Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 could launch on April 27 with new Intel and AMD chips

The new Surface Laptop 4 is just around the corner and fresh reports indicate that Microsoft is going to launch it later this month. The new variants are expected to feature the same design and form factor as the current generation Surface Laptop 3, with the 13-inch variant possibly getting the option of AMD chipsets.

A report by Winfuture suggests that we could see the new Surface Laptop 4 hit stores on April 27. There will be two models again, including 13.5-inch and 15.6-inch, featuring the same design and material choices as the Surface Laptop 3. This means we can expect a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis with a textile finish on the palm rest. The only possible change that we could see externally is the addition of a small compartment at the bottom to give users access to the PCIe NVMe SSD in case they would want to upgrade later. However, the SSD upgrade might only be possible via a Microsoft partner as it might be the same tiny M.2 2230 SSD that was seen on the Surface Pro X and the Surface Laptop 3.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 Leaked Specifications:

Specifications	Surface Laptop 4 13	Surface Laptop 4 15
Dimensions & Weight	308 x 223 x 14.5 mm Intel 1.31 kg / AMD 1.25 kg	339.5 x 244 x 14.5 mm Intel 1.54 kg
Display	13.5-inches (2256 x 1504 pixels) 3: 2 ratio 10-point multi-touch 201 ppi	15-inches (2496 x 1664 pixels) 3: 2 ratio 10-point multi-touch 201 ppi
Processor	Intel Core i5-1145G7 Intel Core i7-1185G7 AMD Ryzen 5 4680U Ryzen 7 4980U CPU	Intel Core i5-1145G7 Intel Core i7-1185G7 AMD Ryzen 5 4680U Ryzen 7 4980U CPU
GPU	Intel: Iris Plus Graphics 950 AMD: Radeon Graphics	Intel: Iris Plus Graphics 950 AMD: Radeon Graphics
RAM & Storage	8GB/16GB/32GB (32GB only on Intel) 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB PCIe NVMe SSD (1TB only on Intel)	8GB/16GB/32GB (32GB only on Intel) 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB PCIe NVMe SSD (1TB only on Intel)
Battery & Charger	6513mAh 49Whr	6513mAh 49Whr
I/O	Surface Connect USB Type-A USB C	Surface Connect USB Type-A USB C
Connectivity	Wi-Fi Bluetooth	Wi-Fi Bluetooth
OS	Windows 10 Home	Windows 10 Home
Other Features	Windows Hello Surface pen and Surface Dial compatibility	Windows Hello Surface pen and Surface Dial compatibility

The biggest update is going to be the new internal hardware. The Surface Laptop 4 is going to feature the new 11th-gen Intel processor and options for AMD’s new Surface Edition processors. WinFuture also suggests that Microsoft will offer the smaller 13.5-inch model with AMD processors this time around.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13-inch

Pricing information from a certain online retailer has also been leaked, at least for the European markets. There is no confirmation whether Microsoft will have a dedicated launch event ahead of April 27, or a simple press release would be sent out to the media. Here are the leaked prices of the upcoming Surface Laptop 4 range:

Model	Price
Surface Laptop 4 13.5 i5 8 GB 512GB	€1499
Surface Laptop 4 13.5 i5 16 GB 512GB	€1699
Surface Laptop 4 13.5 i7 16 GB 512GB	€1899
Surface Laptop 4 13.5 Ryzen 5 SE 8 GB 256GB	€1149
Surface Laptop 4 13.5 Ryzen 5 SE 16 GB 256GB	€1399
Surface Laptop 4 15 i7 16 GB 512GB	€1999
Surface Laptop 4 15 i7 32 GB 1TB	€2699
Surface Laptop 4 15 Ryzen 7SE 8 GB 256GB	€1499
Surface Laptop 4 15 Ryzen 7SE 8 GB 512GB	€1699
Surface Laptop 4 15 Ryzen 7SE 16 GB 512GB	€1899

Prices might differ depending on the region and taxes available in a certain country.

The post Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 could launch on April 27 with new Intel and AMD chips appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2PRiJlp
via IFTTT

Wear OS smartwatches will soon show a UV index to help protect your skin

Your Wear OS-powered smartwatch will soon help you decide whether it’s safe to be outside on a hot, sunny day without any skin protection. Google has announced that the Weather app on your Wear OS will start showing a complication that displays Ultraviolet (UV) index for your location at a given time, allowing you to better plan your outdoor activities and take precautions to avoid exposing your skin to the harmful sun rays.

