OnePlus may have just revealed the OnePlus Pad 2 design

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OnePlus may have just revealed the OnePlus Pad 2 design
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The OnePlus Pad 2 may have just been revealed in a new image, giving consumers a potential first look at what the design of the tablet may be like. OnePlus has recently unveiled the OnePlus Pad Pro in China, and the company has posted about it on its official social account on Weibo. It’s suspected that the image of the OnePlus Pad Pro may also be the OnePlus Pad 2. While OnePlus hasn’t confirmed this, it’s possible that ‘OnePlus Pad 2’ will be the name for its global/US release.

Detailed specifics are scarce, but OnePlus does mention a couple of key things that could point to this being the OnePlus Pad 2. For example, in its Weibo post, OnePlus says that the OnePlus Pad Pro will be “the most powerful Android tablet.”

This might suggest that the OnePlus Pad Pro is using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, as this is currently the most powerful mobile chipset on the market. The original OnePlus Pad was powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 chipset. So the key takeaway is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 would be a notable upgrade from the Dimensity 9000 worthy of calling the OnePlus Pad Pro the “most powerful Android tablet.”

The OnePlus Pad 2 image shows a similar design to the old tablet, but it’s slightly different

It’s tough to tell if this is indeed the OnePlus Pad 2, at least when judging by the design. The OnePlus Pad Pro shown and the OnePlus Pad look essentially the same with very little difference in style. There’s still a big round camera sensor in the middle of the top edge on the back. There are two key differences in the design based on the image that OnePlus shared, however.

Despite being subtle, the OnePlus Pad Pro looks to have a different finish than that of the OnePlus Pad. On the OnePlus Pad, the back has a brushed metal finish and it comes in a color called Halo Green. The OnePlus Pad Pro looks to have no brushed metal look at all. Instead, the finish looks almost matte. The other key difference is the colors. While there is a green color, it’s not the same green as the Halo Green option from the OnePlus Pad by the looks of it. The OnePlus Pad Pro also very clearly comes in a new dark gray or black option as well.

OnePlus was already rumored to be using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Back in mid-April, a rumor surfaced that the OnePlus Pad 2 would come powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform. This detail hasn’t been confirmed just yet. However, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rumor already out there, OnePlus revealing the OnePlus Pad Pro and calling it the most powerful Android tablet adds to the suspicion that this could be the OnePlus Pad 2, just under its own name for the Chinese market.

In addition to those details, the image from OnePlus also shows a keyboard accessory and a stylus pen. OnePlus already offers a magnetic keyboard for the old tablet, but as Android Authority points this keyboard attachment looks newer. The stylus is also a new accessory as OnePlus doesn’t currently offer this in the store.

OnePlus Pad Pro OnePlus Pad 2


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Apple is delaying its AI-powered features in the EU; DMA to blame

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Apple is delaying its AI-powered features in the EU; DMA to blame
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During the latest WWDC24, Apple revealed its suite of AI-powered features. Although several will arrive next year, users will receive some key ones in September. However, it seems that customers in the EU will have to wait a little longer, as the company confirmed a delay in the rollout of Apple Intelligence.

The EU has the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with regulations that companies must comply with to operate in member countries. The DMA has forced Apple to make some big changes to its business model. For example, discarding its own Lightning port in favor of the USB-C standard. Also to allow third-party app stores on iOS. The goal of the legislation is to guarantee a fairer market for all participants and avoid monopolistic practices.

Apple confirms a delay for the Apple Intelligence rollout in the EU

Apple has been one of the companies most affected by the DMA, and it seems that its AI-powered features are also struggling to comply. The company confirmed to the Financial Times a delay in the rollout of Apple Intelligence in the EU. There are other features affected by the delay, such as iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing. According to the Cupertino giant, they are working to make these services comply with DMA regulations.

Apple was going to start the global rollout, including EU countries, in September. While there is no exact new date for the rollout, Apple confirmed that it will not happen this year on the old continent. More specifically, the company spokesperson said “Due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act, we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these [new] features — iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence — to our EU users this year.”

iPhone‌ Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing also delayed

Apple Intelligence is the company’s suite of AI-powered features for iOS 18. It includes features such as Genmoji, Image Playground, and Writing Tools, among others. However, users in the EU will have to wait a few more months to enjoy them. Apple confirmed that the iPhone‌ Mirroring feature will also not arrive on time. The latter will allow you to use your iPhone remotely from a Mac.

