Xiaomi’s Mi Air Charge can wirelessly charge devices over-the-air

Xiaomi on Twitter today unveiled its new “remote charging technology” called Mi Air Charge. According to the company, it can wirelessly charge multiple devices simultaneously without connecting any cables or placing your devices on a wireless charging stand.

We’re excited to bring you the remote charging technology – Mi Air Charge Technology! Charge multiple devices simultaneously while you’re gaming, walking around or even when something’s in the way, no strings attached. Another giant leap forward in wireless charging technology! pic.twitter.com/wEoB10wOQ2

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 29, 2021

This kind of remote charging has been hyped up for years now, but no company has ever successfully commercialized it. Xiaomi is no stranger to charging innovation, having introduced 80W wireless charging and 120W wired charging, but its previous advancements were more incremental rather than revolutionary.

The company has shared some details on its new Mi Air Charge technology on its official blog. According to the company, this technology is capable of delivering 5W of power to a single device over a distance of a couple of meters from the “self-developed isolated charging pile”. This charging pile has 5 phase interference antennas to accurately determine the position of your mobile device. After determining the position, a phase control array composed of 144 antennas transmits millimeter-wide waves through beamforming. The receiving device has a miniaturized antenna array with a built-in “beacon antenna” and “receiving antenna array.” The former broadcasts the position information while the latter is a 14 antenna array that converts the millimeter wave signal into electrical energy through the rectifier circuit.

Xiaomi apparently owns 17 technology patents related to this remote charging technology. The company has not revealed if it has any plans to commercialize Mi Air Charge, but it correctly says that this technology will be a game changer for smart home products. Many companies have attempted to make remote charging systems in the past, so it’ll be interesting to see if Xiaomi will be the first to succeed.

This article was updated at 10:28 PM ET to add more details shared by Xiaomi in its official press release.

The post Xiaomi’s Mi Air Charge can wirelessly charge devices over-the-air appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/36n6odM
via IFTTT

Google Messages can now suggest adding a calendar event when you’re texting

Google appears to be adding more contextual suggestions when chatting through its stock Messages app. The app already offers Assistant recommendations and smart replies, and the newest feature is geared toward productivity.

According to Android Police, Google Messages now suggests adding a calendar event when chatting with friends or family (or co-workers). The new suggestions are made when one user proposes a time and date to meet. The screenshots below show a button will appear to create a new event.

Images via Android Police

You can start seeing these suggestions by enabling “Suggested actions” in Messages, which is in your phone’s settings. Once you press on the “create event” button, Google Calendar will popup with information pre-filled. The event will also feature a small note saying, “This event was created from a message.”

Android Police said there are other new suggested actions appearing in Messages, but they don’t appear to work consistently. One apparent suggestion could allow users to quickly start a video call when the app recognizes the words “video call.” There’s another suggested action that will search GIFs based on certain key words.

The new suggestions are allegedly showing up for some people on Messages version 7.2.203 and 7.2.204 beta. Unfortunately, the new features don’t appear to be available to everyone, even if you’re using the versions listed above.

Google has been rolling out cool new features to Messages over the past few months. The company recently started rolling out a feature that lets your categorize your conversations, while it also began testing a scheduling option. The latter feature essentially works like scheduling an email, and will let you send a message at a specified time.

Meanwhile, Google Messages has also begun showing emoji chat reactions for RCS conversations, so there are plenty of new features to make the platform more exciting to use.

The post Google Messages can now suggest adding a calendar event when you’re texting appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3cmbM4r
via IFTTT

The Galaxy S21 can add custom backgrounds during video calls in Duo, Zoom, Teams, and Webex

By now you’ve probably participated in a video call or two in the last few months. And by now you’ve probably realized that having all of your co-workers see your room is a little odd. If you pick up the Galaxy S21, you can mitigate that weirdness by enabling new video call effects.

More specifically, Samsung’s new flagship lineup allows users to easily add a custom background to video calls in Duo, Zoom, Teams, and Webex. That just about covers all the popular video chat platforms on the market—or at least the ones that are used in enterprise circles. Unfortunately, the features don’t appear to work in Google Meet.

According to Android Police, if you go to Settings > Advanced features > Video call effects, you’ll be able to change a handful of features when video chatting. You can add background blur, background color, and a background image. Some of the biggest platforms already offer these features natively, but it’s cool to see them baked right into the Galaxy S21’s settings.

As of now, it sounds like these video call effects are exclusive to One UI 3.1, which launched on the new Galaxy S21 series. It’s unclear if other Samsung owners will be able to use these features when One UI 3.1 is rolled out to other Galaxy phones.

