Operating System - Page 21 of 40

Nikon Firmware Updates: Native Webcam Utility on Apple Silicon and RAW Video (Paid) for Z6 and Z7 on Blackmagic

by Roberto Colombo, published on 12 December 2020, at 19: 41

? Support for RAW video output is available via a paid service upgrade: Firmware Version 3. 20 adds support in this service for Blackmagic Design external video recorders. Native support for new Apple Silicon chips based on ARM architecture for the webcam utility ??

Despite the launch of the new Z7 II and Z6 II versions of the full frame mirrorless cameras that launched the Nikon Z system , the Japanese technicians do not forget the first models and do not consider them outdated, indeed, with the recent firmware updates they expand the possibilities of use in the video field.

Unboxing Nikon Z6 II: the new full frame mirrorless has arrived in the editorial office [/HWUVIDEO]

Z 6II and Z 7II firmware

But let’s start with a couple of slight tweaks given to the software of the brand new Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II, with the first update of C firmware to version 1. 01 . For both cameras we find the following changes, as detailed on the Nikon website for Z6 II and Z7 II:

The following problem has been fixed:
- – The flash photos taken with Area Auto AF selected for AF area mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU were sometimes not properly exposed.
Better overall reliability.

Firmware Z 6 and Z 7

Definitely more substantial the update that affects the prime Nikon Z6 and Z7 , which see the C firmware switch from version 3. 12 to the version 3. 18: here are the changes, some of which enable the possibility to add the RAW video output for a fee. All details are available on the support pages in Italian for Z7 and Z6.

Support for RAW video output is available via a paid service upgrade, and firmware version 3. 20 adds support in this service for Blackmagic Design external video recorders (currently Video Assist 5 “12 G HDR and Video Assist 7 “12 G HDR). If you have already purchased the RAW video output upgrade for your camera, upgrade to version 3. 20 of the firmware will automatically add support for Blackmagic Design external video recorders.
Users of Apple’s Final Cut Pro X (version 10. 4.9 or later) can now adjust the ISO sensitivity ?? as well as view and adjust the color temperature ?? for the output of ProRes RAW sequences to ATOMOS NINJA V external recorders using the paid service upgrade of RAW video output.
- Before shooting RAW video, please choose an option for HDMI > Advanced > RAW output options > RAW output type in the SETTINGS MENU according to the type of recorder connected: select Type A for NINJA V recorders and Type B for Video Assist recorders.
Support for NIKKOR Z lenses has been added 50 mm f / 1.2 S.
The following issues have been fixed:
- – By turning the mass a focus or (if Focus (M / A) is assigned to the control ring), the control ring sometimes failed to activate manual focus during continuous photography when a NIKKOR Z lens was attached.
- – The exposure indicator was not displayed in M mode when a non-CPU lens via an FTZ bayonet adapter.

?? Unexpected aperture values were sometimes displayed during bracketing in mode M if a bracketing option that made aperture changes was selected with a NIKKOR Z lens attached.

?? The motorized iris controls would sometimes stop responding after the standby timer was activated for an extended period in movie mode.

Webcam Utility (Mac)

The Japanese technicians also worked on the software that allows you to use mirrorless and reflex cameras as a webcam for videochat, webinar and videoconferencing, in particular by updating the dedicated version to Mac users, which reaches the Windows version at release 1. 01. The news concerns the compatibility with the Big Sur operating system 19, but above all native support for the new Apple Silicon chips based on ARM architecture. Here is the news as detailed on the Nikon support site in Italian:

?? Support for macOS Big Sur version has been added 11.

? ? Support for Apple Silicon has been added. Note that the Webcam Utility works as a universal plugin and on Apple Silicon machines it works as a native Apple Silicon app in the universal version of Chrome.

Another flop for Google: the company bids farewell to Android Things

Google’s operating system for internet of things is facing certain death. The company declared the plan for dismantling the project.

by Nino Grasso published 18 December 2020 , at 18: 51 in the Operating Systems channel

Google Android

Google planned the deletion of Android Things , a version extremely lightened by Android designed for smart home devices. The operating system has never reached great levels of adoption and never achieved great success, so Google’s decision doesn’t surprise much . This is one of the many projects canceled by the company, whose enormous success hides numerous failed and ended experiments in a huge cemetery full of finished projects.

Android Things originates in 2015, inside of a project that was called Brillo and which intended to create an operating system at the base of the world of the Internet of Things. A year later, Google relaunched the initiative under the name Android Things, which evolved for introduction on more complex devices, such as connected speakers, security cameras or routers. At the base of the redesign was the need to offer a platform known to developers.

