After the Galaxy S21 got disassembled on video earlier this week, PBKreviews has switched their focus to the flagship of this year’s S-lineup – the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Taking the glass back off reveals the camera lens cover is made from metal just like the frame of the device. It’s held by adhesive to the glass panel and should be substantially more durable compared to the glass camera covers of the previous S-series models. Since this is the international version of the S21 Ultra, the phone is missing the mmWave antennas which would be located on the left and right sides. The actual slots for the antennas are still in place though.
Going deeper into the phone we can see Samsung used plenty of graphite film on the NFC antennas and motherboard. We then get confirmation that all three cameras on the S21 Ultra come with optical image stabilization.
Interestingly enough the top speaker does not come with foam ball insulation which was present on the smaller and cheaper Galaxy S21. Unlike the standard S21, the S21 Ultra’s screen connector cable is not detachable and is fixed to the screen which makes the process of replacing the screen more difficult.
Android 12 isn’t exactly around the corner but it’s nice to get bits and pieces that tell us what to expect from the future OS. The nearby share of Wi-Fi passwords, for example, is a neat new functionality that awaits and solves one of the worst “first-world problem” we have.
Currently, Android 10 users and above can share Wi-Fi passwords using the generated QR code. With Android 12, you won’t even have to do that. The password will be integrated in the Nearby Share feature will be introduced allowing you to share the Wi-Fi password of the network you are connected to.
However, for the Nearby Share to work, you probably need to have both devices on Android 12 and it’s still unknown what kind of protocol the system will use. Hopefully, since the Android 12 developer preview release is drawing near, we will know more soon enough.
Some Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra units do not support MST for Samsung Pay. It looks like availability of the feature varies by country – some get it, others do not, and not in a way that makes much sense.
MST allows the phone to work with point of sale terminals that only support old-school magnetic stripe cards. This is a big deal in the US where such terminals are quite common, less so in regions where NFC terminals are abundant.
Unfortunately, the S21 phones sold in the US are in the group that does not have MST. Phones sold in the UK do have it. Is this because of the different chipsets (Snapdragon in the US, Exynos in Europe)?
That doesn’t seem to be the case. The spec sheets from the French, Italian and German press releases make no mention of MST. The Dutch one does list MST, as does the Polish, Russian and Indian press releases.
Here is Samsung’s statement on the matter when asked by XDA:
Due to the rapid adoption of near field communication (NFC) technology by consumers and businesses, beginning with devices launched in 2021, Samsung Pay will focus its support on NFC transactions, across the Galaxy portfolio. While future devices will no longer include magnetic stripe technology (MST), customers with previous, compatible Galaxy devices will be able to continue using Samsung Pay, including MST.
MST was introduced with the Galaxy S6 in 2015 and has been a staple of high-end Galaxys ever since. Now it has one foot out the door.
Moog Music tells us that their Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App is now available for macOS Big Sur. Free to all current Model 15 iOS App owners, this update to the app makes it the first official desktop soft synth from Moog. Here’s the story in their own words…
The first Moog modular synthesizer and synthesis educational tool created exclusively for iOS is now also available on macOS Big Sur.
This free update to the Moog Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App, available for Mac users running Big Sur, makes it possible to recreate the sounds and workflow of the classic hardware Model 15 modular synthesizer using a macOS device through Audio Unit v3, or as a standalone sound design tool.
Each facet of the Moog Model 15 modular synthesizer has been meticulously recreated in this application to ensure the power and transcendent sound quality of each module remains intact. The character, harmonic complexity, and mystique of the instrument’s modules–from the legendary Moog 921 series oscillators and 904A Low Pass Filter to the coveted 907 Fixed Filter Bank–have been painstakingly preserved as the app continues to add more value for users.