SharePlay Screen Sharing is the other feature that will not be available in September in the EU. This one is intended as a tool to facilitate remote assistance. It lets someone else control what happens on your screen using SharePlay. It is possible that users in the UK will receive all those features in September since they have not been part of the EU for years.

More DMA-related issues for Apple

This isn’t the only DMA-related difficulty Apple is facing. Currently, a commission is studying whether Apple is really complying with the law regarding third-party app stores. There are questions about whether Apple is being fair because of its latest fee scheme for developers.


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X to put live streaming behind a paywall

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X to put live streaming behind a paywall
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Image credit — PhoneArena
X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, has announced that it will soon restrict live streaming to its premium subscribers. This move makes X the first major social platform to charge for this feature, which remains free on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.The company stated that “starting soon, only Premium subscribers will be able to livestream (create live video streams) on X. This includes going live from an encoder with X integration,” suggesting that the change will also affect X’s game streaming capabilities.
X to put live streaming behind a paywall
X announces that a premium subscription will be required in order to livestream on the platform
No explanation was given for this change. X has typically used additional features, such as post editing, long-form writing, and ad-free feeds to incentivize users to subscribe to its paid plans. This marks a departure from its usual practice, as it hasn’t previously restricted existing, widely available features to paying users. X Premium subscriptions currently start at $3 per month for the “basic” tier and go up to $8 per month for Premium and $16 per month for Premium+.This change is not the only indication that X is looking to charge for more features. The company recently introduced a $1 annual fee for new accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines to gain posting privileges. Although this is still being described as a test, Elon Musk, the owner of X, has hinted at the possibility of extending these fees to all new users globally. This suggests a potential shift in X’s strategy, moving from a primarily advertisement-based model to one that incorporates a mix of advertising and paid subscriptions.

No specific date was given for when the change would take place, however, already some reactions to the announcement by X users have been negative. The main point being brought up is the fact that no other platform, even those with a superior UI and video player, charges their users for streaming. It remains to be seen how users will react to this change once it is implemented, and whether it will lead other platforms to follow suit.


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Spotify Launches a New Basic Plan in the US

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Spotify Launches a New Basic Plan in the US
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Spotify increased the pricing of its premium subscription plans by up to $3 in the US at the beginning of this month. One of the main reasons behind the price hike was the inclusion of access to monthly audiobooks. Now, Spotify has introduced a new basic plan in the US. It is essentially the old premium plan with the same old price.

The new Spotify basic plan in the US costs the same as the old premium plan

Spotify’s new basic plan is priced at $10.99. It offers users access to offline and ad-free premium music streaming for a month with unlimited skips. However, it doesn’t provide 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month from Spotify’s catalog of over 250,000 titles.

Earlier, the Spotify premium plan in the US used to cost the same as the new basic subscription. The new basic plan saves you $1 on a Spotify premium subscription if you don’t want to listen to audiobooks.

Earlier this month, Spotify hiked the pricing of all the premium plans for the second time in less than a year. Pricing of the Individual, Duo, and Family plans was increased up to $3 in the US. The Spotify Individual tier now costs $11.99, a $1 bump from earlier.

The Spotify Duo and Family plans saw a hike of $2 and $3 respectively in the country. The former now costs $16.99, while the latter now sets you back by $19.99. The Family plan gives you premium Spotify access to up to six members.

Spotify could also launch a Hi-Fi tier with lossless audio this year

Spotify could finally launch its high-fidelity music streaming tier this year, which has been in the pipeline for quite some years now. The Spotify Hi-Fi streaming option is expected to be released at some point by the end of this year. If the reports are to be believed, the Hi-Fi option will be offered as an add-on for the existing premium plans. It could cost at least $5 more per month on top of your existing plan. We should have more details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.


