Apple’s News app is disabled in China
The News app in iOS 9 is officially available only in the US, but you can still access stories when you’re traveling abroad… unless you’re visiting China, that is. A New York Times source understands that Apple has completely disabled News access in China, preventing you from reading anything new even if you’re using one of the country’s few uncensored connections on a US device. Apple hasn’t commented on why it’s switching things off, but the theory is that it would rather turn off News access altogether than deal with the many hassles of censoring individual sources and articles.
This kind of nation-specific deactivation isn’t new. Apple automatically disables Maps’ regular data when you’re in China, replacing it with government approved maps that blot out details of most other parts of the world. As software testing service head Larry Salibra notes, though, there are worries that Apple is a little too willing to automatically change features the moment you set foot in China, even if you’ve turned location services off. While the company’s current approach is arguably necessary if it wants to keep selling iOS devices in China (and it definitely wants to), the concern is that officials may ask Apple to selectively disable other apps that challenge the nation’s political status quo.
Source: New York Times
Living with the Jolla Tablet: a promising device with few apps
There’s no question that the Jolla Tablet is an odd duck. It’s a crowdfunded, first-generation slate running an unfamiliar platform (Sailfish OS), and some of its features are based on your input — if enough of the Sailfish community votes for an interface tweak, you’re likely to see it become reality. But does that mean this tablet is a refreshing break from the status quo, or a quirky device that will make you wish you’d bought something commonplace? I’ve been living with the tablet for a few weeks to find out, and the truth is somewhere in between. As you’ll soon see, whether or not you’ll like it depends largely on how willing you are to live on the bleeding edge. Slideshow-327635
Before I dive in, it’s important to get a feel for what Jolla is trying to do. Effectively, the team (founded by ex-Nokia staffers) is carrying the torch for fans of the late, iconic N9 smartphone and the MeeGo platform at its heart. Much like Jolla’s inaugural smartphone, the Tablet aims to preserve both Nokia’s reputation for slick hardware design as well as MeeGo’s reliance on swipes for navigation instead of the usual buttons. This isn’t a me-too manufacturer — Jolla is more interested in following its unique philosophy than reaching the widest possible audience.
The hardware, at least, lives up to that lofty goal. It’s not the thinnest or lightest tablet I’ve held at 8.3mm thick and 13.5 ounces, but it manages a level of quality that you don’t usually find in tablets around Jolla’s standard post-crowdfunding price (€267, or roughly $300), let alone something that cost Indiegogo backers a mere $239. The 7.85-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio LCD gives it just the right proportions for a small tablet, and the display’s output is bright, color-rich and sharp, with a pixel count of 2,048 x 1,536. It’s not something you’d want to use one-handed very often, but it’s comfortable and well-balanced. In other words, it won’t fly out of your hands if you grab it gingerly.
This attention to hardware quality translates to the performance, for the most part. While the quad-core, 1.3GHz Atom chip and 2GB of RAM aren’t anything special at first glance, I found both Sailfish OS and its native apps to be glass-smooth. The battery drains faster than I’m used to with some tablets (including my iPad Air), but it’s more than up to the job of handling an evening’s worth of web browsing, messaging and gaming. About the only letdowns are the 5-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras. Neither is especially sharp, and I was disappointed by their muted colors and dodgy low-light performance — they’re good enough for photographing receipts and selfies, and that’s about it. Although I wouldn’t treat the camera as a major deciding factor in a tablet, it’d be nice if I could take at least a few brag-worthy shots, you know?
It’s a tougher call when it comes to software. Sailfish OS and its swipe-based navigation are, as a whole, enjoyable to use. Flick your finger around the home screen, which doubles as a BlackBerry 10-style multitasking view, and you’ll get an app drawer, a notification screen with quick task shortcuts and “ambiences” (read: themes) that can change both the look and sound of your tablet. You frequently swipe through menus, too, including pull-downs that stand in for buttons. The overall package isn’t as immediately intuitive as Android or iOS, but there’s a refreshing, uncluttered feel to it and a surprisingly gentle learning curve. I quickly found myself zipping around Sailfish, and those swipes were helpful when I wanted to quickly switch apps or couldn’t use both hands. My only major beef is that Jolla tends to lean a little too much on those pull-down menus. I shouldn’t have to guess which important commands are hiding just off-screen.
