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mercredi 30 septembre 2020

Kernel sources for the POCO M2 Pro/Redmi Note 9S/9 Pro/9 Pro Max, Moto G9/G9 Play, Realme C11/C12/C15, and Realme V3/V5/X7/X7 Pro are now available

There is a direct correlation between the developer-friendliness of a particular Android OEM and their stance on publishing the kernel source code for the smartphones they sell. The companies are obliged to provide the source code – upon request – for any Linux kernel binaries that ship on their devices to comply with the requirements of the GNU General Public License (GPL) v2. A handful of manufacturers are known for releasing such sources in a timely manner. Xiaomi is one of the most notable names in this field, and the OEM has now refreshed its official GitHub repository with the kernel source code corresponding to a bunch of popular phones. Moreover, sources for the recently released Motorola Moto G9/G9 Play as well as several Realme phones are now available for download.

Redmi Note 9S, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Max and POCO M2 Pro

As of now, Xiaomi’s product portfolio contains four distinct Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G-powered smartphones. The list consists of the Indian Redmi Note 9 Pro, also known as the global Redmi Note 9S (code-name: “curtana”), the global Redmi Note 9 Pro (code-name: “joyeuse”), the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (code-name: “excalibur”), and the POCO M2 Pro (code-name: “gram”). The OEM prefers to maintain separate firmware packages for these devices, but their kernel sources are unified due to the internal similarities. You can find the kernel source code tree for them under the “gram-q-oss” branch of Xiaomi’s Github repo.

Redmi Note 9S/9Pro/9 Pro Max/POCO M2 Pro Kernel Sources

XDA Forums: Redmi Note 9S/9 Pro ||| Redmi Note 9 Pro Max ||| POCO M2 Pro

Motorola Moto G9 and Moto G9 Play

The Moto G9 launched back in August with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC and Android 10 on board. Later on, Motorola released the same phone under the Moto G9 Play moniker across Europe with the addition of a dedicated Google Assistant button. As expected, the source for the device duo (code-name: “guamp”) is unified. The package linked below corresponds to software version QPX30.30-Q3-38-20.

Motorola Moto G9/G9 Play Kernel Sources

XDA Forums: Moto G9 ||| Moto G9 Play

Realme C11, C12, C15

Kernel sources for the Realme C11, Realme C12, and the Realme C15 are now up for grabs. All of them feature MediaTek’s Helio G35 chipset and have the same code-name (“RMX2185”).

Realme C11/C12/C15 Kernel Sources

XDA Forums: Realme C11 ||| Realme C12 ||| Realme C15

Realme V3, V5, X7, and X7 Pro

Lastly, we have a couple of other MediaTek-laden phones from Realme. The Realme X7 comes with the Dimensity 800U, while the Realme X7 Pro carries the Dimensity 1000 Plus SoC. The Realme V3 and V5 are on the more affordable side, as they sport the mid-range Dimensity 720 silicon. The kernel source release for these phones is quite significant in terms of aftermarket development due to the fact that the company has plans to bring them to the global market in the coming days.

Realme V3/X7/X7 Pro Kernel Sources ||| Realme V5 Kernel Sources

The post Kernel sources for the POCO M2 Pro/Redmi Note 9S/9 Pro/9 Pro Max, Moto G9/G9 Play, Realme C11/C12/C15, and Realme V3/V5/X7/X7 Pro are now available appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Pay 2.118 confirms the old app will be replaced by the Flutter one

Last week, the Google Pay team announced that the Google Pay for India app (formerly called “Tez”) is getting a major design rewrite with Flutter, Google’s open-source UI development kit. Google currently maintains two versions of the Pay app: one for global users and one for Indians. In the blog post, Google said they were “looking forward to launching Google Pay on Flutter to everyone across the world on iOS and Android.” Some took that to mean that the existing app for global users will be rebuilt with Flutter, while others took it to mean that the old app will be killed off. Tonight, Google Pay version 2.118 rolled out on the Play Store, and it confirms that the latter will happen.

The new Google Pay app built with Flutter.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

Strings within the APK state that there will be a “deprecation prompt” that will inform users to download the new version of the app.

