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jeudi 16 juillet 2020

T-Mobile customers can now get a free second “proxy” number, new scam protections

T-Mobile and Sprint officially began the merger process earlier this year, and we’ve seen a lot of progress to combine their networks and various services since then. T-Mobile has expanded its 5G network with Sprint’s mid-band spectrum, Sprint users can roam on T-Mobile LTE, Dish Network has taken over Sprint’s prepaid business, and T-Mobile Tuesdays are now available for Sprint customers. Today, T-Mobile announced a number of new features for its customers.

Here are the cliff notes on the announcements:

  • Free Scam ID and Blocking. Suspicious calls are flagged, and customers can turn on scam blocking to never see those calls again.
  • Free, Enhanced Caller ID. If we know who’s calling, you’ll know who is calling. And with new improvements, you’ll know when the number is verified as coming from a real person or business.
  • Free Second Number. Introducing T-Mobile PROXY, a second number to keep your personal number personal.
  • Free Number Change. If your personal number becomes a spam magnet, get a clean slate with a new number.
  • Free Scam Shield App. The central spot to activate these new protections and, for an extra charge, unlock more advanced call controls. Sprint customers now get free protections — previously an added charge — in the upgraded Call Screener app.
  • Free Be ID Aware Service. Get ID monitoring and alerts for 12 months from the experts at McAfee, available for a limited time.

Scam ID is one of the most important announcements. This feature will label fishy calls as “scam likely” when they come in and users can choose to entirely block calls that T-Mobile deems likely as spam. Additionally, the carrier’s caller ID feature based on STIR/SHAKEN technology is available to all customers for free. These new caller ID and spam blocking features will be manageable from the new “Scam Shield” app for customers. More controls can be unlocked for extra fees.

Next up is “T-Mobile PROXY,” a free second number for your account. Proxy is a reboot of the carrier’s “DIGITS” feature. This second number can be used to give out whenever you’re not comfortable sharing your real number. Calls and messages to the proxy number can go to your main line or be sent to voicemail automatically. If your main number does end up getting abused, you can get a new number for free.

Most of these new features are available to all T-Mobile (including Metro by T-Mobile) and Sprint customers. However, Sprint users won’t have access to the Scam Shield app at launch. Sprint’s own Call Screener service is now free to make up for that. T-Mobile users can enable spam call blocking right now by dialing #662#.


Source: T-Mobile

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TWRP is now available for the ASUS ZenFone 5Z and BQ Aquaris VS/VS Plus, Xiaomi Redmi 6/6A support also readded

Team Win Recovery Project, or TWRP for short, has become synonymous with custom recovery for Android devices. The open-source solution offers a plethora of features that are otherwise not provided by a stock recovery environment, such as the ability to flash ZIP packages that contain aftermarket OSes or different mods, make and restore partition-level data backups, modify protected files, and much more. However, it is virtually impossible to construct a generic TWRP image due to the nature of Android’s recovery implementation. A device-specific TWRP build, on the other hand, has to achieve a certain degree of stability before gaining “official” status and being offered on the team’s website. Since our previous coverage, the team has officially added support for the ASUS ZenFone 5Z, the BQ Aquaris VS and VS Plus, and reinstated support for the Xiaomi Redmi 6 and the Redmi 6A.

ASUS ZenFone 5Z

An unofficial build of the custom recovery for the ASUS ZenFone 5Z first popped up back in 2018, thanks to the contributions of XDA Recognized Developer jackeagle and XDA Senior Member Rohan purohit. That very TWRP port is now mature enough to receive official status under the maintainership of jackeagle. The official build is fully compatible with the Android 10 firmware, and it can flash stock ASUS update ZIPs as well.

ASUS ZenFone 5Z TWRP ||| ASUS ZenFone 5Z XDA Forums

BQ Aquaris VS/VS Plus

BQ phones are known for their developer-friendliness, which has been justified once again by the arrival of official TWRP builds for the BQ Aquaris VS and BQ Aquaris VS Plus. Prominent developer Alejandro Lopez, also known as XDA Member Kra1o5, is the maintainer for the two devices.