However, there’s no question that Sailfish is still a young platform, with some buggy behavior to match. The web browser is very quick, but it will make the occasional rendering mistake you rarely see elsewhere, such as refusing to show story images on Engadget’s main page. It wouldn’t show me one Android app portal (more on this in a bit) until I reset the device, and I’ve never successfully updated the OS. I’m not expecting Jolla to produce flawless software so early into its life cycle, but these are the kinds of hiccups you’d expect a tablet maker to catch before it sends out review units. At least the company is good about releasing frequent patches, so there’s a chance these issues will be resolved by the time you read this.
Apps are another story altogether. Don’t get me wrong; the core apps are elegant and (outside of the quirks I’ve mentioned) by and large useful… it’s the third-party selection that falls short. The catalog of Sailfish-native apps is pretty threadbare, and there are some very conspicuous gaps. Good luck finding native Twitter or YouTube clients, folks. You’re more likely to find niche titles, like city-specific travel planners and ports of years-old MeeGo games. It’s understandable that Sailfish wouldn’t have as rich a catalog as its heavyweight rivals, but Jolla really needs to do a better job of getting the apps that people tend to use every day, like social networking clients.
Android app support isn’t quite the cure-all it’s made to be, either. Jolla offers easy access to three third-party Android stores (Aptoide, China’s AnZhi and Russia’s Yandex) that stock many of the apps you’d otherwise be missing, but the titles you get don’t always behave the way they would on a true Android tablet. Twitter’s app wouldn’t bring up the keyboard to let me write a new post, for instance (I had to download Plume), and games like Pac-Man 256 and Threes didn’t run as well as they should on the Jolla Tablet’s very capable hardware. Frankly, it was a chore to get enough functional apps that I could use my tablet for longer than it takes to visit a few web pages or check email.
And that last part is why the Jolla Tablet is more of a promising device than something I would recommend when someone asks for buying advice. The design is ahead of the pack in this category, and the software is at once intriguing and accessible. It’s easy to imagine Sailfish becoming mainstream at some point down the line. I can already see the appeal for tablet newcomers who have light demands, yet are willing to spend a little time wrapping their heads around the gesture-based interface concept.
However, Jolla will have to tackle the app deficit before it gets a breakthrough hit. There was more than one occasion where I asked, “Well, now what?” after using the tablet for only a short while — I’d already run out of things to do. That’s no good for a market where many simply assume that an app exists for whatever they need. While Android compatibility is a decent crutch in the short term, Jolla needs to attract enough native apps that this device appeals to more than just early adopters and first-timers. If that happens, the Jolla Tablet could easily live up to its potential.
Amazon’s cheap Fire tablet supports installing Google’s Play Store without root
Amazon’s latest 7 inch Kindle Fire tablet is one of the cheapest tablets on the market, coming in at just $50. It’s a pretty decent tablet, if you’re heavily invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, but lots of us like to have access to Google’s services on top of what Amazon offers. That’s almost always been possible on Amazon’s Fire tablets, but only for users that were willing to root their devices. The 2015 Fire Tablet, however, can use Google’s Play Services with absolutely no rooting required.
The drawback to this is that it’s not as simple as side loading an app and running it. You’ll need a Windows PC and a little bit of know-how to get your tablet properly connected, but once you’re up and running, all you’ll have to do is run a pre-made script then wait for your tablet to sync up with Google’s services.
This method will give you access to most things you’d find on a fully licensed Google tablet, including the Play Store and Gmail, although there have been issues reported with Inbox. Still, that means you can access Google’s wider app offerings and actually keep your Fire tablet synced up with your other Android devices, which is worth a little bit of trouble.
