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mercredi 19 octobre 2022

SpaceX Starlink will now provide high-speed internet for planes, but it won’t be cheap

Today, SpaceX announced that it is expanding its satellite internet service to cover airplanes. The new service, Starlink Aviation, will launch next year and will offer speeds up to 350Mbps, which is quite a bit faster than what we currently see on commercial flights.

Starlink Aviation states on its website that it will be able to provide high-speed, low-latency, in-flight internet, something that is not all that common. With speeds up to 350Mbps, those traveling would be able to do a lot more than just check email and could easily use the service to watch streaming video, make video calls, and maybe even do some online gaming. At least that last one is what Starlink thinks could be accomplished with its service.

Since this is a satellite-based internet service, it states that it would be able to provide coverage anywhere around the world. Starlink’s   low-profile Aero Terminal would be able to maximize its network with its “electronically steered phased array antenna,” which provides “new levels of reliability, redundancy, and performance.” Of course, this specialized antenna needs to be installed on the plane but the company states that it doesn’t require too much time. The kit will include the aforementioned terminal, a power supply, two wireless access points, and a harness.

While all of this sounds great, the kicker is that the service will cost anywhere from $12,500 to $25,000 per month. In addition to the monthly service fee, there will also be a one-time charge for hardware that will cost $150,000. I guess the silver lining here is that there are no long-term contracts involved, and all the plans offered include unlimited data. Furthermore, the company will guarantee the equipment for as long as you are subscribed to its service. Starlink is currently taking reservations, stating that it will launch in 2023.

Satellite service has been getting quite popular lately, with Amazon getting closer to launching its own satellites. T-Mobile has also partnered with SpaceX to launch its own service in 2023. Apple has also utilized the service in its latest iPhone 14 devices, making it possible to communicate with emergency services if in a remote area.


Source: SpaceX Starlink
Via: The Verge

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The Xbox October update features CEC, enhanced power controls, and more

It’s a new month, and that means a new update has arrived for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. The update brings new enhancements that will no doubt improve the user experience. The update comes packed with the ability to control TV volume from the Xbox console, mute all sounds on start-up, offers a more streamlined home Xbox setup process, and more.

With the latest update, the Xbox Series X and Series S will be able to take advantage of Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) and send commands to connected devices like TVs. That means, going forward, those with compatible setups will be able to control their TV using their Xbox console. While there isn’t a whole lot that can be done currently, at least volume controls will be available, making it more seamless to turn up, turn down, or mute the TV. While you no longer have to reach for a remote, you will have to open up the settings menu and navigate to the audio section.

In addition to CEC, a new fan-requested feature has made it into the update, giving users the ability to mute all sounds on start-up. Also, it will now be easier to set up or change the home Xbox setting, thanks to a new streamlined menu system for this option. Furthermore, there will be new power options for Xbox consoles, allowing users to choose their preferred power mode. The power settings have also been renamed to Sleep and Shutdown (energy saving). Xbox passkeys have also been renamed to Xbox PINs, still retaining the exact same functionality of adding an additional layer of protection on consoles.

The Xbox controller will also receive a new firmware update, featuring multiple bug fixes and one specifically for accessories that plug into the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The Xbox app on Android and iOS will also receive an added feature, now being able to trim video clips to a user’s desired length. Those using Xbox Game Bar on PC will gain the ability to export clips directly to Medal.tv. Microsoft has been on a roll recently, announcing the ability to now customize the Elite Series 2 controller using Xbox Design Lab.


Source: Xbox Wire

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Pixel 7 series receives new Google Play System update, but you can’t download it

Although Google’s latest flagships, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, already have the latest Android security patches, the devices are running a Google Play System update from July. The Security hub on the Pixel 7 series even prompts users to update to the latest Google Play System update as the “device hasn’t had a system update in 90 days,” but checking for updates did not bring up any available updates until yesterday. Google now seems to be rolling out a fresh Google Play System update for the devices, but you can’t download it.

9to5Google reports that the new Google Play System update started showing up for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro users recently, and we can confirm that it’s available on all our units. The update measures just 7.6kB, and its description states: “Latest security update from Google. Update now to keep safe and improve device stability.” However, it fails to download, and tapping the Download & Install button brings up the following error: “Updates are temporarily unavailable. Try again later.”

