desktop

I have used my Android mobile as a PC thanks to desktop mode. It is a fantastic option

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Ricardo Aguilar, a colleague at Xataka, knows a lot about mobile phones, so from time to time he throws some insult at me about my already somewhat mature Pixel 8 Pro. Today, however, the insult is mine. Because? Well, because as he himself warned the team, Android ‘desktop mode’ is finally available. This optionthat I’ve been waiting for years (he knows it well) it also arrives in a limited way, because only some devices can enjoy it. Specifically, the recent Pixels. And my Pixel 8 Pro is one of them. In the past I have tested this feature on other devices: I did it of course on Samsungs, which has been offering it through DeX for yearsand also on some other mobile such as Motorola and some Huawei models, which they also boasted of said characteristic. Google had been around for a while raising this possibilityand last year an Android beta appeared that offered this capability. Now that option is finally officially available, although as we say, for now only on Google Pixels starting with Pixel 8. Enviable start-up To activate this option you must first activate the developer options in the Android settings, and then enable option for desktop features which we can find almost at the end of those options for developers. Once this is done, the system asks for a restart, after which everything is ready to use desktop mode. To do this, I connected a 15-inch external monitor to my Pixel through a USB-C to Micro HDMI cable (I tried a USB-C to USB-C cable, but the cable I used had a small problem). By detecting that we connect the mobile phone to a screen, The Pixel gives us the option of using the mobile phone as a “Computer” (the desktop mode itself) or of projecting it as it has been possible to do for years. I chose the first option​​ and I finally found that desktop mode that basically makes Android becomes a hybrid operating system which works practically the same as Windows, Linux or macOS do on a PC or laptop. Thus, we have a desktop in which there is a lower bar with the application launcher and a series of “pinned” apps, and at the top a system bar that allows, for example, access to notifications and quick settings on our mobile. From there the experience is very similar to using a PC. We can open applications and, of course, resize and move windows to place them however we like on the desktop. I normally use two competing advantages of the browser to work on the topics I prepare for Engadget, and that is exactly the configuration I have used to write this text: with two Chrome windows I have worked practically the same as I usually do on my Mac mini M4. A small change of mentality Obviously in that desktop mode it is necessary connect a mouse and keyboard to the Pixelwhich I have connected via Bluetooth. The detection and operation of these devices was carried out without problems, and once on the desktop everything works, I insist, as one would expect. You can quickly launch apps from the taskbar launcher and pin certain apps to that taskbar. It is also possible to show all open applications with that old access at the bottom right with a square-shaped icon. There is a strange feeling here because logically what you are using are the applications on your mobile phone natively. Thus, it is not necessary to open WhatsApp in a browser tab because you already have the native app ready and running in the background, and the same goes for the rest of the options, such as the Twitter app (X) or YouTube: they are not tabs, but full-fledged apps. It is a slight but curious change of mentality, of course. And there is also the other reality: some apps that we usually use on the desktop are not as clear as those on Windows or macOS. There is a clear example in the file explorer: Android has its own (Files) and I, for example, usually use Amaze for these tasks, but Google has never conceived Android as an operating system in which the user messes with files and folders. We can do it, yes, but it is not the strong point of this platform, as neither is it, for example, working with the command console. Here again that possibility exists, but you have to “play around” a little more to be able to install a terminal and use it in a similar way as we would do in Linux, macOS or in Windows CMD/Powershell. I have not tried much more demanding applications at the moment, but this opens the door to using some more advanced and ambitious applications in desktop mode: here it occurs to me that an image or video editor could be a striking candidate to take advantage of this desktop mode. There is also striking scope here for entertainment with games that we can play with a mouse and keyboard as we would on a PC, even though they are games for Android. The possibilities are most striking. Your PC can certainly be your mobile These tests have made me realize that this definitely opens up those possibilities that we have been talking about for years. A laptop normally solves the mobility issue, but if you need to have “your PC” anywhereyou don’t even need that anymore: if you have a monitor, keyboard and mouse somewhere else, this Android desktop mode allows you to use your device almost like a PC. I just did it while writing this article, and the truth is, the experience has been surprisingly good. Not perfect, mind you– The on-screen keyboard appears from time to time as if the system does not detect that you have a physical one connected, for example, and window management is not as intuitive as one might wish. But still the overall result is fantastic in my … Read more

