First Developer Preview of Android 13

Multiple people regularly pull out their Android devices to get things done. In this article, we are going to discuss the next release of Android along with the Developer preview of Android 13. Here, the essential themes like privacy and security, developer productivity are discussed. We also try to keep you updated about the latest updates created in 12L so that you can take the benefit of the more than 250 million large-screen Android devices.

What Is A Developer Preview?

Developer preview is basically a developer's public program. It gives early access to unreleased specifications in Microsoft teams. With the help of it, users are able to explore as well as test the upcoming specifications in their Microsoft team app.

First Developer Preview of Android 13 Privacy & Security:

In most cases, users are willing to have an OS and apps which can be trustable with their most personal and sensitive information. When it comes to Android’s product principles, privacy is the core of it. Android 13 is trying to generate a responsible platform of top-quality for all people. That's why it is expected that they are going to offer a safer environment where users will have more control.

Here, we are going to discuss a photo picker using which you can share images and videos securely with apps. It features new Wi-Fi permission that helps to reduce the requirements of apps so that you can have location permission. It is advised to try out the new APIs and test to check how the changes can affect your application.

Photo Picker and APIs:

With the help of a system photo picker, you are capable of protecting the image and video privacy of users. It is an optimized way through which you are capable of sharing both local and cloud-based photos securely. The long-standing document picker of the android platform enables you to transfer particular documents with an app. If it is not available, then you will need permission for watching all media files on the device. The photo picker is compatible with the apps due to which you are capable of accessing the shared photos and videos. Hence, you don't need to have any permission for viewing all media files. 

 

Developers are willing to use Google Play system updates to bring the experience of the API to android mobile users.

Nearby Device Permission for Wi-Fi:

Android 13 comes with the latest feature of NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES runtime permission for apps. It is a part of the NEARBY_DEVICES permission group. You need new permission for apps to call multiple commonly-used Wi-Fi APIs. It allows apps to find & connect to nearby devices using Wi-Fi and you don't need the location permission.

The location permission needs were a challenge earlier because apps had to attach to the nearby Wi-Fi devices, but the location of the device was not required. Apps that are targeting the Android 13 version are capable of requesting the NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES permission now instead of using the “neverForLocation” flag. It helps to promote a privacy-friendly app design and decrease friction for developers.

Developer Productivity and Tools:

This android version comes with the latest features as well as tools for developer productivity. The main motive of developers is to make beautiful apps that can support billions of devices. Developers always try to help you so that you can work more productively. Besides, it helps to decrease the cost of development. Thus, you are capable of keeping your focus on continuing to build amazing experiences.

Quick Settings Placement API:

There is a Quick Settings feature available in the notification shade. It is a very simple way through which you can change the settings. Besides, you are capable of taking fast actions except leaving the context of an app. Now people can find and add their tiles to Quick Settings. Your app is capable of prompting the user to add your custom tile directly with the help of a new tile placement API to the set of active Quick Settings tiles. This new system dialog enables you to add the tile in a single step and you don't need to move to the Quick Settings to add the tile.

There are three mobile displays where the first one comes with themed icons disabled. The themed icons are enabled for the second one. When it comes to the third phone screen, you can find both themed icons & dark themes enabled.

Per-App Language Preferences:

There are a few apps allowing you to select a language that is different from the default language. Thus, it helps to fulfill the requirements of multilingual users. These apps are capable of calling a new platform API now for setting or getting the user’s preferred language. In this way, it assists in decreasing boilerplate code and improving compatibility. According to the developers, they will add a similar API for broader compatibility in an upcoming Jetpack library.

Faster Hyphenation:

With the help of Hyphenation, you can read the wrapped text easily. Thus, it helps to make the UI more adaptive. The hyphenation performance is optimized in the Android version by as soon as 200%.

You are capable of turning it on in the TextViews.

If you are willing to enable the faster hyphenation, then you are required to take the help of new fullFast or normalFast frequencies in setHyphenationFrequency().

Programmable Shaders:

This android version is compatible with programmable RuntimeShader objects with the help of the Android Graphics Shading Language. It works within your android system for customizing painting within Android's canvas and filtering of View content.

There exists generally two shaders that follow:

AGSL animated shader

AGSL animated shader from GLSL Shader

These are used for implementing ripple effects, blur, and stretch overscroll.

App Compatibility:

Developers try to create updates quickly & smoothly and to do so, they are focusing especially on app compatibility. When you are going to use the Android 13 version, you can find multiple app-facing changes. Due to having these changes z users will now get more time.

