Sony may hurt Xperia PRO sales by releasing this feature on the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II

Sony recently launched the Xperia PRO 5G, a $2,500 smartphone for creators that packs a couple of unique features. The device features a micro HDMI input that will let you connect it to your camera and use it as an on-camera monitor. Additionally, thanks to the device’s 5G capabilities, you’ll be able to stream video right from your camera without needing any separate streaming accessories. But since its price tag puts the Xperia PRO 5G outside the reach of many buyers, Sony is now rolling out similar capabilities to the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II with their Android 11 update.

Sony started rolling out stable Android 11 to the Xperia 1 II late last year. While the update changelog didn’t include any mention of the aforementioned features, a recent post from u/shenfan0613 on Reddit reveals that the company has, in fact, added external monitor capabilities to the Xperia 1 II with the Android 11 update. The post includes an image highlighting the new feature, which reveals that it will let users connect their Xperia 1 II to a supported Sony Alpha camera and use it as an on-camera monitor. To use the new External Monitor feature, you will have to connect your Xperia 1 II to a supported camera using a USB Type-C to HDMI cable.

It’s worth mentioning that a video about the Xperia 1 II’s Android 11 update shared by the official Sony Xperia Taiwan YouTube channel also highlights this feature. You can watch the timestamped video below.

Although the post doesn’t state whether a similar feature will roll out to the Xperia 5 II with its Android 11 update or not, we have reason to believe that the feature will be available on the compact flagship. Sony recently shared a press release highlighting a firmware update for the Sony ZV-1 camera. The firmware update brings a couple of new features to the vlog camera, including the ability to connect it to a PC via USB and use it as a high-res webcam.

Additionally, the firmware update brings a new feature that will let you connect the camera to a supported Xperia smartphone and use the smartphone as a secondary display to monitor your live stream and read the chat. The fine print at the bottom of the press release clearly states that this feature will be available on the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II running Android 11. Therefore, we suspect that the External Monitor feature will also be extended to the Xperia 5 II with its Android 11 update. Sony has already started rolling out stable Android 11 to the Xperia 5 II in select regions. We’ll update this post as soon as we confirm External Monitor availability on the device.

The Xperia PRO 5G’s camera monitor feature is one of its main selling points over the Xperia 1 II (the other being 5G mmWave support), so it’s interesting to see Sony bringing the feature to the Xperia 1 II with its Android 11 update. But it’s worth noting that the Xperia 1 II hasn’t received the Android 11 update in the US yet, and the Xperia PRO is currently only sold in the US. So, we’re not sure if Sony will release the display input feature on US models as that may adversely impact Xperia PRO 5G sales in the country. On the upside, Sony’s decision to bring the feature to the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II will make the devices more compelling options for creators who were put off by the Xperia PRO 5G’s price.

In case you have received the Android 11 update on your Xperia 5 II, make sure to leave a comment if you’re able to spot the new External Monitor feature on the device.

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Popular Barcode Scanner app caught infecting Android smartphones

A popular barcode scanner app with over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store has been caught infecting Android devices with malware. The app, simply dubbed Barcode Scanner, has since been removed from the Play Store, but it likely still remains there on many of the infected devices.

As the name implies, the Barcode Scanner app was a simple app that allowed users to scan barcodes and QR codes. But as discovered by security researchers at Malwarebytes, the app received an update in December that added malicious code that was not present in the previous versions of the app. Researchers note the app used heavy obfuscation to avoid detection. And it did work as this malicious update flew under the radar of Google’s Play Protect service, which is in place precisely to detect and takedown such malicious apps. Researchers at Malwarebytes were able to confirm that the app was signed by the same digital certificate as previous versions, hence confirming it was coming from the same developer, LavaBird LTD.

“In the case of Barcode Scanner, malicious code had been added that was not in previous versions of the app. Furthermore, the added code used heavy obfuscation to avoid detection.”

Nathan Collier, mobile malware researcher, Malwarebytes

The app sprung to life within minutes of installation and started bombarding users with adware and automated web redirects to shady websites without user interaction. You can see the malicious activity in the below video:

Malwarebytes says Google was notified privately and has taken the app down from the Play Store. So far, Google hasn’t yet used its Play Protect tool to notify users who still have this malware installed on their phones. That means users must act on their own and remove the app from their phones.

If you have a barcode scanner app installed on your device and have been noticing some odd behavior lately, head to the app settings and look for the app’s package name. If the app has the package name com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner, uninstall it immediately.

