Chrome 93 is rolling out as a quieter release than usual on desktop and mobile today. However, a small tweak in Chrome for Android sees Google switch the dark theme to a darker shade of gray.
The app and system status bars are where you’re most likely to notice this change. It’s also apparent (though less so in screenshots, compared to on-device viewing) in the Tab Switcher grid and settings, as well as the New Tab Page (NTP).
This darker shade (#1F1F1F) is closer to black, while Chrome previously opted for a gray hue (35363A) that had some bluish undertones. Google has also ever so slightly altered the Omnibox’s color as a result of the main change, with the overflow (three dot) menu and gesture bar following.
Meanwhile, on the NTP, Google no longer uses white outlines for certain elements and is just using color to distinguish between the background and elements .
Left: Old | Right: New
The browser is expected to get some Material You updates in the future, and today’s change could be getting ready for that but Chrome users on older devices will also benefit from these color tweaks. The dark theme alterations are live on Android 11 and 12 devices we checked today running Chrome 93, which is rolling out now via the Play Store.
The last few years have seen plenty of new innovations come up in the hard-disk drive market. For quite some time, the HDD technology roadmap was shared industry-wide - vendors introduced new technologies at different points in time, but they were all similar in nature. As a recent example, HGST (now, Western Digital) was the first to market with helium-filled HDDs, but both Seagate and Toshiba followed up with similar drives within a few years.
Prior to 2017, there was consensus that heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) would help drive the increase in storage density for HDDs after traditional perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) ran out of steam. Western Digital sprang a surprise in Q4 2017 by announcing the decision to go with microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) for future HDDs. Seagate, in the meanwhile, has been all-in on HAMR and also launched 20TB HDDs based on the technology for enterprise customers (those HAMR drives are yet to hit retail, though). In the meanwhile, Western Digital was promising MAMR drives for 16TB+ HDDs, but eventually back-tracked in favor of energy-enhanced PMR (ePMR). Toshiba, on the other hand, introduced flux control-MAMR (FC-MAMR) in its MG09-series of enterprise 16TB and 18TB HDDs.
At the HDD Reimagine event today, Western Digital is introducing OptiNAND - a novel architecture involving the integration of an embedded iNAND UFS embedded flash drive (EFD) on the drive's mainboard.
In conjunction, the company is also announcing that it has been sampling its first 20TB non-SMR drives based on OptiNAND-enabled ePMR to select customers, and that it would be adopting the OptiNAND platform moving forward for all 20TB+ HDDs. The company also sees a path to 50TB OptiNAND-enabled ePMR drives in the second half of the decade.
While the company did not quantify the amount of NAND in its OptiNAND drives, they are stressing the fact that it is not a hybrid drive (SSHD). Unlike SSHDs, the OptiNAND drives do not store any user data at all during normal operation. Instead, the NAND is being used to store metadata from HDD operation in order to improve capacity, performance, and reliability.
Capacity
Western Digital's OptiNAND announcement also conveys the fact that their 20TB 9-platter HDDs will continue to use energy-enhanced PMR (ePMR). In addition to the use of a triple-stage actuator to enable more accurate positioning of the heads over the tracks, the OptiNAND aspect is being touted as the key to enabling 2.2TB capacity for each platter.
The increase in areal density is being achieved by cramming the tracks on the platter closer together (increased TPI), while also moving out some of the metadata (both factory-generated and mid-user operation) out from the platter to the NAND. In particular, Western Digital made a mention of the repeatable run out (RRO) recording of the head jitter / error position as the spindle revolves. This data (running into multiple gigabytes) is generated in the factory during manufacturing. It is typically stored in the disk, taking up space that could have potentially been used for user data. The OptiNAND architecture moves this to the NAND in the EFD.
One of the key challenges to packing tracks closer together is the concept of 'adjacent track interference' (ATI). This results in the need to periodically refresh data in the platter's tracks as it could get corrupted by writes to adjacent tracks. Currently available HDDs triggered these refreshes on a track-by-track basis based on the recording of write operations at the track-level. One of the downsides to increasing areal density by increasing the TPI is the need to do more frequent refreshes. From refreshing once in 10000 write operations in early HDDs, the narrow tracks now need to be refreshed as frequently as once every 6 writes. Beyond a certain point, it doesn't make sense to increase TPI any further because the increase in the frequency of ATI refreshes has an extreme impact on performance. In present-generation HDDs, these refreshes have been triggered at the track level by recording write operations at that hierarchy. The OptiNAND architecture allows the write operations to be recorded at the sector level. This means that the refresh operations are more spread out both temporally and spatially, allowing the tracks to be packed closer together without sacrificing performance. In turn, this increases the areal density.
