Strava releases a favorite feature to all its athletes https://ift.tt/3DxKwLF

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Strava has released Beacon to non-paying users.
• Athletes can choose who they want to share their location with and when they want to share it.
• Devices with particularly complex integration will still need to pay for the feature.

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Solo rides just got a little bit safer. Strava, the popular fitness app among runners and cyclists, has made one of its top features free to non-paying users. Whether or not you are a subscriber, Strava’s Beacon lets you hit the trail with peace of mind.

Beacon is now free for all users

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Behind many distance-training athletes is someone wondering when they’ll be home for dinner. With Beacon, users can share real-time location updates with trusted contacts, making ETAs accessible and helping athletes stay safe. Before today, this feature was only available to paid subscribers. Now, any of the 90 million athletes using Strava can utilize Beacon at no cost on the mobile app.

As a safety measure, it seems like a no-brainer that Beacon would be universally available, and we’re happy to see Strava agrees. This news follows recent updates to Strava’s Edit Activity and Edit Map Visibility functions, all of which emphasize Strava’s commitment to athletes’ safety.

We haven’t been thrilled with how Strava managed its membership features in the past, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

How Strava Beacon location sharing works

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Beacon allows athletes to let loved ones know they’re safe and sound while training. The idea is simple. Chosen safety contacts check-in on a cyclist or runner’s location and make sure nothing seems amiss. For example, if a workout is taking longer than expected, they can use Beacon to determine whether they need to reach out. Are you possibly hurt, or did you just make a pit stop at the drug store? Does your location show you stalled somewhere odd, or are you nearly home?

Beacon eliminates the guesswork. It generates a randomized URL that will work on any web browser and allow loved ones to keep tabs. Strava users choose up to three safety contacts who will be notified automatically each time they record, or they can choose to send out the URL manually via text message. Either way, the beauty is that recipients don’t need to log in to Strava or install the app. They can simply open the link and instantly access live location sharing. That means even your least tech-savvy friend will likely be able to manage.

Depending on cell service, your location will update every 15 seconds or so, letting your friends or family where you are and how your activity is progressing.

Read also: The best fitness trackers

Who still needs to pay?

There are still a few exceptions to the freebie. While Strava’s Beacon location sharing is now free to all users on the mobile app, it will remain a paid feature on devices such as the Apple Watch or Garmin bike computers. If you want to use Beacon but are committed to working out without your phone, you may still need to spring for that Strava subscription after all.

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Samsung, king of software support, bringing One UI 3.1.1 to all its foldables https://ift.tt/3kyyGs0

• Samsung revealed today that updates to One UI 3.1.1 are coming to all its foldables.
• That includes the Samsung Galaxy Fold from 2019.
• It’s nice to see Samsung keeping its ultra-expensive foldables up-to-date, regardless of age.

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When Samsung launched its most recent foldables, they landed with a new version of One UI. The 3.1.1 version of the software introduced a few new features, such as Drag & Split, which makes opening links much easier and intuitive.

Since then, those Samsung updates to One UI 3.1.1 have come to other phones. Today, though, the company confirmed to us that every single one of its current foldable phones is getting the update. That includes the original Samsung Galaxy Fold, which launched in 2019.

You can expect One UI 3.1.1 to also come to the Galaxy Z Flip, the 5G variant of that phone, and the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

See also: Everything you need to know about One UI, Samsung’s Android skin

Over the past few years, Samsung updates have become the gold standard for non-Google devices. This new commitment to keeping its foldable lineup up-to-date just solidifies that reputation.

Of course, Samsung’s foldables are incredibly expensive, so if it didn’t keep them up-to-date, that would be pretty lame. Still, it’s not like there aren’t plenty of companies out there charging $1,000+ for phones and then only updating them for a year or two before completely abandoning them.

One UI 3.1.1 will likely be the last point update from Samsung before One UI 4.0 lands, which will be based on Android 12. Samsung should begin to launch beta updates for select users in September.

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Rumored new Pixel Stand could have faster wireless charging than Samsung, Apple https://ift.tt/3gQxcrU

• An unannounced Google Pixel 6 stand could have wireless charging speeds up to 23W.
• That’s faster wireless charging than what Samsung and Apple offer with any of their devices.
• Still, it is only half as fast as the speeds we’ve seen from OnePlus and other companies.

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It’s been a while since Google launched its first wireless charging stand, the Google Pixel Stand. That device had a max output speed of 10W when it launched alongside the Google Pixel 3 series.

Now, it appears Google could be ready to update that device. According to Android Police, a Google Pixel 6 stand could be in the works. That stand, if it exists, appears to have a charging speed of 23W. That’s a speed increase of more than 100%, which is certainly nice to see.