Screenshot of the Security hub on the Google Pixel 7 Pro showing an update warning. Screenshot of the latest Google Play System update for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Screenshot of the Google Play System update download failed.

Basic workarounds like rebooting the device, clearing the cache, and switching to a different network connection don’t seem to be of any help, and the download fails every time. We’re not sure what the underlying issue is at the moment, but we expect Google to shed some light on it soon.

It’s worth noting that Google started rolling out the Google Play System update for October 2022 earlier this month with Play Store changes, bug fixes, and updates to system management services. However, this update is currently not available for the Pixel 7 series. According to a recent comment from a Product Expert on Google’s support forums, the July 1, 2022 update is the latest Play System update available for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

Have you received a new Google Play System update on your Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro? Were you able to download and install it? Let us know in the comments section below.


Via: 9to5Google

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How to install Android 12 and 12L on Google Pixel and other Android devices

It’s that time of year again! Android 12, i.e. the next major release of Android is now available via stable channel. Google has also started rolling out Android 12L as a feature drop that brings several optimizations and improvements for large screen devices. For lucky owners of the Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, or Pixel 6 Pro, you’ll be among the first users to see what new OS update has to offer.

If you have any of the aforementioned Pixel smartphones running and older stable build and wondering how you can install Android 12 or 12L, just scroll down as we have a tutorial ready for you. Keep in mind that Google will be providing an incremental OTA for existing beta users to move to the stable release, but they can also opt for a manual flashing. You will need a PC/Mac with ADB and Fastboot installed to successfully execute the installation process, once you have downloaded the relevant Android 12 release packages.

Alongside supported Google Pixel devices, Android 12/12L is also made available in the form of a GSI that can be flashed on a much wider range of devices. OEMs have joined in on the party as well, and you can flash Beta 1 on the following phones:

Warning: The updates are intended for developers only, so don’t install them on your daily-driver. These builds are early releases and contain bugs and other system instabilities. Even if the flashing process doesn’t necessarily wipe your device, it is highly recommended that you back up your data before proceeding. Users are advised to exercise caution.

The three methods to install the update are:


Method 1: Sideload Android 12/12L via Recovery and ADB

To install the stable build, you need to sideload the appropriate OTA package for your device from Recovery through ADB. This method will also work for Google Pixel devices with a locked bootloader.

  1. Download the update .zip file on your computer from here. For convenience, you can rename this file to a simpler name and place the file in the directory where ADB is located on your computer.
  2. Optional but recommended: Verify the SHA-256 checksum of the file you have downloaded to ensure that the file has been downloaded completely and correctly.
  3. Enable USB Debugging on your phone — Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” 7 times, (optionally) enter your pattern, PIN or password to enable Developer Options, and then navigate to Settings > Developer Options > Enable “USB Debugging”.
  4. Connect your phone to your computer. Authorize your computer connection on your phone when the prompt comes up on your phone, if this is the first time you are connecting with this ADB computer.
  5. On your computer, run the command:
    adb reboot recovery
  6. You should see “No command” on your phone screen. Now press and hold the Power button of your phone. While you hold Power, press the Volume Up button and let go of both buttons quickly. You should the Android recovery menu.
  7. Select the option Apply Update from ADB from the recovery menu.
  8. On your phone, select the option “Apply Update from ADB”
  9. On your computer, run the command:
    adb devices

    This should return a device serial with the “sideload” next to its name, indicating that your device is connected to the computer in sideload mode.

  10. On your computer, run the command:
    adb sideload "filename".zip

    Where “filename” is to be replaced with the name of the file downloaded in Step 1

  11. The update should install on your phone. Once the installation is complete, choose “Reboot system now” on your phone to reboot into Android 12.

Method 2: Flashing full Factory Image via Fastboot

If you have an unlocked bootloader on a Google Pixel device, you need to flash the full factory image of the Android 12 or 12L via Fastboot. Usually, this is done through a flash-all.sh or flash-all.bat script file that is included in the downloaded file, but its default configuration also wipes the device completely. You can, however, retain your data by deleting the “-w” wipe attribute from the command within the script.

