Galaxy S21 Series in USA get a new update with camera improvements

The Galaxy S21 series is the current most premium flagship by Samsung. Since the launch, the lineup has received several updates. However, depending upon regions, the unlocked variants are always late in line. After the company fixed camera lags for the international units of the devices with the June 2021 patch. The build has now made its way to the USA.

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The current build for the Galaxy S21 series units in the USA is arriving on firmware version G99xUSQU4AUF5. As of now, only the devices based on Comcast and Xfinity Mobile networks are grabbing the update, while others will also get a hit soon.

Concerning changes, the most noticeable thing about the update is that it fixes the camera lags of the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. To be precise, it optimizes the camera’s Portrait mode and fixes the zoom in and zoom out lag. Moreover, the issue of the device overheating is also taken care of as per Samsung.

Apart from these, the package adds the inbuild QR code reader. This means the user can now scan QR codes on the spot or from the gallery by using the default camera app. Also, it improves the effects of video calls. On top of all these, the build enhances the security by adding the June 2021 security patch.

Changelog

• Updated security patch with June 2021


• Performance optimizations in major camera scenarios (improving stuttering)
  — Optimized the portrait mode engine
  — Optimized memory and engine when shooting with high magnification zoom


• A function has been added so that QR code scan can retrieve and recognize QR images stored in the gallery


• The usability of the video call effect (Manual color function added) has been improved

The Galaxy S21 series users in the USA will receive notifications automatically if the OTA update arrives on their device. As usual, you can also track the build manually by heading to Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates. 

Related: Samsung SmartThings Framework app receives a new update

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Chrome 91.0.4472.120 released with performance improvements

It seems like Google is sparing to stone unturned to provide the best browsing experience to Chrome users. Last month, the software giant released Chrome 91 in a stable phase followed by Chrome 92 Beta this month. The stable channel is once again getting bumped with Chrome 91.0.4472.120 that brings stability and performance improvements.

Must see: Download latest wallpapers by Google Chrome OS here

The latest stable channel, Chrome 91.0.4472.120 brings enhanced stability and performance improvements. Although, not mentioned in blog post, the update is expected to address several bugs in this update.

The new Google Chrome update will be available on Play Store by the next few weeks. Maybe till then, we will get to know more about the upcoming software. It may automatically make way to your browser when you launch the app after a while. But as always, you can update the app manually by navigating to Settings > Help > About Google Chrome.

Prior to this, Google released Chrome 91.0.4472.114 four days back. The build addresses some security vulnerabilities and drives several bug fixes. Moreover, it brings new features including NearBuy Share, new avatars, family reminders. Adding on to this, the Gallery app is replacing the Video Player with a new channel. To read about this software, visit or dedicated page.

The Chrome 91 already offers a handful of new features from major visual controls to minor changes. Apart from these features, the new channel also drives some under the hood performance improvement, making it 23% faster and efficient than the predecessor. To know what all changes the latest OS carries, head here.

Read more: Google Photos New Uploads aren't being Counted against their Quota for Some Users!

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Review: AGM M7 - world’s biggest speaker smartphone

A new company is trying to make space in the smartphone industry, AGM. The brand mainly focuses on developing durable rugged devices, protecting them from every kind of damage in all conditions. Most rugged smartphones have been tested to tough IP68 standards. Last month, the company launched AGM M7, the world’s biggest speaker smartphone.

 

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AGM M7 is a classic smartphone with all the essential features available at a starting range. It is one of the cheapest and elite rugged phones out with a price tag of $99 (approx INR Rs. 75,00). Let’s take a review of the new rugged device.

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Design

The latest M7 member of the AGM family features a bar-shaped design. The smartphone displays a black plastic material body with a LED torch at the upper side. Needless to say, this too is built to face any damage. The phone carries a thin bumper at the sides, enhancing the protection.

Call it old-fashioned but the 21 keys keypad is more styled this time. As mentioned, the phone is water and shock-resistant with an IP68 rating. On the other side, the earth-shaped amplifier is the world’s biggest speaker!

Beneath the speakers is the logo of AGM with a customizable button and Sim card slot at the side. While the bottom is equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack and Type-C charging port.

Display

Above the styled keys, there’s a 2.4-inch tiny touch screen for user interaction. The graphics are not major, but the clarity and brightness are commendable with 240 x 320 pixels resolution. It does not need any shield for protection as the quality is designed to resist any situation.