Related: Just how fast is modern wireless charging?

Remarkably, this would mean the Google Pixel 6 stand could charge the Pixel 6 phones faster than anything on Samsung’s or Apple’s rosters. Those major brands only offer 15W wireless charging speeds, even on their most expensive flagships.

However, Google would be far from the fastest. The OnePlus 9 Pro is capable of wirelessly charging at a 50W speed with its proprietary charging stand, for example.

Still, it’s nice to see Google might be pushing past Samsung and Apple in at least one spec area. We’ll need to wait for more details on the alleged Google Pixel 6 stand, but it just adds fuel to the fire of excitement people have over these upcoming phones.

The Pixel 6 series could launch in just a few weeks if rumors prove accurate.

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Windows 11 release date revealed, but Android app support won’t be included https://ift.tt/3dcnvlK

Credit: Microsoft

• Microsoft revealed the Windows 11 release date will be on October 5.
• This release will be missing the much-anticipated ability to run Android apps natively.
• Microsoft will begin testing Android app support via the Insider program over the coming months.

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Microsoft has just announced that Windows 11 will arrive on October 5. It’s been a while since Microsoft announced the next major version of the Windows operating system. Currently, the new version is being beta-tested through the Windows Insider program.

Related: Windows 11 beta impressions

Eligible Windows 10 PCs will start getting the free upgrade from that date. Additionally, new PCs with Windows 11 will start being available for purchase on October 5, Microsoft has announced in a new blog post. There’s a major catch with this launch though. Windows 11 will not come with native Android app support when it arrives.

Windows 11 native Android app support to arrive later, Insider testing to begin soon

Microsoft has highlighted a bunch of the features that Windows 11 will ship with at launch. These include the new design, Snap Layouts, an updated Start menu, Microsoft Teams integration, and more.

However, the notable exception is one of those that many of us have been looking forward to. This launch will include the new Microsoft Store, but the company says it is still working on its journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11.

Aaron Woodman, general manager of Windows marketing at Microsoft, noted that the Android app support, which is being developed in collaboration with Amazon and Intel, will begin testing through the Windows Insider Program over the coming months.

We asked, you told us: Most of you plan to upgrade to Windows 11

The announcement also emphasizes that Windows 11 will be rolled out in a “phased and measured approach.” So while this feature being absent at launch may be a disappointment to some, Microsoft says it’s focusing on quality, so we can expect the final product to work well.

In the meantime, if you would like to install Windows 11 on an older unsupported PC, you will need to use an ISO to manually install it, and potentially lose access to Windows updates in the future.

Windows 11 native Android app support should arrive sometime in 2022, according to reasonable estimates.

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Samsung reveals One UI 4.0 beta launch date and phone support https://ift.tt/3Bgz98R

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• Samsung’s first beta for One UI 4.0 based on Android 12 will launch in September.
• The beta program will support the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, at least in the beginning.
• As in years past, you’ll need to apply within the Samsung Members app to gain access to the beta.

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The official stable launch of Android 12 is right around the corner. As in years past, Google is offering beta versions of the software to Pixel users, but other OEMs also have beta programs in operation. Samsung, though, is not one of those companies.

However, Samsung fans won’t need to wait much longer to try out Android 12 on a Samsung phone. The company just announced that One UI 4.0 beta, based on Android 12, is coming in September. Unfortunately, it did not give a more specific date than that.

Check out the official announcement poster below.

Credit: Samsung

Essentially, the poster says that One UI 4.0 beta is coming soon and will land first on the Galaxy S21 series. That includes the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. Although this poster is exclusively promoted to the Korean market, it’s almost assured that other countries — including the United States — will see the beta shortly thereafter.

See also: Everything you need to know about One UI, Samsung’s Android skin

As usual, Samsung is not making the beta available to just anyone. You’ll need to apply for access within the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy S21 phone. A banner image will eventually appear there that you’ll tap to fill out your application. If accepted, you’ll get beta access.

Stay tuned as we’ll likely have plenty of info soon on what’s included with the first One UI 4.0 beta!

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Jabra announces new Elite 7 series as well as very cheap Elite 3 earbuds https://ift.tt/3DxT4lz

Credit: Jabra

• Jabra just announced the new Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active.
• Both sets of true-wireless earbuds are high-end affairs with price points to match.
• The new Elite 3, though, are pretty inexpensive while offering just the essentials.

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Jabra earbuds might not have the same name recognition as Apple’s AirPods or even Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. However, they are very popular amongst audiophiles for their audio quality. They are also popular for their design, which differs greatly from the AirPods style.