After comparing many OLED monitors, my next desktop display is going to be a TV

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choose a good screen to work or study on the computer, especially if we spend long days in front of it, is not an easy task: there is a very wide variety of options on the market, with a thousand different technologies and it is easy to get lost among them. However, if we prioritize the best image quality, brutal contrast and pure blacks, then the search is much simplified: OLED panels They are the best choice. LG OLED42C54LA – TV 42″, OLED EVO 4K The price could vary. We earn commission from these links In this sense, today there are more and more models of OLED monitors for PC and consoles. However, most of them are designed to enjoy video gamesadding a good handful of features and gaming technologies that increase its price. If the use we plan to give to the screen is not to play, then we are going to waste all those technologies and we will end up paying for functions that we do not need. Without overlooking that, usually, They have quite aggressive designswith striking lines, RGB lights that are anything but discreet and bases and supports that follow the same line. Using a television for the PC is a great idea in this case At this point, the alternative is very clear: use an OLED television (relatively contained diagonal) as a desktop screen for the computer. A great idea if what we are looking for is that OLED technology and we do not need everything associated with gaming screens: DisplayPort portshigh refresh rates, minimum response times, VRR technologies or designs like the ones we have mentioned. It must be taken into account, however, that although technology has advanced a lot In this sense, OLED televisions still have some risk of burn-in when using still images repeatedly. To avoid this, manufacturers like LG usually include specific technologies. And even we ourselves can help avoid it with such simple practices such as using dark mode in the operating system, hiding the taskbar automatically when we are not using it or setting a screensaver after short periods of inactivity on the computer. Taking all this into account, televisions like this 42-inch LG OLED They are a great purchasing option for several reasons: Its 42-inch diagonal It is acceptable for use at close range without making it uncomfortable It mounts a 3840 x 2160p Ultra HD panel that, in combination with those 42 inches, results in great clarity (vital to use up close without blurring texts, icons…) It has four ports HDMI 2.1 where to connect without complications any PC, laptop and even game console It reaches 120 Hz, which translates into greater fluidity of everything that appears on the screen, making transitions and scroll more comfortable for the eyes In addition to all this, it is still a television that we can take advantage of for purely “television” use. This is: watch movies, series and any compatible content from platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video or YouTube, among others. In addition to the DTT channels, of course. And in all cases, with great image quality thanks to its OLED panel. As an alternative to the LG, this other Samsung that goes up to 48 inches It is also an excellent option: it has a similar price (849 euros) and gives us that extra diagonal if we prefer somewhat larger screens. ⚡ IN SUMMARY: LG OLED evo 42″ OLED42C54LA ✅ THE BEST Great image quality: The OLED panel of this television offers pure blacks, high contrast and very vivid colors Allows you to play with a good experience: Thanks to its HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz refresh rate, it is a good complement to latest generation video game consoles ❌ THE WORST Not best for avid gamers: For gaming PCs or high-end laptops, it falls somewhat short by not reaching 144 Hz Diagonal a bit big for some users: At 42″, it can seem somewhat annoying if we sit too close and it is difficult to find OLED televisions of 32 inches or less 💡 BUY IT IF… You do not need functions dedicated to gaming, you do not plan to play on it at high FPS rates and you prefer a more sober design ⛔ DON’T BUY IT IF… You are an enthusiastic gamer who values ​​reaching 144 FPS (or more) and prefers more contained diagonals You may also be interested The price could vary. We earn commission from these links PlayStation 5 Pro + EA FC26 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Images | Xataka, LG In Xataka | What is the best laptop for working in 2026. Tips and recommendations In Xataka | Best keyboards for writing and working: which one to buy and six recommended models