<string name="deprecation_prompt_get_gp3">Get the new GPay</string>
<string name="deprecation_prompt_install_gp3">Download the new Google Pay</string>
<string name="deprecation_prompt_open_gp3">Open the new GPay</string>
<string name="deprecation_prompt_switch_to_gp3">Use the latest Google Pay</string>

There’s also a new Activity with more details on the app migration. The screen tells users that they’ll “still find [their] favorite features, plus track spending, get helpful insights, earn unique rewards, and more!” If you tap the “Get the new GPay” button at the bottom, the Play Store listing for the former Google Pay for India app will be launched. Currently, the new app is still regionally restricted, so I am unable to directly download it from the Play Store onto my own device.

Google Pay 2.118

Old:

Google Pay: Pay with your phone and send cash (Free, Google Play) →

New:

Google Pay - a simple and secure payment app (To be announced, Google Play) →

Once Google starts prompting users to migrate to the new Google Pay app built with Flutter, we’ll let you all know.

Thanks to PNF Software for providing us a license to use JEB Decompiler, a professional-grade reverse engineering tool for Android applications.

The post Google Pay 2.118 confirms the old app will be replaced by the Flutter one appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Photos gets improved editor and suggestions feature on Android

Google Photos is rolling out a new editor UI on Android that promises to make editing your photos a lot easier. And, yes, in addition to an improved editor UI, Google is also using machine learning to power a new smart suggestions feature.

With the update, Google is adding a “Suggestions” tab in the photo editing menu, which is capable of automatically applying edits to the photo you’re looking at. You can then make your own tweaks or, if you’re satisfied with Google’s machine learning-powered suggestion, save the changes.

Suggestions can automatically adjust aspects such as brightness, contrast, and portrait effects. There are also suggestions for Enhance and Color Pop, the latter of which will turn the background of a photo black and white while keeping the subject in color. Google said it will add even more suggestions to the Google Photos app on Pixel devices in the coming months.

The bigger story here is the updated editor UI, which features larger buttons and a slider below the name of the adjustment you’re using. It looks similar to the editor you’d find in Apple’s stock Photos app on iOS. Compared to what’s available now, the controls are much easier to understand and more user-friendly. We actually got our first glimpse of this new editor at the end of August, and it’s finally rolling out for users starting today.

In addition, Google detailed a new Portrait Light feature coming to Google Photos for the new Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5. This feature can automatically adjust the lighting on faces in portraits, or it can manually be adjusted. Google said Portrait Light can also be applied to photos that weren’t captured using Portrait mode, but it’s only available on the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, with availability coming to more Pixel devices soon.

Google Pixel 4a 5G Forums ||| Google Pixel 5 Forums

Google Photos has received a number of neat updates over the past few months, including a map view and improved search functionality. The updated editor UI is rolling out now to Google Photos for Android.

Google Photos (Free, Google Play) →

The post Google Photos gets improved editor and suggestions feature on Android appeared first on xda-developers.



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Microsoft is bringing x64 app emulation to Windows on ARM PCs

Microsoft has finally revealed that support for x64 emulation is coming to Windows on ARM. Right now, Windows on ARM devices can run native 32-bit ARM and 64-bit ARM apps, but they can only emulate x86-32 apps. That has meant devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro X have been unable to run a lot of existing apps built for Windows 10.

The addition of x64 app emulation for Windows on ARM will open up a variety of new possibilities and close the app gap problem, since plenty of modern Windows apps do not support x86-32 any longer. Microsoft makes it clear that x64 emulation is coming to all Windows on ARM devices, even devices running on platforms as old as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. Of course, the performance of emulated apps won’t be as good as native apps, but the alternative is simply being unable to run the app at all.

Microsoft said the new x64 emulation support will first be available to users on the Windows Insider Program in November, with wider availability rolling out sometime next year.

Over the past several months, Microsoft has worked to beef up the Windows on ARM experience, with work underway to bring Xbox Game Streaming to users. The company also announced a collaboration with Qualcomm to improve app compatibility for Windows 10 on ARM PCs and expand the App Assure program to cover Windows 10 on ARM64 PCs.

Today’s announcement may foreshadow the arrival of a new Surface Pro X device, which has been rumored as recently as this month. If the reports turn out to be true, the device will feature the company’s latest Surface SQ2 processor, which may be based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G, and launch sometime in October.

As part of today’s announcement, the company also said it’s making Microsoft Edge faster while using less battery, and will soon release a native Microsoft Teams client that’s optimized for Windows 10 on ARM.