Related: The best true wireless earbuds you can get

Today, Jabra is launching three new sets of true wireless earbuds. First, it has the Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active. The Pro model acts as a step up over last year’s Jabra Elite 75T, but not quite as good as the Elite 85T from earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the company is also launching a new lower-cost model known as the Jabra Elite 3. Check out the details you need to know below!

Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active

Credit: Jabra

Up first, we have the new premium models from Jabra. The Elite 7 Pro earbuds look very similar to the 75T/85T designs. They offer active noise cancellation (ANC), with nine hours of claimed non-stop playtime. You can extend that to up to 35 hours when you give them a top-up in their battery case, so Jabra says.

See also: Best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds

The two big highlights to the Elite 7 Pro are Multi-Sensor Voice and their overall size. Multi-Sensor Voice is Jabra’s new proprietary system that combines a bone conduction sensor, four mics, and a new algorithm to make calls clearer. The size of the ‘buds is also notable, as they are 16% smaller than the Elite 75T, which means the Elite 7 Pro are now the smallest earbuds from the brand.

Meanwhile, the Elite 7 Active remove Multi-Sensor Voice but add in a “Shake Grip” coating. Jabra is using Shake Grip as the proprietary branding for a new system that promises your ‘buds will stay in your ears, even when working out and sweating up a storm.

The Jabra Elite 7 Pro will go for $199, roughly $30 cheaper than the Elite 85T. The Active models will start at $179. Jabra will accept pre-orders for both sets starting on October 1, 2021.

Jabra Elite 3

Credit: Jabra

At a minimum of $179, the Jabra Elite 7 series isn’t for budget shoppers. However, Jabra has something on offer for the cash-conscious: the new Elite 3.

Coming in four fun colors (Lilac, Light Beige, Dark Grey, and Navy), the Elite 3 have the basics one needs from a set of true wireless earbuds. That includes four microphones, a claimed seven hours of non-stop listening, support for the aptX codec, and noise isolation (read: not ANC).

The Elite 3 start at just $79 and pre-orders begin on September 1.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip updates: One UI 3.1.1 arrives in early September patch https://ift.tt/39oR13B

Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series update hub! Here you’ll find all the latest information on software updates for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Flip 5G. We’ll tell you what the current software versions are for each device and also give you a heads up when new updates are rolling out.

• Current stable version: Android 11
• When will the Galaxy Z Flip get Android 12? December/January 2021 (estimated)

Latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Update

August 31, 2021: Samsung is squeezing in another update for the Galaxy Z Flip just before September rolls in. The update, bearing firmware number F700FXXU8EUH5, brings with it the anticipated One UI 3.1.1 update. The new UI revision includes the Flex Mode Panel (which forces apps to adjust to fit folded screens) and Drag and Split support (which effectively splits folded displays into two screens). The September 2021 Android security patch is also lumped in with the update.

Per SamMobile, the update is landing on European models right now, so expect the patch to arrive in more markets in the coming days. You can manually check for the update by tapping Settings > Software update.

Previous Samsung Galaxy Z Flip updates

• August 5, 2021: An update brought the August security update and little else to Samsung’s flip phone.
• May 28, 2021: A patch bringing the June security update rolled out in late May. Per SamMobile, the update packed firmware version F707BXXS3DUE1.
• April 15, 2021: The 4G model started to receive an update with the April security patch halfway through the month. The update also arrived on 5G variants later in April.
• February 17, 2021: A big update occurred when Samsung announced the availability of One UI 3.1 for the Galaxy Z Flip (and a host of other phones). It brings an improved Single Take mode, object eraser tool, multi-mic recording, and more.
• December 2020: Both the Galaxy Z Flip 4G and 5G models received the One UI 3.0 update at the end of last year. The Android 11-based update delivered the usual Android 11 additions as well as most of the expected Samsung features ad tweaks. It also brought the December 2020 security patch.
• August 22, 2020: The One UI 2.5 update rolled out to the Galaxy Z Flip 4G. This brought quite a few video recording options, the ability to request a Wi-Fi password from a contact, and a couple of other tweaks. We also got the August 2020 security update.
• February 15, 2020: Exactly a week into its launch, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4G received its first software update. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy Z Flip 4G software update brought the Single Take mode to the camera. The feature was supposed to be available on the phone out of the box, but it seems like Samsung was in a rush to get the phone out of the door. The update also brought the February 2020 security patch.

Let us know which Galaxy Z Flip update you’re rocking in the comments. Also, feel free to tip us if you’ve spotted a recent update we’ve missed!

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