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Soon your Google Calendar sync will play nice with Outlook and other third-party calendars

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Soon your Google Calendar sync will play nice with Outlook and other third-party calendars
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Google Calendar image credit — Google | Composition by PhoneArena

Google has announced a beta program aimed at improving how Google Calendar syncs with third-party calendar services, such as Outlook. This initiative comes in response to customer feedback highlighting concerns about the reliability of syncing and the abundance of email notifications associated with the process.To address these issues, the update brings several improvements. First, it enhances the accuracy of event syncing between Google Calendar and third-party calendars. This means that users should experience fewer discrepancies when events are updated or changed across different platforms. For instance, if a meeting time is adjusted in Google Calendar, the corresponding event in the linked third-party calendar should automatically update to reflect the new time. This eliminates the need to manually update events in each calendar and reduces the risk of confusion or missed appointments.
Soon your Google Calendar sync will play nice with Outlook and other third-party calendars

Outlook for iOS and Android | Image credit — Microsoft

Additionally, the update tackles the issue of email clutter. Notifications solely related to syncing will now be clearly marked as such in the email body and sent from a distinct, identifiable email address. The emails will also provide instructions on how to set up inbox filters to prevent these notifications from clogging up users’ inboxes.
For Outlook users specifically, there are additional options for filtering these emails, either individually or at the system level by administrators, using Microsoft’s Powershell. The beta program is open to all Google Workspace customers until July 10, 2024. Interested administrators can sign up using the provided form.

By addressing the pain points of syncing with third-party calendars, Google is helping its products work seamlessly with the tools users already rely on. This not only benefits Google Calendar users, but also fosters a more collaborative environment where users can easily share schedules and stay on the same page regardless of their preferred calendar platform. The streamlined syncing process and reduced email clutter will ultimately lead to increased productivity and improved time management for users who juggle multiple calendars.


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An audio streamer for only $99? FiiO made it possible with the SR11

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An audio streamer for only $99? FiiO made it possible with the SR11
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There are few things that everyone in the world can agree with, and one of them is the fact that being an audiophile is EXPENSIVE! Getting great audio is a multi-step chain, and each link is made of gold. However, there are companies like FiiO that grant high-quality audio equipment to the price-conscious folks among us. The company just released the FiiO SR11. This is an audio streamer that will only set you back $99.

This sounds too good to be true, but most quality affordable devices do. The fact of the matter is that becoming an audiophile requires owning several devices to perform one task. It’s a scary thing to get into, so devices like these that bring power down to a palatable price are well appreciated.

What is the FiiO SR11?

If you’re used to plugging your headphones into your computer and listening to music that way, you might want to look into getting a streamer if you want the best audio quality. The thing is that your computer introduces a lot of noise into the audio signal.

This is where dedicated audio streamers come in. They help get rid of that noise. The FiiO SR11 is designed to intercept the lossless audio signal from a streaming service and output that signal to a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). Since it’s such an affordable device, there were some compromises that needed to be made, so this device does not include a built-in DAC.

In any case, it’s still a heck of a bargain. It has a premium aluminum alloy body that protects the internals. While it’s affordable, it’s still well-built.

Along with that, there are several output options for you that make it compatible with most audio setups. The SR11 can output to USB-A, USB-C, coaxial, and optical. If you have a DAC that takes those as inputs, then you’re good to go.

Speaking of inputs, the FiiO SR11 uses Wi-Fi to receive audio. However, if you want an even faster connection, then you’ll be able to connect an Ethernet cable.

All of these input/output options come in a svelte and lightweight package. This makes the SR11 perfect for most audio setups.

Connectivity

There’s no point in having an audio streamer if it can’t integrate with any services. This device is compatible with Tidal, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. All of these services offer lossless streaming. The SR11 will transfer the lossless audio directly to the DAC with bit-perfect quality. There’s a chance that your computer or phone will compress the audio before transferring it to your headphones. That’s the case with Android.

You can pair this device with your Android phone, iPhone, or computer to control your audio. Also, it comes with a remote for added control.

On the front of the device, there’s a convenient LCD monitor. It lets you know the sample rate of the music you’re streaming. This way, you can keep track of which songs give you the best audio quality. Along with that, it’s compatible with Apple Airplay and it’s Roon Ready out of the box.

Specs

Moving onto the specs, the FiiO SR11 supports 1000Mbps Ethernet and it’s compatible with 2.4GHz + 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi. When it comes to outputs, it supports up to 768kHz/32-bit audio, DSD256.