Performance
Consumers can operate HDDs with the write cache in the device enabled or disabled. Irrespective of the cache enablement, the HDD has to buffer up the incoming data. In the disabled case, the amount of data that could be buffered up is dependent on the amount of data that can be safely flushed out to non-volatile storage in the case of an emergency power-off (EPO) situation. The presence of significant NAND capacity in the HDD means that the drive can use the rotational energy present in the platters to flush out more data in the DRAM into the NAND (Present-day HDDs dump out the DRAM data into serial flash - around a couple of MBs worth - in an EPO situation). The ability to buffer out more data in this case means that the performance of write-cache enabled case and write-cache disabled case approach each other in OptiNAND-enabled HDDs.
Western Digital also claims that the 'write cache enabled' case can benefit on the performance front. This is an indirect result of the reduced refresh rates (referencing the observations in the previous sub-section on how OptiNAND handles adjacent-track interference) that allows the HDD to spend more time in servicing user data requests. Again, there was no quantification of the improvement in IOPS for different access patterns over non-OptiNAND HDDs in Western Digital's event.
Reliability
The aspects of OptiNAND used to enhance the performance of the drives in the write caching disabled state also contribute to enhancing their reliability under EPO conditions. By including faster non-volatile storage compared to serial flash, Western Digital claims that up to 50x more data can be flushed out compared to previous-generation HDDs.
Concluding Remarks
Western Digital claims that the vertical integration possible with the HDD technology from the WD / HGST side along with the flash technology from the SanDisk side is essential for the creation of a platform like OptiNAND.
There is bound to be a cost-premium associated with the drives due to the NAND integration. New recording technologies (like HAMR and MAMR) require significant investment into the design of the recording heads as well as platters, and need to be revamped every few generations. On the other hand, technologies like OptiNAND are independent of the underlying technology.
Without exact quantification of the increase in areal density enabled by OptiNAND, it is not possible to provide comparative comments on the Capacity aspect of Western Digital's OptiNAND trifecta - except that the company is now able to introduce 20TB hard drives to the market with the same ePMR technology used in its 18TB drives (around 2.2TB/platter).
The Performance aspect should be easier to evaluate when OptiNAND drives hit retail. While the benefits for the 'write caching disabled' case (where the NAND can act as a safe cache in an EPO situation) are easy to verify (essentially acting the same as the 'write caching enabled' case), the pure 'write caching enabled' case should be much more interesting to analyze against competing drives of the same capacity.
Western Digital indicated that all of their 20TB+ HDDs moving forward will be OptiNAND-enabled. This will be across all market verticals - cloud deployment, enterprise drives (Gold), storage for surveillance recording (Purple line), and NAS (Red line). It must be noted that the company has a 20TB SMR drive already in the market that is not OptiNAND-enabled. The new HDD architecture with its flexible SoC and high-performance NAND integration can also be used to enable customer-specific enhancements in the future. The ability to use the NAND to dynamically remap sectors can increase areal density and improve performance much more in SMR drives. Based on this, we can expect OptiNAND-enabled SMR drives to gain significant capacity advantage over CMR drives in comparison to what is being seen in the market currently.
The HDD industry is not yet in dire need of CPR, but Western Digital's usage of OptiNAND to address the Capacity, Performance, and Reliability trifecta is yet another unique aspect in the innovation-rich hard-disk drive market. Western Digital has both HDD and complete flash technology (from NAND fabrication to controller) in-house, while the other HDD vendors do not have that advantage. As such, it might take the other vendors some time to catch up on the advantages of using NAND for HDD metadata.
Windows 11 is no longer merely "coming this fall." Microsoft will begin releasing the new operating system to the public on October 5, starting with newer PCs (and PCs being sold in stores) and then rolling out to other supported systems over the next nine or so months. The company also says that the Amazon-powered Android app support coming to Windows 11 won't be ready for public consumption at launch; Microsoft will offer "a preview [of Android apps in the Microsoft Store] for Windows Insiders over the coming months."