If you’re interested, follow the link to XDA below and follow the instructions.
Source: XDA Developers
Come comment on this article: Amazon’s cheap Fire tablet supports installing Google’s Play Store without root
ITC finds that Samsung and Qualcomm didn’t violate NVIDIA patents
NVIDIA’s first patent lawsuit campaign isn’t exactly going according to plan. The US International Trade Commission has ruled that Samsung and Qualcomm aren’t infringing on NVIDIA’s graphics patents. The judge rejected two of the patent claims outright and deemed a third patent invalid. There’s still a chance that the ITC will rethink its decision following a review in February, but this steals a lot of the thunder out of NVIDIA’s legal war — Samsung and Qualcomm aren’t facing a looming government sales ban that could force them to settle the civil dispute. NVIDIA says it’s still “confident” that it’ll emerge triumphant, but that may be putting on a brave face despite … especially when Samsung’s counterattack is still underway.
Via: Reuters
Source: NVIDIA
18.6 inch Samsung Galaxy View may be AT&T exclusive
A while back, Samsung teased us with a new product bigger than most of us have ever used. It’s a tablet called the Galaxy View, aimed at people who want a much bigger screen to hold, one that measures 18.6 inches according to a new FCC leak.
The filing shows that the Galaxy View with the model name SM-T677A will be heading to the US and possibly being held exclusively by AT&T according to the logo on it’s back. The filing shows the device has two rather large speakers on the back of the device for some promising sound, and the dimensions show the tablet measuring 513mm diagonally and 447mm wide.
Specifications for the Galaxy View appear to show low to mid-ranged hardware, with a 1920x1080p screen, 2GB of RAM storage, 32GB internal storage and a 5,700mAh battery. These specs would be impressive for a phone, but for a tablet measuring 18.6 inches, this battery is barely going to hold. The specifications may change on official announcement, but it appears this tablet will be a low-cost device.
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Nearly a quarter of Android users are running Lollipop
Android Lollipop is enjoying its last, shining moment in the sun before Marshmallow arrives in earnest. Google’s not-quite-current operating system now accounts for 23.5 percent of active Android users, a healthy 2.5-point boost from what you saw just one month ago. That’s still trailing behind Jelly Bean (30.2 percent) and KitKat (38.9 percent), but it’s clear that all those new devices and upgrades are starting to add up. The real question is whether or not that momentum will last. Marshmallow is arriving relatively quickly, and shouldn’t suffer from the early performance and battery life woes that kept some people from upgrading last year. If the newer release catches on quickly, Lollipop might not reach the lofty adoption rates of its predecessors.
Via: Android Community
Source: Android Developers
Microsoft has a docking station for your Surface Pro tablet
Microsoft isn’t just unveiling a phone dock today — it has a dock for your computers, too. The tech giant’s new docking station gives the Surface Pro 3, Pro 4 and Surface Book the kind of connectivity you’d expect from a desktop. There are two 4K-capable DisplayPort outputs, four USB 3.0 ports, and an Ethernet jack for your wired internet link. Microsoft hasn’t disclosed pricing for the station so far, but it should be inexpensive enough that you can forget about buying a second PC.
Get all the news from today’s Microsoft event right here.
Russia orders Google to loosen its Android policies by November 18th
Russia is convinced that Google’s policies on pre-installed Android apps are anti-competitive, and it’s now drawing a line in the sand. The country’s regulators have ordered Google to remove restrictions on bundled third-party apps by November 18th if it wants to avoid stiff fines, which could include up to 15 percent of its Russian revenue from last year. That means allowing device makers to load directly competitive apps and search widgets, even if it means bumping Google’s own software to lesser positions on your home screen.
We’ve reached out to Google for its response to the deadline, including whether or not this will have ramifications outside of Russia. No matter what, this leaves Google in a tight spot. The Alphabet-owned company now has to either bend on its longstanding app strategy or risk missing out on one of the biggest mobile markets on the planet. Both could prove expensive — Android’s revenue model revolves around steering people toward Google search ads and services, and that’s much less likely to happen when you see alternatives like Yandex (which filed the antitrust complaint) front and center.