Such a powerful and capable device should cost more than $99. It comes with several amazing features, a premium design, and many output methods. If you’re looking to start your audiophile journey, there’s no better first step than the FiiO SR11.


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Amazon’s generative AI-powered Alexa may cost $5 to $10 monthly

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Amazon’s generative AI-powered Alexa may cost $5 to $10 monthly
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It seems that Amazon does not want to be left behind in the era of generative AI, so it is working on an Alexa upgrade for which the possible price has been leaked. The company wants to catch up, while others like Google Gemini are quite ahead of it.

According to a Reuters report, Amazon is working on the “Banyan” project which will bring a generative AI-powered Alexa experience to the public. Like other similar services, everything would revolve around a chatbot capable of understanding natural language. However, Amazon’s service is expected to focus on boosting your shopping experience on the platform.

The Alexa generative AI upgrade would cost between $5-$10 per month

The source claims that the dev team refers to this update as “Remarkable Alexa.” However, that will probably not be the final name of the service once it is available. Additionally, Amazon is considering a price of between $5 and $10 per month for the more capable Alexa generative AI upgrade. Even so, they would also offer a free version with fewer features and possibilities. To date, it is not known what the main functional differences between the paid tier and the free tier would be.

Amazon usually includes multiple perks from some of its services when paying for a Prime membership. However, it seems that will not be the case with “Remarkable Alexa.” The report indicates that Prime users will not gain access to the benefits of the alleged Alexa paid plan. Apparently, the company considers Alexa to be an unprofitable project. People do not use the assistant as much as the company would have liked. So, its impact on sales through Amazon has not been what was initially expected.

Alexa has not been profitable since its launch

However, the company wants to change this with Remarkable Alexa. If the project is successful, it will open up at least two new ways of monetization. First, the paid subscription would serve not only to maintain the service but also to make some profit. Then, the potential success of the Alexa generative AI upgrade would have a positive impact on sales through Amazon.

Amazon would announce the generative AI-powered Alexa experience in August of this year (2024). As mentioned before, they are already far behind services like Google Gemini. But, they could be in time to arrive before the Apple Intelligence full rollout. After all, many of the features announced by Apple will be available next year.


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New Google VPN service seeing some hiccups as some Pixel users have yet to receive it

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New Google VPN service seeing some hiccups as some Pixel users have yet to receive it
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Image credit — PhoneArena
Google recently announced the discontinuation of its VPN by Google One service, planning to replace it with a new VPN by Google service designed specifically for Pixel users. However, the transition has hit a snag, leaving some users frustrated and scrambling for alternative solutions.Discontent has been brewing on Reddit as numerous Pixel owners have voiced their concerns about the new VPN service. Some users have reported encountering error messages when trying to activate the VPN, while others have stated that the VPN toggle is simply missing from their device settings altogether. This lack of functionality leaves them without access to a VPN service, potentially exposing their online activity and data to unwanted snooping on public Wi-Fi networks.The issue seems to primarily affect the Pixel 7 series, including the Pixel 7a, as well as the Pixel 8 range. It’s also likely that some Pixel Fold owners may be experiencing similar problems.

According to reporting by Android Authority, some Reddit users have speculated that the lack of access to the VPN by Google service might be tied to the June update not yet being rolled out by their carriers. However, other users have reported receiving the update but still facing issues with the VPN. This inconsistency suggests that the issue may be more widespread than initially thought, and it could potentially be caused by a glitch in the VPN app itself or compatibility issues between the app and certain Pixel devices or software versions.

It’s worth noting that this issue appears to be limited to a subset of Pixel users, and many others have successfully transitioned to the new VPN service without any issues. Google has not yet commented on the reported issues, but it’s likely that they are working on a fix for those affected. In the meantime, Pixel users who are experiencing difficulties with the new VPN service may want to explore alternative VPN options or wait for Google to address the issue, which should hopefully be soon.


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Pixel Phones to Get Smarter Overheating Prevention with Adaptive Thermal

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Pixel Phones to Get Smarter Overheating Prevention with Adaptive Thermal
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It looks like Google is all set to show a new message when the Pixel phones overheat. Currently, the Pixels only show a simple warning message that reads “Phone is getting warm”. However, in the coming updates, the Pixels will show more descriptive overheating warnings.