Like recent Windows 10 updates, Windows 11 will have a phased rollout through Windows Update—most PCs won't begin to see and automatically install the update on October 5. Microsoft says that new PCs will be the first to upgrade, followed by older compatible PCs, "based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors." As with Windows 10 updates, you'll be able to download an ISO file to initiate the upgrade yourself (Microsoft also offers tools like the Windows Update Assistant to manually trigger upgrade installs; we assume the company will provide this system for Windows 11, too). All compatible PCs should be offered the update by mid-2022.
For PCs that don't meet Microsoft's stringent system requirements—a recent 64-bit Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm processor; enabled Secure Boot support; and a TPM 2.0 module along with 4GB or more of RAM and 64GB or more of storage—Microsoft has been cagey. Neither today's announcement nor a post from last week explaining the security requirements mentions being able to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. But Microsoft told reporters that it won't disallow installation on incompatible systems as long as you install the operating system manually, but the company can later assert its right to withhold security and driver updates on those PCs if it wants to.
Today's announcement merely says that "Windows 10 is the right choice" for these older systems and reiterated that Windows 10 will receive security updates through October 14, 2025. Windows 10 21H2 will be released in parallel with Windows 11 on a date that hasn't been announced yet; it's not clear whether Windows 10 will continue to receive twice-a-year feature updates after that, but Windows 11 will be updated on an annual schedule rather than twice a year.
You won't have to buy a Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Flip 3 to get their software upgrades. Samsung is rolling out a One UI 3.1.1 update that brings many of those phones' multitasking and app resizing features to the original Fold, Fold 2, Flip and Flip 5G.
The Fold line unsurprisingly benefits the most thanks to its larger, tablet-like screen. Features like Multi-Active Window (up to three apps at once) and App Split View (seeing extra content for an app) make that folding display much more useful. You can also force apps to resize and rotate on your Fold, pin your favorites with the Taskbar and mirror your internal display on the cover screen.
Not that Flip owners are out of luck. Drag & Split lets all Samsung foldable owners create a new window for an already-open app, and you can invoke Flex Mode to bring up media controls when the phone is partially folded.
Most of these features are deploying now, although you'll have to wait an extra week if you're using the first Galaxy Fold. Not that you'll likely mind. This could significantly improve the usefulness of your older foldable, and suggests Samsung is eager to earn the loyalty of early adopters — if just to increase the chances that you'll buy another Fold or Flip when you're due for an upgrade.
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Google may be working on a new wireless charging stand for its Pixel phones, according to a leaked image of a retail inventory backend mentioning a “Google Pixel 23W WL Stand” published by Android Police. The name suggests the charger could support 23W wireless charging, and if Google does end up releasing this stand, it seems likely that the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro would support 23W charging as well.
That wireless charging speed, if accurate, would be more than the iPhone 12’s maximum 15W wireless charging with a MagSafe charger and surpass the 10W wireless charging offered by the original Pixel Stand (which is still available on Google’s online store). Google hasn’t replied to a request for comment.
The company revealed the first details about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro earlier in August. They seem like promising devices, especially with their new Google-designed Tensor system on a chip, and 23W wireless charging could make them an even more enticing purchase. Google plans to release those phones this fall, and if this new charging stand is real, it seems likely it will come out alongside them — especially since the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro won’t ship with an included charging brick.
Many of us have been eagerly anticipating One UI 4, which will show us Samsung's take on Android 12. The company accidentally announced the beta early in July before pulling it and saying that we'd need to wait until September for more details. Now things are finally moving ahead, as the original announcement is reposted with more information.
As spotted by SamMobile, Samsung's beta operation manager has posted the One UI 4 beta announcement on the South Korean forums, confirming that the Galaxy S12 series should see the update sometime in September.
The announcement also includes the same promo image that was mistakenly posted in July. The general gist from this image is that the beta will be available for the S21 series regardless of whether it's unlocked or a carrier model. You'll need to open the Samsung Members app, look for the One UI 4 beta banner, and enroll to participate.
Samsung hasn't said which countries will get the beta, but usually, it hits South Korea first, with the US following a few days later and a European release one or two weeks after that. Until that rollout begins, it'll be a waiting game of closing and reopening the Samsung Members app several times an hour until we finally get what we want. Or am I the only one who does that?
One UI 4 is expected to bring a major design overhaul to Samsung's software experience, possibly mimicking Google's Material You color theme, and under the hood changes to improve performance and battery life. We'll know more once it's available, and of course, we'll be covering everything new in the next version of One UI.
