Among the many additions in Android 11 is support for the new emojis included in Unicode 13, announced earlier this year. New emojis are great, but it can take a while for everyone to get them on a system level. Thankfully, keyboard apps can add support at any time, and that’s exactly what Gboard is doing.
Android 11 brings 62 new emoji (117 including variations) and these are now included in the latest Gboard beta. Some of the notable additions include Bubble Tea, a black cat, a polar bear, Mrs. Clause, and a boomerang. Gboard only has initial support for these emoji as you can’t search for them yet, but they are present.
One thing to keep in mind is some of the new emoji won’t work unless you’re on Android 11 beta. The new smiles, in particular, will not appear correctly if they are not supported by the OS. There’s only so much Gboard (and other keyboard apps) can do without support at the system level.
Regardless, if you want to get on board with the new emojis already, download Gboard version 9.6.2.319852869. You can join the beta in the Play Store or download the latest APK from here.
Qualcomm has just announced the new Snapdragon 865 Plus SoC. Following up on the announcement, the company has also announced that the very first smartphones with the new, updated SoC will be the ASUS ROG Phone 3 and the Lenovo Legion. Both of these smartphones are considered “gaming phones” at their core, so it comes as no real surprise that they will be sporting the latest available silicon from Qualcomm.
The ASUS ROG Phone 3 is expected to be launched on July 22 as the successor to the spec behemoth, the ASUS ROG Phone II. Much like the predecessor, the ROG Phone 3 will come with very impressive specifications to attract gamers who are on the hunt for the best set of specifications. Aside from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, the device is also expected to feature up to 16GB of RAM, up to 512GB of internal storage, and perhaps 120Hz refresh rate support at a minimum. This will make it one of the most powerful Android flagships of 2020. Cameras have not really been a focus area for gaming smartphones, but the ROG Phone 3 is still expected to come with decent hardware in the form of a 64MP primary sensor.
The Lenovo Legion is expected to follow along on the same path as other gaming smartphones. This will be Lenovo’s first gaming smartphone, so there’s less of a precedent to build upon, other than this confirmed information of it coming with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus. But from previous leaks, we do know that the Lenovo Legion will come with 90W fast charging, two USB Type-C ports, a 5000mAh dual-cell battery design, and a pop-up camera that sits on the side of the phone instead of the top. Further, the device is also expected to come with a 144Hz refresh rate FHD display, as well as a 64MP primary camera. It will also run on Android 10 with Lenovo’s ZUI 12 customizations on top. The Lenovo Legion is also expected to launch this month.
These aren’t the only smartphones expected with the latest Snapdragon SoC, though. We should hear from other OEMs on their Snapdragon 865 Plus adoption plans soon.
Thunderbolt is a cross-platform data and power transfer standard developed by Intel. The protocol is often found in laptops and PCs and can be used to connect DisplayPort-compatible devices including external monitors as well as PCI Express (PCIe) peripherals including external graphics cards, hard drives, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectors, over a USB-C port. The current generation of the protocol – Thunderbolt 3 – supports upstream or downstream bandwidths of up to 40Gbps and serves as the basis for USB4 specifications. Thunderbolt 3 was announced in late 2015 and an update has been long due. Intel spoke of the Thunderbolt 4 while unveiling its Tiger Lake mobile processors at CES 2020 but without revealing any details. Now the day has come and Intel is finally announcing the Thunderbolt 4 connectivity protocol along with new 8000 series controllers for backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 (and upwards) devices.
The new protocol doubles down on the minimum video requirements as compared to the previous generation and requires support for at least two 4K monitors or a single 8K monitor. The standard also requires a minimum data transfer rate of 32Gbps supported via PCIe and 3,000Mbps for storage transfer speeds.
Intel Thunderbolt 4 branding
Although Thunderbolt 4 delivers data, power, and video signals over a single cable with the same transfer rate as Thunderbolt 3, it does bring improvements over the previous generation. More specifically, Thunderbolt 4 is set to bring improvements in terms of versatility and security and with this, Intel desires to set a new standard for USB connectivity across the PC industry.