Conclusion:

The Android 13 is optimized for devices with big screens like tablets, foldable, and Chromebooks. It comes in an excellent design that has fully adaptive apps. If necessary, then you can take the help of any guide to know how you should optimize it for tablets. Hope you will like the guide of Developer preview of Android 13.

What is a Condenser Microphone?

Willing to know what is a condenser microphone? When it comes to studio recording applications, you should choose condenser mics mostly for their sensitivity and fidelity. Generally, compared to dynamic mics, a condenser microphone is capable of offering a wider frequency response range. But it has a lower input sensitivity. This indicates that these are capable of picking up the input signal more quickly. In this article, we will let you know about them in detail.

What is a Microphone?

A microphone is called a mic colloquially. It works as a transducer that helps to convert sound into an electrical signal. People use these in PCs to record voice, speech recognition, VoIP, etc. Besides, it is used for non-acoustic purposes like ultrasonic or knock sensors.

What are the different types of mic?

The various types of mic are as follows:

• Liquid Microphone. 
• Carbon Microphone. 
• Fiber Optic Microphone. 
• Dynamic Microphone. 
• Electret Microphone. 
• Ribbon Microphone. 
• Laser Microphone. 
• Condenser Microphone. 
• Microelectromechanical Microphone 
• Crystal Microphone 

What is a condenser microphone?

The name condenser comes from the “capacitor”. It is a term used previously for “capacitor”. A condenser microphone helps to convert acoustic energy into an electrical signal through diaphragm movement in a fixed-charge capacitor-based capsule and electrostatic principles.

How it differs from other types:

Before choosing the better one, you should know for which purpose you want to use the mic. Whether you are looking for a live performance mic or a studio mic, you should take a while to select. In this case, you are required to determine first if you need an instrument mic, a drum mic, or a vocal mic.

Condenser Microphones:

These are especially useful for capturing vocals and high frequencies. In most cases, people prefer to use these for studio applications. These capacitor mics are used in studios for their detail and accuracy. The mics consist of a lightweight diaphragm suspended by a fixed plate. Hence, the sound waves create pressure against the diaphragm that enables it to move.

As these come with a thin diaphragm and increased sensitivity, people prefer to use them to pick up delicate sounds. These require a source of power. You can get this available in the form of phantom power due to which you may use a 9v battery.

These are ideal to use to capture acoustic guitars, drum overheads, or vocals. People don't like to use these for louder sounds like a guitar or bass amplifier. In such cases, a dynamic microphone is an ideal choice.

Dynamic Microphones:

This type of microphone is perfect to use to boom sounds or louder environments. People prefer to use microphones for live use as it is capable of handling loud sounds and decreased sensitivity.

In this case, a wire coil is used for amplifying a signal that is picked up by the diaphragm. It is the reason why the output of a condenser microphone is greater than a dynamic mic.

Dynamic ones are ideal for live sound because they are incredibly tough. In case you drop your dynamic mic mistakenly, the probability of damaging the mic is lower compared to a condenser mic.

This type of mics doesn't require batteries or phantom power. Besides, the cost of a dynamic mic is less compared to condenser mics. A dynamic mic needs very much low maint. Whether you practice a reasonable level of care, it can maintain the performance.

Pros and Cons of Condenser microphone:

Benefits:

The advantages of condenser microphone are:

• This is available in a small size. 
• The mic comes with a flat frequency response. 
• The weight of the mic is lower than the dynamic mic for lighter diaphragm assembly. 
• It is compatible with a high range of frequencies for a quick-moving diaphragm. 
• This type of mic is perfect to capture sounds of audio instruments and vocals. 
• The microphone provides high sensitivity.

Drawbacks:

The disadvantages of a condenser microphone are:

• These need the power of voltage to operate. 
• It is capable of handling certain maximum input signal levels. 
• This mic is harder to use than a dynamic microphone. 
• These are more affected by extreme temperature and humidity conditions than dynamic mics. 
• The cost of this mic is much more than a dynamic microphone. 
• The cheaper ones create a small magnitude of noise.

Applications:

The applications of the condenser mic are as follows:

• Studio and voiceover vocal mics, I.e. large-diaphragm FET and tube mics. 
• Instrument mics 
• Wireless lavalier mics that are mainly for the miniature pre-polarized FET mics. 
• Consumer devices requiring mics 
• Shotgun mics in film and video

Side Address v. Front Address:

A lot of large-diaphragm mics are there that are designed especially to pick up sound ( one or both sides of the mic) instead of picking only one end of the mic.