If you’re curious to see the feature in action, Android Police shared a video showcasing what the feature looks like. What’s demonstrated in the video is a little distracting, so it might not be something you’d want to use on an important call. Still, if you’re chatting with a friend or family member, they’re useful features to have.

If you do plan on using the Galaxy S21 series to video chat, you can take advantage of an auto-framing feature while using Google Duo. That feature will keep users in the center of the frame while using the service hands-free, as if having your own personal cameraperson.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Forums || Galaxy S21 Plus Forums || Galaxy S21 Ultra Forums

The post The Galaxy S21 can add custom backgrounds during video calls in Duo, Zoom, Teams, and Webex appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3chXv96
via IFTTT

YouTube is testing Clips to take on one of Twitch’s best features

YouTube on Thursday announced the platform is testing out a clips feature. Clips will allow viewers and creators to save a video highlight that’s between 5 seconds and 60 seconds in length. The feature is reminiscent of Twitch’s clips feature.

The new feature will only be available to a small group of creators while in testing, and can be accessed on desktop and through YouTube’s Android app; iOS support is “coming soon.” Once a clip is created, users can share it via a URL.

Clips is essentially a way to create highlights. YouTube makes it possible to link to videos that start at a specific time. But creating clips will make it much easier to share moments, whether it’s from a live stream or a video on demand.

YouTube said that it will monitor feedback for clips in the coming days and will share new information about wider availability soon. The company acknowledged that clips has been one of the platform’s most requested features, so it’s working hard to bring it to all channels.

YouTube shared a help page that features a step-by-step guide on how to create a clip of your own.

Create and share a YouTube clip

1. Start watching an eligible video on YouTube
2. Under the video, click the clip icon .
3. A ‘Create clip’ box will appear.
4. Select the section of the video that you’d like to clip. You can increase (maximum of 60 seconds) or decrease (minimum of 5 seconds) the length of your selection by dragging the slider.
5. Give the clip a title (max 140 characters).
6. Click the SHARE CLIP button.
7. A panel will appear, presenting different sharing options for you to use:
   • Social networks: Click a social network icon (e.g. Facebook or Twitter) to share the video there.
   • Embed: Click the Embed button to generate a code that you can use to embed the video in a website.
   • Email: Choose the email icon to send an email using the default email software on your computer.
   • Copy the link: Click the COPY button to copy a link to the video that you can paste somewhere else, like in an email message.

It’s a pretty straightforward process. You can test the feature out for yourself in this video.

The post YouTube is testing Clips to take on one of Twitch’s best features appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3abV5Gv
via IFTTT

Sony’s next flagship phone may keep the headphone jack and microSD card slot

Sony is preparing to release a new flagship device that will compete with the likes of the Galaxy S21 Plus and iPhone 12 Pro. In other words, the Xperia 1 III will be one of Sony’s most advanced devices ever—but it could feature very un-flagship features.

According to Steve Hemmerstoffer, the Xperia 1 III will keep the headphone jack and microSD slot—two features that are becoming increasingly rare in the high-end smartphone market. With most flagship devices ditching these features, Sony’s rumored device could find an audience among those who long for expandable storage and wired headphones.

Hemmerstoffer claims the Xperia 1 III will look almost identical to the Xperia 1 II with a flat-edged metal frame and glass rear panel. The dimensions are expected to be shrunk down. However, the device will reportedly be a little thicker; the alleged dimensions will be 161.6 x 67.3 x 8.4mm. Meanwhile, the bezels are described as “extremely thin,” with minimal forehead and chin. The display is said to be 4K and measure in at 6.5 inches — the same as its predecessor.

The back of the phone will include a triple-camera setup with Zeiss optics. Hemmerstoffer claims the Xperia 1 III will include a periscope/telephoto lens “that may help Sony to substantially increase the optical zooming capabilities.” The device is also expected to feature a 3D iToF sensor, which was also included in the Xperia 1 II.

According to Sony, the 3D iToF sensor measures the distance between the camera and the object by detecting the time difference between the emission of the infrared rays and its return to the sensor after being reflected by the object.

The Xperia 1 III will also reportedly feature a dedicated shortcut button, as well as a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. The device is also expected to include dual front firing speakers and 5G support.

Hemmerstoffer doesn’t provide details about when the device will be released or how much it will cost. But now that we know what it looks like and some of its specs, those details will probably be filled in soon.

