edge-to-edge Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15: All the new features, eligible devices, and release date

Android 15 has officially been released on October 15, 2023, starting its rollout to eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer models. The update will be available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Major manufacturers like Honor, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, iQOO, Nothing, Realme, Lenovo, Sharp, and Tecno are preparing to adopt Android 15 for their devices. Key features of Android 15 include: - Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI and the phone's accelerometer to secure devices during theft attempts. - Private Space, allowing users to lock sensitive applications with additional authentication. - Notification cooldown, which reduces notification volume from the same app when received in quick succession. - A system-wide toggle for keyboard vibration and a slider for haptic feedback intensity. - Haptic feedback for the brightness slider. - Partial screen recording for capturing specific applications. - Enhanced Bluetooth tile functionality for easier device management. - Support for edge-to-edge displays in applications. - Improved continuity and multitasking for foldable devices. - Introduction of the Android Dynamic Performance Framework for better optimization. - High-quality webcam mode for video calls. - An always-active taskbar for Pixel Fold and Android tablet users. - Capability to share audio across multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The stable version of Android 15 is rolling out to Pixel devices, with other manufacturers expected to follow suit.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Android 15 releases to AOSP | App Developer Magazine

Android 15 has been officially released and is now available through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It will soon be accessible on supported Pixel devices and select models from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi. The release includes new features such as the ApplicationStartInfo API, updated ProfilingManager API, StorageStats API, enhancements to PdfRenderer APIs, and improvements in OpenJDK and SQLite APIs. Typography and internationalization have also been enhanced with the FontFamily API and support for variable fonts. Media and camera functionalities have been improved, including HDR and SDR content control and low light boost. User experience enhancements include split-screen app combinations and edge-to-edge display. Privacy and security features include a Private Space for sensitive apps and passkey sign-in. Developers are encouraged to update their SDKs and tools for compatibility with Android 15.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ review: A capable AI PC, but Windows on Arm issues remain

Dell has released a new version of the XPS 13 optimized for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI initiative, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip, transitioning to an Arm-based architecture. This model is expected to offer improved battery efficiency and enhanced AI performance due to its robust neural processing unit (NPU). However, users may face compatibility issues with older x86 applications, which may run slowly or fail to launch. The Copilot+ program requires devices to have at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an NPU capable of 40 tera-operations per second (TOPS). The XPS 13 performs well in productivity tasks and benchmarks compared to its Intel counterpart but has average battery life and some performance lags in specific applications. It features a Snapdragon X Elite chip with 12 cores, operating at speeds up to 3.4GHz, and a dual-core boost of 4GHz. The design includes a minimalist aesthetic with an "invisible" touchpad and edge-to-edge key layout, though usability issues have been noted with the trackpad. The starting price for the XPS 13 is approximately ,300, with a promotional price of ,199 currently available.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Android 15 Beta 4 Now Available for Developers to Bring their Apps Up to Date

Google has released the final scheduled beta for Android 15, enabling developers to stabilize APIs and publish apps on Google Play. Key features include: - Package Stopped State: Apps are halted until user interaction, with pending intents canceled and widgets disabled. - 16 KB Memory Pages: New memory management improves app launch times and reduces power consumption, requiring apps using native code to be rebuilt. - Private Space Feature: Users can create secure spaces for sensitive information, halting all app activities when locked. New user experience features include: - Predictive Back Animations: Help users anticipate gesture outcomes. - Low Light Boost: Enhances camera performance in dim conditions. - Partial Screen Sharing: Allows sharing of specific app windows. - Edge-to-Edge Rendering: Provides a more immersive visual experience. Developers are encouraged to adopt these features and upgrade to Android Studio Koala for easier app modifications.

Winsage

August 13, 2024

Dell XPS 13 (9345) review: Windows on ARM is here

The Dell XPS 13 (9345) is an ultra-portable laptop weighing 2.6 pounds, with dimensions of 11.62 x 7.84 x 0.60 inches. It features a 13.4-inch LCD or OLED display with resolutions of 1920 x 1200, 2560 x 1600, or 2880 x 1800. The laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chipset and offers memory options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB, along with storage options of 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. It has a 55Wh battery and is priced at ,299.99. The design includes a flat keyboard bed, an edge-to-edge display, and a 1080p webcam. It has two USB-C 4.0 ports but lacks a headphone jack. Pros include its lightweight, performance, battery life, keyboard, and design, while cons include limited port selection and high price.

AppWizard

August 6, 2024

Google quietly adds opt-out for edge-to-edge apps in Android 15

Android 15 mandates a shift towards edge-to-edge applications, allowing users to experience apps in full-screen format without black bars. This change has surprised many app developers, prompting Google to provide a temporary opt-out option via the windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement attribute for those unprepared for the transition. Historically, Android apps could extend content to the screen edges using specific APIs, but many developers hesitated due to potential UI conflicts. Google introduced insets to help manage overlaps between app content and system UI, but edge-to-edge behavior was not enforced, leading to underutilization. Developers have until August 31, 2026, to optimize their apps for edge-to-edge functionality, as the opt-out attribute will eventually be deprecated. The transition is expected to be seamless for users, enhancing the overall app experience.

AppWizard

August 5, 2024

Edge-to-edge apps will be the new normal on Android 15, but with a temporary escape hatch

Google is requiring applications on Android 15 to adopt an edge-to-edge design, which extends app content to the screen's edges, including beneath the status and navigation bars. To support developers in this transition, Google has introduced tools and guidelines, warning that non-compliant apps may face display issues. A hidden API, windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement, allows developers to temporarily bypass this requirement, but its availability may be limited in future Android versions. The edge-to-edge design aims to enhance immersion on larger screens, aligning with broader trends in operating system design. However, challenges exist for developers whose apps were not initially designed for this functionality, prompting Google to provide resources for necessary adjustments. The future of edge-to-edge design on Android is uncertain, as the opt-out API may delay full adoption while giving developers time to adapt.