There are multiple small-diaphragm mics that come with a pencil shape. These are capable of picking up sound from the end, not from the side. As a result, these are “end-address,” rather than being “side-address.” Mics of both types are handy. If you know the location of the focal point for your mic, it helps to visualize the polar pattern in a better way. It allows you to aim at the audio source more precisely.

Polar Patterns:

It is the three-dimensional space that you can see around the mic capsule. Here, the capsule is very sensitive to sound. Cardioid is the type of microphone polar pattern used most commonly.

There are a few polar patterns available in condenser microphones:

Hypercardioid:

This type of microphone is more directional compared to cardioid microphones. The reason is that these are less sensitive at the pick-up pattern sides despite them picking up a little audio from the rear.

Supercardioid:

Compared to the previous hypercardioid ones, these mics are a little less directional. However, this type of mic has the capability of providing a slightly smaller rear lobe.

Omnidirectional:

This type of microphone can pick up audio in all directions. Thus, the pattern becomes perfect to measure mics.

Bidirectional: 

This kind of mics is also called “figure-eight.” These Mics are capable of picking up audio from both fronts as well as back.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have let you know what is a condenser microphone. It is available at a different range of prices. If you are looking for top-quality condenser mics to use, then you are required to invest thousands of dollars. The essential thing that you should remember is that you should know your recording needs. If you use this properly, then you can experience its various uses. Thus, it can easily offer high-quality results without doing any effort.

How to Use Google Text to Speech?

Speech-to-text is one of the latest productivity hacks multiple people use to make written sentences. The feature allows you to do this very simply and quickly. The counterpart of this feature, i.e., text-to-speech, can assist you with productivity also. It listens to the text read back to the user in a robotic voice. Besides, it also helps you catch skipped words, grammar mistakes, and awkward phrasing. In this blog post, you will know how to use the Google Text To Speech feature on your mobile. Thus, you are capable of having texts read out loud. We also notify you about the process of managing the voice and Language that are used for reading text aloud. 

 How to Use Google Text to Speech - Tips and Tricks

We have given here the process of using text-to-speech on the android smartphone.

How to enable Google text-to-speech:

•  First, your job is to head towards the device's settings. 
• Then, you are required to tap on the "Accessibility" option. 
• You might have to click on the "Vision," but it relies on the device that you use. 
• After that, your task is to select the "Select to Speak" option. 
• At last, you need to toggle on the feature and then tap on the "Ok" in the pop-up window for confirmation.

You can see a circle popping up with the text-to-speech icon, or it can be available in the lower-right corner of the display. However, it relies on the type of device that you use.

How to use Google text-to-speech:

As soon as you have completed setting up the feature and some text is written you want to read back to you, it is the method you should perform.

• You need first to hit the text-to-speech icon. After tapping on the icon, a red stop button appears in front of you, along with a greyed-out play button. 
• Now, you are required to select the speech and then choose what you want; read back to you. Then, you need to drag the finger across your display when more than a section is available. You should tap on the play button to have all the things on display read back to you with button commands. 
• Finally, your job is to hit the play button to start the text-to-speech playback.

The way to adjust Text-to-Speech Voices and Options:

Android platform provides more control over the voice and Language used to read text while using Select to Speak. You can change the accent, Language, pitch, or speed of the synthesized text voice.

• You need to scroll the display from the top of it, and then you have to hit the gear icon. 
• Next, your task is to click on the General management. The location of the features varies in multiple Android versions. You need to use your search icon if you don't find this here. 
• Then, it would be best to tap on the Language and input. 
• After that, you are required to click on the Text-to-speech. 
• You should then manage the Speech rate and Pitch in the menu available on display. Please continue to do this till it is not making sounds the way you want. 
• If you are willing to change the Language, you need to click on the Language option. After that, you are required to select your preferred language that you are willing to hear when text is read aloud. 

Specify text-to-speech settings:

If you want to specify the text-to-speech settings, then perform the steps.

• First, your job is to navigate to the device's Settings app and open it. 
• Then, your task is to choose Accessibility, and then you have to tap on the Text-to-speech output. 
• Now, you should select the preferred engine, Language, speech rate, and pitch. The default text-to-speech engine relies on the device that you use. These are— Google's Text-to-speech engine, the device manufacturer's engine, and third-party text-to-speech engines ( from the Google Play Store).
• If you want to listen to speech synthesis, you should tap on Play. Whether you are willing to install voice data, you should choose Settings and Install voice data. Select the Language that you are willing to install.