What’s New
This update allows for seamless integration with Logic, GarageBand, and MainStage for use in studio and live performance environments. The Model 15 App can be used standalone, as an Audio Unit v3 plugin, or as an effect in your existing audio chain. A new expansion pack, free to download for app owners, features 80 modular patches with a range of styles that will inspire both budding synthesists and advanced sound designers alike. From sub-rattling basses to mix-cutting leads, punchy percussion to dynamic pads, the Synthesist’s Toolkit has something for everyone, no matter where you are on your modular journey. Seven new built-in tutorials encourage the exploration of modularity, introducing synthesis concepts and unique scenarios an artist would not encounter with hardwired synthesizers. Focusing on the nuances of modular patching, these tutorials are designed to inspire users to discover new levels of depth and movement in their sound.
This added universal compatibility is now included in all future downloads of the Model 15 App (at the same price). If you already own the Model 15 App on your iOS device, no additional purchase or upgrade is required to use the app on your Apple Silicon or Intel based Mac laptop or desktop, and it can be downloaded from your previously purchased items.
More about the Moog Model 15 App
The Moog Model 15 App is an iOS and macOS version of the iconic, ultra-powerful 1970s modular synthesizer. Designed to evoke the joyous experimentation and sonic bliss of its predecessor’s vintage hardware, the Moog Model 15 App meticulously recreates the look, feel, and sound of its highly expressive analog namesake.
The Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App features both monophonic and four-voice polyphonic operation, easily commanded via four seamlessly integrated controllers. Simple controls provide instant access to a traditional Moog keyboard, 1150 ribbon controller, eight-step sequencing arpeggiator, and the award-winning Animoog keyboard with 22 built-in scales and polyphonic modulation capabilities. Also included are extended features which expand the capabilities of the app beyond the traditional offerings of the hardware Moog Model 15, including total MIDI integration. Learn more here.
Pupils across Scotland have been experiencing problems accessing Microsoft Teams as the majority move to home learning.
A number of schools, pupils and parents have reported the technology running slowly or not at all.
It is one of the main platforms being used for remote learning with schools shut to most pupils until at least the beginning of February.
Microsoft Teams tweeted that the issue was being investigated.
A Microsoft spokesperson said: “Our engineers are working to resolve difficulties accessing Microsoft Teams that some customers are experiencing.”
When pressed on whether demand as a result of home schooling was causing the issue, Microsoft declined to comment.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighted the problem during her daily coronavirus briefing.
“This is not an issue that is unique to Scotland or indeed unique to schools, but I understand Microsoft is currently working to address it,” she said.
“More generally I don’t underestimate how difficult this is both for young people learning away from friends… and for parents to juggle home schooling with working.”
Ms Sturgeon was also asked about problems which were being experienced by users of digital learning platform Glow.
She replied: “It is not an issue with Glow. It is affecting Glow, but the core issue is not with Glow… the issue is with Microsoft Teams.”
Two schools in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, said the problem was a “national issue” although Renfrew High School urged pupils experiencing difficulties not to panic.
‘Please be patient’
Clyde Valley High School tweeted: “Our online learning provision begins today for all of our pupils. Due to the very high demand for Microsoft Teams across Scotland, there may be issues initially getting logged on or accessing some files.
“This is a national issue on the site and may take a little time to rectify.”
Coltness High School said: “Unfortunately it appears Microsoft Teams is struggling to cope with the traffic this morning.
“This is across Scotland and not isolated to Coltness. Pupils and staff are having difficulty loading files. We have reported the issue and hopefully this will be resolved soon.”
Edinburgh City Council have texted all parents saying: “There is a city-wide problem with Microsoft Teams this morning. Please be patient as the council is working to resolve it.
It seems there is a wider problem with Microsoft Teams today due to the numbers using it. If you are trying and can’t get into a class please don’t panic. Hopefully Microsoft will resolve it soon.
Aargh – IT probs! Learning @Home update – Microsoft is having issues across UK this morning in accessing Teams. This is affecting some of our Glow users. This is intermittent, so please try again later this morning or this afternoon. We'll let you know when it's fixed #SupportDGpic.twitter.com/81NkMrWAmG
A Scottish government spokesman said: “Microsoft has confirmed that this issue is affecting users in the UK and elsewhere in northern Europe. Education Scotland is working closely with the company to resolve the issues.”