Via: Reuters
Source: Interfax (translated)
What to expect from Microsoft’s Windows 10 device event
Microsoft may be tight-lipped about what will be revealed at its October 6th device event, but that doesn’t mean that everything is a mystery. In some cases, a slew of leaks have telegraphed Redmond’s plans in advance. More Lumia phones, anyone? However, there are still a few questions left. What about the fabled Surface Pro 4? When does Windows 10 reach your existing phone? And will there be any wearable tech? We’ll answer as many of those questions as we can so that you have a good idea of what to expect when Microsoft’s execs take the stage.
Windows 10 phones: the Lumia 950, 950 XL and 550
The Lumia 950. Image credit: Evan Blass, Twitter
If there’s anything that’s a lock for the Windows 10 event, it’s the launch of new Lumia smartphones. Microsoft promised that Windows 10 Mobile would arrive later this year, and you know that it wasn’t going to let a major operating system release go by without introducing some hardware to match. We’d add that Microsoft is overdue for releasing high-end Windows phones under its own name — its last flagships were the Nokia-branded Lumia 930 and Icon from early 2014.
Thankfully, it looks like you’ll get just that. Numerous leaks (including one from Microsoft’s UK store) point to Microsoft unveiling two range-topping Windows 10 phones: the 5.2-inch Lumia 950 and 5.7-inch Lumia 950 XL. Both should bring the Lumia series into the modern era with sharp Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) displays, 32GB of storage, iris scanning (for secure sign-ins) and refined 20-megapixel PureView cameras. The biggest expected differences are the processor choices (a Snapdragon 808 in the regular 950, an 810 in the XL) and possible pen support on the larger model, so your choice may boil down to whether or not you want a Galaxy Note-style experience. It’s not certain when these latest Lumias will ship (possibly when the New York City store opens on October 26th), but we wouldn’t count on immediate availability.
And what if you don’t have a lot of cash to spend? You may be covered there, too. Leaks have hinted at a Lumia 550 that proves you can run Windows 10 on budget hardware. While it won’t be a powerhouse, it could represent the first significant bump in specs for the 500 series since the Lumia 535 and 540 — the claimed 4.7-inch, 720p screen and quicker Snapdragon 210 chip would definitely be noticeable. The only real unknown is the value for money. Microsoft currently asks $149 up front for the Lumia 535, but it’s hard to say for sure that the 550 will carry a similar price.
Windows 10 for existing phones
Windows 10 Technical Preview on a low-end Lumia phone.
Of course, the Windows 10 Mobile rollout isn’t just about shiny new hardware. Microsoft also vowed to update many current phones to Windows 10, and there’s a possibility that you’ll hear something about the upgrade schedule on October 6th. If history is any indication, the new OS will see a staggered rollout that’s dependent on both the particular phone you have and your choice of carrier. Factory-unlocked phone models are most likely to be first in line. You may be waiting weeks (or months) longer if your phone is tied to a carrier, especially if that provider tends to be pokey with updates.
The Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 3.
Let’s not beat around the bush: If you’re reading this, you probably came here to read something about the next Surface Pro (most likely called the Surface Pro 4). The Surface Pro 3 was a hit among Windows fans, and the combination of early rumors with official price cuts has fueled anticipation for months. Microsoft will surely unveil a fourth version of its high-performance tablet on October 6th, won’t it?
Well, probably. The climate is certainly right for one. Intel recently released faster, more power-efficient sixth-generation Core processors that would be a good fit for a new Surface Pro, and it’s been roughly 16 months since the Pro 3 arrived. However, there’s been a conspicuous lack of solid leaks — we’ve seen just a trickle of relatively trustworthy info. The most credible claims are that the Pro 4 will tout a very high-resolution display (possibly 4K), a more portable design, improved pen recognition (thanks to the N-trig acquisition) and features that take advantage of Windows 10, such as biometric logins.