Conclusion:

We hope now you can understand how to use the Google text-to-speech feature. If you want, you can use Select to Speak With Google Lens. It helps to read simple text-like signs available in the real world.

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds: The Best ANC Earbuds

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds is equipped with Acoustic Noise Canceling™ technology. It comes with hidden microphones that help to monitor the environmental sounds. Thereafter, it generates the opposite signal to cancel that noise. It has taken decades for the manufacturers to make such a product using which you can get advantages within a quick time. The product is designed with the world’s most useful noise canceling and high-fidelity audio. It comes with StayHear™ Max tips that provide additional comfort to the user. As soon as you remove distractions, the music takes center stage. From Roller skating, street art, to woodworking— you can hear each sound very clearly.

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds Noise-Canceling Technology

You can assure that the experience is not available in any other wireless earbud. This product comes in two new fashion-forward colors that are Stone Blue and Sandstone. It takes the earbud to another level than others.

With the help of controllable noise-canceling technology, it helps to remove distractions as required. The way it makes you feel the sound looks like you are not wearing earbuds. These wireless earbuds feature exclusive Volume-optimized Active EQ that offers high-fidelity audio. 

It helps to provide both types of sound— full and balanced at any volume. Each surface of the product consists of soft silicone that allows you to wear earbuds throughout the day. The product comes with a capacitive touch interface rather than having buttons. In this case, you are required to only tap the surface for controlling the content as you do with your mobile.

As soon as you take out the earbud of the ear, the music, podcast, or video running on your mobile will stop automatically so that you won't miss a second. The product is IPX-4 rated which makes it protected from sweat, water, and the weather. These QuietComfort Earbuds support iOS and Android devices. Besides, it is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1 that offers a strong and reliable wireless signal. 

But this signal is available within 30 feet of the paired device. Just charge your device once and you can run up to six hours of playback time. It has a wireless charging case that offers a maximum of 12 more hours of listening time. You can use the charging case with any Qi-certified wireless charging mat. However, this feature is not available. The product comes with Triple Black or Soapstone and comes in a compact design.

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds Features:

Play, store, charge:

You can hear sounds for a maximum of 360 minutes. As soon as you are done, you need to pop these for an additional 2 full charges. Use the USB-C or any Qi-certified wireless charging mat to recharge the charging case.

IPX4 Rating:

The device comes with an IPX4 rating that makes it very durable. It comes in a special design and is available with acoustic mesh. This feature keeps the moisture and debris out of the product.

Seamless, And Reliable Connectivity:

The earbud begins connecting your device when you take these out of the case. Besides, the Bluetooth® 5.1 allows you to enjoy consistent signals within thirty feet.

Clearer Conversations:

The mics come in small sizes and are hidden in the earbud. These microphones work at a time to reject noise. Thus, it makes sure that you will get a clear sound always despite you being outside or taking calls in a busy home. The main function of the Mics is to focus on the sound of your voice. It filters out most sounds as well as wind near you.

Tap, Touch, Swipe Controls:

The seamless capacitive gestures help you to control the product with ease. Now, you can easily adjust the sound by changing the volume, flip between noise canceling and Aware Mode, and answering calls. You need to do all the things with easy swipes and taps. Take out the earbuds when you complete listening to sounds. The Earbuds are capable of sensing the movement and pausing the music automatically.

Stay Connected:

The Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds always tracks the previous seven devices with which it was connected. Therefore, if you want, you are capable of swapping between them easily without reconnecting. In this case, you can take the help of the Bluetooth button for scrolling through your paired devices.

Comfortable:

The surface consists of soft silicone, not made of hard plastic. Besides, there are StayHear™ Max tips that help to keep the product in place while you move. This StayHear™ Max tip is available in three sizes. There is an umbrella-shaped nozzle that is used to spread the pressure across the whole ear. It offers stability, comfort, as well as passive noise blocking. Besides, it contains an extended fin that is tucked into the ridge of your ear to provide more security.

High-Fidelity Audio:

The Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds comes with awesome innovations and exclusive acoustic architecture that allows you to hear the preferred things in high-fidelity audio. It doesn't matter how soft or loud you play the sound. In most cases, the bass is not available while you decrease the volume. Thus, it leaves the music sounding small. It is the volume-optimized Active EQ that helps you to do so. The Active EQ increases highs and lows to maintain the balance consistently.