After one teacher complained to Microsoft Teams on Twitter, a staff member said: “We’re currently investigating an issue where some users in the UK region are unable to access Microsoft Teams. We will provide further information as soon as this is available.”
According to an Ofcom report in December, about 34,000 (1.2%) premises in Scotland were without a decent broadband connection, while superfast broadband coverage had increased to 94% of homes.
It also said that fixed and mobile networks in Scotland had “generally coped well” with increased demands during the pandemic.
It comes as plans for remote learning during the latest lockdown reveal big disparities between Scotland’s 32 councils.
Not all pupils will be offered live lessons – instead the decision on the best approach has been left to individual schools and teachers.
Guidance on remote learning published by the Scottish government on Friday recommended a “a balance of live learning and independent activity”.
The Scottish government said it had invested £25m to address digital exclusion in schools with funding allocations for digital devices and connectivity solutions made to all 32 local authorities.
More than 50,000 devices such as laptops have been distributed to children and young people to help with remote learning and the programme in total is expected to deliver about 70,000 devices for disadvantaged children and young people across Scotland.
Gearslutz founder Julian Standen – known on the site as Jules – has confirmed that the pro audio website will be changing its name. The decision comes in response to an online petition asking for the name change, which was signed by almost 5,000 people.
Explaining his decision on the Gearslutz forum, Standen said: “A recent petition for a forum name change has generated impassioned debate.
“We recognise and agree that the word-play pun in the name has gotten old and it is now time to move forwards.
“Gearslutz will be changing its name.
“We have not yet decided what it will be but we can assure you that the new name will be more inclusive, and will stand the test of time. The site will operate as usual, only the domain name and logo will change.
“This process is going to take a while as it is a significant technical task. Thus, we are asking you to bear with us as we embark on it.
“Thanks and here’s to the future!”
In response, Cam Ran, who started the petition, said: “This is an amazing step for equality in the industry and inspiring for anyone who has felt like their concerns or thoughts haven’t been taken seriously in the past. Thank you Jules and everyone at Gearslutz for hearing us out and taking the right step towards progress. You have gained the support of many in the process.”
Standen expanded on his decision to change the name in an interview with Working Class Audio. You can listen to it below.
British-based satellite broadband firm OneWeb says it plans to resume satellite launches after a successful £1 billion takeover by the UK government and Indian telco Bharti Airtel.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has invested £400 million in OneWeb which, despite most of its management and manufacturing being American, is headquartered in London and regulated by Ofcom.
OneWeb had a stated ambition of providing connectivity to parts of Earth where it is impossible or uneconomical to use traditional technologies such as fibre or cellular.
UK OneWeb
The firm had hoped to gain first mover advantage in the satellite broadband space, believing the combination of its harmonised spectrum and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation design would give it technological supremacy.
The venture secured billions in cash from high-profile investors, with a funding round last year raising $1.25 billion from the likes of Japanese giant Softbank, Qualcomm and the Government of Rwanda. So far, it has launched 74 satellites and built 44 ground stations and had hoped to launch a total of 650 with a view to a commercial launch in 2021.
However, this vision was threatened when OneWeb filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, sparking a bidding war. The UK government decided to get involved because it believes OneWeb would allow the UK to assume a leadership role in the nascent commercial space industry.
It had been speculated the government had hoped OneWeb could help provide a platform for a UK-developed satellite navigation system, however it is suggested that the use of low-orbit technology would be a complicated endeavour.
The new owners have put former Thomson Reuters COO Neil Masterson in charge and have announced plans to launch an additional 36 satellites on December 17. Launches will continue throughout the next two years and the hope is that a global service will be made available in 2022.
“OneWeb has a strong social purpose to improve the world’s access to information, which I share,” said Masterson. “It has great talent, a compelling commercial opportunity, and is supported by committed and knowledgeable owners and investors.
“Our December launch puts the UK firmly in the global space business, alongside acknowledged Indian telecoms experts, Bharti Global. OneWeb will be a model for responsible co-operation in Space.”
