As we saw in some early screenshots, Android 12 is preparing to deliver some new privacy enhancements. While it’s not live for everyone just yet, a pair of new toggles on Android 12 allow users to disable microphone and camera access to all apps.
We were able to manually enable the new privacy toggles that Google is preparing for Android 12. These toggles effectively act as master switches for…
Android 12 DP1: Pixel Launcher gains new 4×5 grid option
February 19, 2021
Today’s the big day of the Android 12 Developer Preview, and we’re hunting for changes large and small. One interesting small change we’ve spotted is that the Pixel Launcher now offers a new 4×5 grid option.
Last year, with the launch of the Pixel 5, Google…
Motorola offers the most affordable phones on Google’s MVNO with a trio of devices launching this week. Google Fi is also introducing a promo where new Unlimited plan customers can get 50% off their first three months of service.
The Moto G Play (2021) is normally…
A solar innovator predicts the top 5 trends in solar’s future
February 19, 2021
Electrek spoke with Derya Baran, assistant professor of material science and engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, about solar trends.
Baran’s work pushes boundaries in the solar sector, including inventing inkjet-printed solar panels so light they can rest on a soap bubble and the creation of a two-sided, tandem solar cell. She…
Android 12 DP1: Notifications to gain ‘Automatic’ option for whether or not to alert [Updated]
February 19, 2021
Android 12 Developer Preview 1 released earlier today, and deep within, we’ve found the beginnings of an “Automatic” option that lets Android decide whether or not a notification is important enough to alert by ringing and/or vibrating your phone.
When you long-press…
Leica introduces APO-Summicron-SL 28mm F2 L-mount lens
February 19, 2021
Leica has introduced the APO-Summicron-SL 28mm F2 ASPH lens for full-frame L-mount bodies. It features 13 elements, 6 of which are aspherical; several of the elements are of the anomalous partial dispersion type to reduce chromatic aberration.
The lens can focus as close as…
The current Made by Google lineup is visually defined by a front-facing camera in the top-left corner of the screen. You get used to it over time, but those bothered by the Pixel 5 hole punch can now hide it on Android 12.
Android 12 Developer Preview 1 adds (via Android Police) a new “Hide” option to the “Display cutout” menu available under “Drawing” — just a little over halfway…
The Air Force is interested in buying a budget-conscious, clean sheet fighter to replace the F-16
February 19, 2021
WASHINGTON — The Air Force could be in the market for a brand-new, advanced fourth generation fighter as it looks to replace its oldest F-16s, the service’s top general said Wednesday.
The Air Force has started a study that will describe its preferred mix of fighters…
Tesla slips in reliability rankings based on new owner surveys
February 19, 2021
Tesla has slipped in industry reliability rankings based on new owner surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
Over the years, Tesla has often been knocked for reliability in owner surveys. The automaker’s innovative nature often prioritized speed over quality and…
Nikon's Z6 II, Z7 II are getting 1.10 firmware update with 4K60p shooting, improved Eye AF and Blackmagic Raw
February 19, 2021
Nikon USA has announced it will release pair of firmware updates for its Z6 II and Z7 II mirrorless camera systems on February 25. The updates add, amongst bug fixes and other improvements, the ability to shoot 4K video at 60 frame per second (fps), Blackmagic Raw recording and improved Eye-AF performance.
Firmware version 1.10 for both the Z6 II and Z7 II will bring 4K UHD video recording…