Stay safe while catching rays.

Your Weather app on #WearOSbyGoogle now includes the UV Index for your location. pic.twitter.com/8KXDzTq1cV

— Wear OS by Google (@WearOSbyGoogle) April 8, 2021

The Ultraviolet Index, developed and standardized by World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization in 1994, is a measure of the level of solar ultraviolet radiation. It notifies users about the potential danger of sun exposure and is usually reported on a scale of 0 to 12, with 0-2 being the “Low” and a value above 10 regarded as “Extreme.” When the UV index is above 4, it’s recommended not to directly expose your skin and eyes to the sun rays and take precautions like applying sunscreen, using sunglasses, seeking shade, etc.

The Weather tile, which received a redesign late last year, currently only shows the current weather, your location, high and low temperatures, and precipitation forecast. Once this update rolls out, users will see a small UV index indicator in the top left corner of the Weather Tile.

Google’s Weather app on the phone already shows the UV index but being able to glance that information right from your watch is obviously much more convenient than having to pull out your phone and open the app.

Google says the new feature is rolling out now to the Wear OS smartwatches. If you own a Wear OS smartwatch, keep an eye out for an update in the coming days.

The post Wear OS smartwatches will soon show a UV index to help protect your skin appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/322G4mF
via IFTTT

Samsung launches iTest to help iPhone users get a taste of Android

Long-time iOS users who haven’t had the opportunity to try an Android phone in a while can now get a taste of Samsung’s Android skin right on their iPhones. The South Korean smartphone giant has launched a new interactive web experience, called iTest, that will let iPhone users easily “sample the other side.”

To try the experience on your iPhone, you can navigate to the iTest website on Safari and follow the instructions to add a web app on your home screen. Tapping on this web app launches a new interactive interface that resembles a modern Galaxy smartphone’s home screen. The simulated home screen gives you access to several apps and settings options that offer a surprisingly convincing One UI experience.

According to MacRumors, Samsung is currently advertising the iTest web experience in New Zealand, but iPhone users around the world can give it a go right away. I tried it out on an iPhone 12 mini, and here’s what the experience looks like:

As you can see in the attached screenshots, the home screen is an accurate replica of a Samsung Galaxy phone running the latest version of One UI. It shows a weather widget, the Google Search bar, and a handful of apps, including Phone, Messages, Camera, Settings, Galaxy Store, Gallery, Galaxy Wearable, Galaxy Themes, and more.

You can try all these apps to a certain extent and get a feel for Samsung’s One UI Android skin. The iTest experience also simulates phone calls and text messages to highlight some of the less obvious features. On top of that, it has an extensive camera tutorial by Logan Dodds, a New Zealand-based plumber and photographer, that explains most of the notable camera options you’d find on a Galaxy phone. But that’s not all.

 

The Samsung Themes app lets you change the look of the interface by applying a system-wide theme; the Samsung Kids app gives you a brief overview of the kid-friendly mode and shows how you can lock the mode with a passcode to keep “your phone safe from your kids and your kids safe from your phone.”

Furthermore, the Samsung Health app gives an overview of all the fitness tracking metrics, the Galaxy Wearables app lets you browse through all of Samsung’s accessories, and the Smart Switch app shows you how easy it is to switch to a new Samsung phone. Lastly, tapping on the Google Search bar on the home page loads up search results for the Galaxy S21, to help interested users easily make the move from iOS to Android.

If you like what you see, you can check out the iTest web experience by opening this link on your iPhone. If you’re an Android user already, you’ll see a different message when you open the website on your phone urging you to share the experience with “your iPhone friends.”

