gizmosure

Author: Abhinav Mishra

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro rugged tablet now available in the US

    Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro rugged tablet now available in the US

    Samsung has officially announced that its latest rugged tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro is now available in the US starting for $599.99.

    For now, the tablet is only available for purchase through Samsung’s channel partners. That said, the Korean manufacturer has confirmed that the device will also be available on Samsung.com. Besides, the company also added that an LTE version of the tablet which works with the four major carriers in the US will also be available starting November 15th for $679.99.

    The Galaxy Tab Active Pro is specifically designed for users who work outdoors or in rough working conditions. Samsung claims that the device is also shock resistant, with a MIL-STD 810G certification. In addition, the tablet, as well as the bundled S-Pen, also get IP68 certification to offer protection against dust and water. Therefore, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro could be a good choice to use on the job without having to worry about potential damage to harsh working environments.

    galaxy tab active pro

    As for specs, the tablet sports a 10.1-inch Full HD display with 550 nits of max brightness. Under the hood, it gets powered by the Snapdragon 670 octa-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage. The storage is further expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card.

    Elsewhere, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro features a fast-charging 7600mAh battery which is rated to deliver up to 15 hours of back up on a single charge. Besides, the device features a 13MP camera on the back and an 8MP front-facing camera. Other notable features include a fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C charging. Not to mention, the device supports POGO pin-based accessories such as keyboards and chargers.

    It’s also worth noting that the latest Galaxy Tab Active Pro is Samsung’s first rugged tablet to support DeX. With DeX, users can plug the tablet into a monitor to get a full-on desktop experience.

  • Facebook teams up with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses

    Facebook teams up with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses

    Facebook has reportedly joined hands with Ray-Ban to develop its augmented reality glasses. Code-named Project Orion, the project is expected to be ready for a commercial release between 2023 and 2025.

    According to the report, Facebook has been working on augmented reality glasses for the past couple of years now, however, several roadblocks related to the development of these smart glasses have left the company with no choice but to seek outside help. Hence, the social networking giant has teamed up Ray-Ban’s parent company Luxottica to complete the project.

    Notably, the report indicates these glasses are designed to replace smartphones. These smart glasses would look much like any typical sunglasses that are currently available in the market. However, they’ll be equipped with hardware that’ll allow users to take calls, show information to them on a small display, and have social networking features.

    Facebook has hundreds of employees at its Redmond office in Washington working on these augmented reality glasses. However, the company has reportedly struggled to shrink the size of these glasses to make them more practical and appealing to users. Facebook’s Project Orion smart glasses are expected to be ready for consumers before 2023. However, one can’t say whether the project is practical enough to be ready for a commercial release. With that being said, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly asked the company’s augmented and virtual reality divisions to focus more on Project Orion.

    Elsewhere, Facebook is also working on a voice assistant to rival the likes of Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and the Google Assistant. Facebook envisions that its new AI assistant could be used with Project Orion, serving as user input for these glasses. In addition, Facebook is also working on a device code-named Agios, a ring-shaped device that allows users to interact via motion sensors.

  • Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Android Q renamed Android 10, Google ditches dessert names

    Until now, Google has named its Android operating system after treats or desserts in alphabetical order. After their alpha and beta versions, the company released Android Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jellybean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie.

    That said, that’ll change with the forthcoming release of Android. As after nearly ten years, Google has decided to ditched dessert-themed names for its Android operating system. The company’s next version, earlier known as Android Q, has been renamed Android 10. The move comes as Google believes that switching from dessert names to numbers won’t be confusing for global users, as numbers as easier to understand and remember.

    “We are changing the way we name our releases. Our engineering team has always used internal code names for each version, based on tasty treats, or desserts, in alphabetical order. This naming tradition has become a fun part of the release each year externally, too. But we’ve heard feedback over the years that the names weren’t always understood by everyone in the global community.” said Google in a blog post.

    The company also added that the change comes after feedback over several years. According to Google, some alphabets such as L and R aren’t easily distinguishable when spoken aloud in certain languages.

    “As a global operating system, it’s important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world,” further added Google.

    Apart from the name, the Android logo also got a slight refresh. The green Android mascot now only shows the head instead of the full body. Besides, the Android name, which was earlier in green, is now in black. It’s only a slight tweak, and still, very much easily recognizable, something users might not even notice.

    Currently, in beta, Google is expected to release Android 10 in Q3 2019, most probably by the end of August.

