Xbox consoles will be getting support for Dolby Vision on Apple TV and Spotify Video Podcasts

Xbox consoles aren’t just amazing for gaming. With an AMD Zen 2-based CPU and Radeon-based RDNA 2 graphics, the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S are ought to be great. But game consoles also often serve as all-purpose media consumption boxes as well, which is why you can use streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify on it. And the experience for those will be stellar as well, with the Xbox Series X being capable of 8K video output and Dolby Atmos sound, as well as passthrough audio, which got added recently. Now, the Xbox lineup is getting a few improvements to its streaming capabilities.

The news was recently published on Xbox’s official blog. First up, Dolby Vision support is coming to Apple TV. Support for streaming content on Apple’s video streaming platform, Apple TV, was recently added to Xbox consoles last year. Now, if you enable Dolby Vision on your Xbox console and you have a compatible display to go along with it, you can enjoy shows like Ted Lasso, Mythic Quest, See, and The Mosquito Coast in Dolby Vision, meaning richer visuals, deeper blacks, and improved sound combined with Dolby Atmos support.

Additionally, Spotify Video Podcasts are now available on these consoles as well through the Spotify app. While Spotify is usually an audio-only experience, support for adding video to podcasts was added last year. Now, users can enjoy video on supported podcasts that have jumped on this feature, like The Misfits, Higher Learning with Van Lathan & Rachel Lindsay, and That was fun? with Addison & Sheri right from the Spotify app. If you’d rather only listen to it, though, you can also do so by playing Spotify in the background.

Microsoft also casually announced that apps like Discovery+, Paramount+, and IMDb TV are now available from the Xbox store, so if you’re a user of any of these three streaming services, you can now check them out on your Xbox as well.

If you have an Xbox, be sure to check all of this out!

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Apple details its WWDC plans with a June 7 keynote for iOS 15 announcement

Apple’s WWDC 2021 event is set to kick off on June 7. Today, the Cupertino firm detailed the highlights in the schedule. Just like every year, there’s going to be a keynote on day one at 10am PT.

And that’s the big one. Apple is going to announce everything that’s going to come with iOS 15 when it ships later this year. That’s not all though. We’ll find out about watchOS 8, tvOS 15, and macOS 12. Indeed, macOS now gets new version numbers every year, something that changes last year for the first time in over a decade.

The main keynote will be streamed on Apple.com, through the Apple Developer app, through the Apple TV app, and on YouTube. Yes, gone are the days that you need an Apple device just to watch.

At 2pm PT on June 7, Apple is going to hold its Platforms State of the Union keynote. This one is only available through the Apple Developer app and website, but it’s still free for everyone. Indeed, the whole show is free for everyone, not just the keynotes.

Apple is promising over 200 sessions from its show, including in-depth sessions and labs. There are benefits for members of the Apple Developer Program, as they can get one-on-one lab consultations. The company also said that its engineers will be available all week in the forums.

One other scheduled event that was noted is the Apple Design Awards. This is where the company highlights “artistry, craftsmanship, and technical achievement” from developers. This might be worth tuning in even if you’re not a developer. If you’re the type to watch a movie because it got an award, you might want to try out an app that got an award. These will also be highlighted in the App Store, of course.

Finally, there are going to be special events, although Apple didn’t go too deep into saying what that means. After all, the whole show is kind of a special event. There are also Pavilions, which are meant to be a way for attendees to explore the show.

But once again, the big event at WWDC 2021 is the keynote, which is June 7 at 10am PT. If you’re excited about what your Apple product will be able to do later this year, you should check it out.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE quietly launches with a Snapdragon 750G

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series was a breakout hit by Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+ both featured high refresh rate displays, flagship processors, among other premium features worthy of Samsung’s flagship series, and they’re one of the best tablets currently available. The Android tablet market has, for a long time, been dull, with iPads being the default choice for anyone looking for a tablet, but Samsung tablets, while far from perfect, delivered high-end specifications and a more compelling experience than other alternatives—not to mention, Samsung DeX support allowed you to use the tablet in desktop mode. Now, Samsung has quietly launched a new model in the series, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE.

The device has been leaking out in several parts of the Internet for a few days as the “Galaxy Tab S7 Lite”, but it seems Samsung took the “FE” moniker to position it around the same device category as phones like the Galaxy S20 FE—which are similar to its flagship counterparts but cut down on some corners for cost savings. Now, the device quietly showed up on Samsung’s German website, without a keynote or announcement of any sort (via: WinFuture). The Galaxy Tab S7 FE comes with a Snapdragon 750G, which is the same CPU that powers devices like the Galaxy A52 5G and the Galaxy A42 5G. It also comes with up to 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, an 8 MP rear camera, 5G connectivity, and Android 11 based on One UI 3.1.