The post Microsoft is bringing x64 app emulation to Windows on ARM PCs appeared first on xda-developers.



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Best Google Pixel 5 Deals: Where to pre-order Google’s new flagship

Google’s future is now. The Google Pixel 5 has been revealed, and the company’s latest flagship is both high-end, yet affordable. Releasing on October 29, you’ll want to pre-order this new phone to make sure you get one!

Offering a 6-inch, OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and 8GB RAM, you’ll be able to watch anything you like and it’ll be smooth and stutter-free. You’ll even be able to play games without any issue. Couple that with impressive front and rear cameras and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, you have a device that can stand with the best, while only costing $699.

Of course, retailers are always offering some great Google Pixel 5 deals, as they’re vying for you to purchase this flagship device from them. We’ve rounded up the best deals, so you can skip the research and place your pre-order now.

Where to Buy the Google Pixel 5

If you want to get your hands on the Google Pixel 5 come release, you’ll need to decide if you want an unlocked version or something under a carrier plan. Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store have unlocked phones, while Verizon is the current carrier with the Pixel 5 available to pre-order.

Best Unlocked Google Pixel 5 Deals

For unlocked Google Pixel 5 deals, you can pick Amazon, Best Buy, or the Google Store.

Amazon

Amazon has both colors of the Pixel 5 in stock, and you know if you go with Amazon, you’ll have the easiest time getting an unlocked phone. With Amazon Prime, you’ll have Release Day shipping available to you, and pre-ordering now guarantees that if Amazon drops the price before release, you’ll get the discount too. Finally, if you have an Amazon Prime Rewards card, you can pay $38.83 a month for 18 months, interest-free.

    Google Pixel 5
    Ease, convenience, and Release Day shipping. What more could you want from Amazon for your Pixel 5 purchase? Prime Rewards cardholders can also pay for the device over 18 months, interest-free.

Best Buy

If you want an unlocked Pixel 5 but want to activate it with a carrier today, you can grab one from Best Buy and save! If you activate with Sprint, you’ll save $100, and if you decide on Verizon, you’ll save $50. You can’t argue with flat savings like that, and you won’t need to fuss around getting your phone activated with your carrier once it arrives either!

    Google Pixel 5
    Buy the Google Pixel 5 from Best Buy and activate today, and you can save up to $100 on your purchase, depending on your carrier!

Google Store

You can’t go wrong grabbing the Pixel 5 from Google themselves. You can pre-order the Google Pixel 5 right now at the Google Store–no waitlist needed! If you qualify for Google Financing, you can also pay off the phone over 24 months at 0% APR.

    Google Pixel 5
    Get the Pixel 5 straight from Google! If you qualify, you can split the $699 into 24 monthly payments with 0% APR.

Best Carrier Google Pixel 5 Deals

Looking to grab a Pixel 5 on a carrier plan? Right now, you can go with Verizon.

Verizon

Are you on Verizon, or looking to switch? Then you’re in luck, as the Pixel 5 is available at this carrier. If you trade in an eligible phone, you can save up to $550, which really takes a chunk out of the $699 asking price.

    Google Pixel 5
    The Google Pixel 5 is available at Verizon! You can grab either the black or green version, and you can save up to $550 off if you trade in an eligible phone.

The post Best Google Pixel 5 Deals: Where to pre-order Google’s new flagship appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google Duo’s auto-framing feature is coming to Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung Galaxy owners who use Google Duo will soon be able to use the video application’s auto-framing feature, which was previously exclusive to Google’s Pixel 4. Auto-framing is a feature that automatically keeps you front and center during a video call.

Google Duo’s auto-framing feature first arrived on the Pixel 4 at the end of last year. The same software update also introduced a Portrait Mode to Google Duo, allowing users to blur out the background for a less distracting experience.

Android Police was first to spot Google Duo’s auto-framing feature working on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Google has since confirmed to the outlet that auto-framing is no longer exclusive to the Pixel 4, although the company didn’t reveal what other devices will get auto-framing in the future.

The publication checked to see if auto-framing was available on the Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Note 20 Ultra, but the devices don’t appear to have the feature — at least for the time being. For what it’s worth, Google’s support page still lists Google Duo’s auto-framing feature as a Pixel 4 exclusive, but that’s obviously no longer accurate.