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Google Photos gets two new gestures to help you zoom in on videos

Google Photos is inarguably one of the better performing apps in Google’s portfolio. As such, the company does a great job of keeping it fresh by adding new features with each successive update. Over the last few months alone, Google has added a bunch of new features to the app, including a new machine learning-powered feature to make your photos look 3D, a Maps timeline to help you sort your images by location, a tablet-friendly UI, and more. The company is now rolling out another useful feature to Google Photos, which will let you zoom in on videos using familiar gestures.

According to a recent post by u/WimpyTeenDude on Reddit, Google Photos now lets you zoom in on videos using two gestures. You can either double-tap on the video, as you would in the YouTube app, to make the video fill the screen, or you can use the pinch gesture to zoom in or out of the video. The new gestures seem to be rolling out via a server-side update, and they’re already available for some users on the latest Google Photos release. However, it isn’t live for all users at the moment. I tried the new gestures on my device with version 5.27 of the app, and they work as intended.

It’s worth noting that we first spotted these new gestures in an APK teardown of Google Photos v. 4.33 all the way back in December 2019. At the time, our Editor-in-Chief, Mishaal Rahman, had managed to enable the pinch-to-zoom gesture on the app manually. But we hadn’t spotted the new double-tap gesture back then.

In case you haven’t received the new gestures on your device so far, you can try updating to the latest Google Photos release by following the Play Store link below. If you still don’t get the gestures, you may have to wait a few days before they roll out on your device via a server-side update.

Google Photos (Free, Google Play) →

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These are the best OnePlus 8T cases in February 2021

If you just ordered yourself a sweet new OnePlus 8T (and if not, check out our OnePlus 8T review), you’ll want to make sure you can prevent fingerprints, scratches, and dust. As usual, there’s a basic plastic case included with the phone–clear vinyl, flexible, snug-fitting, and emblazoned with a ‘frosted“ ‘Never Settle’ slogan running vertically up the right-hand side. It’s a nice touch that makes it more appealing than a simple clear case, but it also only offers limited protection. What if you want more? Here are some options. There are literally hundreds of phone cases on the market, but how do you know if you’re buying a delight or a dud? Allow us to help with our guide to the best OnePlus 8T cases!

Official OnePlus 8T Sandstone Case

Good old faithful

The old classic is back. The sandstone is a rigid clip-on case which previous OnePlussers will probably be familiar with. The big attraction of this one is that it has a slightly rough-hewn surface which makes it easier to grip because let's face it, these smooth phones can be slippery little suckers. The Sandstone case is available in Black or Cyan.

$25 at OnePlus

OnePlus 8T Karbon Bumper Case

The best official case

Old faithful of the OnePlus case world, the Karbon is at the top end of the official designs. The familiar hard case with subtle diagonal pin-stripes is designed to add the maximum in knock and drop protection, with the lowest profile, most sympathetic to your sexy new handset. That level of design comes at a premium of course, and the Karbon is available in black only.

$40 at OnePlus

Otterbox Symmetry 8T Case

Affordable premium protection

Otterbox doesn’t always make the most exciting cases, but they’re tough as old boots, and we mean that in the nicest possible way. Largely, the Symmetry is similarly low-profile like the official Karbon case, but with the added bonus of slightly raised edges around the camera and touchscreen, which provides much better protection. Symmetry cases comply with DROP+, which is measured as 3x the protection of a military-grade case.

$38 at Amazon

dBrand OnePlus 8T Grip Case

Perfect for customization

One case. Many customizations. That’s the promise with dBrand, offering a 2mm thick case, including a design that encases the side buttons, protecting them whilst leaving more of the screen-free - an important consideration for a near bezel-less device. There are gripping edges down the sides which can be customized to your preferred color from a huge gamut and the whole thing reaches military protection ratings. dBrand also offers skins to be applied directly to the outer casing of your phone, but for full protection, the Grip Case is the way to go.

Starting at $40 at dBrand

UAG 8T Plasma Series Case

Best for butterfingers

Under Armor’s phone cases are among the toughest we’ve seen, combining a stiff translucent body with a rigid toughened frame. As a result, they do tend to add a bit of bulk to your phone, but even so, hardly any extra weight. As ever, it complies with Military Grade drop-protection standards and yet, thankfully, doesn't impact wireless charging or contactless payments. The translucent section is currently available in 'Ice' Blue which complements the handset perfectly. If you want big protection and don't mind making a bigger phone, this OnePlus 8T case should definitely be on your shortlist.