This clearly isn’t Samsung’s best value proposition either, at €649 for the only storage/RAM SKU currently available. But it should still be able to provide a decent experience if you’re not looking for all the fluff that comes with the more premium models. It’s S Pen compatible, it comes with Samsung DeX support, AKG-optimized sound, a 10,090 mAh battery that should be able to last a fairly long amount of time given the specifications, and a premium-feeling metal build.

If this sounds like your kind of tablet, it’s set to become available in Germany and it’s expected to be released in other parts of the world as well.

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Download YouTube Vanced APK [Non-Root]

YouTube Vanced is a popular modded version of YouTube. It adds a number of features to the official YouTube app, including built-in adblocking, background playback, black/dark themes, and much more. This page has installation instructions and download links for non-rooted devices. YouTube Vanced for rooted devices can be found here.

Latest version of YouTube Vanced

The latest version of YouTube Vanced is 16.16.38.

Which Vanced should I choose: Root or Non-root?

In terms of user experience, there is virtually no difference between the root and the non-root builds.

Root variant: The root variant of Vanced seamlessly replaces the official YouTube app. As a result, you can directly open YouTube links or call them using Google assistant through the modded app.

Non-root variant: However, if you have a device that is difficult to root or you don’t want to root your daily driver on the first hand, you should opt for the non-root variant. It can be installed on a rooted device as well. Since the package name of the non-root variant is different from the stock YouTube app, they can co-exist. Note that you need to install an additional companion app (MicroG) to be able to log in with your YouTube/Google account. Moreover, you have to manually set Vanced as the default app for opening YouTube links. However, the non-root variant is simply easier to live with, so our recommendation is to stick with the non-root variant unless you really need to replace the stock YouTube app on your phone.

How to install YouTube Vanced Non-root variant with Vanced Manager

The YouTube Vanced team has created a new, easier method for getting Vanced up and running. Users can now simply install the Vanced Manager app and it will facilitate the process of installing MicroG and YouTube Vanced. Support for Vanced Music, i.e., a similarly modded version of YouTube Music is also there since version 1.3.0. The app makes it easy to choose which theme you want and to install future updates.

Steps:

1. Download the latest Vanced Manager from here on your Android device.
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Make sure to select “nonroot” during the initial configuration wizard.
4. Tap “Install” next to MicroG.
5. Follow the instructions to allow installing from unknown apps.
6. MicroG will download and then you’ll tap “Install” when it’s ready.
7. Next, tap “Install” next to Vanced.
8. Select your preferred theme and tap “NEXT”.
9. Select your preferred language and tap “FINISH”.
10. Vanced will download and you’ll tap “Install” when it’s ready.
11. Success!

Vanced Manager Downloads

Title	Latest Version	Codename	MD5 Checksum
Vanced Manager	2.6.0	Crimson	da6df973ae78789497d90598b020e447

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Manual Installation

While Vanced Manager is always the recommended method for installing and managing the modded YouTube instance, power users may like to have more control over the installation process. In case you want to install YouTube Vanced without using Vanced Manager, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

How To Install without Vanced Manager

1. Install the latest Vanced MicroG APK if you want to log in with your YouTube/Google account.
2. Find the suitable YouTube Vanced APK components for the target device and download them.
3. Install the set of APKs using Split APKs Installer (SAI). You can download SAI from its GitHub repo, F-Droid, or Google Play Store.

Vanced MicroG Downloads

Title	Latest Version	MD5 Checksum
Vanced MicroG	0.2.18.210500	6b8a808e931a7d47c4c54b12191afb02

Non-Root Versions

Note that you may not find newer versions of YouTube Vanced as separately downloadable Split APKs.

YouTube Vanced Version	APK Components
15.05.54	Architecture Language Theme

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Note for Huawei/Honor users

Starting from v0.2.12-203316, Vanced MicroG has a special “Huawei” button in the login wizard. If you are running a Huawei (and Honor) device that doesn’t come with Google Play Services by default but you sideloaded them later, you can still login to your YouTube/Google account while using Vanced modded apps using that option.