Benefits of Thunderbolt 4
Versatility
One of the biggest improvements with Thunderbolt 4 is that it will now support USB extension hubs and docks with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports as compared to just one with Thunderbolt 3. This essentially means that any PC or laptop with a single Thunderbolt 4 port can support up to four enhancements like external SSDs, external GPUs, monitors, etc. powered by the protocol. To achieve that with previous versions, users had to “daisy chain” Thunderbolt accessories – i.e. connect them in series – one after another.
In addition to these improvements, Intel now requires compatible PCs to support at least one Thunderbolt 4 port capable of charging. In addition, a connected accessory like a keyboard or mouse must be able to wake the PC from a state of sleep.
Security
Intel necessitates OEMs or developers adopting Thunderbolt 4 Intel’s Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) technology to fend off any physical direct memory access (DMA) attack. This basically requires tailored capabilities built into the processor to block any unauthorized access to the system memory. This defense is vital as the system memory is shared across a host of PCIe devices – including the ones connected externally via hot-swap plugs (or ports in this case), making the memory vulnerable to physical interception or sabotage.
Thunderbolt 4 uses hardware-level protection supported by kernel-level DMA remapping (DMA-r). The latter means that each peripheral gets access to an isolated block on the system memory such that it is not shared with other devices. This prevents other devices from accessing or reading/writing the memory blocks of other devices. Intel’s VT-d and DMA-r technologies are supported on operating systems including Windows 10 versions 1803 (RedStone 4) and upwards, macOS 10.8.2, and on Linux since Kernel version 4.21.
Expandability
Last year, Intel opened up Thunderbolt 3 as a royalty-free protocol. It was later adopted as the basis for USB4, the upcoming USB transfer protocol that is aimed at replacing standard USB ports with USB Type-C ports for the sake of simplicity and uniformity. As expected, Thunderbolt 4 is also fully compliant with USB4 but increases its minimum performance requirements.
However, Intel says that Thunderbolt 4 will also work without Intel CPUs, thanks to the new 8000 series controllers launched by Intel. These include Intel’s new JHL8540 and JHL8340 host Thunderbolt 4 controllers for OEMs and JHL8440 device controller meant for accessory makers. With the help of these controllers OEMs using non-Intel chips on their PCs and laptop, including AMD and potentially ARM chips for laptops.
This means Apple might still be able to offer Thunderbolt 4 support on its MacBook models even if commences using its custom silicon, as confirmed during the online WWDC event last month.
Thunderbolt 4 Availability
Even though the Thunderbolt 4 is projected to be available across devices with processor by different chipmakers, Intel will reserve the bragging rights for the first PC that comes with support for the protocol. The first set of laptops with Thunderbolt 4 will be powered by Intel’s Tiger Lake processors and available later this year. The catalog will include laptops based on Intel’s innovation model called “Project Athena,” which was announced at Computex 2019 and is essentially a successor to the “Ultrabook” branding. Project Athena presents a set of features and performance indicators for the OEMs to target for a rich and efficient mobility experience.
Thunderbolt 4 developer kits are now available while Intel has also opened certification testing which is mandatory for consistent performance across all devices.
Chinese OEM Realme has seen tremendous growth in the Chinese and Indian markets over the last couple of years. The company has been aggressively launching new smartphones across various price segments in these markets and it has even expanded its portfolio to include smart wearables and AIoT devices. The company has taken a similar approach in the European market as well and has already launched six new devices in the region since the beginning of 2020. These include four mid-range devices in the Realme 6 series, along with two 5G-enabled flagships — the Realme X50 Pro 5G and the Realme X3 SuperZoom. In a bid to make 5G devices more accessible to European buyers, the company has now launched its mid-range Realme X50 5G in the region.
Realme X50 5G: Specifications
Specifications
Realme X50 5G
Dimensions & Weight
163.8×75.8×8.9 mm
202g
Display
6.57-inch hole-punch FHD+ LCD
1080 x 2400
120Hz
Gorilla Glass 5
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Adreno 620
RAM & Storage
6GBLPDDR4x/128GB
8GBLPDDR4x/128GB
Storage Type
UFS 2.1
Battery
4,200mAh
30W Dart Charge fast charging
Fingerprint Sensor
Side-mounted fingerprint
Rear Cameras
48MP primary sensor, f/1.8
8MP 119° wide-angle sensor, f/2.3
2MP macro camera, f/2.4
B&W portrait lens, f/2.4
Front Cameras
16MP Sony IMX471, f/2.0
2MP portrait lens, f/2.4
Android Version
Realme UI based on Android 10
The Realme X50 5G was the company’s first 5G-enabled device, which was launched in China earlier this year. However, the European version of the device isn’t exactly the same as the Chinese variant. The device launched as the Realme X50 5G in Europe is, in fact, the Realme X50m 5G, which was launched in China in April this year. While the device still packs in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chipset and a 6.57-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD display, it features some changes in the camera department.