$40 at UAG

Olixar OnePlus 8T Leather-Style Wallet Stand Case

Great value with great features

The first folio-style case to make our list, we've chosen Olixar's thanks to the company's track record for producing great value cases without compromising on quality. There are the usual carbon-fiber offerings on offer, but we've decided to shine a light on the Wallet Stand, thanks to its imitation leather, three card slots, plus one larger slot of notes or receipts, magnetic clasp, and full compatibility with wireless charging and NFC payments. The whole folio can be rejigged to create a stand for the phone - great for games and watching videos.

$13 at Olixar

Simicoo Leather Wallet Case

Swiss Army Knife of Cases

This cowhide leather Simicoo product can be best described as a 'handbag' (or 'manbag'). The phone is kept in a matching slimline case that tucks into a specially designed slot in the wallet section. That wallet section has 11 slots to cover everything from notes and credit cards to your earbuds. There's also a magnetic clasp, whilst the crucial pockets have zippers and there's still room for the whole thing to become a kickstand. It won't show off your phone, but if you want an all-in-one solution for your stuff, this could be perfect. It's available in a choice of Blue, Black, Brown or Red (which is actually pink).

Buy at Amazon

Tereyi OnePlus 8T Ultra-Slim Patterened Silicone Case

Best for Style over Substance

We chose this one purely to show you that not all cases for the OnePlus 8T are one color! These Tereyi cases are simple, transparent silicone cases, similar to the one you'll find in the box with your phone. But if you don't want to walk around for the next year with 'Never Settle' across the back of your phone, there are six decal designs to choose from - baby elephants, pandas, kittens, and of course the ubiquitous 'Live Laugh Love' slogan. Not the highest spec cases on this list, more one for the Insta-crowd.

Buy at Amazon

Qitayo Crystal Clear Case

Show Off Your Phone

If you like seeing the back of your phone, you'll definitely want a clear case. Qitayo's case is thin and clear, giving you a small amount of protection while still being able to see your OnePlus 8T in its full glory. It's also the cheapest in this list, so give it a go for something simple and sweet. You get a fairly decent level of protection, and you can let your phone retain most of its character. While not included, this case also might work out if you like to rock a skin but want some protection sometimes when you go out.

Buy at Amazon

Spigen Ultra Hybird Case

Durable and Thin

Looking for something that will protect against most normal smartphone wear-and-tear, but don't want to bulk out your phone? Get the of both worlds with the Spigen Ultra Hybrid case. This case has a nice protective bumper, but isn't so thick that it'll get in your way. The sweet spot between two worlds.

Buy at Amazon

Ringke Fusion-X Case

You'll Never See It

Like camo? You'll love Ringke's Fusion-X case. This durable case has a unique semi-transparent design that lets parts of your OnePlus 8T's exterior peek through the camo design. It's pretty neat when you look at it, but there are also clear versions of the case if camo isn't your thing.

Buy at Amazon

Nillkin CamShield Case

Protect the Lenses

Most cases don't do a very good job of protecting your camera lenses. They can get scratched too! Nillkin's CamShield case, however, has a slider on the back that will help you protect your camera when not in use. When you want to take a picture, just slide the protector away, and you're good to go!

Buy at Amazon

Our favorite pick of all the cases is the OnePlus 8T Karbon Bumper case. The Karbon series has been around since the early days of OnePlus and it’s proven consistently to be reliable. If you have slippery fingers and couldn’t transport an egg in the egg-and-spoon race at school, you’ll want to pick up the Otterbox Symmetry Case. If you want something a bit more unique, check out the Simicoo Detachable Leather Wallet!

The OnePlus 8T also ships with a basic clear silicon case, which should serve most users for the initial week of use. But as is the nature with clear silicon cases, it does develop a yellow tint over time as you use it naturally in the sunlight. So it’s best that you do explore some options in case you want some protection for your phone. These cases that we recommend should hold the fort well and let you use your phone with fewer worries. So grab one and ensure that you don’t get any serious damage to your brand new phone!

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The Fitbit app now helps you track your blood glucose level

Fitbit is kicking off 2021 with a helpful new feature: blood glucose tracking. The new feature will become widely available throughout February in the Fitbit app to all users in the U.S.

To be clear, this feature is simply meant to track your blood glucose level; Fitbit’s devices aren’t equipped with the technology that can read blood glucose directly. Incidentally, the ability to meter blood sugar may be coming to mainstream wearable devices later this year.

Fitbit says the new feature is being added so users can more easily track how their blood glucose levels change and how they’re impacted by everything from food to sleep to other lifestyle choices. Users can set personalized ranges, reminders, and more. The Fitbit app will then give users a look at trends over time.