The bad thing about Framework Desktop is that it has welded memory. Good too

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In 2021 the portable panorama was bleak in a key section: The right to repair. Manufacturers made it more difficult to try to solve problems or update these machines. It was then that a small and unknown company He showed us That there was an alternative. That company was called (and is called) Framework. Their Modular laptops have since demonstrated being An absolute reference in repability and expansion capacityand in recent years they have maintained that tradition. A few months ago they advanced the launch of Two new portable modelsbut next to them a surprising machine arrived: a desktop minipc that, curiously, seemed a betrayal to the principles of the company. That machine is none other than the Framework Desktopa different team both for its exterior and its interior. To start, we are talking about a minipc format equipment with a mini -it plaque and a tiny box with a volume of 4.5 liters. That box also has A differentiating design With a front panel in which we can place 21 “tiles” that we can also customize by printing them in 3D ourselves (The designs To do so they are available). The team also presumes from those already famous modular ports in their laptops and that allow to create a tailored inputs and outputs. We can buy them separately and incorporate new modules when we need it. That in regards to the outside. Inside, the technical specifications are as follows: Framework Desktop Processor AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.0 GHz, soldier) AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.1 GHz, soldier) GPU Radeon 8050s Graphics (32 nuclei, 2.8 GHz) Radeon 8060s Graphics (40 cores, 2.9 GHz) NPU Up to 50 tops Memory 32/64/128 GB LPDDR5X-8000 Welded Storage Flexatx 400W Front ports 2 x customizable I/O modules Rear ports 1 x HDMI 2.1 2 x Displayport 2.1 2 x USB-C (USB4) 1 x RJ45 (5GBE) 2 x USB-A (USB 3.2 GEN1) 1 x minijack 3.5 mm Feeding Flexatx 400W Dimensions and weight 96.8 x 205.5 x 226.1mm 3.1 kg 4.5 L mini -it box Price From 1,309 euros In these specifications it surprises how we say we find a configuration in which the AMD soc (with the CPU, the integrated GPU and the NPU) is welded to the motherboard, but it is also the memory. That seems a betrayal to the “replaceable and replaceable” spirit of Framework teams, and is something that has already caused some criticism. A the AI workstation for all audiences Some of the analysis Independents who have evaluated the team criticize him for that. However, that decision has its reason for being: as the company responsible explained in the Official announcement: “To enable the huge 256 GB/s memory bandwidth offered by Ryzen AI Max, the LPDDR5X has welded. We spent months working with AMD to explore ways to solve this, but finally we determine that it was not technically viable to install modular memory with high performance with the 256 -bit memory bus.” It is a reasonable argument, especially considering that although this team has a certain gaming personality, its true focus is another. These teams make use of a unified memory architecture (UMA) That makes no dedicated video memory: the GPU uses RAM as video memory, so 32, 64 or 128 GB of RAM are shared between CPU and GPU. It is an idea similar to the one handled by Apple in its MX chips: there the unified memory allows to be used interchangeably by the CPU or the GPU. And there is the interesting thing about these machines, which are in essence affordable work stations to work with local AI models. We already talked about this week of how GPT-Oss-20b, Openai’s open model was great but showed that having a lot of graphic memory was important for this type of scenarios. Well, Framework Desktop raises a decent alternative to Apple teams and their unified memory. If, for example, we buy the 128 GB model of RAM (2,359 euros), We could dedicate up to 112 GB of those available for video memory. That gives a lot of play to work with heavy models such as the “Large” variant of Openai (GPT-Oss-120b) or, as they explain in Framework, with models as it calls 3.3 70b Q6, for example. In fact, that is where this team really provides value, which also maintains a low profile in terms of power (the consumption peak is 140W) and also in noise. We are not before a gaming team competitor with dedicated graphics: if what you want is to play every pill (even in Minipc format), this may not be the best alternative. But if you want, you are rather occasional gamers and what you are interested in is to have a powerful work team and allow you to experiment with local AI models, We are facing what is probably one of the best current alternatives If you are looking for a compact, efficient and silent team. The other options are clear: a high -end MAC with the maximum amount of unified memory that you can pay, or a PC in which you combine several dedicated graphics (to add their graphic memories) and that therefore will consume a lot of energy, it will be voluminous and predictably make a lot of noise. Could Framework Desktop have been a more modular, reparable and replaceable equipment? Definitely. But that is what are already the majority of current PCs. Here the manufacturer has taken another way, and we believe it is a very interesting approach. Now it will be the users who will decide (you will decide). In Xataka | Logitech’s controversial “mouse” does not need subscriptions. What you need is to be repairable