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Qualcomm has a Snapdragon Developer Kit to test Windows apps

Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset today. Specifically, it’s aimed at entry-level laptops, just like its predecessor was. However, the company is introducing the Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows, which includes the new SoC.

The idea is to give app developers an inexpensive way to test out their native ARM64 apps. While the amount of apps that need to be emulated with Windows on ARM has decreased, there’s still a barrier to entry. Qualcomm is trying to make it as easy as possible.

Powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset, it’s also going to include things like .NET 5.0, Visual Studio Code, FFMPEG, LLVM, Chromium, Wix, and more. With x64 emulation currently preview, developers can test that out as well to see the benefit with a native ARM64 app.

“We have a proud history of creating helpful developer tools in coordination with Microsoft, and the Snapdragon Developer Kit is the latest outcome of that collaboration,” said Miguel Nunes, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This developer kit provides an affordable alternative to other consumer and commercial devices. With the smaller desktop configuration, this kit gives developers more flexibility than notebook options, and at a lower price point. We remain committed to helping developers address requests from customers, while reducing the overall cost of deployment.”

One company that’s committing to Windows on ARM is Zoom. Indeed, in Qualcomm’s announcement, Oded Gal of Zoom Video Communications promised that the firm will release a native ARM64 app this summer.

The Snapdragon Developer Kit is also set to arrive this summer. You’ll be able to buy one through the Microsoft Store. Pricing wasn’t made available, but it should only be a few hundred dollars. Qualcomm also said that more will be shared in the ‘What’s new for Windows desktop application developers’ session at Microsoft’s Build 2021 conference this week.

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Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 for entry-level PCs

Today, Qualcomm is introducing its Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform. It’s the next SoC that’s designed for entry-level Windows 10 laptops and Chromebooks. The first generation of the product saw some moderate success, bringing cellular connectivity to sub-$300 Windows 10 laptops in the educational space. It was also the chipset that allowed Qualcomm to bust into the Chromebook scene.

Just like we saw from last year’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is a minor refresh. In fact, it’s the same 150MHz clock speed boost.

Qualcomm is boasting features that it’s comparing to x86 systems that cost more than twice as much. Compared to a $349 Snapdragon 7c machine, the San Diego firm is touting things like sustained performance while using the battery, resuming from sleep in less than a second, over nine hours of battery life. fast charging, HD webcams, and a chassis that’s less than 15mm. A lot of this doesn’t exist at that sub-$400 space when it comes to Intel-powered PCs.

“Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 brings the leading innovations of our compute portfolio to the next generation of entry-tier and affordable devices. Laptops powered by this platform will redefine mobile computing for education users, first line workers, and everyday light consumers, enabling
reliable and powerful devices that feature advanced AI, and support for multi-day battery life,” said Miguel Nunes, Senior Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are excited to bring this next generation upgrade to our entry level platform, for the very best mobile PC experiences.”

These inexpensive devices also come with 4G LTE connectivity. That’s something that can be key for the educational space. These devices can make a real difference in areas where high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t as common. In fact, it could just be useful for a school that has a congested network.

Qualcomm is promising enterprise-grade security, something it promises for all of its modern chips. The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 supports Microsoft Secured-Core PCs, and Hyper-V is coming later this year for Windows on ARM. Of course, the integrated cellular connectivity is a security feature as well. Alongside Hyper-V, we’re also going to get support for x64 app emulation.

The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 comes with an eight-core Kryo 468 CPU that’s up to 2.55GHz, an Adreno GPU with support for QHD 60Hz screens, a Spectra 255 ISP with 14-bit image signal processing, and Qualcomm’s fifth-generation AI Engine with the Hexagon 692 DSP. Aside from the clock speed, this should all sound like the original Snapdragon 7c.

You should see devices with the new chipset this summer, including a Snapdragon Developer Kit.

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The best Samsung laptops include the Galaxy Book Pro, Galaxy Book S, and more

While Samsung doesn’t have quite the range of PCs compared to laptops from HP or laptops from Dell, it has a little something for everyone. The firm’s laptops range from extraordinarily thin and light clamshells to some of the finest Chromebooks around. If you’re on a budget, you’re covered there as well. These are the best Samsung laptops.

Navigate this article:

• Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
• Best thin and light: Samsung Galaxy Book S
• Best convertible: Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺
• Best Chromebook: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
• Best Chromebook on a budget: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Book Pro seems to have it all. It comes with a 13.3- or 15.6-inch FHD display, but one thing that puts it over the competition is that it’s a Super AMOLED screen. That means that you’re going to get the vibrant colors that OLED is known for, but it’s not going to suck down battery life like the 4K OLED panels that everyone else is using.