Based on Android and probably similar development dynamics, the operating system would have captured the attention of the insiders, at least according to Google’s initial idea. In reality, however, it did not go quite like this . In the 2018 some (few) products, such as smart speakers or smart displays, have relied on Android Things , but it didn’t last long. At the beginning 2019, in fact, Google announced new plans for the operating system.

Two years later, however, the news of the cancellation of the project arrived. The Android Things Console, where developers can upload device updates, will no longer accept non-commercial projects starting January 5th 2021. One year later, on January 5th 2022, “the console will be completely disabled and all project data will be permanently deleted” , Google pointed out. The developers therefore have about a year to suspend all their projects and decree their end without the possibility of second thoughts.

This is a an unglorious end for a project that was introduced into a very sparkling market , such as that of home automation and Smart Home, which is growing above all in terms of interest by people and potential users. However, Google has not managed to make its mark with respect to the many proposals already present, and therefore Android Things is destined to die with unusually fast timing.

Google announces the closure of Android Things, its platform for IoT devices

by Jordi Bercial 1 hour ago …

Although it is possible that we have never heard of Android Things , we have all seen the advantages and disadvantages of Internet of Things or IoT devices, and it is that Android Things was a platform launched by Google in 2018 and it came as a much simpler operating system , designed for these devices, which promised security updates, an established SDK, and access to the Google Cloud platform.

However, the devices that made use of Android Things were significantly larger, more expensive, and required more power than the competing IoT devices , based on other platforms, so this is a disadvantageous platform.

Google decided last year to turn Android Things into a platform for smart speakers and displays , something that could have had some success if it weren’t for the detail that Google didn’t even bet on Android Things at any time , preferring the Google Cast platform for these purposes.

The developer console of Android Things will stop accept new projects from January 5, 2021 , day on the that updates can only be released for applications already published until January 5, 2022, where data and projects will disappear forever.

End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!

Jordi Bercial
Avid enthusiast of technology and electronics . I messed around with computer components almost since I learned to ride. I started working at Geeknetic after winning a contest on their forum for writing hardware articles. Drift, mechanics and photography lover. Don’t be shy and leave a comment on my articles if you have any questions.

BMW's new vehicle operating system – a feat of strength

BMW makes the development of its new vehicle operating system a top priority. To this end, the Bavarian car manufacturer has created a new department called “Digital Car”, which now reports directly to the development department. Since October there are 4000 programmers and employees with a successor for the current 2018 introduced OS7 busy, reports the Handelsblatt.

Strength across software As one The effort has to be called a show of strength, because a wide variety of systems are currently still being used in parallel, which often only take on one function of the vehicle and usually come from the supplier of the component in question. BMW is now trying to write an overarching software that should be used to control as many functions as possible.

It should also be ready for installation without a predecessor, so to speak before the group launches its first battery-electric iX model 2021 on the market. There will also be even more control than in conventional cars, due to new functions and extended operation via voice and screens and, last but not least, autonomous driving functions at level 3, including the possibility of expanding them. In addition, it should be ensured that the operating system can be kept completely up-to-date in all of its branches. As with the current OS7, this should be done “over-the-air”, with the possibility of accelerating the whole thing using the 5G cellular standard, wherever it is already available.

Google’s platform is out of the question The operating system will essentially run with Linux, but it will be able to output the user interfaces of Google’s Android services. This is important because customers expect their smartphones to be easily integrated into the car. How far BMW would like to push the embedding is, according to the Handelsblatt, an open question, so although one is thinking about the consideration of the “Android-Automotive-Open-Source-Platform”, the takeover of “Google Automotive Services” would go too far for BMW . The car should continue to be perceived as a BMW in its operation at all times.

(fpi )

Internet of Things: Google is quietly burying the IoT operating system Android Things

News from the cemetery of Google projects: Android Things, an operating system for embedded systems and the Internet of Things, is apparently about to be finally over. From January 5th 2021 the Android Things Dashboard will no longer accept new projects, updates for existing deployments will run on January 5th 2022 from.

Silence in the forest since last release Originally, Google had promised to deliver at least three years of updates (purely arithmetically: by May 2021), but the last release has already hung off (August 2019). A look at the release page reveals that there are no more waiting in the pipeline. Apparently Google wants to bury the project in silence, an official statement beyond the dashboard deadlines in the FAQ is – at least so far – not available.