As Android Police points out, exclusive Google features often come to Samsung devices, like Google Duo integrated directly into Samsung’s dialer app. Galaxy S20 users can also trigger a Duo video call in 1080p with the right data connection with up to eight people. In other words, seeing this feature on a Samsung Galaxy device is no real surprise.

If you’ve never used Google Duo’s auto-framing feature before, it’s especially convenient when chatting hands-free. That way, you can go about your business while Google’s video calling app keeps you in the center of the frame. It’s almost like having your own personal cameraman.

Google Duo - High Quality Video Calls (Free, Google Play) →

The post Google Duo’s auto-framing feature is coming to Samsung Galaxy devices appeared first on xda-developers.



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Google unveils the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and wide-angle cameras

It’s that time of the year again when Google announces its latest Pixel devices. This time, things are a little different. Instead of going with a small-sized flagship and an XL variant of the same, Google is mixing things up a little. For 2020, Google is launching its small-sized flagship, Google Pixel 5, but without the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. And instead of a Google Pixel 5 XL, we now get a 5G variant of the previously announced Google Pixel 4a. Let’s check out what Google has to offer with its two newest smartphones: the Google Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 4a 5G.

Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 4a 5G

Google Pixel 5 Forums ||| Google Pixel 4a 5G Forums

Google Pixel 5: Specifications

Specification Google Pixel 5
Build
  • IP68 rating for water and dust resistance
  • Made from 100% recycled aluminum
Dimensions & Weight
  • 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm
  • 151g
Display
  • 6″ flat OLED
  • 19.5:9 aspect ratio
  • 2340 x 1080 resolution
  • HDR
  • 90Hz refresh rate
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 6
  • Hole-punch display
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G:
  • 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Prime core @ 2.4GHz
  • 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Performance core @ 2.2GHz
  • 6x (ARM Cortex-A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz
  • 7nm EUV process

Adreno 620

RAM & Storage 8GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1

Non-expandable storage

Battery & Charging
  • 4,000 mAh
  • 18W fast charging via USB Power Delivery
  • Wireless Charging support
  • Reverse wireless charging support
Rear Camera
  • Primary: 12.2MP Sony IMX363, f/1.7, 1.4µm pixel size, Dual Pixel AF, Fused Video Stabilization (OIS + EIS), 77° FoV
  • Secondary: 16MP Sony IMX481, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixel size, 107° FoV
  • Spectral and flicker sensor
  • Dual LED flash

Video:

  • 4K @ 30/60 fps
  • 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps
Front Camera 8MP Sony IMX355, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size, fixed focus, 83° FoV
Ports USB 3.1 Type-C
Audio Stereo speakers

3 microphones

Security Pixel Imprint (capacitive rear fingerprint scanner)

Titan M hardware security module

Connectivity
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem
  • Single nanoSIM card slot + integrated eSIM for 5G + 4G or 4G + 4G DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby)
  • Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • NFC
  • GNSS:
    • GPS
    • GLONASS
    • Galileo
    • QZSS
    • BeiDou
Sensors Proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer
Android Version
  • Android 11
  • 3 years of Android OS upgrades
  • 3 years of monthly Android security patch updates

The Google Pixel 5 is the star of the show, becoming the top of the line product from Google for this year. It does feel weird to call the Pixel 5 a flagship, keeping in mind that flagships like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cost twice as much. As such, with the Pixel 5, you do have to temper your expectations. The Google Pixel 5 features a 100% recycled all-aluminum unibody shell with a grainy matte texture on it. The power button is no longer differently colored, but only has a shiny finish to it in the same color. The camera island witnesses the flash module changing positions, but the shape is largely the same overall. What is new is the fingerprint scanner—you now get one on the rear, much like you would on Google’s earlier Pixels like the Pixel 3.

Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 5

The front of the Google Pixel 5 is dominated by the 6″ FHD+ 90Hz display. The display has a hole-punch cutout for the camera, but thankfully, it is also flat and not curved. The bezels are also within tolerable limits, and overall, the Pixel 5 looks right at home, at least on the front. One might lament the lack of 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution, but Google’s hardware has consistently been behind the top of the line in the spec race.

