Android [John Wu on Twitter] MAGISK IS BACK

I thought that the front screen was just a convenience feature, something you used when you weren't able to open the Fold3 up all the way to use the screen that cost you a mortgage payment. Three days in and I was wrong.

What I've been surprised to find is that the smaller outside screen is actually superior for a minority of tasks. It brings me back to 2011 when phones easily fit in one hand and were awesome for just about everything except consuming media or browsing the internet. Texting, checking Twitter, reading emails, making phone calls for those that still do that. It all feels SO MUCH BETTER with a slimmer, fatter phone.

It's like the difference between holding a license plate versus a hot dog if you understand what I'm getting at.

submitted by /u/eatmyopinions
[link] [comments]

My thoughts on the Z Fold3 after 4 days

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 03:17 PM PDT

I recently got the chance to buy a Z Fold3 at a decent discount, so I figured I would give it a shot to see if the hype behind foldables is real. I know everyone has probably seen a whole bunch of hands-on videos and reviews, so I'm going to try and focus on some of the aspects that weren't covered. Also, I should preface that these impressions are based on usage at home since I've been deathly afraid of using it outside without a case (which just arrived yesterday).

The displays

I really enjoy using the outer display, so much so that it's difficult to decide which display I want to use. A lot of reviewers mention it's too small, but I think it's just the right size for one-handed use. Sony is definitely on to something with the taller and narrow design. It only took a few days for my hands to adapt to typing on the narrower display. Call me crazy, but I actually wouldn't mind using the outer display exclusively. It's that good.

The inner display is glorious. The crease really does disappear while you're using the display. The under display camera (UDC) also fades into the background during normal use. It's definitely an upgrade compared to a hole punch, but if you really prefer a hole punch you can enable it in Developer options -> Drawing -> Simulate display with cutout -> Punch hole cutout.

I did notice that the display area where the UDC is flickers under certain conditions. I haven't been able to capture it on video.

I took some pictures of the UDC and inner display so that you can see the subpixel arrangement. I've also added in the S21 Ultra, V60, and PH-1 since I just have those photos laying around.

There are pre-applied plastic screen protectors on the outer and inner display that feel just as smooth as glass.

Software

Surprisingly, there isn't much to say about the software that hasn't already been covered. I don't think any custom launchers support foldables yet, but Nova has been working fine for me. I did run into an issue with Nova where all the apps would disappear from the app drawer, but it seems to come and go.

There is a new feature included in Settings -> Device Care -> Battery which allows you to limit charging to 85%. In my experience, it stops the phone from charging once it reaches 85% instead of holding at 85%.

The S Pen

The Fold edition S Pen came included with my purchase, but I haven't unboxed it yet. I don't think I plan on using it since there isn't a practical place to store the stylus while not in use. There are only two cases on the market right now (one official, one third party) that allow you to attach the S Pen to the case, and neither case seems remotely desirable. Make no mistake, this is not a suitable Note replacement. The front display also lacks S Pen support, which means you will need to open the device to take quick notes.

Price

This is definitely the biggest issue with foldables right now. The Z Flip3 is definitely going to bring foldables to the mainstream, and I think we might actually start seeing more foldables in the wild. I believe the price reduction on the Fold3 along with the hardware compromises Samsung had to make is justified. I really hope that these prices will force Xiaomi and Huawei (and whoever else decides to make a foldable) to lower their prices. That being said, I still find it difficult personally to justify owning one, and I'm leaning towards selling mine after I use it for a little while longer.

Accessories

Something that I haven't seen mainstream reviewers discuss is how expensive good cases are for foldables. So far the selection for accessories has been pretty bad (at least for Canada). A majority of third party cases come with adhesive strips that you need to use to secure the case to the phone. I've heard and read that it leaves a residue on your device after removing. Additionally, some poorly designed cases allow sand/dust to enter between the phone and case, which causes damage to the frame or hinge while it rubs against the surface. Be prepared to spend a lot to purchase a case, and more if you want hinge protection since it isn't normally protected by most cases.

