LightBlog

mercredi 10 mars 2021

Google Photos’ new advanced video editor starts rolling out

Google announced that it was working on adding a new video editor in Google Photos last month. At the time, the company had detailed almost all of its features and revealed that it would offer more than 30 advanced controls to help users edit their videos within the app. While Google hadn’t shared an exact release schedule for the new video editor back then, it has now started showing up for some users.

The rollout was first spotted by Andrew C (@AndrewClarkin57) on Twitter and, as you can see in the attached video, the new video editor appears to have all of the features that Google showcased last month. In case you missed our previous coverage, the new video editor in Google Photos packs a ton of new tools. These include tools to help you crop videos, change the perspective, stabilize the video, and apply filters. It also includes several adjustment settings that will let you tweak the brightness, contrast, saturation, and warmth of videos.

To use the new video editor, all you need to do is tap on the Edit button. This should bring up the new editing UI if you’ve received the update already. The new editing UI includes a couple of tabs to help you crop, adjust, and add filters to your video. It has an additional tab labeled “More”, which includes a Markup tool.

The Crop tab includes various aspect ratio presets to help you crop the video, along with a “Free” option for a custom crop. It also features two additional buttons that will let you rotate the video and change perspective, along with a Reset button to undo all changes. The Adjust tab includes tools to change the brightness, contrast, white point, highlights, shadows, black point, saturation, warmth, tint, and skin tone. Finally, the Filters tab packs a host of premade filters that you can apply to your video to give it a cool effect.

As mentioned earlier, Google Photos’ new video editor is only available for some users at the moment. It wasn’t available on any of our devices, even with the latest version of the app. This leads us to believe that Google may be rolling it out via a server-side update. While we can’t confirm exactly when it will show up on your device, we expect to see a wider rollout in the coming days.

The post Google Photos’ new advanced video editor starts rolling out appeared first on xda-developers.



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

You can now sync your OnePlus Band to Google Fit

OnePlus’s first foray into the wearable segment came in a fitness tracker that was launched at the start of this year. In our review of the OnePlus Band, we lauded the fitness band for getting the fundamentals right and called it a solid first attempt. However, at the same time, we also felt that its companion app was rather barebones and that the option to sync data with other third-party health apps would have been nice. And it looks like the company has finally listened to the feedback.

As spotted by Android Police, the latest update to the OnePlus Health app has added the option to sync your health data with the Google Fit app. The new feature is coming as part of the app version 1.3.2 that was recently rolled out on the Google Play Store. After updating the app, you should see a card asking you to “Share data with Google Fit” right at the top. Clicking on the Settings will initiate the linking process. If you have multiple accounts, you’ll have the option to choose which Google account you want to share your data with. Allow the permission on the next screens, and you should be good to go.

After successfully linking the Google Account, all the measurements collected from your OnePlus Band, including step counts, heart rate, and sleep data will be synced with the Google Fit app. In my testing, the Google Fit app didn’t sync my data collected over the last weeks and only displayed the most recent measurements. Moreover, Google Fit lacks support for displaying SpO2 data, so you’ll still have to go back to the OnePlus Health app to check the readings. I also noticed the Google Fit didn’t always display the most up-to-date data, and there was a delay of up to 2 to 3 minutes before it synced the latest measurements.

OnePlus Health (To be announced, Google Play) →

Google Fit: Health and Activity Tracking (Free, Google Play) →

The Google Fit integration is in no way a complete replacement for the OnePlus Health app but something that you can use in conjunction if you don’t like the user interface of the official app.

    OnePlus Band
    The OnePlus Band is the first fitness tracker from OnePlus. Based on the OPPO Band, it is a good first attempt with fair few ticks, but some notable issues that need ironing out.

The post You can now sync your OnePlus Band to Google Fit appeared first on xda-developers.



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

mardi 9 mars 2021

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta rolls out with improved privacy features, UI changes, and more

The Samsung Internet browser has received a bunch of new features over the last few months. In the last two updates alone, Samsung has rolled out additional privacy and security features, a new high contrast mode, an expandable app bar, an immersive mode for watching videos, redirect protection, URL quick access, and much more. Now, the company is rolling out another update for the browser on the beta channel, which brings additional privacy and security features, a few UI changes, and other minor improvements.

Samsung Internet 14.0 beta introduces a new Smart anti-tracking feature that detects when a website is trying to track you and stops it automatically. It also brings a new security control panel, which lets you monitor your privacy settings easily. The new privacy control panel also shows some interesting daily stats, like the number of pop-ups and trackers blocked by the browser.