The post Samsung launches iTest to help iPhone users get a taste of Android appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2Ox3q0s
via IFTTT

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S5e and HMD Global’s Nokia 4.2 are receiving their Android 11 updates

Android 11 has been here a while now, and while some device makers got an update out the door straight away, others have taken their time to roll out the stable build. Nonetheless, Android 11 rollouts are now in full swing for non-flagship devices of OEMs, and the update love is spreading to more and more segments. Two more devices – the Galaxy Tab S5e from Samsung and the Nokia 4.2 from HMD Global – have now started receiving stable Android 11 updates in select regions.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Launched back in 2019, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e shipped with Android 9 Pie. After delivering One UI 2.0 atop Android 10 in 2020, Samsung is now rolling out the second major Android version update to the tablet in the form of One UI 3.1. As reported by SamMobile, the build number of the Android 11 release is T72XXXU2DUD1, and it also brings in the March 2021 security patches.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e Forums

The update is currently rolling out over the air to the LTE Galaxy Tab S5e owners in Russia and the United Kingdom as a staged rollout. If your device has not received it yet, it’ll be a matter of waiting. Experienced users, however, can bypass the queue and download the updated build directly from the company’s update server using tools like Samsung Firmware Downloader.

Nokia 4.2

The Nokia 4.2 has joined the Android 11 club as well. Bearing software version V3.150, the Android 11 release for the smartphone is about 1.5GB in size and it comes with the March 2021 security patches.

Thanks to Twitter user @boookabox for the screenshot!

Just like the Nokia 8.1 and the Nokia 2.3, HMD Global has opted for a staggered update rollout plan to ensure a smooth transition. The OTA should reach 100% of users across most of the regions that the company currently operates in by April 12th.

Nokia 4.2 Forums

The post Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S5e and HMD Global’s Nokia 4.2 are receiving their Android 11 updates appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3uBL7GV
via IFTTT

What colors does the OnePlus 9 series come in?

The OnePlus 9 series has finally arrived, with more models and color options than ever to choose from. There are three distinct models: the OnePlus 9 Pro, the OnePlus 9, and the India-exclusive OnePlus 9R. Both the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro have three color choices each, though not every color is available in every country.

This is where we’ll go over every color the OnePlus 9 series is available in. For our full thoughts about the phones, check out our dedicated OnePlus 9 Pro review, and our OnePlus 9 series camera review.

OnePlus 9 Pro Colors

The most-expensive OnePlus 9 Pro is available in three colors: Morning Mist, Pine Green, and Stellar Black. Below are the details for each color, along with availability information. Annoyingly, every color is not available in every market where the OnePlus 9 Pro is available.

Morning Mist

Morning Mist stands out more than the usual black and dark grey smartphone colors, with a slightly-reflective finish, but isn't quite as loud as the other color options. It's available in all regions.

Buy at OnePlus

Pint Green

Pine Green is a worthy successor to the 'Glacial Green' OnePlus 8 Pro, though it is a bit darker than that style. It's available in all regions.

Buy at OnePlus

Stellar Black

Stellar Black is a callback to the OnePlus One, with a frosted matte glass finish that feels different than the other styles. Unfortunately, it's not available in the United States and some other regions, at least for now.

Buy at OnePlus

OnePlus 9 Colors

Confusingly, the regular OnePlus 9 is sold in three completely different colors: Winter Mist, Astral Black, and Arctic Sky. We’ve listed the details for each color below.

Astral Black

Astral Black uses a combination of matte film and glossy glass, so while it looks like a plain black phone at a glance, it has a more unique design up close. Astral Black is sold in all regions.

Buy at OnePlus

Winter Mist

Winter Mist changes the intensity of its purple color based on how much light is hitting it. It's always nice to see more purple phones, and thankfully, this color is available in all regions.

Buy at OnePlus

Arctic Sky

Arctic Sky is, well, sky blue. It also has a matte finish, so it looks the same from all angles. The Arctic Sky color is not sold in the United States and some other countries.

Buy at OnePlus

OnePlus 9R Colors

The last phone in the OnePlus 9 lineup is the 9R, which is only being sold in India. Unlike the other two models, there are only two color choices available.

Lake Blue

Lake Blue is... pretty much what it sounds like. Though, it's more aqua than blue.

Buy at OnePlus

Carbon Black

If you want a plain black phone, this is the color option for you. It's similar to the Stellar Black OnePlus 9 Pro.