Unlike the Chinese X50 5G, which features a 64MP primary sensor, the European Realme X50 5G features a 48MP f/1.8 primary sensor, coupled with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a B&W portrait lens. Over on the front, the European variant retains the 16MP primary selfie shooter but replaces the 8MP ultra-wide lens on the Chinese variant with a 2MP depth sensor.
Other specifications, including the 4,200mAh battery with 30W fast charging support and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, remain the same. For connectivity, the Realme X50 5G offers 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and dual-mode 5G. In terms of software, the Realme X50 5G runs Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.
Along with the Realme X50 5G, the company has also launched its latest TWS earphones — the Realme Buds Q — in the European market. The Buds Q are Realme’s most affordable TWS earphones so far and come with 10mm drivers. The in-ear style earbuds weigh about 3.5g each, with the pill-shaped case weighing in at about 28.2g.
The Realme Buds Q feature touch-sensitive capacitive buttons on both earbuds for playback controls, and much like the Realme Buds Air, the Buds Q gives users the option to customize the gestures using the Realme Link app. The earbuds are equipped with 40mAh batteries each and the charging case features a 400mAh unit that have a combined playback rating of 20 hours. The earbuds also come with an IPX4 rating for dust and water resistance, however, there’s no such protection for the case. Realme has also added its signature low-latency gaming mode to offer users a better experience while gaming.
Pricing & Availability
The Realme X50 5G has been priced at €349 (~$394) for the 6GB/128GB variant and will be available for purchase on Realme’s website starting today. Buyers will be able to choose from two color variants — Ice Silver and Jungle Green. While Realme’s website mentions that the Realme X50 5G will also be offered in an 8GB/128GB variant, we currently have no information on its pricing and availability.
The Realme Buds Q has been priced at €29.99 (~$34) and it’s also available for purchase on Realme’s website starting today. The TWS earphones are available in three color variants — Quite Yellow, Quite Black, and Quite White. The company has announced a special launch offer for the Realme Buds Q, which will net buyers a discount of €10 if they purchase the TWS earphones along with any Realme device.
After launching the Reno3 series in China late last year, OPPO launched the Reno3 and Reno3 Pro internationally in March this year. However, the global variants of the Reno3 series were completely different devices with MediaTek processors. It seems like OPPO is continuing this confusing naming trend with the OPPO Reno4 series, as a leaked unboxing video of the global Reno4 Pro reveals that it will be powered by the Snapdragon 720G, instead of the Snapdragon 765G found on the Chinese variant.
OPPO launched the Reno4 series in China earlier this year in June, with both the devices featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chip. The higher-end Reno4 Pro packed in a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a single hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. The device packed in up to 12GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 4,000mAh battery with 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging support. In the camera department, the Chinese Reno4 Pro featured a 48MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor, coupled with a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, a 13MP telephoto camera, and a laser autofocus module. Over on the front, the device featured a 32MP selfie shooter.
The global variant of the OPPO Reno4 Pro, however, doesn’t include the same hardware. According to a leaked unboxing video posted by Pandaily on YouTube, the global Reno4 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G chipset, and it features a slightly different camera setup on the back. Unlike the L-shaped camera setup on the Chinese variant, the global Reno4 Pro looks to have a vertically arranged camera array, with a 48MP primary sensor, a 13MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. The fourth sensor on the device is significantly larger than the laser autofocus module on the Chinese Reno4 Pro and we aren’t exactly sure of its specifications right now. Along with these two major differences, the global Reno4 Pro also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, which wasn’t available on the Chinese variant.
— Your favourite Chun is back (@Boby25846908) July 8, 2020
The video further reveals that the global Reno4 Pro will feature a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a single hole-punch cutout in the top left corner. Much like the Chinese variant, the device will also include support for OPPO’s 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging technology. While the original unboxing video has since been taken down, you can still watch a reuploaded version in the tweet linked above. As of now, OPPO has released no official statement on the global Reno4 Pro or the leaked video.