After that, it gets sketchy. One rumor from Digitimes insists that Microsoft is developing two Surface Pro models, one at the familiar 12-inch size and another at 13 to 14 inches. The site has a decidedly hit-or-miss track record, though, and the same rumor also discussed a 12-inch Amazon tablet that hasn’t materialized. Another site, W4pHub, is making an even more extravagant claim: It talks about a “smart frame” that would shrink the tablet’s size in tablet mode, and expand it in laptop mode. We’re not completely ruling out these rumored features, but there’s nothing to support them beyond the say-so of their respective sites.
Wearables: the new Band and VR Kit
The rumored Band 2. Image credit: MicrosoftInsider
Although the event is likely to revolve around phones and PCs, there’s a real chance that wearables will play a big role. If so, the centerpiece is likely to be the next Band (for sake of reference, the Band 2). The second-generation fitness device is rumored to track additional stats, like stair climbing, but its biggest improvement may simply be in the looks department. A curved display and metal accents could make the Band 2 something you’d like to wear, rather than the slightly clunky wearable you see today.
On top of this, you might hear more about VR Kit, the answer to Google Cardboard that makes its official debut sometime this month. The hoopla isn’t so much about the virtual reality viewer itself (surprise: It’s foldable cardboard) as the software that will go with it. Microsoft would no doubt want to talk about how the peripheral brings VR to Lumia phones, but a camera cutout suggests that augmented reality will also play a part. You could see the company frame VR Kit as a primer for HoloLens, giving you a taste of that hybrid real-plus-digital experience without having to either wait or spend a ton of cash.
Wild cards: Xbox and beyond
The Xbox One.
Microsoft occasionally pulls rabbits out of its hat at events. Who’d have thought that it would unveil a holographic headset like HoloLens, or an 84-inch touchscreen computer? While there’s no guarantee that it’ll have similar surprises in store for October 6th, you should be prepared for the unexpected.
What could the company unveil that isn’t already anticipated, though? New Xbox hardware is one option. It’s been nearly two years since the Xbox One reached stores, and the Windows 10 underpinnings of the system’s next update make the console eligible for an announcement. You could see new peripherals, new software-based functionality or even a redesigned system to mark that two-year anniversary. With that said, we’re not counting on anything. Microsoft usually saves its big Xbox news for E3, and the gaming expo already had its share of new gear.
There are other possibilities, too. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see Surface hardware beyond tablets, especially if there’s any truth to that rumor of a 13- to 14-inch device. New accessories (for the Surface or otherwise) would make sense as well. Also, Microsoft may use its event as an excuse to showcase Windows 10 machines from other companies, giving the overall platform a boost as it enters its first holiday shopping season. While we wouldn’t bet money on any of these showing up when the event should already be chock-full of gadgets, they’re not so far-fetched that we’d rule them out altogether.
[Image credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson (Satya Nadella); Evan Blass (Lumia 950); MicrosoftInsider (Microsoft Band)]
Benchmark tips specs for 18-inch Samsung Galaxy View tablet
Do you remember that mysterious Samsung tablet that leaked a few weeks ago? Well, we got some juicy details about it today. Looks like Samsung created a whale of a tablet, and we’re not yet sure who the market audience will be.
The latest leak was courtesy of GFXBench, listing several specs for the Samsung SM-T670 (assumed to be marketed as the Galaxy View). The star of the show is the monstrous 18.5″ screen size.
The other specs are a mixed bag. There seems to be a beefy processor – octa-core Exynos 7580 (bumped up from the 7420 in the current Galaxy phone) with Mali-T720 GPU, but only 2GB of RAM. The 1080P panel means that this tablet won’t be a pixel-density champ.
We’re also looking at 32GB of on-board storage (no word on microSD expansion), 2MP front camera (strangely, the specs for the rear camera didn’t come through), and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Samsung could be targeting more productive uses for a huge tablet, such as in a classroom or office. Hopefully, because I don’t think I could live through seeing a tourist taking pictures with it on my next trip.
Source: SamMobile
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