New privacy and security features

Along with the new privacy and security features, Samsung Internet 14.0 beta comes with support for Flex mode on Samsung’s foldable smartphones. Thanks to this, you will now be able to watch a video on the top half of the screen and access all the video controls on the bottom half. This feature will turn on automatically whenever you play a video in full screen on a Galaxy Fold or Galaxy Z Fold 2.

App Pair support

Furthermore, Samsung Internet 14.0 beta brings support for Samsung’s App Pair feature, which will let you open two instances of the browser in split-screen mode. It also introduces support for custom fonts, S Pen handwriting recognition on the Galaxy Tab S7 series, improvements for the Reader mode, and a new Translation extension.

S Pen handwriting recognition on the Galaxy Tab S7 series

If you’re a part of Samsung Internet’s beta program, you should be able to download the latest beta release from the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store starting today. But if you’re on the stable channel, you’ll have to wait until April to receive all the aforementioned features with a stable update.

The post Samsung Internet 14.0 beta rolls out with improved privacy features, UI changes, and more appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3v9NmCd
via IFTTT

Samsung’s second Unpacked of 2021 is next week but leaks may have spoiled the surprise

Samsung has announced plans for another Unpacked event on March 17, 2021, which the company is calling “Galaxy Awesome.” The “awesome” part of the invitation might allude to a Galaxy A-series announcement, which means we might see the rumored Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 make their debut.

We’ve seen the unannounced Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 quite a bit over the last few weeks, with a recent report claiming both phones will come equipped with high refresh rate displays. If true, it’ll certainly add some intrigue to Samsung’s mid-range lineup, which we’re expecting to launch with affordable price tags.

In addition to recently leaked information, we also saw a hands-on video that revealed pretty much every detail about the Galaxy A52. The device is expected to feature a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display at Full HD+ resolution along with a 120Hz refresh rate. There’s also said to be an LTE version, which will sport a 90Hz display.

Other alleged Samsung Galaxy A52 specs include two configurations: 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB. The device is said to sport a 64MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth, and 5MP macro sensors on the back and a 32MP camera on the front. The device is also rumored to come equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, 25W fast charge, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and launch with Android 11 out of the box.

The Samsung Galaxy A72, meanwhile, is expected to feature a 6.7-inch panel with a 90Hz refresh rate display. The device will reportedly pack a quad-camera on the back, comprised of a 64MP primary sensor, a 12MP wide-angle lens, an 8MP telephoto zoom lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor and pack 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage with microSD card expansion support.

The Galaxy A72 may sport a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging support, and also feature IP67 rating for dust and water protection. Other specifications may include a 32MP selfie camera, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Android 11.

The Galaxy Awesome event will be available to stream on March 17 starting at 10 a.m. ET.

The post Samsung’s second Unpacked of 2021 is next week but leaks may have spoiled the surprise appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2OAV6N4
via IFTTT

The LG UltraGear 24-inch 144Hz gaming monitor is on sale for $180

If you have been looking for a new gaming monitor, then this is a deal that you shouldn’t miss. The LG UltraGear 24-inch gaming monitor is currently selling at a discounted price of $180, which is $40 off the regular pricing of $220. LG’s UltraGear range of monitors has been praised as one of the best in the business. In fact, I personally use the 27-inch variant that offers excellent brightness and color reproduction along with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate for when I am gaming.

The 24-inch variant with the model number LG 24GN600-B comes with a 1080p resolution and is using an IPS panel, which makes it more expensive than monitors offering a TN panel. Having an IPS panel is great if you are looking for color accuracy along with good viewing angles. Additionally, LG is offering a 144Hz refresh rate along with a 1ms response time, making it an excellent choice for your fast-paced FPS action.

There is also support for AMD FreeSync technology that basically reduces screen tearing in games, and it works with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. LG claims that the monitor offers HDR10 and 99% coverage of the sRGB color space. However, at 300-nits of brightness, you shouldn’t expect a lot if you are looking forward to HDR content, especially in games. The monitor comes with two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm audio port for attaching headphones or speakers.

    LG UltraGear 24-inch Gaming Monitor
    The 24-inch LG UltraGear gaming monitor should be your choice if you care for color accuracy along with a fast 144Hz refresh rate.

There are a variety of 24-inch gaming monitors on the market, but in my opinion, LG offers one of the best panels out there. You won’t get a gamer-oriented design language. But if panel quality matters the most, this should be the one you spend your money on. Keep in mind since this deal is available at Costco, you’ll need to be a member to take advantage of it.