Video streaming makes up a massive chunk of the total traffic on the internet, with some estimates putting it at a whopping 80% of all internet traffic. With the proliferation of more video consumption devices, democratized videography, and a consistent move up on display resolution, this contribution is still expected to be a very large percentage in the coming years. Video coding standards thus become an important balancing tool in ensuring that video streaming does not choke our internet infrastructure, and nor does it adversely hamper the user experience. Now, Fraunhofer HHI has announced a new video coding standard called the H.266/VVC (Versatile Video Coding) that succeeds the H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding).
The Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, also known as Fraunhofer HHI, is the organization that develops video coding compression standards. Their latest announcement is for a new video coding standard. Called H.266/VVC (Versatile Video Coding), this video coding standard is claimed to have the same perceptual quality but half the size of videos encoded in its predecessor, H.265/HEVC. This means that video downloads and video streams can deliver higher-quality videos at lower bandwidths, thus lowering data use for consumers and also benefitting providers at the same time. For instance, a 90-minute 4K/UHD video encoded in H.265/HEVC could take 10 GB of data to transmit, while the same 90-minute UHD video encoded in H.266/VVC could take about 5 GB of data to transmit. That’s a lot of savings in terms of the percentage decrease in bandwidth, and it will amplify when you take into account the immense scale of video streaming.
But this scaling up has a few challenges along the way. If a device maker wants to add an H.266/VVC encoder or decoder, they will have to pay license fees since the new coding standard uses multiple patented technologies. Fraunhofer HHI promises a “uniform and transparent licensing model based on the FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) principle”. However, it will still be up to patent holders to decide how the technology is licensed. The cost could potentially run into hundreds and millions of dollars. This steep costing poses the obvious problem of inflating the cost of the end product/service, making it more difficult to break even as a company. For projects like Mozilla Firefox, this is simply out of the equation because of ideological, economical, and practical reasons.
The patent and costing puzzle is the reason why many stakeholders in the video coding community prefer royalty-free codecs. XDA Contributor Steven Zimmerman has written an excellent article on AV1, Google’s royalty-free answer to HEVC and the future of video codecs, back in 2017, and his analysis and predictions continue to hold ground today. We continue to see an uptick in adoption for AV1 among streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo, Facebook, as well as SoC makers like MediaTek. It remains to be seen how H.266/VVC fares against royalty-free codecs like AV1.
Samsung recently revealed that its next Galaxy Unpacked event will be held on August 5th. At the event, the company is expected to announce the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Galaxy Tab S7, along with accessories like the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Buds Live. While Samsung hasn’t revealed any information about these upcoming devices, we’ve already seen quite a few leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the Galaxy Note 20 Series, and the Galaxy Watch 3. We recently got our first look at live images of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, courtesy of tech YouTuber Jimmy Is Promo (@jimmyispromo), who has now released some exciting details about the new S Pen on the device.
On the outside, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s S Pen doesn’t look any different from the S Pen that we’ve seen on recent Galaxy Note devices. However, Samsung appears to have included a new software feature for the Galaxy Note 20 series. According to a recent tweet from Jimmy Is Promo, the Galaxy Note 20 series will let you use the S Pen as a pointer. As you can see in the attached image, the feature will be available under a new “S Pen pointer” section in the S Pen settings and it will let you customize the speed of the pointer, its color, and its trail.
S Pen can now act as a Pointer. Select your color and select icons on the screen, navigate around. Also can highlight an area. #Note20#GalaxyNote20Ultra
Once the feature is set up, you will be able to use the S Pen pointer to select icons on the Galaxy Note 20’s display, highlight any specific area, navigate around the device or to simply deliver presentations without requiring a laser pointer. The feature may even come in handy while using DeX mode by letting you easily point at anything on your monitor using the S Pen. The Galaxy Note 20 series is expected to ship with One UI 2.5 and we believe that the S Pen pointer won’t be the only new software feature to debut with the devices. We already know that One UI 2.5 will enable Google’s gesture navigation in third-party launchers and we expect to learn more from the company in the days leading up to the launch.