BQ Aquaris VS TWRP ||| BQ Aquaris VS Plus TWRP

Xiaomi Redmi 6/6A

Official TWRP builds for the Redmi 6/6A were originally maintained by SamarV-121, but the developer dropped support a few weeks ago for unknown reasons. XDA Junior Member MEGAFON929 has now picked up where SamarV-121 left off, thus official support for these phones has now been renewed.

Redmi 6 TWRP ||| Redmi 6 XDA Forums

Redmi 6A TWRP ||| Redmi 6A XDA Forums


Removal of Honor 5X

XDA Recognized Developer deadman96385 has decided to step down from the duty of maintaining TWRP for the Honor 5X. The existing builds for this device, including the latest TWRP 3.4.0, are still available for download to help the owners of this phone.

Honor 5X XDA Forums

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Firefox Nightly for Android adds support for 3 new add-ons

Earlier this month, Firefox made some changes to its convoluted system of beta, nightly, and preview builds. There are now only three builds that will receive development: Stable, Beta, and Nightly. Firefox routinely brings new add-ons to the Nightly builds for Android and recently it added support for three more.

The three new add-ons in Firefox Nightly (which some say have been present for a couple of weeks) are Decentraleyes, YouTube High Definition, and Privacy Possum. Read the full descriptions for each add-on to learn more.

Decentraleyes

Protects you against tracking through “free”, centralized, content delivery. It prevents a lot of requests from reaching networks like Google Hosted Libraries, and serves local files to keep sites from breaking. Complements regular content blockers.

YouTube High Definition

YouTube High Definition is a powerful tool that automatically plays all YouTube videos in HD, changes video player size, offers auto stop and mute, and much more.

Privacy Possum

Privacy Possum monkey wrenches common commercial tracking methods by reducing and falsifying the data gathered by tracking companies.

There’s some conflicting reports on whether these three adds-ons are in Firefox Beta or Firefox Nightly. It’s possible that they haven’t been made available to everyone yet. Regardless, if you’ve used these add-ons on the desktop version of Firefox, you can now use them on Android as well. Download either version below and there are plenty of other add-ons to choose from as well.

Firefox Nightly (Free, Google Play) →

Firefox for Android Beta (Free, Google Play) →


Source: Reddit

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[Update: Available in U.S.] LG’s new wireless earbuds have a self-cleaning charging case and Google Assistant

Update (7/16/20 @ 10:15 AM ET): LG’s self-cleaning truly wireless earbuds are available now in the U.S.

Like many companies that make smartphones, LG also has its own line of wireless earbuds. Last year, the company launched the LG TONE Free earbuds with Google Assistant support in the US. LG is back with another pair of wireless earbuds in this lineup and they retain one of the coolest features.

The new earbuds seem to be called LG TONE Free again (model HBS-FN6), but they feature an all-new design. Last year’s model had rubber ear tips and sort of a flat rounded rectangle that hung out of your ear. The new model also features rubber tips, but it has a more familiar stem design that is common in wireless earbuds. They come in black and white color options.

LG TONE wireless earbud LG TONE wireless earbud LG TONE wireless earbud

The charging case looks pretty much the same as last year. It’s a round “puck” with smoothed-over edges. The coolest feature of the case is LG’s “UVnano” self-cleaning technology. With the built-in ultraviolet light, the case can eliminate 99.9% of E. coli and S. aureus from the non-toxic, hypoallergenic ear tips and inner mesh. The case provides an additional three full charges for the wireless earbuds as well.

In terms of audio quality, LG’s TONE Free wireless earbuds feature customized EQ sound settings developed by Meridian. The four presets include Natural, Immersive, Bass Boost, and Treble Boost. Ambient Sound Mode lets wearers hear what’s going on around them with the press of a button. The earbuds also have dual mics which are useful for the Google Assistant integration.

LG will be launching the TONE Free wireless earbuds next month in Europe and North America. The company did not share pricing at this time, though last year’s model cost $199.