Naturally, it comes with Intel’s 11th-generation processors, but it also has a bunch of apps that work well with your Samsung phone. Samsung Notes is there, so you can access all of the notes from your Galaxy Note device. There’s also Quick Share, which lets you easily share files between devices.

With the 13-inch model weighing in at 1.04kg, it’s improbably light, and it’s only 11.2mm thin. It starts at $999.

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro

Why can’t laptops be more like phones? They can when they have PC power that’s smartphone thin. Combining the latest Intel 11th Gen Core processor with Windows 10 OS and designed on the Intel Evo platform, Samsung Galaxy Book Pro comes in under two pounds, so it’s the perfect mix of portability and productivity.

$999 at Samsung.com

Best thin and light: Samsung Galaxy Book S

If 1.04kg simply isn’t light enough for you, let’s try 0.95kg. That’s how much the Samsung Galaxy Book S weighs in at. It comes with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx chipset or an Intel Core i5-L16G7. The former comes with integrated 4G LTE as well, while the Intel model is Wi-Fi only.

This one is 11.6mm thin at its thickest point and 6.1mm at its thinnest, and if you’re looking for something that’s ultra-portable, this is it.

Samsung Galaxy Book S

Do everything super fast with the latest Intel Core i5 Processors with Intel Hybrid Technology to keep you connected, even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. Enjoy the freedom to take your work anywhere with a long-lasting battery and super-light chassis weighing just over 2 pounds.

$949 at Samsung.com

Best convertible: Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺

Samsung’s Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺ has an FHD QLED touchscreen, 11th-gen Intel processors, and pen support. It’s just over half an inch thick, weighing in at 2.62 pounds. For something a bit beefier, the Galaxy Book Flex2 is also available.

Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺

Everything you love in a Galaxy PC, taken further. The ultra-slim Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺ sits at the top of its class with a super vivid QLED touchscreen, the latest Intel 11th Gen Core processor and a 2-in-1 design that transforms from a laptop to a tablet. With a super-fast-charging battery that lasts 18.5 hours and innovations galore, this Galaxy Book was made to exceed all expectations.

$849 at Samsung.com

Best Chromebook: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

If you’re looking for a Chromebook but you still want the best, that’s where the Galaxy Chromebook comes in. This thing is wild, from the beautiful 4K AMOLED display down to the metallic Fiesta Red color with silver accents. But don’t worry if Fiesta Red is too flashy for you; it comes in Mercury Gray too. It’s easily one of the best Samsung laptops, no matter which operating system it runs.

It’s also a convertible, it comes with a pen, and it weighs in at just 2.29 pounds. This isn’t low-end hardware either, packing an Intel Core i5-10210U, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

Beautiful performance, even better looks. With its 4K AMOLED touchscreen, powerful processor, 360° convertible design and built-in pen, the new Chromebook's ready to knock any project out of the park.

$999 at Samsung.com

Best Chromebook on a budget: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook 2 isn’t so much a successor to the Galaxy Chromebook, as much as it’s a more affordable version of it. Instead of a 4K OLED screen, it has an FHD QLED screen, and instead of a Core i5-10210U, it has a Core i3-10110U. It weighs in at 2.72 pounds, and while it comes in the same Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray colors, it doesn’t have the silver accents.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Now work can be just as fun as play, thanks to the world’s first QLED Chromebook. Dive into your favorite past-times, study into the night or present your next big idea with a larger-than-life color display. Plus, with a powerful, fast Intel Core processor and a battery that works around the clock, this sleek, compact Chromebook has everything you need to stay connected and in the moment.

$549 at Samsung.com

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Samsung makes some really slick laptops, and they also have great display technology. Options like the Galaxy Book Pro and the Galaxy Chromebook have Super AMOLED displays, while the Galaxy Chromebook 2 has a QLED screen. The Korean firm has long been a Windows on ARM partner with its Galaxy Book 2 and Galaxy Book S, so it’s no stranger to cellular connectivity. And with its convertibles, you get S Pen support.

The company also tries to make sure that its products all work well together, so if you’ve got a Galaxy phone, you’ll get some perks with a Galaxy Book. Samsung has a tight partnership with Microsoft as well, offering exclusive features like screen mirroring and Android app pinning in Your Phone on Windows 10.

If you want to check out more, take a look at our list of best laptops.

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