Android 12 is coming within weeks, and ahead of launch Google has released a fifth and final beta, which is also effectively a release candidate, meaning that unless some major bugs need fixing, it’s basically what will roll out to Google Pixel phones and other supported devices soon.
In other recent tech news from around the web, another day, another new processor from MediaTek. Marvel has updated its Marvel Unlimited app that offers access to thousands of back-issues of the company’s comics for $10 per month (or $69 per year), and the first smartphone dock designed specifically for Google Meet video conferencing has arrived… and with a $200 price tag, I’m not sure anyone will actually buy one.
Appcessori Debuts Rayz Rally Pro, Designed for Google Meet [press release]
Rayz Rally Pro is a portable smartphone dock with a mic, speaker, and support for rapid charging. Designed for use with Google Meet, it basically makes supported iPhone and Android phones into little video conferencing devices. Available now for $200.
MediaTek Announces Kompanio 900T to Enhance Computing Experiences for Tablets and Notebooks [MediaTek]
MediaTek introduces Kompanio 900T processor for tablets and notebooks. It’s an octa-core chip with 2 x Cortex-A78 cores and 6 x Cortex-A55 cores plus Mali-G68 graphics, support for 120 Hz displays, LPDDR5 memory, and UFS 3.1 storage.
Dive Into the All-New, All-Different Marvel Unlimited [Marvel]
Marvel Unlimited gets a redesigned app as well as new titles designed exclusively for a new the new Infinity Comics format, optimized for phones and tablets.
Android 12 Beta 5 update, official release is next! [Android Developers]
Google releases Android 12 Beta 5, which is effectively a release candidate for the next major build of Android, set to launch publicly within the next few weeks. It’s also the first Android 12 beta to support the Pixel 5a.
Android 12 Beta 5 update: Here’s everything that’s new! [xda-developers]
Some unannounced changes in Android 12 Beta 5 include an updated design for Google Clock (with Android 12’s Material You design/theming), Device Controls on the lock screen, a faster search bar in the Pixel Launcher, and more.
You can also find the latest news about open source phones by following our sister site LinuxSmartphones on Facebook and Twitter.
The Rayz Rally Pro
There is already a speaker and microphone in the phone, so you are paying $200 for a charger in a plastic stand. So just use your charger / power bank , a plastic stand and put the phone on loud speaker. Save the $200
The Rayz Rally Pro doesn’t seem that dumb to me. It seems like a good solution for people who want to travel with the absolute minimum but still be connected to the office. But it’s a MOBILE accessory. It would be dumb to build an office around it in most situations. If I were looking for that type of solution I’d consider it (but I’m not, I already have a solution for that).
That said, it in many ways seems like a better proposition than the Logi dock from yesterday. I am assuming it would still work with other services like zoom, skype, etc. since it’s a mic and speaker. You’d just have to connect manually to the meeting instead of manually.
The concept is fine but that price isn’t. It’s just a Bluetooth mic and speaker with a charging dock right? Those two components should be a lot cheaper individually although most of the Bluetooth speakers I can think of prioritise music over speech clarity and include basic microphones.
First of all, it’s not just bluetooth and even then it would honestly depend on the quality of the mics. My UE Boom 2 has crap mics for a decent call. Plus the fact that they are wired means they shouldn’t suffer from the sound quality that the bluetooth standard uses for calls (before BT 5.2 which I haven’t been able to test yet).
That’s the thing, if this actually works in WIRED mode with normal phones it could be a decent upgrade. I once tried connecting my blue snowball ice mic to my Galaxy Tab S6 (and my phone) but unfortunately no luck. Sometimes the in-call volume on a phone’s speakerphone isn’t all that great (various factors come into play with this) so the external speaker, even if it isn’t huge, can still make a big difference. That means it’s more like a compatible USB mic, usb hub, charging dock and usb speaker all in one that’s “guaranteed” to work (it only mentions the Pixel and iPhone so with Android it might depend on the phone). And obviously the supposed software integration will also jack up the price a bit.
So yes, it is expensive. There is no denying it. But depending on performance, quality of components and integration/compatibility it could go from overpriced to just expensive, especially if it suits your use case.
Personally I wouldn’t plonk down 200 dollars on this unless I had seen some TRUSTWORTHY reviews as to it being good quality (and compatible with the devices I own) AND if it fit my use case at the moment.