Buy at OnePlus

The post What colors does the OnePlus 9 series come in? appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3uBDuAh
via IFTTT

Amazon Music gets Car Mode for easier access to your music

Amazon has updated its Music mobile app with a new feature that will make it easier to access your tunes while driving. Aptly titled “Car Mode,” the feature simplifies Amazon Music’s interface with shortcuts to popular music options, large buttons, and voice assistance with Alexa.

According to Amazon, Car Mode will launch automatically when your device is connected to your car over Bluetooth. Once launched, the experience is divided into two sections: the upper third is dedicated to playback controls and song information, while the bottom displays shortcuts to popular music options. These presets can be customized, so you always have your favorite music at your fingerprints.

There’s also a quick shortcut button to Alexa — or if a hands-free experience is more convenient (and it should be if you’re driving), you can invoke the assistant by saying “Hey Alexa” followed by the artist or song. Amazon said that Music’s Card More also features convenient swipe functionality to skip tracks and return to the presets. If you want to exit Car Mode, just tap the exit Car Mode button.

Amazon Music isn’t the only app to introduce a simplified mode for driving in the car. We’ve also seen Spotify introduce simplified controls for driving, and the streaming service recently started rolling out a “Hey Spotify” wake phrase on Android and iOS. As people start getting back on the road, these simplified interfaces will make interacting your with phone a little less distracting.

Amazon has been working to make its apps less distracting while driving, last year introducing an Auto Mode to its Alexa app. Even if your car doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can launch Amazon Music’s Car Mode manually. Just open the app, go to the menu on the top right corner, and select Car Mode. The new mode in Amazon Music is available now on Android and iOS.

Amazon Music: Stream and Discover Songs & Podcasts (Free, Google Play) →

The post Amazon Music gets Car Mode for easier access to your music appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3rYrTcJ
via IFTTT

XDA Basics: How to Delete or Deactivate your Facebook account

In the wake of the massive data breach at Facebook which exposed the personal details of 533 million users, you may be thinking once again about how to delete your Facebook account. We all go through these periods when we think that Mark Zuckerberg knows more about us than is healthy. But we dismiss the idea of closing our account as too difficult or inconvenient, and before you know it, the next data breach or privacy scandal occurs.

Today on XDA Basics, we are going to show you how to delete, or at the very least deactivate, your Facebook account if you want to. Of course, it all depends on whether you choose to believe Facebook when they assure you it’s been deleted.

The Quick & Simple Guide to Delete your Facebook Account

As you can expect, the link to deactivating or closing your Facebook account is buried deep in the small print. But to make life easy, here is a direct link to the page required. Note that obviously, you have to log into your account to access that page.

Once you have accessed the page, scroll down to the bottom and you will see this :

Before I go on, it’s worth pointing out that on this same page, you can download your Facebook data, including images and videos you’ve uploaded. You may want to do that first if there’s anything there you want to keep.

Now, let’s talk for a moment about the difference between deactivation and deletion. What’s the difference?

Quite simply, deactivation puts your account into a state of suspension. During this time, you can’t post anything and nobody can view your page. But the account is still present on Facebook’s servers. Temporarily taking your account offline could be done for a variety of reasons. One person I know did it when she was going for an important job interview and she didn’t want the prospective employer looking her up on social media and seeing her political views. So she deactivated the account and it went off the grid until she reactivated it a month after successfully getting the job.

Deletion is obviously the nuclear option. As I said, you need to decide if you choose to believe Facebook when they say they will really delete your account. But assuming you do trust them, this is the option to obliterate your Facebook presence entirely. Not only will it dissolve your profile, but also any business pages and groups you may have set up, as well as Facebook Messenger message history. It takes down the whole lot – and it is irreversible. So be sure this is what you really want before going ahead and doing it.

Assuming it is what you want, click the “View” button to the right of the “Deactivation and deletion” option and this appears.

I’m not going to go any further because I want to keep my Facebook account and continue sharing pictures of my lunch. But as you can see from the screenshot above, it is fairly self-explanatory. Choose your option and click the blue button at the bottom to proceed. Then it’s goodbye to Mr. Zuckerberg.

Obviously, closing your account does not bar you from opening a new account in the future, if you have a sudden change of heart.

How have your experiences been in the past with closing a Facebook account? Let us know in the comments.

The post XDA Basics: How to Delete or Deactivate your Facebook account appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3mvWhdn
via IFTTT