Android for every thing? With Android Things, Google had gone beyond the smartphone and had taken “an aggressive step into the world of hardware control”, as hardware experts said Tam Hanna had commented on the first announcements. Google launched Android Things with the official release in May 2018 after a year and a half of development, then there was nothing to hear for a long time. Android Things was intended as the successor to the less successful Brillo (from ).

Already in February 2019 the Californians cut the initially very broad approach as a large IoT platform with Android for Everything and rowed back a more modest project with a continued existence as Android Things SDK as a platform for experimentation for hobbyists and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers, i.e. manufacturers of hardware components). At that time, Google referred commercial customers to Cloud IoT Core and Cloud IoT Edge, the in-house cloud offerings for everything to do with the Internet of Things.

Deadlines in the FAQ stone chiseled The original support promise for updates for three years can still be read in the first release message in the Android developer blog. The frozen release plan had been fueling the assumption for some time that Google discontinued the project internally after the fall 2019. This is underpinned by an FAQ entry, which now sets the deadlines in stone.

(sih)

Google and Qualcomm are working together to achieve four-version upgrade support for phones

Google has updated Project Treble, launched three years ago in partnership with Qualcomm

Google and Qualcomm have embarked on a collaborative project aimed at extending software update support for phones to four major Android version updates and four years of security updates on selected Snapdragon system chips. The first new, longer upgrade support circuit is Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship Snapdragon 888.

Project Treble, released by Google three years ago, has been successfully accelerating update schedules for Android phones since its release. In practice, it was, in short, a redesign of Google’s Android operating system that separated the operating system’s software framework and manufacturers’ device-specific low-level software solutions, thus enabling easier and more compatible upgrades for phone manufacturers with a standardized platform. These changes will allow telephone manufacturers to support their devices faster and at lower cost due to reduced workload.

However, Treble’s effects on circuit manufacturers have not actually been as rosy as in theory, and with software changes, circuit design has become more complex. With new versions of the operating system and new telephony technology, Google needs to update the interface with manufacturers ’low-level software solutions to support new solutions. However, this support is only required for new equipment, not for old equipment receiving upgrades, which is reflected in the complexity of the work of system circuit manufacturers. Thus, PCB manufacturers have to support several Android software frameworks and generations of vendor solutions, so that three generations of upgrades for a PCB manufacturer can mean up to six different combinations of software solutions for one circuit

.As a result, Qualcomm and other circuit manufacturers have often supported only two major Android version updates and three-year security updates on their system circuits.

Now, however, this is about to change, as Google has announced that it is working with Qualcomm to further develop Project Treble. Google has introduced no-retroactivity support for system circuits in its operating system, which means that system support does not have to be completely new with new versions of Android, but released for the Andorid 11 platform. the circuit can use the same interface solutions to support updates up to Android 14. In addition, Google is partnering with Qualcomm to allow a circuit manufacturer to support multiple of its districts on the same framework without the need for separate district-specific software support.

Source: Google,

Virtualizer Parallels comes as a beta on ARM Macs

The first commercial virtualization software for Macs with Apple Silicon has been released: Parallels offers interested users a technical preview of Parallels Desktop 16 for the test and thus enables the use of virtual machines on the new ARM Macs. This also makes it possible to run Windows 10 in a virtual machine – but only in the ARM version that Microsoft has Insider program for download.

Several restrictions, some of them permanent Parallels new virtualization engine has several limitations, as the manufacturer announced to beta testers. Some are to be eliminated in the course of further development, but others are due to “fundamental technical restrictions with regard to the Intel x 86 platform”. These should include the fact that Parallels on Macs with Apple Silicon is unable to run x 86 – based operating systems in a virtual machine – for virtualization is a for the ARM architecture designed operating system as image (VHDX or ISO) required. ARM 32 apps don’t work either, Parallels notes.

At the moment it is also not possible to pause and resume virtual machines later; users have to shut them down each time. This should be one of the restrictions that will be resolved later. Interested users can refer to the “Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Mac Technical Preview” on the manufacturer’s website.

Windows 10 for ARM as virtual machine As testers report, Windows for ARM can already be used as a virtual machine, Parallels also supports DirectX 11. Thanks to x 64 emulation, the ARM version of Windows now allows the use of programs that were developed for PCs with Intel processors – that’s how things run also the development environment Visual Studio.