A new version of Device Health Services will bring more descriptive overheating warnings for Pixels

Folks over at 9to5google have found references to descriptive overheating warning messages for Pixels in version 1.27.0.638152889 of the Device Health Services app. First up, there’s a reference to the “pre_emergency_notification” string, which is titled “Phone needs to cool down”. It further explains how “You may experience slower performance. Try avoiding direct sunlight or close any battery-intensive apps”. Essentially, all the tips to cool down your device will be available on the screen and you won’t have to visit Google’s support page for answers.

In the “pre-emergency” mode, you will have limited access to your Pixel. In addition, during this state, your Pixel will automatically start cooling down by limiting performance, disabling 5G, and more.

The existing overheating notification on the Pixel phones explains how “Some features are limited while the phone cools down”. Tapping on more info gives you a more descriptive message that reads “Your phone will automatically try to cool down. You can still use your phone, but it may run slower. Once your phone has cooled down, it will run normally”.

Pixel phones will soon also implement the “Adaptive Thermal” feature to prevent overheating

In a separate report, Android Authority has found some strings of an “Adaptive Thermal” feature in the code of Device Health Services. This feature will automatically trigger when the battery temperature rises to harmful levels. The report states that the above-mentioned “pre-emergency” alert will trigger when the temperature reaches 49 degrees Celsius (~120 degrees Fahrenheit). It will then show you tips to cool down your device.

The Adaptive Thermal feature will keep checking the battery temperature levels every five minutes. If the phone still hasn’t reached normal levels but instead rises to 52 degrees Celsius (~126 degrees Fahrenheit), then the “emergency” state will be triggered. There’s no word what exactly will happen on your Pixel in this mode.

Furthermore, if the battery temperature reaches a dangerous 55 degrees Celsius (~131 degrees Fahrenheit), then your phone will shut down to cool. In this state, the Thermal Adaptive feature will shut down the device in 30 seconds after reaching critical temperature levels.

Google hasn’t yet rolled out this update to the Device Health Services app globally. It is being rolled out gradually, so it could take some time to reach your device.


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Spotify introduces new lower-cost “Basic” plan for those who don’t use audiobooks

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Spotify introduces new lower-cost “Basic” plan for those who don’t use audiobooks
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Image credit — PhoneArena

Spotify just announced a new subscription tier in the United States called “Basic,” providing an alternative for users who don’t utilize the platform’s audiobook feature. Priced at $10.99 per month, this plan offers all the core benefits of the standard Spotify Premium plan, such as ad-free listening, offline downloads, and unlimited skips, but without the 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening time included in Premium.This move comes after Spotify increased the price of its Premium plan to $11.99 per month. The price hike was attributed to the recent addition of audiobook support, a feature not all users were interested in. Thus, the new Basic plan caters to those who primarily use Spotify for music and podcasts, offering a more cost-effective option.

In addition to the individual Basic plan, it was spotted that Spotify also quietly introduced a Family version of the Basic plan for $16.99 per month. This gives families the opportunity to enjoy the same ad-free music experience at a lower cost. Existing Premium subscribers can easily downgrade to the Basic plan if they wish to save a dollar per month and don’t need the audiobooks feature.

Spotify introduces new lower-cost "Basic" plan for those who don't use audiobooks

Downgrading your plan gives you the option to go to the new “Basic” tier | Image credit — 9to5Google

It’s worth noting that while the Premium Duo and Premium Family plans, priced at $15.99 and $19.99 per month respectively, still include audiobook access. Couples or families who do not use this feature might consider switching to the Basic plan for potential savings. Audiobooks are still being offered separately as an add-on at $9.99 per month.

Additionally, these plans don’t appear to be available for new subscribers but only as a downgrade for existing ones. The blog post does not mention this, but it does say that it is being offered only to “eligible U.S. subscribers.” Currently, new subscribers only have the option to sign up for a premium plan on the Spotify website. It is unclear if the basic plan will be offered should you start a free trial, then try to downgrade or cancel while the trial is still active.

Plans currently available on the Spotify site as a new subscriber | Image credit — PhoneArena

With the introduction of the Basic plan, Spotify is now competitive with Apple Music’s individual plan and YouTube Music Premium, which also costs $10.99 per month. This new offering gives users more flexibility and choice when it comes to their music streaming subscriptions.

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