Samsung has launched a walkie talkie app for its smartwatches similar to Apple's, giving you a way to chat with friends without having to make a call. By "smartwatches," though, we really just mean the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic — the app, first spotted by XDA-Developers, only works with the tech giant's latest wearables and isn't compatible with any of their predecessors.
That would limit the number of friends you can chat with, since they also need to own the latest Galaxy Watch. That said, the app's Google Play description says "two or more users" can have instant conversations, so you may be able to use the app outside of secret one-on-one chats in the middle of the night. Provided you know other people who have a Watch 4, of course, unless Samsung decides to roll the app out for its previous wearable.
To be able to use the feature, you need to log into your Samsung account on a phone connected to your watch. Samsung also recommends using and running the app for the first time while that watch is connected to a smartphone. After that, you'll be able to create channels for your conversation, connect to a nearby friend's watch and talk by pressing a big mic button at the center of the screen. You'll also be able to toggle the feature off any time you're feeling anti-social.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Microsoft today announced plans to launch Windows 11 on October 5th, inviting us to a world of exciting new features like rounded corners and a new default desktop wallpaper. As new named versions of Windows goes, 11 seems a smaller upgrade than from, say, Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, or from Window 8 to straight-up not owning a PC at all. Still, it has a few handy features for gaming. And it will roll out as a free upgrade from 10, if you want it.
"The free upgrade to Windows 11 starts on October 5 and will be phased and measured with a focus on quality," Microsoft blogman Aaron Woodman explained. "Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience. That means new eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first. The upgrade will then roll out over time to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience. We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."
Big fan of the phrase "tremendous learnings." Just tremendous learnings, mate. But yes, when Microsoft deem your PC eligible, Windows Update will let you know.
Windows 11 does have different hardware requirements, particularly in requiring a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chip. When I tried MS's doodad that checks if your PC can run Windows 11, I got a big no (though I understand fiddling with your BIOS might be fruitful). MS have updated the minimum system requirements since then, mind, and plan to update the Checker. Still, I'm in no hurry to switch. I'm not sure how much Windows 11 would benefit me until I buy new hardware.
One of the headline gaming features in W11 is Auto HDR. As seen on the new Xbox, it can add HDR support to older games (DX11 and up) which don't support that there fancy monitor stuff. I don't own an HDR monitor and don't intend to buy one, but maybe one day I will? Microsoft also tout faster loading times thanks to their DirectStorage tech, though it'll be coming to Windows 10 in a less-fast form too. Ah, I'll probably not switch until I get a new PC. Win10 works fine enough for me.
Sounds like the built-in Android app support won't be in at launch either. Woodman said, "We look forward to continuing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through our collaboration with Amazon and Intel; this will start with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months."
Big '90s Internet PhotoShop tutorial culture' vibes.
Our James is being won over by Windows 11's new UI, mind. "I particularly like the completely rejigged Start menu, which looks a lot better for making customisations without all the screen-hogging tiles that Windows has pushed since Windows 8," he said.
I will concede that I do like how the default wallpaper looks backgrounds I used on LiteStep in, like, 1998.
Microsoft plan to support Windows 10 through October 14th, 2025, so you won't instantly be cut off from updates if you choose not to upgrade. But eventually, years down the line, Windows 10 will likely become less safe to use thanks to unpatched security holes. You know, like how it only takes 13 seconds for a fresh Windows XP install connected to the Internet to start printing out pornography then fire up a botnet minting and selling NFTs of webcam photos of looking surprised by the obscenity pouring forth from your Epson Stylus Color 300.
TAIPEI -- Production of the upcoming Apple Watch has been delayed in large part due to the complicated designs of the new smartwatch, Nikkei Asia has learned.
Manufacturers of Apple Watch 7, as the device is expected to be called, began small-scale production last week but encountered critical challenges in reaching satisfactory production performance, multiple people familiar with the situation said.
Three sources said the current disappointing production quality could be attributed to the complexity of design, which is significantly different from that of previous generations of the watch, and the assemblers found issues when putting together electronics modules, components and displays.
As a result, the production of the new watch has been temporarily halted as Apple and its suppliers try to sort out the problems and further certify the designs before going into mass production, four people said.
The next Apple Watch will come with new features such as blood pressure measurement, they said, which means production involves fitting a greater number of components into a similar size body. The new product must also meet requirements for water-resistance performance, further increasing the engineering and production challenges, the people said.
