Android 12 brings a redesigned experience

Google has shown off the new look of its mobile operating system with the upcoming Android 12 update. It's the first major revamp for the platform in years, with changes to the overall experience, colours, motion, and lights.

Android gets a new Material You design language that integrates the hardware and software further. Starting with Pixel devices, Google introduces Custom Colour Palette, allowing you to personalize your handset's look completely. But if you don't know where to start, Android will pull colours from your wallpaper and apply complementary shades throughout the operating system. You'll see it in the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets, and more.

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Review: TCL 20 Pro 5G

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The best camera is the one you have with you, but what If that camera is actually a quad-camera with built-in stabilization and night mode capabilities? I recently visited the One World Trade Center observation center in New York. I brought an iPhone 12 Pro, a DJI Mini, a Galaxy 360, and the TCL 20 Pro 5G to cover any and all photographic opportunities. 

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Microsoft confirms that Windows 10X is dead

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Microsoft confirmed today that it is not pushing through with Windows 10X. The next-gen operating system was supposed to open Windows to a new market of ARM-powered devices and slated for a 2021 launch. Windows 10X was Redmond's answer to Google's ChromeOS as a viable conduit for lightweight computing. The red flag came some time ago with the announcement that the company's Surface Neo was cancelled. This dual-screen tablet showcased multi-mode computing. With the Surface Neo cancelled, Microsoft no longer had a flagship device to serve as a platform blueprint for OEMs, like Lenovo's ThinkPad X. 

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Apple Music on Android reportedly won't get Spatial Audio

Spatial Audio, based on Dolby Atmos, won't be crossing over to Apple Music's Android app; at least that's what MySmartPrice reported. It offers a more immersive experience with improvements to the standard 5.1 and 7.1 channel setups by adding extra channels to make it seem like the sound is coming from overhead. It's Apple's way of bringing a similar immersive three-dimensional audio experience to those using Apple hardware.

MySmartPrice said it got confirmation from Apple India about the sound tech not crossing over to Android, but it isn't clear right now why it wouldn't be available. MacRumors speculated it might be because Apple doesn't have control over third-party headphones and Android devices to implement the technology. The good news is Apple Music's Lossless audio streaming will be coming to Android.