Key Specifications:

  • Earbud Size: 16.1 x 32.77 x 25.0mm
  • Charging Case Size: 54.6 x 54.6 x 27.5mm
  • Battery Capacity
    • Earbuds: 55mAh x 2
    • Case: 390mAh
  • Fast Charging Time: 5 minutes for 1 hour of play
  • Battery Life:
    • Talk: 5 hours
    • Play: 6 hours
    • Earbuds + Case: 18 hours
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (Single Device Connection)
  • Speaker: 2 Layered Dynamic
  • Microphones: 2 Outer
  • Compatibility: Android / iOS
  • Bluetooth Audio Codec: SBC / AAC
  • Colors: Stylish Black / Modern White

Source: LG | Via: Droid-Life


Update: Available in US

Announced last month, the LG Tone Free (HBS-FN6) are now available in the U.S. for $149.99. They are only available in the black color option. LG has also released the $129.99 HBS-FN5W model without UV cleaning case and the even cheaper $99.99 HBS-FN4 model that lacks UV cleaning and wireless charging.

Source: LG Store | Via: The Verge

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NVIDIA GeForce Now adds Hyper Scape beta, Death Stranding, and 9 other games

NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW game-streaming service enjoys its share in the now-crowded game streaming market on the fact that it was one of the first to appear for end consumers. The service started beta testing for Android last year and opened up for everyone in February. NVIDIA had pledged to announce new games for GeForce NOW every week, and over the past months, it has kept to that promise. This week, NVIDIA is giving GeForce NOW 10 new additions, including titles like Hyper Scape beta, Death Stranding, Far Cry Primal, alongside Albion Online as a returning title.

These are the ten titles that have made their way to NVIDIA GeForce NOW this week:

  • Steam:
    • Death Stranding
    • Metin2
    • Surviving Mars
    • Unfortunate Spacemen
  • Epic Game Store
    • Enter the Gungeon
    • Far Cry Primal
    • Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
    • Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
  • Uplay
    • Hyper Scape open beta
    • TrackMania 2 Stadium

Amongst these, Death Stranding and Hyper Scape are new game launches, having launched on July 12 and July 14 respectively on their platforms. Their addition adds freshness to the game streaming platform, so users don’t need to wait to play these games through the cloud. Also, Albion Online is making a return to GeForce NOW through the Albion launcher.

To play Hyper Scape, you do need to sign up for the open beta.

Here are all the previous title additions to GeForce NOW:

NVIDIA GeForce NOW  incorporates technology that utilizes AI and RTX GPUs to enable “the next generation of performance and visuals”. It’s NVIDIA’s improved deep learning neural network that “boosts frame rates while generating beautiful, sharp images for games”. Since the base technology is game streaming, games begin playing instantly when you fire them up. They also include an experience that has been optimized for cloud gaming and includes Game Ready Driver performance improvements, managed directly by NVIDIA.


NVIDIA GeForce NOW (Free, Google Play) →

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Tecno Pouvoir 4 is the first smartphone with a MediaTek SoC to get Android 11 Beta 1 build

The stable version of Android 11 is still months away, but Google has already finalized the relevant SDK, NDK APIs, and other components in the second beta of Android 11 that came out earlier this month. The beta testing initiative isn’t limited to Google’s Pixel lineup, as various other OEMs have released similar beta builds of Android 11 for their phones. Be it OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, or even the Pixel phones themselves – so far all the recipients of Android 11 Beta are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. While you can technically flash Android 11 GSIs on non-Snapdragon devices as well, an official build compiled by the respective OEM does ensure comparatively better stability. The good news is, we now have the first MediaTek phone in the roster.

TECNO, a subsidiary of Transsion, has released Android 11 Beta 1 build for the Tecno Pouvoir 4. The phone sports the MediaTek MT6761 SoC, which is more commonly known as the MediaTek Helio A22. Matter of fact, Tecno also took part in the Android Q beta testing in 2019. Back then, they rolled out a pre-release build of Android 10 for the Helio A22-powered Tecno Spark 3 Pro.