According to Apple, it is also conceivable that Windows will come natively on ARM Macs: The hardware is capable of this, an Apple manager recently explained and at the same time referred to the software Group – appropriate support for Macs with “Apple Silicon” is “really in Microsoft’s hands”. With Boot Camp, Apple has long been offering its own drivers to run Windows on Intel Macs.

(lbe)

Reader test: These are the testers of the SpotCam Eva 2

In collaboration with SpotCam, about two weeks ago we called on our readers and community members to apply for our latest reader test. We were looking for three testers for a brand new surveillance camera from the manufacturer. We have now started selecting the participants.

A copy of the SpotCam Eva 2, which was officially presented only a few days ago, is made available to the testers. It is a WLAN camera with 2-way audio and night vision via eight infrared LEDs. Access is either via a corresponding app on the smartphone or tablet with the iOS or Android operating system or directly via a web browser such as Google’s Chrome browser or Microsoft Edge.

The indoor camera takes in 1000 p with 30 FPS and can monitor a field of view of 130 degrees, This can be increased horizontally thanks to a swivel function up to 345 degrees. The vertical slope range is 90 degrees . Communication takes place via 802. 11 – b / g / n standard in 2.4 GHz network. The data is recorded directly in the cloud; an additional memory card is not required.

In addition, the SpotCam Eva 2 can be operated in combination with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT and Conrad Connect. The scope of delivery includes everything for wall mounting, but also a power supply unit and a power adapter. The SpotCam Eva 2 has dimensions of 90 x 75 x 75 mm and is very compact. The weight is around 238 g.

These are the participants

We have each other made the selection of the testers in the morning and are pleased to announce that the three forum users “xxljerry 75 “,” taeddyyy “and” Hattori 1000 “the camera will soon be received for testing. You will be notified shortly via private forum conversation and informed about the further progress. After receiving the test samples, you have four weeks to independently publish your reviews in the Hardwareluxx forum.

We hope you enjoy testing and we look forward to detailed test reports!

Provisional process:

Application phase until 13. December 2020

Selection of applicants + shipping: from 14. December 2020

Test period until 17. January 2021

Fine print:

Employees of Hardwareluxx Media GmbH, SpotCam and their relatives are excluded from participation

The selection of the participants is made by the editors of Hardwareluxx

An account in the hardware luxx -Forum is absolutely necessary for participation

The participants will be notified by PM

All test samples remain with the testers after the test reports are published

If the test reports are not posted online on time, the manufacturers reserve the right to invoice the full amount

The reviews remain exclusively with us in the forum

Our Verdict

A talented phone for music and movies, and well worth considering if you want a smaller or cheaper alternative to the Award-winning Xperia 1 II

For

Impressive Full HD video
Impressive sound
Smart design

Against

4K video lacks detail

Sony’s smartphone output seems somewhat erratic. The Xperia 5 II is the second Sony smartphone we’ve reviewed in 2020, following something of an extended hiatus. There have been Xperia phones in the preceding years, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing as Sony hasn’t really made much noise about them.

That has changed this year and the Sony Xperia 5 II follows the Xperia 1 II, which won our smartphone Product of the Year Award for delivering a level of video and audio performance above that of other flagship Android phones. On paper, it looks like this model can impress us in a similar way: it’s smaller, cheaper and has similar specs, so what’s not to like?

Features

(Image credit: Sony)

We’re not entirely on board with Sony’s naming convention. “5 II” isn’t the clearest of model names – even before you realise that it’s actually smaller than the 1 II. Here we have a 6.1in OLED screen with a 2520 x 1080 resolution, unlike the 4K screen on the larger model – one of the key differences between the Xperia 5 II and the 1 II. But while we’re missing those extra pixels, we do get an upgrade to a 120Hz display.

Elsewhere, the spec sheet is almost identical, which is no bad thing. That means a 21:9 aspect ratio screen, which makes for a slimline handset. Of course, the bezel is ‘barely there’ thin and there are subtlety curved edges to the frame. The camera bump on the back is clear but less obtrusive than on other phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Sony Xperia 5 II tech specs

(Image credit: Sony)

Display 6.1in OLED

Resolution 2520 x 1080 (450 ppi)

Front camera 8MP

Rear camera Quad 12MP

RAM 8GB

OS Android 10

Storage 256GB + microSD

Sony opts to have the fingerprint sensor on the right-hand side of the phone. It’s reliable and fast, though easier to accidentally wake in your pocket. It’s also trickier to operate if your phone is flat on a surface. There are buttons below the fingerprint scanner for one-touch access to Google Assistant and the camera. Again, we find them easy to press accidentally, especially when making calls, but once you know they’re there, it’s easily avoided.