From Quiet to Aware:

When you turn the device into Quiet Mode, the Acoustic Noise Canceling™ technology will mute the entire sound near you. Thus, it allows you to hear more precisely and feel each detail of the music. However, sometimes, it becomes vital to hear your surroundings. Then, you are required to switch the mode to Aware Mode quickly. In this case, you have to tap two times on the left earbud.

Activesense™ Technology:

The product comes with an Aware Mode feature with ActiveSense technology. It enables you to listen to music and your surroundings clearly at a time. When the sound of your surroundings is very loud, it manages the amount of noise cancellation. Thus, it allows you to hear everything at a pleasant and balanced volume.

Support iOS and Android:

It offers easy set-up as well as custom settings via the Bose Music app.

Pros:

• Best noise cancellation 
• Awesome sound quality 
• Easy to use 
• Comfortable 

Cons:

Big carrying case

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Nowadays, it is very typical to have Wi-Fi 6 hardware. Therefore, users may have a version 6 network. But the demand of people is something new: Wi-Fi 6E that can decrease congestion.

The Federal Communications Commission allows using the 6 GHz band without a license on April 23, 2020. However, some of the 6E hardware devices were available in the market from 2021. All countries have not created the same decision, though. It is the reason why 6E is experiencing regulatory barriers in some nations.

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E is a standard that you can operate on the 6 GHz band. But its earlier generations use 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands.

This 6 GHz spectrum works similarly to version 6 is used over 5 GHz. The difference between them is that the latest device provides extra non-overlapping channels. As per Wi-Fi Alliance, there are "14 additional 80 MHz channels and seven additional 160 MHz channels." As the channels won't overlap with each other, it helps to decrease congestion.

Devices compatible with the 6 GHz spectrum can be version 6 devices. No previous devices are available using version 5 (802.11ac) standards or something else. The devices that used the 6 GHz channels will speak a similar language. Besides, these may use version 6’s new congestion-busting features.

What are the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E?

The 6GHz band provides more than 1Gbps internet speed. Besides, this increased spectrum indicates lower latency. When you play online games, video calls, or virtual computing sessions, you need a response from the keyboard, voices, or mouse click of less than one millisecond instantly.

If you have quicker connectivity, you can experience the benefits, especially for home network capacity. Whole-home gigabit coverage and multi-gigabit capacity indicate that normal users get the chance finally to enjoy next-generation computing experiences. This network allows you to enjoy virtual reality gaming in your home. Besides, you can even participate in augmented reality business presentations while other family members watch Netflix or YouTube. You won't see any lack of bandwidth here.

How to Get Wi-Fi 6E:

You can feel that it is a must-have technology soon. Some nations like the US, Brazil, and Korea have opened up the technology already. But multiple countries haven't opened up the wireless spectrum for commercial use yet.

The 6E devices support the previous versions, but if you are willing to use the new 6GHz channels, the technology should have a 6E router and a 6E client device. It indicates that you should have computers, phones, smart home devices, etc. Whether you use a new version 6 router, you still have to upgrade this to a version 6E model.

Should You Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E?

The answer is No. The 6E routers have hit the market very recently. Prices will decrease in the forthcoming year. Plenty of 6E-compatible devices is there that can be attached to the router.

However, it is not helpful if you want to expand the work-from-home capabilities to your backyard. Whether you are searching for a new router in the market, you will require something future-proof.

Over 6 GHz Needs New Devices:

Suppose you are using multiple version 6 devices and a 6E-enabled router. But it doesn't matter as no device will communicate over the 6E. These devices will take the help of version 6 on the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz channels.

The pre-CES 2020 of the Wi-Fi Alliance acknowledges the 6E. It indicates the 6 GHz as "an important portion of unlicensed spectrum that may soon be made available by regulators worldwide."

When Will the Wi-Fi 6E Hardware be Available?

The headquarters of FCC is in Washington, DC. At the beginning of this year, the hardware has become more common. When it was the last quarter of 2021, you could purchase the Asus band's routers and mesh networking systems.

Netgear, TP-Link, and other manufacturers announced more of the 6E routers. The hardware is compatible with Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Google Pixel 6. However, no Apple device is compatible with it.

A company like Intel is now promoting the hardware, known as "GIG+." Intel is now including the feature in all its devices. As a result, most Intel-powered laptops allow using the 6E.

When it comes to technology, you will always find something new. 6E is the latest one when it comes to Wi-Fi. You should know one thing is that version 6 is not the newest update for network speed.

But if you use this, you will find extended battery life and less wireless congestion. Besides, the latest hardware is not widespread also. For future proof, a 6E router can be purchased. However, to use wireless devices, this 6E is not compatible yet.