Talking about for the Tecno Pouvoir 4’s Android 11 Beta, it comes with the following limitations:

  1. The release might experience problems with apps, stability, battery, or performance on the device.
  2. Banking and finance apps might not work as expected.
  3. Some apps might crash or may not function as expected when running on this release. This includes Google’s apps as well as other apps.
  4. Some permissions managed through Settings may need to be set again after app re-installation or device reboot.
  5. The release contains some known platform-related issues such as performance and battery, access files in external storage, permissions.
  6. Some apps or icons may be obscured by the water drop screen.
  7. The camera may not be as good as expected.

Download Android 11 Beta 1 for the TECNO Pouvoir 4

Warning: The beta build is strictly meant for the developers. The flashing process completely wipes your device, thus it is highly recommended that you back up your data before proceeding. Users are advised to exercise caution.

Tecno provides a special firmware package for the Pouvoir 4 that utilizes the low-level download mode of the MediaTek chipset (equivalent to the EDL mode of Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs) for installing the beta build of Android 11. In case you want to revert back to stable Android 10, the rollback package needs to be installed in a similar manner.

Tecno Pouvoir 4: Download Android 11 Beta 1 || Rollback File


Source: TECNO
Via: PR Newswire

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The Vivo X50 and Vivo X50 Pro launches in Europe and India alongside the Vivo TWS Neo Earphones

Vivo has been steadily making inroads in a lot of key markets, including India and its home market China. And the company has also been innovating with its product series. For instance, the Vivo X50 series sports an ambitious camera system, with the Pro variant coming in with a gimbal camera. The Vivo X50, Vivo X50 Pro, and X50 Pro+ were launched early last month in China. Now, Vivo is bringing over two of these devices to India and Europe, alongside the Vivo TWS Neo Earphones.

XDA Forums: Vivo X50 || Vivo X50 Pro || Vivo X50 Pro+

Vivo X50 Series: Specifications

Specifications Vivo X50 Vivo X50 Pro Vivo X50 Pro+
Dimensions and Weight
  • 159.54mm x 75.39mm x 7.49mm
  • 170g
  • 158.46mm x 72.8mm x 8.04mm
  • 181.5g
  • 158.46mm x 72.8mm x 8.04mm
  • 181.5g
Display
  • 6.56″ FHD+ AMOLED
  • 90Hz refresh rate
  • Flat display
  • Single-hole punch
  • HDR 10+
  • 6.56″ FHD+ AMOLED
  • 90Hz refresh rate
  • Curved display
  • Single-hole punch
  • HDR 10+
  • 6.56″ FHD+ AMOLED
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • Curved display
  • Single-hole punch
  • HDR 10+
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM and Storage
  • 8GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.0
  • 8GB + 256GB
  • 8GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1
  • 8GB + 256GB
  • 8GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1
  • 8GB + 256GB
  • 12GB + 256GB
Battery and Charging
  • 4200 mAh battery
  • 33W fast charging
  • 4315 mAh battery
  • 33W fast charging
  • 4315 mAh battery
  • 44W fast charging
Rear Camera
  • Primary: 48MP Sony IMX598 custom sensor, f/1.6, four-axis OIS
  • Secondary: 13MP portrait, f/2.48
  • Tertiary: 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 120° FoV, f/2.2
  • Quarternary: 5MP macro, f/2.48, 1.5cm super macro
  • Primary: 48MP Sony IMX598 custom sensor, f/1.6, gimbal OIS
  • Secondary: 13MP portrait, f/2.46
  • Tertiary: 8MP periscope, f/3.4
  • Quarternary: 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 120° FoV, f/2.2, 2.5cm macro
  • Primary: 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 custom sensor, f/1.6
  • Secondary: 13MP portrait, f/2.46
  • Tertiary: 8MP periscope, f/3.4
  • Quarternary: 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 120° FoV, f/2.2, 2.5cm macro
Front Camera 32MP, f/2.48 32MP, f/2.45 32MP, f/2.45
Other Features
  • NFC
  • WiFi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • SA & NSA Dual-mode 5G
  • In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
  • NFC
  • WiFi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • SA & NSA Dual-mode 5G
  • In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
  • AK4377A Hi-Fi Sound chip
  • NFC
  • WiFi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • SA & NSA Dual-mode 5G
  • In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
  • CS43131 Hi-Fi Sound chip
Android Version Funtouch OS 10.5 on top of Android 10 Funtouch OS 10.5 on top of Android 10 Funtouch OS 10.5 on top of Android 10

