big celebrations like weddings over Signal in the short term. However, if it’s just you and a few of your friends, Signal would be perfect for a completely private group chat. Given the privacy concerns which have arisen over Zoom, the 40 minute limit on group calls for free users, and the holidays swiftly approaching–this couldn’t have come at a better time.

Novostella 60W RGB Flood Lights and LED Strip Lights review (Video)

AndroidGuys
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Gone are the days of simply using white or soft white bulbs for our homes. Whether it’s rope lighting, colored bulbs, or something else, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to add character and set moods in rooms.

Novostella, a brand that specializes in lighting, has quite a selection of smart bulbs, rope lights, and flood lights. Here, we take a look at a few of its options.

Standout Features

  • Wide array of colors and effects
  • Remote control makes it easy to manage from a distance
  • Affordable pricing
  • Flood lights are incredibly bright and weather resistant
  • Easy to install

Where to Buy

You can learn more about the 40ft Strip Lights and Flood Lights at Novostella’s website where they are also available to purchase. They run about $40 and $70, respectively.

Update brings Zoom to the Nest Hub Max

Andrew Allen
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Google promised that it was working on adding Zoom calls to the Nest Hub Max earlier this year. Well, just in time for the holidays, this new feature is now coming in the form of an update. Afterward, you’ll be able to use the previously absent video chat service.

There are a couple of steps you want to make sure you have in order before Zoom is ready on your Nest Hub Max. First, you will need to opt into the Google Home preview program. This will give you access to the bleeding edge software Mountain View has in the works for the Nest Hub Max and Google Home.

This can be found by going to the Google Home app Settings. Then find Device settings and choose Preview Program. You can choose to receive email updates and then Join Program.

Next, you need to head back to Settings in the Google Home app and link your Zoom account. This will be under Services and Voice and Video calls. Under that menu, you should find Video & Voice apps. Here you can select Zoom from the available partner apps.

That’s pretty much it. After all the backend setup has taken place, you can then evoke the Zoom calling by simply saying “Hey Google, start a Zoom call.” You can also start them directly from the Calendar app if you’ve been sent a Zoom invite via email and accepted the meeting.

This new update brings the Google Nest Hub Max back to parody to Amazon’s Echo Show and Facebook’s Portal. Both received similar updates earlier this year. This is great for end-users regardless. Zoom has become a dominant force in video calls over the pandemic and seeing Google join the fray for smart displays is a welcome addition.

One final note is this is currently exclusive to just the Nest Hub Max. Google’s partnered displays from LG, Lenovo, and JBL were not mentioned in this bit of news surrounding this Zoom update.

Oppo introduces sliding phone concept and TWS earbud ecosystem

Josiah Ward
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In collaboration with nendo, Oppo has released a new design concept for a “slide-phone”. This presents an interesting alternative to foldables. About the size of a credit card when folded up, the slide phone is meant to allow users to interact with their phones in the ways they wanted.

Sliding the first fold up lets you interact with your call history, notifications and music players quickly and easily. The second fold reveals a 3.15-inch screen that might be good for taking photos with the phone’s four cameras or playing quick games. Folding out the full seven-inch phone reveals an inbuilt stylus.

Oppo "slide-phone"

In addition to this, Oppo revealed another design called “music-link” centered around a pair of TWS earbuds, including a smartwatch, speaker, portable charger and a wireless charger.Oppo "music-link" You can read more about these concepts on Oppo’s website, but keep in mind these are concepts and not likely to be realized any time soon.

FCC moves to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from comms networks

Josiah Ward
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In The United States, Huawei and ZTE are designated as national security threats by the FCC, possibly due to subverting sanctions.

The sanctions from about a year ago tried to stop Huawei and ZTE technology from entering United States communications networks, and now they are attempting to remove already present technologies, in a move so lovingly called “rip and replace” by Commissioner Ajit Pai.

The FCC has moved to publish a list of communications equipment and services that are said to be national security risks as determined by a variety of United States government agencies in addition to asking Congress to appropriate around $1.6 billion for the Secure and Trusted Communications Network Reimbursement Program, which will help offset the costs of replacing these pieces of equipment and services for small providers of communications services. Certain carriers, or eligible telecommunications carriers to remove funded equipment and replace it with equipment from trusted vendors.

Google One now includes a VPN; here’s how to use it

Andrew Allen
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Google One is a cornucopia of an app that wants to house many of Google’s services in one location. Your Google Drive subscription and many of your Family Member settings are all found in Google One.

Google recently make another addition by offering users a built-in VPN service. No separate app, or signing up with a different vendor. It’s just right there in the Google One app you already have.

What does it do?

For those that may not know, a VPN is a Virtual Private Network. This offers a software level between your device data and the internet connection you have. It’s a well-respected way to make sure you are on a secure connection at all times.

Google offering this to One subscribers makes great sense. The team at Mountain View has a long history of secure software and users should be able to trust that they can do the same with your VPN.

How to turn it on

Knowing what a VPN is only half the battle if you don’t know how to make it work. We will walk you through that in the Android app over the next few steps.

  • Download the Google One app if you haven’t already
  • Find the new colorful number 1 logo in your app draw and open
  • If you haven’t used VPN yet you should see a card on how to turn it on
  • Click Enable VPN
  • Toggle the VPN to on
  • Confirm the pop-up for the connection request

That’s pretty much it. You should now have a virtual network adding a layer of security to your internet connection. A few other things is that you should have a persistent notification in the drop-down shade showing your VPN status. You will also have another reminder when you pull the shade all the way down where your mobile network banner would be.

Love quick tiles in the drop-down shade too? Google has an option to add this to the menu as well. Hit the edit button on the tile area and add it to your shortcuts. Now, get to using all this Google One goodness!

Todoist for Google Assistant redesigned for more ease-of-use

Josiah Ward
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Todoist is one of the most popular To-do list apps, and today it’s getting even more powerful. Now, you can more easily talk to it on your Google Assistant device with two simple phrases, “Hey Google, Let me talk to Todoist” and “Hey Google, ask Todoist…”.

You can use Todoist for Google Assistant to:

  • Add tasks on the go
  • View tasks
  • Mark off Tasks
  • Find out what you have due today
  • Find out what’s left in your project
  • Find out what’s due on a day in the future
  • Add tasks with the full details

Here’s an example of the complex tasks you can add, view and complete with Todoist for Google Assistant:

  • Task: “Submit My Report” due tomorrow in your Work project with a priority of 1 and the Urgent label
  • What you say to Google Assistant: “Add a task to Submit my report tomorrow p1 hashtag work at-sign urgent”

To connect with Google Assistant, simply ask Google Assistant “Let me talk to Todoist.” and link your account. Currently, this is only available in English. You can learn more about how this works here.

ENACFIRE E90 and E60 earbuds review (Video)

AndroidGuys
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ENACFIRE, a brand we’d previously hadn’t spent any time with, provided us with two pair of its wireless earbuds. After spending a few weeks with them we’ve learned that the brand provides a quality experience at budget-friendly prices.

The ENACFIRE E90 and E60 are both sub $50 earbuds that give you features you’ll find in more expensive brands, making them quite a value proposition.

The two pair share a number of features in common, including long battery life, water resistance, and APT-X audio codec support.

Standout Features

  • E90 is IPX8 certified for use in all conditions
  • Bluetooth 5.0 for easy pairing
  • 8 hour playtime; up to 48 hours with charging case
  • APTX Audio for pure robust sound
  • E60 includes Qi charging case capability

Where to Buy

E90 available at Amazon for $49.99. E60 available at Amazon for $29.98.

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