The post The LG UltraGear 24-inch 144Hz gaming monitor is on sale for $180 appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3bsgqx8
via IFTTT

Chrome OS turns 10 years old and gains loads of new features with version 89

Google is celebrating 10 years of Chrome OS by introducing several new features, from a screen capture tool to an enhanced clipboard for saving the last five items you copied. The update also includes a new Phone Hub that connects an Android phone to a Chromebook.

Chrome OS Phone Hub

Image: Google

With Phone Hub, Chrome OS will display a new built-in control center that will allow you to check your phone’s battery life, turn on/off hotspot capabilities, and locate your device. You can also respond to messages and see your most recent Chrome browser tabs to pick up where you left off.

It’s a feature that will make Chrome OS a more powerful platform, and provides the type of synergy users have been waiting for. Speaking of which, Google is also extending Wi-Fi Sync to work with more devices, so you can automatically connect your Chromebook to trusted Wi-Fi networks you’ve already used on your Android phone.

Google said it also plans to bring Nearby Share to Chrome OS, so you can quickly share files between your Chromebook and Android device. The feature made its debut on Android and will be a welcome addition to Chrome OS, finally providing laptop users with a rival to Apple’s AirDrop.

Google said it’s also making changes to Chrome OS that give users quicker access to what’s important. One of these features is Screen Capture in the Quick Settings menu. With Screen Capture, you can easily take screenshots and screen recordings. These files will then show up in Tote, which is a new space that keeps important files in your Shelf that also displays your recent downloads and pinned files.

In addition, media controls are no built into the Quick Settings menu, making it easy to play, pause, and skip songs. Google said you can also pin the media player to your Shelf for even more immediate access. Google is also introducing a Quick Answers feature, which will let you right-click a word to get a definition, translation, or unit conversion.

And to help you better manage your workspaces, Google said it’s introducing improvements to Desks. When you reboot your device, all your windows will restore to their previous desks. You can switch between desks by swiping across your trackpad with four fingers, and also right-click the top of a window to sent it one or all desks.

Finally, Google is improving on existing features, too. Sharing files, images, and links between apps now takes fewer steps, while Google’s select-to-speak feature now includes controls to speed up, slow down, and pause the reading voice in real-time. Google said that icons for your Chromebook’s built-in apps have a fresh new look, which the company claims makes it easier to identify essential apps made for Chrome OS.

It’s been a long road for Chrome OS, and these features show a platform that’s really coming into its own. The Phone Hub feature feels like a natural evolution of Chrome OS, while features like Desks, Nearby Share, and improved Wi-Fi Sync make the platform much more enjoyable to use.

The post Chrome OS turns 10 years old and gains loads of new features with version 89 appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3rzCGe1
via IFTTT

Fitbit Ace 3 for kids offers 8 days of battery life and animated clock faces

Fitbit has announced the Ace 3 activity and sleep tracker, which the company said is designed to encourage kids six and older to get active and create healthy habits. It’s available for pre-order today and retails for $79.95.

According to Fitbit, the Ace 3 offers new animated clock faces, customizable accessories, and up to 8 hours of battery life in a design that’s described as “swim-proof.” The design features a stain-resistant, durable silicone band and an adjustable clasp that’s said to be comfortable and secure.

The new animated clock faces — which includes a cat, bunny, and Martian — are interactive. As kids progress toward their activity goals, these clock faces will change, which Fitbit said is meant to motivate kids to keep moving. There are more than 20 clock faces to choose from, along with features for activity and sleep tracking.

The Fitbit Ace 3 also features do not disturb and sleep modes, so kids aren’t interrupted by notifications while in school or when they’re asleep. If your child does have their own smartphone, the new smartwatch can receive notifications for calls, texts, and email right on their wrist.

For families with a Fitbit family account, parents can review information collected by the Ace 3, including activity and sleep data. This will allow families to set activity and sleep goals together, and create healthier behaviors, according to Fitbit. Families can also compete in challenges together, which awards virtual badges for reaching milestones.

The Ace 3 doesn’t include some of the more advanced features seen in today’s wearables, including a heart rate sensor. Instead, the fitness tracker includes a pedometer, with a daily step count set at 10,000. Today’s announcement was spoiled earlier this month by a leaked report, so it isn’t much of a surprise.

The Fitbit Ace 3 is available in two options: black/sport red and cosmic blue/astro green. Fitbit also has plans to introduce accessory bands based on the animated franchise Minions later this summer.

The post Fitbit Ace 3 for kids offers 8 days of battery life and animated clock faces appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3elzC1h
via IFTTT