Technology - Google News

Logitech launches new MX Master mouse and mechanical keyboards - XDA Developers
Microsoft is making a native Arm version of Visual Studio 2022 and a mini PC - The Verge
Google Assistant rolls out to Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 via Play Store [Update: Live] - 9to5Google

Logitech launches new MX Master mouse and mechanical keyboards - XDA Developers

Posted: 24 May 2022 02:07 AM PDT

Logitech has introduced a few new members of the MX Series of products, including the new MX Master 3S mouse and the MX Mechanical and Mechanical Mini keyboards. The new mouse delivers additional focuses on improved comfort compared to the already excellent MX Master 3, while the keyboards are the first-ever mechanical keyboards in the MX series.

All three devices support both Bluetooth and also come with a Logi Bolt receive so you can connect to your devices in whatever way you prefer. They also support customizations via Logitech's Logi options+ software.

MX Master 3S

One of the big improvements in the Logitech MX Master 3S is that it has a new 8,000 DPI sensor, which is double what the MX Master 3 offered. Just like that one, Logitech says this sensor can track on most surfaces including glass, and it's more suited for high resolution monitors where you may want to move your mouse more quickly. The mouse buttons have also been upgraded to be 90% quieter, so you don't have to be distracted by click sounds while working.

Aside from that, this keeps what made the original MX Master 3 so great – it features Lofitech's MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel that can scroll up to 1,000 lines per second, in addition to a horizontal scroll wheel on the side. It's also designed to be ergonomic for long periods of use. There are no left-handed options, but Logitech recently launched the Lift vertical mouse, which may be more suited to your needs.

The MX Master 3S is available now and it costs $99.99, just like its predecessor. You can buy it below.

The new Logitech MX Master 3S comes with a high-precision 8,000 DPI sensor and features 90% quieter clicks for added comfort.

MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini keyboards

Logitech MX Mechanical (full-size)

For keyboard enthusiasts, Logitech also announced the first mechanical keyboards ever to grace the MX lineup. Simply called the MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini, these new keyboards are aimed at those looking for the feel of mechanical key switches in a productivity keyboard. The regular MX Mechanical is a full-sized keyboard, including a number pad, isolated arrow keys, and everything you'd expect. The MX Mechanical Mini comes in compact 65% design, giving you just the essentials for typing and navigation.

Both of the keyboards use low-profile mechanical switches, with the default option being Tactile Quiet Brown switches. In some markets, you'll also get the option for Clicky Blue switches or Linear Red switches. The keycaps themselves are dual-colored to make it easier to identify which keys are which in your peripherals view.

The keyboards also include smart backlighting with automatically adjust the brightness based on ambient light, including the ability to turn off completely when it's not needed. The backlight turns on when your hands approach the keyboard, so it's always ready to go. You can also customize backlighting effects and other settings using the Logi Options+ software.

Both keyboards are available now, with the MX Mechanical costing $169.99 and the MX Mechanical Mini coming in at $149.99. You can buy them below.

This is Logitech's first-ever mechanical MX keyboard, featuring low-profile switches in three configuration options, smart backlighting, and a full-size design.

A compact version of the Logitech MX Mechanical with a 65% design. It features the same mechanical switches and smart backlighting, though.

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Microsoft is making a native Arm version of Visual Studio 2022 and a mini PC - The Verge

Posted: 24 May 2022 08:06 AM PDT

Microsoft is working on a native Arm64 version of Visual Studio 2022 and a miniature Arm PC. A preview version of an Arm native version of Visual Studio 2022 will be available "in the next few weeks" and is expected to ship fully later this year alongside Arm64 .NET support.

While Arm devices like the Surface Pro X have been able to run Visual Studio through x64 emulation, some features haven't been supported and performance has suffered, too. Developers will certainly be intrigued to hear more about native Arm support for Visual Studio 2022 and VS Code, and Microsoft is creating what it describes as an "Arm-native toolchain":

Full Visual Studio 2022 & VS Code
Visual C++
Modern .NET 6 and Java
Classic .NET Framework
Windows Terminal
WSL and WSA for running Linux and Android apps

Alongside this Arm native push, Microsoft has once again partnered with Qualcomm to create an Arm-powered developer device. Project Volterra uses a Snapdragon processor and a neural processing unit (NPU) to allow developers to build cloud native AI apps.