  • Apple might launch its most expensive MacBook Pro this fall

    Apple might launch its most expensive MacBook Pro this fall

    Apple devices are gettting more expensive across the board. The company introduced its first iPhone to cross the $1000 starting price in 2017 with the iPhone X. This year, reports suggest that the Apple might set a new price record for the upcoming 16-inch MacBook Pro.

    According to a report by Chinese publication Economic Daily News, the base model of the forthcoming MacBook Pro is expected to get a starting price of no less than $3000. Hence, the more users upgrade the upcoming MacBook with more storage and better technology, the more expensive it’ll get. The upcoming MacBook Pro is likely to sit between iMac and iMac Pro, essentially giving MacBook users the same desktop experience with more portability.

    The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is expected to come with an LCD screen having a resolution of 1920×3072 pixels. However, it won’t come with a touchscreen as Apple has indicated its plans stick with the traditional laptop design and features.

    The report further reveals that Apple also plans to announce the updated MacBook Pro and Retina MacBook Air models. Both are expected to feature 13-inch screens alongside several upgrades under the hood. These include a new keyboard design to rectify issues MacBook users have constantly nagged about in the past. Key sources indicate that Apple plans to ditch the current butterfly mechanism design in the future that is used in current MacBook models. Instead, next-gen MacBook models will use scissor switch style keyboards.

    That said, nothing is official for the moment as Appple has kept its upcoming product plans a closely guarded secret. The company is expected to announce its 2019 iPhoine lineup in Setmeber, while we could see the launch of new MacBooks at a seperate event in October. More reports about Apple’s upcoming product plans are likely to surface as we near their official release. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything new. Until then, keep checking back for more.

  • Jio Phone explosion in India burns elderly owner alive

    Jio Phone explosion in India burns elderly owner alive

    We’ve come across several incidents of phones catching fire, but they don’t cause serious harm to their owners. However, a recent phone explosion in India has tuned out to be fatal, as an elderly man was reportedly burnt alive after his phone exploded.

    According to local reports, a phone exploded in the man’s pocket and set his clothes on flame while he was sleeping. The owner’s wife, shocked by the whole incident, called the ambulance and rushed the man to the hospital. Sadly, due to severe burns, the man was declared dead a few minutes later.

    The phone was a Jio model

    The phone in question was a Jio model the victim purcahsed under the governemt scheme for INR 1100, which translates to around $15. Jio is an Indian brand owned by Reliance, which manufactures feature phones for the masses at very economical prices.

    According to the victim’s family, the phone was barely a month old before the explosion happened. Following the incident, other customers who bought the same model have ditched their devices over safety concerns. For now, it appears the handset’s quality was really poor, however, no specifics are available right now as to what caused the explosion.

    Jio

    Police investigation is now underway and more specifcs about the incident are likley to surface upon further investigation. Besides, the company is yet to offer an official statement about the matter, and are likely looking into the incident themselves.

    In other related news, a man from Ohio also claimed that his iPhone XS Max caught fire while it was in his back pocket. The handset was barley 3 weeks old when it caught fire out of the blue.

    Such incidents remind us that exploding smartphones can be fatal. Hence, readers are advised to make use of authorized accessories and batteries with their smartphones. Besides, industry experts also suggest that smartphone users should not leave their device plugged into the charger overnight.

  • Tumblr finally announces war against adult content

    Tumblr finally announces war against adult content

    Tumblr has announced that it wil no longer allow pornographic or adult content on its platform. The move come shortly after Tumblr’s app was ousted from the App Store after images depicting child sexual abuse appeared on the platform.

    Tumblr has promised that starting December 17, it would not allow explicit content on its platform. Such content includes ‘photos, GIFs, or videos that show real-life human genitals or female presenting nipples and any content — including photos, videos, GIFs, and illustrations — that depicts sex acts”, said Tumblr.

    The company also stated that all blog owners will be notified of the new guidelines so they’re ready to implement changes before deadline. Tumblr says it’ll be using automated tools to identify pornographic content, and users can export their content if it’s impacted by the new guidelines.

    Tumblr became notoriuosly infamous for sharing adult content on its platform. The platform was banned in Indonesia in 2016 for sharing pornographic content. However, the company’s CEO now assures it’s aiming for a clean future.

    “There are no shortage of sites on the internet that feature adult content. We will leave it to them and focus our efforts on creating the most welcoming environment possible for our community,” said Jeff D’Onofrio, CEO of Tumblr.