Factsheets:

The highlight of the Vivo X50 series is the gimbal camera system on the X50 Pro. The main camera on this model utilizes a gimbal camera system that is modeled after a full-sized professional gimbal, which moves the camera module in the direction opposite to that of the shake, increasing the stability of the main camera. As against simpler OIS, a gimbal system widens the rotation angle and anti-shake area. Note that the Vivo X50 and X50 Pro+ do not have a gimbal camera — it’s only present on the middle phone. Consequently, the camera islands on the three phones have their own subtle differences — but otherwise, the design language is identical.

Vivo X50 Pro+ Vivo X50 Pro+

Vivo X50 Pro+

Vivo is also adding a Gimbal Radar within the camera UI, depicting it as an animated ball that reflects the gimbal’s movement. The idea behind it is to let users know when the frame is stable. There are other neat tricks at play too, like motion-deblur algorithms and continuous focus tracking to enhance the image and video clarity. Camera modes include Super Night Mode and Astro Mode, which enable users to capture photos of city and country scenes at night, respectively.

Vivo X50 Pro

Vivo X50 Pro

If the new Gimbal system is only on the Vivo X50 Pro, what is the draw on the X50 Pro+? It’s the new 50MP ISOCELL GN1 sensor that has a big 1/1.3″ optical format and 1.2μm pixels — the sensor size is actually bigger than the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s 108MP sensor. Further, you also get a bump up to the Snapdragon 865 — while the other two phones come with the Snapdragon 765G, as well as a 120Hz display. However, note that the Pro+ variant is currently not available outside of China.

Vivo X50

Of course, the standard Vivo X50 is the humblest sibling with a flat display, lack of gimbal OIS, and lack of a periscope lens.

Vivo X50 series: Pricing and Availability

India

In India, the new Vivo X50 series will be available for the following prices:

  • Vivo X50 — Glaze Black and Frost Blue with Snapdragon 730:
    • 8GB + 128GB: ₹34,990
    • 8GB + 256GB: ₹37,990
  • Vivo X50 Pro — Alpha Grey:
    • 8GB + 256GB: ₹49,990

Both the devices have already gone on pre-booking and will go on sale starting July 24, 2020, across offline retail partners including Reliance, Croma, Vijay Sales, and others. Further, the devices will also be available for purchase from Vivo India’s e-store, Amazon.in, Flipkart, Paytm Mall, Tata Cliq, and others.

Launch offers for the devices include these for online purchases:

  • Up to ₹4,000 Instant Cashback with HDFC & ICICI Bank
  • Up to ₹3,000 additional exchange bonus
  • V-shield – Exclusive complete mobile protection against all damages for a period of 6 months. Offer can be availed by paying ₹2,990 anytime during the first 6 months
  • ₹2,000 off on TWS Neo with X50 series
  • No Cost EMI up to 12 months
  • Vodafone Idea Ltd.: Additional 2GB Data Offer

Buy from Amazon.in: Vivo X50 || Vivo X50 Pro

Europe

The Vivo X50 series will be available in certain regions of Europe such as Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.


Vivo TWS Neo Earphones

The Vivo TWS Neo mark Vivo’s entry into the truly wireless earphone segment, with a stemmed half in-ear design. These earphones are powered by Qualcomm QCC3046 platform and come with a 14.2mm driver unit, alongside AI noise cancellation. You also get Bluetooth 5.2 for a maximum range of 10m. Vivo is also claiming a latency of 88ms on its X50 series devices. For codec, these earbuds offer aptX Adaptive codec on supported devices.

Vivo TWS Neo

The Vivo TWS Neo will be available in two colors — Moonlight White and Starry Blue. The earbuds will cost ₹5,990 in India and will be available from July 24 onwards.

Buy Vivo TWS Neo Earphones from Amazon.in

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