external display Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Huawei’s Mate 70 smartphones will run its new Android-free OS

Huawei has launched the Mate 70 series, which includes the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro Plus, and Mate 70 RS, featuring the new HarmonyOS Next that is not compatible with Android apps. The Mate 70 has a 6.7-inch display, 5,300mAh battery, 66W fast charging, and a camera setup with a 50MP main camera. It starts at 5,499 yuan for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The Mate 70 Pro offers Wi-Fi 7 and enhanced satellite communication, starting at 6,499 yuan. The Mate 70 Pro Plus has upgraded camera sensors and starts at 8,499 yuan. The Mate 70 RS features premium materials and starts at 11,999 yuan. The specific processors used in the Mate 70 series have not been disclosed, but previous models used chips from China's SMIC. Additionally, Huawei introduced the Mate X6 foldable smartphone with a 7.93-inch internal display and a 6.45-inch external display. It features a 50MP main camera, 48MP telephoto periscope camera, and 40MP ultra-wide camera. The standard model has 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 5,110mAh battery, priced at 12,999 yuan. A collector’s edition with 16GB of RAM and a 5,200mAh battery will be available for 14,999 yuan.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

It blew my mind when I learned you can set up a laptop as a second monitor on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to use their laptops as external displays for other computers by installing the Wireless Display app on both devices. To set it up, users must open Settings, navigate to Optional features, and check if Wireless Display is listed. If not, they can add it by clicking "View features," searching for Wireless Display, and following the prompts. To connect, users should open the Wireless Display app on the laptop, then use the "Cast" feature on the other computer to select the laptop. Troubleshooting steps include checking for Miracast support, adjusting power settings, and ensuring both devices are on the same network.

AppWizard

September 23, 2024

Three apps that make your Android phone’s display output feature shine

Smartphone screens have improved over the last decade but still do not match the size of portable monitors and televisions. Android devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, like the Google Pixel 9 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 series, can project content onto larger displays. This allows certain apps to utilize the Presentation API for enhanced experiences. 1. Google Slides enables users to view speaker notes on their phone while displaying slides on an external screen during presentations. 2. The DraStic emulator allows users to play Nintendo DS games by displaying one screen on the phone and the other on an external display. 3. The Filmic Pro app provides a clean HDMI output, showing camera controls on the phone while offering a clear viewfinder image on an external display.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

How to close your laptop lid while using an external monitor in Windows 11

Closing the laptop lid while using an external monitor is a common practice in office environments that enhances workspace organization and protects the laptop screen. To change the setting in Windows 11 to allow this, users can navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does, and select "Do nothing" for both "On battery" and "Plugged in." This setup allows the laptop to remain closed while working on an external display, with the option to use the laptop as a secondary monitor if the lid is opened. Advantages include expanded workspace and reduced desk clutter, while considerations involve the need for a separate mouse and keyboard and convenience for frequent movement.