"All assemblers are facing similar problems in reaching satisfactory production performance based on the current industrial designs," one of the people with direct knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia.
Apple has also asked component suppliers to delay some shipments to assemblers, sources said.
The company has overhauled the popular smartwatch and the interior design, including the position of various modules, differs from previous generations of the product, the people said.
However, disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for Apple and its suppliers to travel back and forth to verify the new specifications, making it hard to discover difficulties with the design until test production starts, two of the people said.
"Apple and its suppliers are working around the clock trying to solve the issues, but currently it is hard to tell when the mass production could begin," one of the people added. Apple previously planned to put Apple Watch 7 into mass production around mid-September, another person said, and the engineering team is working to minimize delays.
Apple was scheduled to unveil the new watch along with the latest iPhones in the coming weeks. The current issues might affect the U.S. company's shipment plans following the unveiling, the people said.
The Apple Watch, first released in 2015, is one of the fastest-growing products for the California-based tech company. New functions such as electrocardiography, sleep tracking and the ability to unlock iPhones while wearing a mask have helped increase the gadget's popularity. Apple is the world's biggest smartwatch maker, shipping 36 million Apple Watches last year, for an annual growth rate of 39%, according to research company IDC.
In addition to Apple Watch and iPhones, Apple is set to introduce new AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks in the second half of 2021.
Bose's latest wireless noise-canceling headphones: the QuietComfort 45.
Bose
They look largely similar to the previous QuietComfort 35 II.
Bose
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, for reference.
Jeff Dunn
Bose is promising improved active noise cancellation, call quality, and battery life with this update.
Bose
They'll be available in these two finishes.
Bose
They use physical buttons instead of the sometimes finicky touch controls found on many other premium pairs these days.
Bose
Bose headphones have generally excelled at providing effective ANC, so if the QuietComfort 45s follow in their predecessor's footsteps, they could be appealing to a good swath of people, though they do face significant competition from Sony, Apple, and many other companies.
Bose
Bose on Tuesday announced its latest set of wireless noise-canceling headphones, the QuietComfort 45.
The QuietComfort line has proven popular for Bose over the years, so it may not be a surprise to see that the QuietComfort 45 does not significantly diverge from its predecessor, the QuietComfort 35 II, which launched roughly four years ago.
Their design follows closely in the footsteps of that older pair, with some minor changes to smooth out the look of the sides and ear cushions but a similarly understated aesthetic on the whole. There are still physical control buttons for adjusting volume, controlling playback and noise cancellation, and taking calls, but thankfully, the older microUSB port has been replaced by USB-C. Bose continues to use a 2.5 mm connector instead of the more universal 3.5 mm jack for wired listening, though it does include a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable in the box if needed. The headphones are available in either a black or “white smoke” finish.
In general, the largely plastic construction of the QuietComfort 35 II didn't make for the most premium-feeling package in the world, particularly for headphones selling for north of $300. The headphones were exceptionally comfortable, however, with a lightweight design that didn’t clamp down too tightly and folded up neatly for easier storage. We’ve yet to get our hands on the QuietComfort 45, but from images, the fit looks like it will be similar.
Bose isn’t touting any major changes to sound quality. For reference, the QuietComfort 35 IIs had a relatively balanced sound with a slight bass boost. Like most premium wireless headphones, they were far from the clearest or most detailed headphones you could get for the money, but they were mellow-sounding and largely inoffensive to most non-audiophile listeners. Again, we’ll have to test out the new pair for ourselves to see if anything has changed.
Noise canceling, battery life, and Bluetooth
The main reason people buy QuietComforts—aside from good marketing—is Bose’s active noise cancellation (ANC) tech, which has consistently ranked among the most effective on the market. Here, Bose says it’s using a “new electronics package” to help the QuietComfort 45 better sense and eliminate mid-range frequencies than before.
There are now two different noise-canceling “modes” as well: a “Quiet” mode for traditional active noise cancellation and an “Aware” mode that seems to work similarly to the “ambient sound” modes found on competing headphones. This latter mode lets you hear noise from the outside world alongside whatever you’re playing. You can swap between these modes through a button on the left earcup. (This button also lets you mute your mic during phone calls.) There does not appear to be a way to adjust the strength of the noise-canceling effect beyond this setting, however. Bose’s other wireless noise cancelers, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, let you turn the ANC up or down on a 10-point scale, for instance.