  1. Download the factory image .zip file on your computer from here.
  2. Optional but recommended: Verify the SHA-256 checksum of the file you have downloaded to ensure that the file has been downloaded completely and correctly.
  3. Extract the .zip file, and copy and paste the resultant files onto your ADB and fastboot folder on your computer for convenience.
  4. Optional: The resultant files would contain a flash-all.sh or flash-all.bat script file. Using a text editor, open the flash-all.sh if you’re on macOS/Linux or the flash-all.bat script file if you’re on Windows. Find and remove/delete the -w flag in the fastboot update command. This will skip the data wipe for your phone. To avoid compatibility issues, a data wipe is recommended though.
  5. Enable USB Debugging on your phone — Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” 7 times, (optionally) enter your pattern, PIN or password to enable Developer Options, and then navigate to Settings > Developer Options > Enable “USB Debugging”.
  6. Connect your phone to your computer. Authorize your computer connection on your phone when the prompt comes up on your phone, if this is the first time you are connecting with this ADB computer.
  7. On your computer, run:
    adb reboot bootloader

    This will reboot your phone into Fastboot mode.

  8. On your Mac/Linux PC, run:
    flash-all

    This command executes the flash-all.sh script file, which will then install the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware, and operating system. If you are on Windows, you can simply double click the flash-all.bat file.

  9. Once the script finishes, your device will reboot into the new OS.

Method 3: Install Android 12/12L GSI

Even if you don’t own a compatible Pixel smartphone, you can still install Google’s official GSI binaries to test Android 12 or 12L, provided your device is compatible with Project Treble. You also need an unlocked bootloader. The last thing that we need to say is that flashing a GSI will require you to factory reset your device, so be sure you’re prepared to lose app data before you proceed with this! We recommend you make an off-device backup (such as on your PC or an SD Card) in case anything goes wrong.

  1. Download links for the official Android 12/12L Beta GSIs can be found here. Google has yet to publish GSIs based on the stable release. You should download the appropriate version based on your device’s architecture. To see which architecture your device has, run the following command:
    adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi
  2. Optional but recommended: Verify the SHA-256 checksum of the file you have downloaded to ensure that the file has been downloaded completely and correctly.
  3. Extract the .zip file, and copy and paste the resultant files (system.img and vbmeta.img) onto your ADB and fastboot folder on your computer for convenience.
  4. Enable USB Debugging on your phone — Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” 7 times, (optionally) enter your pattern, PIN or password to enable Developer Options, and then navigate to Settings > Developer Options > Enable “USB Debugging”.
  5. Connect your phone to your computer. Authorize your computer connection on your phone when the prompt comes up on your phone, if this is the first time you are connecting with this ADB computer.
  6. On your computer, run:
    adb reboot bootloader

    This will reboot your phone into Fastboot mode.

  7. As mentioned earlier, the bootloader of the target device must be unlocked beforehand.
  8. Next, we need to disable Android Verified Boot (AVB). To do that, run the following command:
    fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
  9. Optional but recommended: Enter the following to wipe the system partition:
    fastboot erase system
  10. Flash the Android 12/12L GSI:
    fastboot flash system system.img
  11. Allow the image to flash, it could take a few minutes. Once that’s done, wipe the userdata partition:
    fastboot -w
  12. Finally, reboot your device:
    fastboot reboot
  13. Hopefully, your device should boot into the new build of Android.

Be sure to follow our Android 12 and Android 12L tags for all the latest news on the new Android version!

The post How to install Android 12 and 12L on Google Pixel and other Android devices appeared first on XDA.



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Google is reportedly bolstering its hardware division by shifting resources away from its Assistant

Google has warned employees about impending changes for months, and it has more recently started cutting costs across the company. In September, the firm canceled projects and began winding down its internal incubation project Area 120, and perhaps the biggest story was it shutting down Stadia, its online game streaming service. While more changes are undoubtedly on the horizon, a new report states that Google is shifting its strategy so that it can double down on its hardware division.

The Information by way of Ars Technica reports that while there have been sizeable cuts within the company, but it looks like most of the hardware divisions are safe. In fact, Google has recognized that the tide is turning in the Android market, with even its top competitor, Samsung, slowly losing market share to Apple. Furthermore, Google thinks that it can occupy this space by leveraging its own hardware and doubling down on its Pixel hardware lineup.