Thirty years later, there is still an unbeatable television format in Spain: desktop soap operas

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The afternoons of Spanish television have always meant a fierce combat between big names, apparently infallible formats and yes, experiments that go wrong. However, there is an immutable constant in recent years, regardless of fashion and trends: the undisputed success of the Spanish romantic series in the afternoon, which drag immune fidelity to the swings of audiences. Are The most seen of the afternoonsnext to ‘Pasapalabra’. The formula of success. The three queens of the afternoons are ‘Wild Valley’ and ‘The Promise’ in the 1 and ‘Dreams of Freedom’ in Antena 3. The first is broadcast around 17.10, the second about 18.00 and finally, dreams of freedom are broadcast at 15.45. All of them have elements in common: an era atmosphere, around the quitas of the rich and powerful, but with occasional eyes to conflicts between classes, in order to show contrasts between the different characters. And all with audiences that do not fall from 10-12% of Sharesometimes conquering 15%. The Belén Esteban debacle cannot with the series. The phenomenon that is taking place with ‘is curious and significantTV family ‘ and its abysmal audiences in the afternoons of the1. Divided the program into two halves of differentiated content (after a few days experimenting with the Mix of presenters and styles), the audience falls into those blocks, but shoots with ‘wild valley’ and, above all, ‘the promise’, which with audiences around 15% of Shareis at your best. Then, when Esteban and his own arrive, he plummeted again, generating a curious parenthesis of low audiences to wrap the two stars of the afternoon of the1: the series. The first queen of the afternoons. TVE was a pioneer, at the end of the eighties, of the success of the first snakes, the Venezuelan serials with ‘Crystal ‘as spearhead that in 1990 it came to give continuity to more moderate but very relevant successes, such as Brazilian ‘Dona Beija’, which broadcast the second chain. Its success is significant: it already pointed to the fetishism of the audiences with the afternoon strip (after the mornings had colonized them Soap Opeas North American as ‘Santa Barbara’ or Mexican serials like ‘The rich also cry’) In fact, TVE was buried in protest letters when he dared to move momentarily to ‘crystal’ at noon. He won a wave and his last episode was followed by 8,630,000 viewers. An overwhelming 85% of Share. Origins of the Spanish soap opera. Trying to ride the wave of unstoppable snake successtelevisions They began to replicate the phenomenon with series like ‘La Truth de Laura’ or ‘Black Moon’, which They began to introduce timidly Spanish cultural elements. The first success in that regard was ‘El Super’, in 1996, with costumbristas and realistic plots, which ended soon derived towards the introduction of historical elements, the authentic key to success (‘Valle Tavaje’ is set in 1763, ‘The promise’ at the beginning of the century and ‘dreams of freedom’, in Spain of 1958). Thus were born bombings such as ‘Loving in revolt times’, ‘bandit’ or ‘The Secret of Puente Viejo’. Why that time. The tabletical strip is the most precious by soap operas, perpetuating those beginnings of the genre in Spain with ‘crystal’, which later strengthened phenomena like those of Turkish soap operas. In the target audience of these series, female and medium ageThey fit the typical Spanish customs for desktop, and that is what has impatible the long -term continuity of the series. It is an audience that appreciates the sumptuousness of natural decorations and historical places that prevails in these productions, as well as the budget investment that gives them a luxurious finish and that, in fact, is what has made TVE pass from three to two series during the time. And now what. ‘Dreams of freedom’ in Antena 3, with audiences around 13%, certifies that the audiences want series, and that the1 lost an important asset when canceling the third of its afternoons, ‘the modern’, cut under a pattern very similar to the other two. Sergio Calderón, director of RTVE, counted in an interview that “the series of series audiences benefited from the expectation of the start of the chapter of ‘the promise”. However, “it was impossible to maintain, at emotional and also budgetary rhythm, three daily series in the afternoons.” Seen what has been seen, maybe they have to reconsider their strategy. Header | Atresmedia In Xataka | Netflix’s best Korean series (because not everything is ‘the squid game’)