Bose is also touting improved call quality, aided in part by the addition of another microphone to the beamforming mic array built into the headphones. The QuietComfort 35 IIs were not bad in this regard, but this was an area where the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 made improvements, so any upgrade would be welcome, particularly with more and more people taking their work calls at home.
The company claims that the QuietComfort 45s will last up to 24 hours on a charge. This is a step up from the 20-hour battery life of the QuietComfort 35 IIs, though it would still fall short of rivals like Sony’s WH-1000XM4, whose battery can last more than 30 hours. Bose says you can get three hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.
The headphones connect over Bluetooth 5.1 and have a rated Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet. The latter is common, and the QuietComfort 35 IIs were not known to have significant wireless connectivity issues, though it’s worth noting that competitors like Apple’s AirPods Max use a Class 1 Bluetooth radio that helps them hold a signal over wider ranges. Like their predecessors, the QuietComfort 45s can also maintain a connection with two devices simultaneously, so you can listen to music on a PC but quickly swap to your phone to take a call without having to go through the usual Bluetooth-pairing rigmarole.
Entering into a crowded market
Bose will discontinue the QuietComfort 35 II with the launch of the QuietComfort 45, but it will continue to sell the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which launched just over two years ago and will still cost $50 more at $379. Compared to the QuietComfort 35 II, the 700s offer a more premium-feeling metal design, a more granular ANC control and superior call quality, and a slightly more bass-heavy sound profile. At maximum, the 700s' ANC is generally just as strong, though we’ll have to see if the QuietComfort 45s can outmatch the older pair.
That said, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 don’t fold up, they're a bit heavier on the head (for me, at least), their battery life is still rated at 20 hours per charge, and they're more heavily reliant on Bose’s Music app to access many features, even requiring you to create a Bose account to use the app in the first place. They also rely on touch controls for managing volume and playback; the controls generally work well, but some may find physical buttons preferable.
The most frequently recommended option in this market, and my personal favorite after testing numerous sets over the past year, is the Sony WH-1000XM4, which has similarly excellent ANC, a well-padded design, longer battery life, a sound profile that’s more bass-heavy by default but can be customized depending on your preferences (the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 also have a custom EQ tool), multi-point connectivity, and useful bonus features like a “speak to chat” function that can automatically pause your music when you’re talking to someone. They also use touch controls, though, and the QuietComfort 45s will come in at about $20 below Sony’s $349 MSRP—though the XM4s have regularly gone on sale for less than that over the past few months.
Apple’s AirPods Max, meanwhile, have stronger noise cancellation, a more detailed sound, and a clearer transparency mode than any other wireless headphones we’ve tested to date. You can also have Apple replace the set's battery down the line, albeit for a $79 fee. That said, the headphones don’t fold, you can’t listen over a cable, and they don’t have a power button, instead relying on a proprietary and largely unprotective case to enter a low-power mode. They also carry an MSRP of $549, which continues to be a tough sell for non-Apple-diehards when Sony's and Bose’s pairs offer close-enough functionality for much less.
The QuietComfort 45 isn’t rocking the boat too hard, but ditching the microUSB port is a good start, and if Bose’s claimed improvements to noise cancellation and call quality hold up, the new pair could be worth a shot for those interested in a premium pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones. We will try to get a pair in for review and let you know for sure in the coming weeks.
Note: Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is here, the newest premium foldable from Samsung. Perhaps you’ve even just received your shiny preorder device in the mail. The phone itself is great, definitely the best foldable yet. Samsung is also known for putting out a bevy of accessories with each flagship launch. In general, Samsung accessories tend to be well built with a number of useful features. At Samsung Unpacked, Samsung did unveil the S Pen Case for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, a flip case that not only protected the new foldable but also had a storage area for the S Pen Fold Edition. Unfortunately, this new Galaxy Z Fold 3 Flip Cover with S Pen is neither well-built nor useful.
The case itself looks decent enough out of the box. In fact, snapping the case on is fairly intuitive as well. If you view the case only from the back, it’s actually not that bad, albeit a little bulky for sure.
The textured material adds some grip to the Z Fold 3, which is nice for such an expensive device. You also get a sleeve for storing the S Pen, which is detachable should you want to use the S Pen without the case. All of these things sound great, so what’s the problem?
The issue lies with the front cover and the extra width needed for the S pen slot.