    That said, some adult content would still be allowed on the platform under the new guidelines. For instance, content such as breastfeeding, health and birth related matreial, as well as erotica.

    “Written content such as erotica, nudity related to political or newsworthy speech, and nudity found in art, such as sculptures and illustrations, are also stuff that can be freely posted on Tumblr,” explanied Tumblr’s FAQ page.

    Besides, blog owners whose posts have been identified as adult content will be notified, and they’ll have the right to appeal to Tumblr’s decision.

  • Chromecast gets support for multiple speaker groups

    Chromecast gets support for multiple speaker groups

    Google today announced Chromecast support for multiple speakers along with its Home speakers. With this support, Chromecast owners can add the streaming device to play songs, add playlists, podcast, and audiobooks across several Chromecast connected devices in their homes.

    Chromecast support for speaker groups is now rolling out for everyone and works on all generations of  the streaming device. The feature is certainly good news for owners who want a better aural experience. Not only can users play audio on their Google Home speaker, they can also sync the audio with any other device connected to their dongle. All in all, it’s a great way to setup multi-room audio with the devices you already own.

    The feature is gradually rolling out to all Chromecast devices, hence it might not show up instantly on your dongle. That said, it will likely become available soon. In the meantime, you can join the Preview program with your device to try this feature.

    To join the preview program, just open the Google Home app on your iOS or Android device. Then tap on the Chromecast connected to your Wi-Fi network, and click on the Settings Tab at the top right corner. Just scroll down the Preview program section, and join in by following the on-screen instructions. That said, you might need to restart your dongle a few times in order to see the option.

    Once your device is setup, you’ll need to add your dongle to a speaker group in the Google Home app, as well as other speakers you ant to sync with. To do so, just open the Google Home App. Then tap Add> Create speaker group, and then tap on each device you want to sync. Give your group of connected devices a name and hit Save. Try to play some music and audio should play through your connected devices as well as your speaker.

  • Netflix will not support Wii after January 31, 2019

    Netflix will not support Wii after January 31, 2019

    If you’re still using the old Wii console just to watch Netflix. Well, it’s time you should start looking for a new alternative as Netflix has officially confirmed that Nintendo will suspend Netflix and other streaming services on the Wii after January 31, 2019.

    In addition, Nintendo also announced the shutdown of the Wii Shop channel indicating that the console won’t be of much use besides playing offline games starting next year. Nintendo emailed customers of the news pointing users to get other alternatives to continue watching Netflix, suggesting the streaming service might soon land on Nintendo Switch.

    “We hope you’ll soon enjoy an even better Netflix experience with additional features on a supported device,” said Netflix.

    The move is likely to disappoint Wii owners, as keeping online services up for the Wii would’ve fetched the company more brand loyalty. Wii owners were already disappointed when Nintendo decided to stop users from adding points to Wii Shop anymore. Put simply, moves like this are just a reminder of the issues we face with streaming services. Most of us have other systems like a PS4 or Wii U to use streaming services. However, the older lower middle class who got a Wii long ago and don’t want anything else are out of luck.

    However, the news shouldn’t come as surprise as the Wii is nearly a 12 year old console and is approaching the end of its life cycle. If you don’t own a smartTV which has built-in streaming apps, you have the option to get a streaming device that’ll cost much less than what you paid for your Wii.

  • Facebook launches a new standalone video-sharing app, called Lasso

    Facebook launches a new standalone video-sharing app, called Lasso

    Facebook quietly launches its standalone new video-sharing app, dubbed as Lasso. The new app is essentially a TikTok rip-off, which lets users share and create music filled videos. Facebook has reportedly been working on Lasso since October, and is now available on both iOS and Android users.

    Lasso is Facebook’s attempt to attract youths who’ve been ditching its flagship platform. The app allows users to discover content using hashtags, create new short videos using a bunch of fun-filled tools, and follow other creators.

    Facebook also promised that its new app features a massive music library, just like the popular short-video social networking app TikTok. Users can record themselves lip-syncing and dancing. The app also offers other TikTok-like features such as adding music and cool effects to your videos. Even Lasso’s user interface looks exactly similar to that of TikTok.

    Being a Facebook-owned app, you can create a Lasso account with your Facebook or Instagram. Just allow the app to access your profile page, photos and videos, and Lasso lets you share your videos from the app directly to your Facebook story. Once you’re through with the setup, you can directly scroll through a huge library of short videos.