“This strategic investment demonstrates Government’s commitment to the UK’s space sector in the long-term and our ambition to put Britain at the cutting edge of the latest advances in space technology,” added business secretary Alok Sharma.
“Access to our own global fleet of satellites has the potential to connect people worldwide, providing fast UK-backed broadband from the Shetlands to the Sahara and from Pole to Pole. This deal gives us the chance to build on our strong advanced manufacturing and services base in the UK, creating jobs and technical expertise.”
Germany has said it is happy to include Huawei technology in its 5G networks.
The nation’s government is set to approve the use of Huawei 5G kit as part of a new security bill due to be approved this week following parliamentary approval.
The news would mark a signficiant win for Huawei as it looks to maintain a presence in Western nations following a period of sustained uncertainty.
Huawei 5G
The embattled Chinese technology giant has been facing pressure from countries around the world, notably the US, over claims that its systems are a threat to national security.
The US maintains that Huawei systems can provide a backdoor for the Chinese government to spy on its activities and its citizens, despite providing little concrete evidence.
Huawei has always denied the claims, but praised the news from Germany as a signficiant step forward for the country, which has lagged behind in its adoption of high-speed 5G networks.
Earlier this year, the UK announced it would be reversing its policy following pressure from the US and banned all mobile operators from purchasing new Huawei 5G radio products after 2020 on national security grounds.
Operators will also be required to remove any Huawei kit from their networks by 2027, despite Huawei having established itself as a key partner for British telcos over the past 15 years, with most planning to use Huawei radio equipment to power their 5G services.
The UK government has admitted it expects the ban to delay 5G rollout by up to three years and add £2 billion of additional costs to operators who fear a lack of choice will reduce innovation.
Huawei had previously expressed its hope the UK would reconsider its actions following Donald Trump’s defeat in the US election – but this does not appear to be the case.
NETGEAR PoE switches support IEEE standards, but in addition, the GS516UP and GS524UP switches also feature a market-first PoE mode selector on the front, enabling the capability to manually select either non-industry-standard “pre-802.3bt” or IEEE 802.3bt PoE++ implementations.
American football has been part of the Fortnite experience for years. But what about the other kind of football? The one that trades sacks and touchdowns for gegenpressing and panenka penalties? Well, the game already has skins inspired by the FIFA World Cup. On January 23rd, however the ludicrously-successful battle royale will be embracing club soccer, too. That means 10 new outfits, with male and female variants, that are compatible with 23 different teams. (So if you own one outfit, you can freely swap between clubs.) The exact outfits are a mystery, but screenshots show a mixture of jerseys and long-sleeve tracksuit tops.
Here’s the full list of compatible teams: Manchester City, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, AS Roma, Seattle Sounders FC, Atlanta United, Los Angeles FC, Santos FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United, Sevilla, Sporting CP, Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Schalke 04, VFL Wolfsburg, Rangers, Celtic, Cerezo Osaka, Melbourne City FC, Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and EC Bahia. It’s a good mixture that spans the Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy) and Bundesliga (Germany), as well as smaller leagues such as the Scottish Premiership (Scotland), MLS (US) and J1 League (Japan). Notably, Epic Games hasn’t included any teams from Ligue 1 (France), such as PSG.
Some soccer fans will undoubtedly be unhappy with the list. Many of the world’s biggest clubs haven’t made the cut, including Premier League title-holders Liverpool, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Bundesliga’s Bayern Munich, which won the Champions League last year.
Thankfully, Epic has more than outfits to keep soccer fans entertained. The company is adding an emote that mimics Brazilian superstar Pelé’s iconic ‘air punch’ celebration. There will also be a Pelé Cup event that rewards top players with the emote and Kickoff Set, which presumably includes every new outfits. Finally, the developer is unveiling a football-inspired Creative island that lets you play ‘the beautiful game.’ Unlike the real thing, though, this version will include pickaxes, power-ups and speed boosts. Four teams will compete in a bracket format — with the winners facing each other, and the losers battling for third — with matches that last two rounds. Game on.