I ended up buying a Spigen Ultra Hybrid for $49.99 CAD which is insanely expensive for a case. I understand that there might be some R&D attached to that price tag, but it's still absurd. The case itself is also poorly designed and flimsy, and it doesn't even protect the hinge area. The phone still wobbles while placed on a flat surface. I've seen a concerning number of people justify the prices by saying that you've already spent $1000+ on the phone.

Screen protectors also seem just as expensive. The Whitestone Dome front tempered glass is $49.99 USD, and the ultra thin glass inner display is $90 USD. Imagine having to spend another $200 on a screen protector and case for your phone. A user on Twitter (GaryeonHan) purchased one of these ultra thin glass protectors and it cracked after a few days.

Final remarks

Overall, my brief first experience with a foldable has been positive. After using it for such a short period, I believe the hype is real, and foldables/rollables are definitely going to play a larger role in the future. I'll be daily driving the phone for the next month or so. If anything pops up that reviewers haven't covered, I'll be sure to write a quick post about it.

Let me know if you have any questions about the hardware or software, and I'll do my best to answer them.

submitted by /u/FragmentedChicken
[link] [comments]

Is Adobe abandoning Artists on Android?

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 01:36 AM PDT

So, i booted up Adobe Sketch recently on my Galaxy Tab S7 to be met with a message telling me Adobe Sketch would be discontinued in January 2021, and would be replaced by Adobe Fresco on iOS, Windows and Mac. I just dont get why there's plenty of Pen enabled devices on Android, but it feels like everyone just gives up on it as a platform for artists. Clip Studio & Krita are the only real options, but were not developed with mobile in mind and therefore arent as smooth to use.

According to Adobe, they have no information about Developing Fresco for Android at the moment.. https://i.imgur.com/PoDUxN9.png

Feels wrong that they would discontinue an app without a plan to replace it for their userbase.

What do you guys think, is Fresco coming to Android?

submitted by /u/ArtSlammer
[link] [comments]

Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have tablet-like battery protection feature

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 12:18 PM PDT

submitted by /u/Rexpelliarmus
[link] [comments]

Microsoft SwiftKey Beta now supports Android inline Autofill API

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 05:59 AM PDT

What's new section from update.

Inline suggestions, such as account autofill and smart replies, are now enabled on supported devices

SwiftKey now targets Android 12

Screenshot

submitted by /u/tiniwings
[link] [comments]

The All-New Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 PRO Is an Amazing Tablet! [ETA PRIME]

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 08:50 AM PDT

submitted by /u/NXGZ
[link] [comments]

The successor to the Vivo NEX 3S will launch in H1 2022

Posted: 28 Aug 2021 01:09 AM PDT

submitted by /u/FragmentedChicken
[link] [comments]

[Geekyranjit] Motorola Edge 20 Fusion Review with Pros & Cons - Ideal Midranger?

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 08:19 AM PDT

submitted by /u/Kori_Rotti
[link] [comments]

Complete List of Updated Apps in One UI 3.1.1, apparently

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 03:50 AM PDT

submitted by /u/Proshis_Saha_Swopna
[link] [comments]

Per device bluetooth control

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 12:16 PM PDT

It doesn't seem too hard to implement an extra setting to control whether mobile should automatically connect to previously paired bluetooth device. Right now, you must unpair to prevent that happening.

Volume of devices in house with Bluetooth are ever increasing, and it makes sense to have this granular control. Weird how it doesn't exist yet

Also, those situations you hear people blare embarassing stuff over bluetooth get eliminated completely.

Your thoughts?

submitted by /u/Can_you_PM_me_plz
[link] [comments]

Redmi 10 Unboxing & FULL Review - So Much On Offer For The Price! [TechTablets]

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 08:47 AM PDT

submitted by /u/NXGZ
[link] [comments]

Discussion: How about 'affordable' wear os smartwatches?

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 09:36 AM PDT

In a world where we can get a working android smartphone at 100 dollars, wear os smartwatches should be cheaper than that to put a dent in the market.

submitted by /u/sajidsj
[link] [comments]

Oppo's smart assistant confirms Color OS 12 release date

Posted: 27 Aug 2021 07:59 AM PDT