Cover Display issues
My biggest concern is that the front of the flip cover will not close properly to fully protect the cover display on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. You can try to carefully slide the case over the edge of the phone’s cover screen, but it snaps back to a position where a small sliver of the screen remains exposed. The only way to keep the flip cover properly in place is to hold it there with your hand, obviously not practical or ideal on a daily basis. Some Reddit users mockingly suggested using a rubber band to hold the flip cover in place, which is an indication of the shortcoming of this $80 case. Surely Samsung could have engineered a better solution here? They made a really good pair of foldables after all, so this case is perplexing.
Folding the cover back reveals additional usability problems. When using the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s cover display, the flip cover adds considerable bulk and makes using the phone difficult when folded back. The edge of the cover is so wide that it protrudes from the rear of Fold 3’s cover display. One of the primary appeals of the cover display on the Z Fold 3 is for one-handed use, which this Flip cover makes very difficult.
Unfolded issues
If you decide to unfold your Galaxy Z Fold 3, the Flip Cover with S Pen continues to make using the phone more difficult. The left edge of this case now sticks out from the left side of the Z Fold 3, making it incredibly difficult to use the phone, even with two hands! If you have a dominant left hand, single-hand use is practically impossible.
I would contend that this inconvenience takes away the appeal of having the S Pen stowed in the case. It’s awfully difficult to write with the S Pen in the unfolded orientation because you need to balance the case awkwardly in your other hand. The Flip Cover with S Pen also does not lay flat on a desk or table, so you can’t put it down to use the S Pen more reliably.
I’ve used a lot of Samsung cases over the years, for almost every flagship they’ve released. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 Flip Cover with S Pen is one of the worst designs I’ve ever seen. After using this case for a few days, my best advice is to remove the detachable S Pen silo and throw the case in the trash. You can find other better uses for your $80.
If you do need a case, these are some of the Best Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases, and we’ll be adding some S Pen storage cases as soon as we spot some good ones.
Bose introduced its QuietComfort 35 II headphones back in 2017, and despite debuting the stellar Bose 700 model in 2019, the company was adamant its QC line wasn't going away. Now the QC35 II has a proper replacement: the QuietComfort 45. Bose says these headphones "maintain the hallmarks of their predecessor" when it comes to audio quality, comfort, reliable controls and more. As you can see, the QC45 also keeps nearly the same design at the QC35 and QC35 II except for a few subtle changes. And at $329.95, they'll debut at a lower price than the previous two QuietComfort models.
While the company went with an updated look for the Bose 700, it largely maintained the aesthetic of the QuietComfort line for the QC45. Bose says it kept the design elements that made the QC35 and QC35 II "an identifiable classic," but it got rid of the pleats on the earpads and closed some gaps to create "smooth transitions." You should still expect these to be light and cozy as none of the changes should impact the QuietComfort's highly-regarded status as a travel companion. The QC45 still folds flat for ear storage, thanks to the return of rotating earcups and a hinged headband.
Bose
On the inside is where the most notable changes lie. Bose says it improved the noise cancellation with the combination of internal and external microphones paired with a "proprietary digital chip." The company explains that this setup can detect and silence more mid-range frequencies — things like the roar of train, office or coffee shop — when you activate Quiet mode. The QuietComfort 45 also has an Aware setting that offers full transparency to your environment. Unlike other Bose models, there's no level adjustment for the active noise cancellation (ANC) here, you just get the two aforementioned modes separately.
Those two audio settings are accessible via the QC45's on-board controls. There's a dedicated button for them on the left earcup that can also mute the mic during a call. All of the core functions — volume, play/pause, voice assistant, power and pairing — are on the right side. Like the previous models, they're all physical buttons instead of touch controls, so they should preform reliably.
Bose also extended the battery life with the QuietComfort 45. The company says you can expect up to 24 hours of listening time on a charge. That's up from 20 hours on the QC35 II. A quick-charge feature will give you three hours of listening time in 15 minutes and the QC45 charges via a USB-C cable.
The QuietComfort 45 headphones will be available in black and light grey color options on September 23rd for $329.95. Pre-orders begin today at Amazon and Bose's website.
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Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp., speaks during the Windows 10 Devices event in New York on Oct. 6, 2015. Microsoft Corp. introduced its first-ever laptop, three Lumia phones and a Surface Pro 4 tablet, the first indication of the company's revamped hardware strategy three months after saying it would scale back plans to make its own smartphones.
John Taggart | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Microsoft said Tuesday it will start offering free upgrades to Windows 11, the next version of its desktop operating system, to eligible PCs on Oct. 5.