The post Sony’s next flagship phone may keep the headphone jack and microSD card slot appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/39sejsk
via IFTTT

Ingrain yourself further into the Apple ecosystem with a discount on the Mac Mini, a one day sale on iPads, and more!

Even if you’re a diehard Android fan, you have to admit it–the iPhone 12 is pretty good. With four models to choose from, you’re going to find an iPhone that works for you, too. If you’ve decided to make the jump to Apple, you may be wondering… what else out there Apple-wise is good? Well, it turns out it’s a lot of it! Though, the problem is that Apple products tend to be on the expensive side, especially compared to Android and Windows devices. You can always rely on some sales, though, to knock the cost down a bit! Whether you’re looking for the Apple Mac Mini with the M1 chip, an iPad, or whatever else, we have you covered!

First off, Woot! is having a one-day sale on iPads. Today only, you can save big on a variety of refurbished iPads. These aren’t new models, but if you don’t feel you need the bleeding edge of technology, this is a great, inexpensive way to get an excellent tablet. Just make sure to hurry–Woot’s sale will run until the end of the day or until the items sell out. If you see an iPad you like, grab it right away!

Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019)

Buy at Woot!

Apple iPad Pro (2017)

Buy at Woot!

Refurbished iPads

See the Selection at Woot!

Maybe you want the latest and the greatest. I don’t blame you! I prefer newer technology because then it’ll (hopefully) last longer. I wrote about the iPad Airs being at their lowest price yet earlier in the month, and they’re still at that price at Amazon! The $570 sales price currently applies to three colors–Sky Blue, Silver, and Green. A different selection of colors than before, but if you’re not picky, then no problem, right? The Black and Sky Pink colors are still discounted, but not at the same lower price. It’s up to you to decide if the higher price is worth the color!

iPad Air (2020) - Sky Blue

Buy at Amazon

iPad Air (2020) - Green

Buy at Amazon

iPad Air (2020) - Silver

Buy at Amazon

Let’s not forget the belle of the ball (of this post at least), the Apple Mac Mini. Both the 256GB and 512GB models of this mini-computer are $50 off at Amazon, making them $649 and $849, respectively. The Mac Mini has the powerful M1 chip inside, and $50 off such new tech is rare for Apple. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your Mac and don’t need too much in terms of memory and space, this is your chance to save.

Mac Mini with M1 chip (256GB)

Buy at Amazon

Mac Mini with M1 chip (512GB)

Buy at Amazon

Make sure to take advantage of that free Apple Fitness Plus subscription while you’re at it!

The post Ingrain yourself further into the Apple ecosystem with a discount on the Mac Mini, a one day sale on iPads, and more! appeared first on xda-developers.

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

Facebook is preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over iOS 14’s privacy features

A new report claims that Facebook, with the aid of outside legal counsel, is set to bring an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, arguing developers are being required to abide by App Store rules that Apple’s own apps don’t have to follow.

One of the main sticking points of Facebook’s lawsuit is apparently over Apple’s “App Tracking Transparency” feature that’s set to be introduced in an update to iOS 14. The feature essentially requires developers to ask for permission to track iOS users for ad targeting. It was originally supposed to launch with iOS 14 last year, but was delayed to give developers more time to comply.

The Information claims Facebook may not file a suit at all due to “internal resistance from some employees over its public campaign against Apple.” However, Facebook may move ahead and primarily focus on Apple’s rules for developers that require them to use Apple’s in-app payment service. Facebook argues that Apple’s rules make it harder to compete against Apple in areas such as gaming, messaging, and shopping.

Facebook and Apple have been engaged in a public feud over iOS 14’s new privacy rules, which Apple says are designed to stand up for users.

“Users should know when their data is being collected and shared across other apps and websites—and they should have the choice to allow that or not,” Apple said last year.

Facebook, meanwhile, sees it differently, and claims Apple’s new feature will “limit businesses’ ability to run personalized ads and reach their customers effectively.”

“Without personalized ads, Facebook data shows that the average small business advertiser stands to see a cut of over 60% in their sales for every dollar they spend,” Facebook said.

Apple this week confirmed that iOS 14’s new privacy features will be available in the next beta, with a planned rollout this spring. If a developer doesn’t comply with Apple’s new privacy rules, they risk their app being suspended or removed from the App Store. These same rules will also apply to Apple’s own apps.

In an earnings call on Wednesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg claimed Apple has incentive to interfere with how Facebook and other apps work.

“Apple may say they’re doing this to help people but the moves clearly track their competitor interests” Zuckerberg said.

The post Facebook is preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over iOS 14’s privacy features appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/39rthyH
via IFTTT