More welcome is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top, a microSD slot inside the SIM card tray and the now-standard USB-C connection at the bottom of the phone. The Android 10 operating system is well integrated and while there are some apps in your way when you fire up the phone, they can be removed to leave a clean and quick interface.

The same 12MP f/1.7 wide lens, 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens and 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lenses are here, which means the same Sony Pro features, but also excellent images that are natural and detailed when simply using the standard auto mode.

Again, Sony is using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and 8GB of RAM, and its operation proves fast and responsive. There’s the same 4000mAh battery, fast-charging for 50 per cent power in 30 minutes, and support for wireless charging, too.

Screen

(Image credit: Sony)

We were blown away by the performance of the 4K screen on the Xperia 1 II, so we’re intrigued to see how this phone compares. Of course, it’s not just a smaller screen here, it’s also a lower resolution. But the good news is that for a lot of the time, you may not really notice.

Watching SD and HD content, we’re hard-pressed to discern any notable differences. This Xperia 5 II delivers sharp, detailed and colourful images. Motion is smooth and there’s little sign of noise. When it comes to much of the video you’re likely to be watching, this phone looks great.

But with 4K content, you will notice a comparative difference. This is when the 4K resolution screen of the Xperia 1 II really shines. You see more detail, sharper edges and a greater resolution on show – those extra PPIs (pixels per inch) really do make a difference. That doesn’t make this Xperia 5 II screen a bad one, but if you want the ultimate UHD experience on a mobile, you need a phone with a true 4K screen.

However, if you’re an avid mobile gamer, you will appreciate the 120Hz screen – it makes graphics smoother and will improve your playing experience.

Sound

(Image credit: Sony)

The Xperia 1 II established a new benchmark for sound quality, so we’re hopeful this model can replicate that success. And it almost does. Using the headphone jack or via the wireless connection, we are treated to a musical, clear and dynamic sound.

The Xperia 5 II successfully delivers something akin to a hi-fi performance, offering scale and authority with the stirring strings and deep bass of the Inception OST, while sounding upbeat and light on its feet with Atlas by Bicep.

But as we listen to Blonde by Roger Eno & Brian Eno and compare it with the Xperia 1 II, it’s clear this phone is missing a layer of detail. The larger Award-winning smartphone manages to peel back one more layer of texture to the track. Playing Chromatics’ Famous Monsters, the Xperia 1 II delivers more punch alongside that extra clarity. That’s not to say we’re in any way disappointed with what we hearing from this model, but the 1 II does pip it.

Sony’s LDAC technology, which allows for hi-res audio transmission and aims to maximise performance over Bluetooth, is present here too, and you’ll be made aware when you connect an LDAC device and asked to choose between the highest quality, “Sound quality preferred”, or opt for “Best effort”, which will adapt based on your network connectivity.

Verdict

For many people, a smartphone choice is a straight battle between Apple and Samsung. But if you value music and video performance highly, you really should consider these latest Sony phones.

While its pricier sibling still edges it for 4K video performance and ultimate sound quality, the more compact and affordable Sony Xperia 5 II remains a terrific choice.

SCORES

Screen 5
Sound 5
Features 5

MORE:

Read our guide to the best smartphones

Read our Sony Xperia 1 II review

Read our Apple iPhone 12 review

Read our Samsung Galaxy S20 review

keyword: Operating System

Nikon Firmware Updates: Native Webcam Utility on Apple Silicon and RAW Video (Paid) for Z6 and Z7 on Blackmagic

Z 6II and Z 7II firmware

Firmware Z 6 and Z 7

Webcam Utility (Mac)

Another flop for Google: the company bids farewell to Android Things

Google announces the closure of Android Things, its platform for IoT devices

BMW's new vehicle operating system – a feat of strength

Internet of Things: Google is quietly burying the IoT operating system Android Things

Google and Qualcomm are working together to achieve four-version upgrade support for phones

Virtualizer Parallels comes as a beta on ARM Macs

Reader test: These are the testers of the SpotCam Eva 2

These are the participants

macOS 11 Big Sur: macOS updates no longer as single downloads

Green light from the EU for the acquisition of Fitbit by Google

Google to shut down Android Things, a smart home OS that never took off

Chromecast for Google TV will support Apple TV. Here's when

Apple TV app: here is the date of release

Sony Xperia 5 II

Our Verdict

For

Against

Features

Screen

Sound

Verdict

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