The device itself looks like a Mac Mini-like PC, and it has a stackable design so developers can stack multiple Project Volterra PCs on their desks or inside server racks. Microsoft isn't revealing the exact specs just yet, but Project Volterra does have three USB ports at the rear, alongside a DisplayPort and Ethernet port. There are also two USB-C ports at the side of the device, and the device is manufactured from recycled ocean plastic.

"We want you to build cloud native AI applications," says Windows and devices chief Panos Panay. "With native Arm64 Visual Studio, .NET support and Project Volterra coming later this year, we are releasing new tools to help you take the first step on this journey."

Microsoft partnered with Qualcomm last year at its Build developer conference to create an Arm-based dev kit for developers to build native Arm64 apps for Windows. Despite this, we're still waiting to see more Arm-powered Windows devices and apps. Many developers rely on the Arm64 emulation built into Windows to allow consumers and businesses to run their apps, and without a larger install base of Arm devices, that's unlikely to change.

Microsoft is also further opening up its Microsoft Store at Build today. The company has removed the wait list for win32 applications, opening up the store to all app developers. We've seen a flurry of desktop apps appear on the Microsoft Store alongside the Windows 11 launch, and the removal of the wait list should mean we see even more appear in the coming months.

Update, May 24th 11:50AM ET: Article updated with more details on Microsoft's Project Volterra device.

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Google Assistant rolls out to Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 via Play Store [Update: Live] - 9to5Google

Posted: 23 May 2022 04:05 PM PDT

Galaxy Watch 4 owners have been waiting for Google Assistant since Samsung launched the wearable with just Bixby last year, and support is now officially launching today.

Google gave the first official look at Assistant running on Galaxy Watch 4 in February. There's a new design that takes after the Pixel phone experience. Launching with "Hey Google" opens a fullscreen UI with black background and four-color light bar at the bottom that reacts to voice input.

The Assistant logo also briefly appears with a "Hi, how can I help?" prompt, while the time appears curved at the top. Besides that, the results UI has also been modernized with background blur leveraged throughout.

Starting today, Galaxy Watch4 users will also be able to download Google Assistant on their devices gaining access to fast, more natural voice interactions, quick answers to questions and on-the-go help.

Compared to what was previously available on Wear OS 2, Google touts "faster than ever response times." From our brief usage today, voice transcription seems to be processed on-device and appears near instantaneously. Available actions include:

Manage your time, "start a timer", "set an alarm", "set reminders"
Keep in touch with family and friends, "start a call", "send a message"
Control your smart home, "turn on bedroom light"
Get your questions answered, "where is the nearest coffee shop?", "how's the weather today?"

Before vs. after

Curiously, Galaxy Watch 4 users are simply asked to update a new "Assistant" app that appears in the Google Play > My apps list. (You can also search for it in the on-watch Play Store.) After downloading the latest version, Google Assistant will appear as a new icon in the app launcher.

Launching prompts you to "Activate Google Assistant on your watch," with users directed to their phone to complete the fairly lengthy process.

Activate Google Assistant.
Access your Assistant with "Hey Google" and agree to Voice Match.
Saving audio is your choice.
Gets personal results on your watch.
Talk to your Assistant with a button.

Google Assistant rolls out to Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 via Play Store [Update: Live]

In addition to the app icon and hotword, Assistant can be activated via hardware key: Settings app > Advanced features > Customize keys. It appears under "Double press" or "Press and hold" of the Home key. You can enable/disable "Hey Google" and "Speech output" in Settings > Google > Assistant.

Google Assistant will be available in 10 markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, The UK and USA. It will, also, support 12 languages, which include Danish, English (American, Canadian, United Kingdom, Australian, Irish), Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French (Canadian, France), and Taiwanese.

With this launch, Google has finished rolling out all but one of the new/updated first-party apps (YouTube Music, Google Pay, and Maps) announced alongside Wear OS 3 at I/O last year. Fitbit will debut on the Pixel Watch this fall.