    Given the fact there’s already tons of content on Lasso, it appears the app was available to a small group of community users before its public release. Reports also suggest that a similar support is also expected to arrive with Instagram stories later this year.

    It’s also worth noting that Facebook has been surprisingly quiet about Lasso’s release. The company has posted no official statement on its website, apart from a short Tweet by Facebook product manager Andy Huang where he announced the app’s launch.

  • iPhone X and 13-inch MacBook Pro have hardware issues, confirms Apple

    iPhone X and 13-inch MacBook Pro have hardware issues, confirms Apple

    Apple officially confirms that its last year’s iPhone X and 13-inch MacBook Pro (non touch bar) units have known hardware issues.

    The company said that the iPhone X’s display isn’t as responsive to touch as it’s supposed to be. According to Apple’s support page, the iPhone X’s screen, or some part of the screen fails to respond to a user’s touch. In some cases, the screen reacts even when the user hasn’t touched it.

    Apple said that customers with eligible iPhone X handsets can have their display unit replaced for free at their nearest Apple retail store or any Apple Authorized Service Center. Sources also suggest that iPhone X users have been complaining of the screen issue for months. The iPhone X was launched last year and has now been discontinued after the release of the latest iPhone XS, iPhone XS Plus, and iPhone XR.

    As for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple said that some units might have a glitch that leads to loss of data or in some cases, complete hard drive failure. However, the company also notes that MacBook Pro units sold between June 2017 and June 2018 with 128GB and 256GB of storage and without Touch Bar might have the issue causes loss of data or drive failures.

    The company also added that customers with eligible devices can get both issues fixed at their nearest Apple retail store or any Apple Authorized Service Centre for free. The company also added that customers with faulty iPhone X and MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) units should get their devices repaired as soon as possible. To find out if your MacBook Pro is eligible for a free service, just enter your device’s serial number on Apple’s official support page.

  • Google releases Android November security patch

    Google releases Android November security patch

    Google rolls out the November security update for Pixel, Nexus, and Essential devices. The latest Android security patch arrives with fixes for 17 security vulnerabilities.

    However, Android’s November Security patch includes bugs and fixes specifically aimed at Pixel devices. According to Google, the new patch is likely to improve notification stability and picture-in-picture performance on Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 devices.

    In addition, this update also brings the Pixel launcher button, which allows Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users to launch Assistant much faster. Users can now squeeze Active Edge and easily trigger Google Assistant on their Pixel 2 handsets.

    Users are also reminded that the new update does not resolve memory management issues with the Google Pixel 3. An issue which causes background apps to spontaneously close. However, Google is aware of the issue and a fix for the same is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

    It’s also worth noting that Google’s November Security patch will possibly be the last update rolling out to Pixel C, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X smartphones. As Google usually has a two year firmware upgrade cycle after a device is released. With that being said, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern thanks to dedicated developer communities who build ROMs that bring the latest security patches and Android features to most of Google’s older devices.

  • Apple releases watchOS 5.1.1 update to fix bricked Apple Watches

    Apple releases watchOS 5.1.1 update to fix bricked Apple Watches

    Apple starts rolling the new watchOS 5.1.1 update. With the new update, Apple has resolved the issue that led to bricked Apple Watches. The new watchOS 5.1.1 software update was released today and is now available via an OTA update on all supported Apple Watches running watchOS 5.0.1.

    Apple Watch users are advised to install the update to enjoy the new features included in watchOS 5.1.1. These include 70 new emoji characters, support for Group FaceTime audio, along with a new full screen colour watch face.

    How to update to watchOS 5.1.1

    In order to install the new update, you’ll need an iPhone running iOS 12.1. Next, just open the watch app on your iPhone, go to General, Software Updates, and tap on download/install the update. Also, make sure that your Apple Watch has sufficient charge in order to successfully the install the new update.

    To recall, Apple pulled the plug on watchOS 5.1 after its release last week as users reported the update bricked their Apple Watches. According to reports, Apple Watches were getting stuck on the Apple logo after users installed the previous update. Series 4 are Series 3 Apple Watches were primarily impacted by the issue.

    It took the company around a week to fix the issue by including a patch in the new watchOS 5.1.1 update. Hopefully, the new update delivers and Apple Watch owners don’t have to worry about any bricking issues.

    That said, it’s worth noting that users who’ve installed watchOS 5.1 and it caused a bricking issue on your Apple Watch, you’ll need to get in touch with Apple Support as installing watchOS 5.1.1 won’t fix the issue.