Windows, originally released in 1985, remains a key piece of Microsoft's business. In its fiscal fourth quarter, Windows delivered $6.6 billion in revenue, representing 14% of the software and hardware company's total sales. A successful release of Windows 11 could further secure the franchise's future, which can also benefit other parts of Microsoft's business, such as Azure and Office.
As it has for past updates, Microsoft will use on-device data and other factors to determine which devices will get the offer to upgrade first, Windows marketing general manager Aaron Woodman wrote in a blog post.
On PCs running Windows 10 that have the necessary components to run Windows 11, the Windows Update feature will notify people when the upgrade is available. People can also go to "Settings > System > Windows Update" in their computers to manually check if the upgrade is ready.
Woodman pointed to a variety of Windows 10 PCs that people can buy now and upgrade to Windows 11 later, including Dell's XPS 13, the HP Spectre x360 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro, as well as Microsoft's own Surface Pro 7.
Windows 11 brings a modern look, with rounded corners and app icons displayed in the center of the taskbar. New sounds are designed to be less jarring. Microsoft redesigned the Start menu, the app store and the Settings app, and it's easier to arrange multiple app windows on screen. And Android apps will be available, by way of Amazon's Appstore. The refresh comes as Microsoft faces rising competition from Chromebooks running Google's Chrome OS, and Chromebooks are capable of running Android apps.
There's also no guarantee everyone will want to upgrade to the new OS given its predecessor's massive popularity. Microsoft released Windows 10 in 2015, making this the longest time period a version of Windows has been in market before a replacement. It has become the world's most popular PC operating system, boasting 1.3 billion monthly active devices. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 through 2025, and the company suggests people stick with it if their PCs can't run Windows 11 and they don't want to buy a new PC.
On June 24, Microsoft announced Windows 11 as the successor to Windows 10 and made it available to testers enrolled in the Windows Insider program four days later. Since then, Microsoft has rolled out seven incremental updates containing feature changes and bug fixes. Now the company is preparing to make a final version Windows 11 available to many more customers and have device makers start selling new PCs that run the operating system.
Microsoft said last week it will support Windows 11 when it's running on a variety of PC processors, including Intel chips manufactured as far back as 2016. The company expects all devices that meet the Windows 11 requirements to receive the free upgrade by the middle of 2022, Woodman wrote.
After they first surfaced in July in an FCC filing and again earlier this month, Bose is today introducing the QuietComfort 45 headphones. Priced at $329.95 and going on sale September 23rd, the QC45 headphones will offer improved active noise cancellation, a transparency / ambient sound feature that Bose calls “Aware Mode,” upgraded voice call performance, and longer battery life that can now hit 24 hours on a charge. Bose is making a big deal about this product release, claiming that it’s “updating the headphone that redefined headphones.” Preorders begin today.
Available in black or “smoke white,” they look quite similar to their QC35 II predecessors, with a design that’s much more plasticky than Bose’s other premium headphones, the Noise Canceling Headphones 700. But that means, like before, these can be folded up for easy storage in a bag or the included carrying case. Bose says it has refined the design in subtle ways: according to the company, “pleats and puckers have been removed from soft materials, and gaps between components have been replaced with smooth transitions.”
The controls are largely the same, with four buttons on the right earcup and one on the left for toggling between noise canceling and transparency modes.
Speaking of which, Bose claims the noise cancellation on the QC45s does a better job than the QC35 II headphones when it comes to eliminating mid-range frequencies, which are “those typically found in commuter trains, busy office spaces, and cafes.” Whereas the Noise Canceling Headphones 700 allow you to customize the amount of noise cancellation applied, the QC45s will offer just two modes: quiet and aware.
The QC45s also step up in terms of microphone performance. Bose has included a beam form array for improved voice isolation on calls, and there’s also “a rejection array” that is meant to prevent distracting nearby sounds from being picked up and coming through to whoever you’re speaking with.
Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours of straight playback. And yes, the QC45s have a USB-C jack. Bose says a full top-off takes two and a half hours, but you can get three hours of playback with a brief 15-minute charge. Like their predecessors and the NCH700 (which remain for sale), the QuietComfort 45 headphones support multipoint pairing for two connections at once.
The QC35 IIs will be discontinued and replaced by the QC45s, but you might still be able to find Bose’s older pair until existing inventory at retailers is depleted.
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