Apparently, in order to accomplish this, the firm will shift labor from non-Google devices to focus more on its own products. As for what areas are seeing shifts internally, the report states that there might be adjustments with staff working on Google TV, reassigning them to work on Wear OS and the Pixel Tablet. Furthermore, the report also seems to discuss cuts to teams working on Google Assistant for devices such as TVs, headphones, speakers, and more. As stated before, the bulk of the change will have to do with third-party manufacturers of these kinds of devices.

While this certainly looks bad for manufacturers, some will apparently be supported, like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. Unfortunately, that’s a really small number when compared to all of the manufacturers around the world that produce Android products. Of course, these are just reports, so it remains to be seen whether we will see the ramifications of these actions in the near future.


Source: The Information
Via: Ars Technica

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mardi 18 octobre 2022

Netflix eyes cloud gaming service, opens new game studio

Today, Netflix announced its quarterly earnings, and the results were actually pretty impressive. The company has made a turnaround, exceeding its goals, adding more subscribers, and also generating more revenue. While it looks to the future, the company has started to make new moves, as it will debut a new ad-supported tier in November, and it will also be committing more to its gaming segment with plans to bring even more titles to the platform. Apparently, the company has plans to dive even deeper into gaming, announcing during the TechCrunch Disrupt conference that it was looking at cloud gaming and, most surprising, that it was opening up a new game studio.

During the TechCrunch Disrupt, Nike Verdu, who is the VP of Gaming at Netflix, shared that the company was “seriously” looking at offering a cloud gaming service. While most companies currently offer the service as a standalone product, if Netflix were to offer such a service, it would be part of the current subscription service, or as Verdu put it, a “value-add.” Competitors like Amazon have already started dabbling, with it currently offering Luna, its own game streaming service. Just recently, Google announced it would shut down its service because it hadn’t been able to attract subscribers. From what we can see, clearly, this space is not an easy one, so if Netflix were to engage, it would have to be extremely cautious.

In addition to its cloud gaming ambitions, Verdu also revealed that Netflix was going to open a brand new game development studio in Southern California. Previously, Netflix purchased game studios, but this will be the firm’s first from the ground up. The new studio will be helmed by industry veteran Chako Sonny, who was previously the executive producer of Overwatch. While this is tremendous news, it will be interesting to see just how far Netflix’s gaming journey goes.


Source: TechCrunch

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Xbox Design Lab offers customization options for Elite Series 2 controllers

Xbox Design Lab has offered customization options for Xbox controllers since 2016. But the Elite Series 2 controller was never part of the offering, leaving many gamers out of luck. Now, for the first time, Microsoft is including the ability to customize Elite Series 2 controllers, along with new customization options.

Starting today, gamers can head to the Xbox Design Lab website to customize their own Elite Series 2 Controller. The customization part is quite detailed, with the option to change the color of the body, back case, D-pad, bumpers, triggers, thumb sticks, and more. You can take things even further by swapping the D-Pad for a cross-shaped version if you want. Also, for the first time in Xbox Design Lab history, customers will have the option to customize the thumb stick base and ring, which definitely adds a nice accent of color. If you want the complete package, you can also add an engraving on the front of up to 16 characters.

The Elite Series 2 Controller is one of the best from Microsoft, constructed of high-grade materials and components and featuring numerous customization options. The rubberized grips and tensioned thumb sticks provide maximum control, especially when paired with short hair trigger locks. You can even enable a custom button mapping option and expect the controller to last up to 40 hours on a single charge. Best of all, the new Core model is quite a bit cheaper than the standard Elite Series 2 model, coming in at $50 less. Microsoft was able to accomplish this by removing some of the accessories that come packaged with the original model. But the good thing is that you can still purchase these accessories separately if you want. Microsoft offers the accessory bundle through its Complete Component Pack costing $59.99.

As a final touch to the customization process, users will be able to change the color of the Xbox button using the Xbox Accessories app as long as they also have the Xbox September update. This option will expand beyond color, giving users the option to set the brightness level as well. While you have the option to customize an Elite Series 2 controller, Microsoft still offers the ability to customize a standard Xbox Wireless controller as well. The Elite Series 2 Controller will cost $129.99, but if you want to customize it, you can pick up the controller with customization service for just $20 more. If you’re looking to customize an Xbox Wireless controller, it will cost substantially less, coming in at $69.99. If interested, be sure to head to the source link down below.


Source: Xbox Design Lab
Via: Xbox News

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