Your own desktop operating system is ready

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Huawei is beginning to close the circle. Expired his License agreement with Microsoft To use Windows (agreement that cannot be renewed by the sanctions imposed by the United States), there are two possible escape routes. The first is to start launch portable market with Linux. The second go with everyone and launch them with their own operating system. It is just what just done. Huawei Harmonyos variant has made official For PC. Zhu Dongdong, product manager, has revealed at the event Harmonyos Computer Technology and Ecosystem Communication The structure of the system and plans with the same. Harmonyos for PC is one of the most important bets for the company: it is its first real response (and 100% own) to Windows, and a Dardo to the United States. What will Harmonyos PC be. The philosophy with the PC version is exactly the same as Huawei with Harmonyos Next. An operating system created from scratch, with Harmonyos base and its own kernel, and interoperable with smartphones, phones, headphones and even electric cars that share software. They have also worked compatibility with third parties, so that devices such as printers, scanners and other peripherals are fully compatible, as with any other operating system. Its pillars. Harmonyos PC is a system focused on design, performance and safety. The design language will be consistent with the smartphone versions, using THE ARK OWN ENGINE developed by Huawei. It is an engine designed to integrate into Harmonyos Next, composed of Ark Compiler, Ark UI and Ark Graphics, all the necessary elements to build and execute its own interface. Regarding security, the system is oriented to be used with a Huawei account. It has functions to find our device, developer verification systems to guarantee the safety of apps, and even a privacy mode that deactivates camera permits, microphone and location throughout the system. Apps. If the question is what happens to apps in Harmonyos, the answer is that the PC version has more than 2,000 universal applications. In this first launch stage, Asian market -orientedthe collaboration is oriented to it. Out of China? Huawei has it complicated to get Harmonyos from his native country. The company You can’t make agreements with Microsoft or Googleso you cannot integrate your apps in App Gallery. Nothing prevents the operating system from executing the apps if the user downloads them on their own, as is the case in smartphones, but it is a plan in which they will need to offer solid alternatives to the most popular software products. The one who warns is not a traitor. Harmonyos For PC it was the inevitable consequence of Huawei plan. The company is already working on your own chips for PChas achieved the national manufacture In smartphones processors, and Harmonyos Next is drawn as a plan to stop depending on absolutely anyone. Only time will say if they manage to outsource this great plan outside of China. What is clear is that they are giving each of the necessary steps to build their alternative reality. Image | Huawei In Xataka | China has a possibility to unseat Android forever. One called Harmonyos

How to make direct access to goal AI on WhatsApp on your Android desktop

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Let’s explain How to create direct access to WhatsApp ai On the Android desktop, in order to enter the chats directly with artificial intelligence. We talk about Goal AIthe artificial intelligence that has been integrated into WhatsApp with A blue circleand it is something similar to having Chatgpt in WhatsApp. The blue circle of this AI is putting the users of nerves, because cannot be removed. But if you have managed to take advantage of the Meta AI functions at WhatsApp And you usually use it, it may seem useful to have a direct access to it on the desk, as if it were the icon of an independent app but pointing to the chat you have with it. Direct access to goal AI on WhatsApp The first thing you have to do is enter the chat you have with goal AI, either from the chat list if you have already started one or clicking on the blue circle. Once inside, click on the goal name AI above allin the name that the verified symbol has next to it. This will take you to the goal profile AI in WhatsApp, where you can configure chat elements such as notifications. Here, click on the options button with the three -point icon on the right, and Choose the option Create direct access which will appear in the drop -down menu. And that’s it. Only with this You will create direct access to goal AI in WhatsApp On your Android desktop, and you can place it on the site you want. You can put it in any desk grid or change desktop, all to your liking. In Xataka Basics | Goal AI in WhatsApp: 17 functions and tricks of the blue circle with the artificial intelligence chat

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