“In addition to the ability to track blood glucose, Fitbit Premium members gradually will have access to seeing how often their glucose levels fall within their target range over a 30 day period, along with correlations between when they take a reading and their levels as well trends in this data,” Fitbit said in a blog post. “Members can also share their blood glucose levels as part of their Wellness Report with their healthcare provider to help your care team offer more personalized guidance for your care.”

Fitbit app users can manually input their blood glucose levels or connect their OneTouch Reveal app from LifeScan, which will automatically import that information. Fitbit said support for other meters and services is coming soon.

A chronic excess of blood sugar can lead to high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks, so keeping track of this information is very important, especially for those who have diabetes. Fitbit’s support for tracking is a nice way to integrate with the other health information provided by the company’s fitness trackers.

The company notes that the new blood glucose feature isn’t a replacement for medical advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. “It is intended to simply help monitor and keep track of your information.”

Fitbit (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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Your Xbox Series X/S controller can memorize Bluetooth pairings for easy switching

Here’s a helpful tip for those who use an Xbox Series X/S controller for gaming: The peripheral has a “memory sync” feature that allows users to easily switch between devices likes the Xbox, PC, and mobile.

First noted by Reddit a few months ago and then recently highlighted by Timo Wolf on Twitter, the feature makes cross-platform gaming a little more seamless. The feature is only now coming to light because there doesn’t appear to be any official documentation explaining how it works. That’s where the internet comes in.

“Using your Xbox Series X/S controller with console & PC/mobile for Xbox Game Pass frequently? Xbox Series controllers can memorize sync!” Wolf wrote on Twitter.

To use the feature, just follow the steps below:

• Hold sync to recall the last PC/mobile device (flashing 2-3x)
• Double-tap sync to switch back to your Xbox (flash once)

If you’re still unsure about how to best execute the feature, Wolf made a video showing it in action. It’s like using a keyboard with multi-device support to quickly switch between multiple devices.

Using your @Xbox Series X|S controller with console & pc/mobile for @XboxGamePass frequently? #XboxSeries controllers can memorize sync!
-> Hold "sync" to recall last mobile/PC device (flashing 2-3x)
-> Double-tap "sync" to switch back to your #Xbox (flash once)#XboxSeriesX pic.twitter.com/0avzjoOdre

— Timo Wolf (@OmitFlow) February 8, 2021

“Important: Learned through feedback this does not work to switch between Xbox & Xbox Wireless Adapter,” Wolf said. “Only Xbox & Bluetooth connection.”

The feature right now works with Xbox, PC, and Android devices. Speaking of which, the upcoming release of iOS 14.5, which will include App Tracking Transparency, will include support for Xbox Series X/S controllers, so we’ll see if the syncing feature is also supported.

To be fair, Microsoft did acknowledge the feature’s existence when it talked about the Series X’s controller at the beginning of 2020. There just doesn’t appear to be much documentation educating users.

“The new controller also remembers multiple devices so switching between them is more seamless,” Xbox’s Ryan Whitaker previously explained.

Wolf said this feature doesn’t work with older Xbox One controllers, nor does it appear to work with the Xbox Elite 2 controller.

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Google’s Chromecast with Google TV is getting an update to reduce crashes and improve Dolby Audio

Google has released an update for the Chromecast with Google TV, bringing the firmware version to 200918.033. The update includes a number of new features, along with the December 2020 security patch.

The changelog reveals the update introduces improved 4K support for TVs and AVRs, and Dolby Audio improvements for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus passthrough content. Most importantly, however, the update means users will be less likely to encounter an error that shows the Android recovery screen.

If the screen does appear, Google said the update will feature improved instructions when it’s shown. That means it will be more obvious how users can fix their device, rather than forcing them to completely resetting it.

Here’s the update’s full changelog for the Chromecast with Google TV:

• Improved 4K support for TVs and AVRs
• Dolby Audio improvements for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus passthrough content
• Android recovery screen improvements and fixes
  • Reduced the occurrence of users seeing the Android recovery screen
  • Improved instructions when the Android recovery screen is shown
• Security update: security patch level increased to December 5, 2020
• General security, stability and performance improvements

Chromecast with Google TV owners have been running into errors for a while now that would show the Android recovery screen. Google recently rolled out more detailed troubleshooting instructions to help users recover the device, and now similar instructions are available right on the device for easier recovery.

The update is in the rollout phase, so if you don’t see it right away, don’t worry. To check your device’s firmware, click on your profile avatar > Settings > System > About > System update.

Today’s update arrives on the heels of a recent announcement that said the Apple TV app would arrive on Google’s new device. At just $49.99, the Chromecast with Google TV is one of the better set top boxes money can buy.

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