What the Google Pixel 5 also lacks is the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, forgoing the top of the line SoC for the upper mid-range Snapdragon 765G. This might not be a bad move, though. While you do get a hit in overall performance, relatively speaking, you still get one of the better 5G SoCs from Qualcomm. Most consumers are unlikely to notice this change, and opting for a premium mid-range SoC with the integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem allows the phone to avoid all the financial and hardware costs related to 5G integration on the top tier Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. You get a decent 4000 mAh battery on board, along with 18W wired charging through the USB PD standard, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, but none of these can be considered “fast” by today’s standards.

While other OEMs chase megapixels and bigger sensors, Google is sticking with what it knows best: the 12MP Sony IMX363 as the primary sensor, which the company has been using since the Pixel 3. The previous Pixels have been widely considered as one of the best smartphones for photography, and Google is not trying to fix what isn’t broken. The competition has continued to push forward through the years though, so it remains to be seen what software magic Google brings this year to maintain its pole position. For the second wide-angle camera, we get a 16MP Sony IMX481. It does feel weird seeing a “flagship” smartphone with just two rear cameras, but it’s better getting a well-rounded package instead of useless sensors. The front camera is an 8MP Sony IMX355, retaining the humility in the package.

The Google Pixel 5 launches with Android 11 out of the box.

Google Pixel 5: Pricing and Availability

The Google Pixel 5 is priced as follows for its singular 8GB + 128GB variant and will be available in these regions in Black and Green colors:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Europe: €629
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Japan: ¥74,800
  • Taiwan
  • UK
  • USA: $699

You can pre-order the phone now on the Google Store. The device will be generally available on October 15th.


Google Pixel 4a 5G: Specifications

Specification Google Pixel 4a 5G
Build
  • Polycarbonate
Dimensions & Weight
  • 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm
  • 168g
Display
  • 6.2″ flat OLED
  • 19.5:9 aspect ratio
  • 2340 x 1080 resolution
  • HDR
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Hole-punch display
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G:
  • 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Prime core @ 2.4GHz
  • 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Performance core @ 2.2GHz
  • 6x (ARM Cortex-A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz
  • 7nm EUV process

Adreno 620

RAM & Storage 6GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1
Battery & Charging
  • 3,885 mAh
  • 18W fast charging via USB Power Delivery
Rear Camera
  • Primary: 12.2MP Sony IMX363, f/1.7, 1.4µm pixel size, Dual Pixel AF
  • Secondary: 16MP Sony IMX481, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixel size, 107° FoV

Video:

  • 4K @ 30/60 fps
  • 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps
Front Camera 8MP Sony IMX355, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size
Ports USB 3.1 Type-C
Audio Stereo speakers

2 microphones

3.5mm headphone jack

Security Pixel Imprint (capacitive rear fingerprint scanner)

Titan M hardware security module

Connectivity
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem
  • Single nanoSIM card slot + integrated eSIM for 5G + 4G or 4G + 4G DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby)
  • Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • NFC
  • GNSS:
    • GPS
    • GLONASS
    • Galileo
    • QZSS
    • BeiDou
Sensors Proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer
Android Version
  • Android 11
  • 3 years of Android OS upgrades
  • 3 years of monthly Android security patch updates

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is the bigger, yet more modest, smartphone of the duo. Instead of launching an “XL” version, Google is marketing the Pixel 4a 5G as the 5G upgrade over the Pixel 4a. While the Pixel 4a 5G retains the same SoC and camera setup as the Pixel 5, it has a polycarbonate unibody shell, a larger display but a smaller battery, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You also lose out on features like wireless charging and IP68 certification. You do get the different colored power button as a consolation.

Google Pixel 4a 5G Google Pixel 4a 5G

The highlight of the Pixel 4a 5G is its 5G support, thanks to the same hardware as the Pixel 5. Google thus has its lineup laid out: budget duties with the Pixel 4a, budget 5G duties with the Pixel 4a 5G, and premium mid-end with the Pixel 5.

Google Pixel 4a 5G: Pricing and Availability

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is priced as following for its singular 6GB + 128GB variant and will be available in these regions in Black color:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Europe: €499
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Japan: ¥60,500
  • Taiwan
  • UK
  • USA: $499

You can pre-order it now on the Google Store. The device will be available on October 15th alongside the Pixel 5.


What are your thoughts on the Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Google unveils the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and wide-angle cameras appeared first on xda-developers.



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