Processor

It uses a simplified version of Android Oreo that easily supports the small screen, Android 8.1. Under the hood, a Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor-based MediaTek MT6739 powers the device.

The model offers 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage that is enough to manage all pre-installed apps like FB and WhatsApp. There is no option to extend the memory configuration so manage your files accordingly.

Also, there is no kind of app store available so you have to manage some other links to flash any other application. This will be a good choice who use a smartphone for basic use with a touch of smart support.

Camera

Obviously, you don’t expect a good camera quality from these phones. But it is equipped with a 2MP rear camera housed above the speakers. For selfies, the phone has a 0.3MP lens, don’t expect good quality pictures from the smartphone. Also, there is no flash on either side, so let’s just say it’s okay for the day.

Battery

The battery has a capacity of 2,500 mAh, but with the lower software and screen interaction, it can last for up to four days! The removable battery comes with a 5W of adapter.

Additional 

The rugged smartphone supports 4G connectivity that would provide a good speed to the small device. Moreover, users tend to be satisfied with the performance with the support of GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Plus, it has the ability to clear all DNS cache by long pressing the * button. On the side, there is a customizable button that perform functions such as open camera, push to talk, turn on/off the torch, and so on.

Conclusion

This smartphone is strong enough at the best possible price providing an exceptional battery backup. The durable handy rugged design provide a strong grip and speakers will blow any smartphone away. But the camera and storage are the concerning factors. AGM M7 is ideal for those who are looking for a less digital and more simple smartphone.

Tap on the button to head to the picture gallery of the decent embedded smartphone.

Photo Gallery

Read more: Google Pay expands to 61 more financial institutions

Review: AGM M7 - world’s biggest speaker smartphone

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Google Photos' New Uploads aren't being Counted against their Quota for Some Users!

With the onset of higher resolution cameras equipped right on our smartphones, clicking photos has transformed from being a vanity fair to a part and parcel of our lives. Therefore, the amount of photos we click on every day and store has also increased many folds. Finding that the physical storage space on their devices was running out, consumers started looking forward to cloud-based options. The most popular cloud-based media backup solution emerged to be Google Photos. Its most special feature was the ability to backup unlimited photos for free (at high quality). However, a few months back, Google announced that they're changing this policy. Starting from 1st June, any new photos uploaded to Google Photos would count towards the user's storage quota. The new policy has since come into effect. However, some users have managed to upload new media to the cloud without it counting towards their storage quota. 

Must See: Google I/O 2021- Google Photos to get new functions

Why new uploads to Photos aren't counting against the storage quota?

A few users have reported that they're able to upload GBs worth of new media (after 1st June), which didn't add up to their existing 15GB of free storage. When Android Police reached out to Google for an explanation, Google said that the new policy is being gradually rolled out. Therefore, some users can still upload new data freely as the new policy hasn't been enforced on their accounts yet. However, it's not garden and roses forever as the policy will be eventually rolled out to all the accounts. 

Google also mentioned that there could be a processing lag when it comes to the new uploads. As a result, the newly acquired storage isn't being reflected immediately. The storage quota will be updated eventually once the processing is complete. Hence, due to one of the two aforementioned reasons, users might be tricked into thinking that they are exempted from the policy. The only consumers exempted are eligible Pixel owners. Do let us know if you faced this scenario in the comments. 

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Asus will commence Android 12 Beta update program once Google releases Stable build

At the latest Google I/O, Google finally revealed Android 12 to the world. With Android 12, Google has majorly re-designed the look and feel of Android. Google has also focused and doubled down on the privacy aspects with the latest Android version. Like every year, a list of Android smartphones from various brands was announced to get the Android 12 Beta. The first to get Android 12 are Google's own Pixel devices. Brands like Samsung have already started work on Android 12 for its devices. Now, Asus has also commented on the availability of Android 12.

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When will Asus release ZenUI Based Android 12 Beta?

According to the latest reports, Asus has said that they intend to release Android 12 Beta for the Zenfone 8 after Google releases the stable Android 12 update. To recall, Google recently released Android 12 Beta-2. Asus ships devices with its own ZenUI skin. ZenUI gives a close-to-stock Android feel with some improvements and added features.

When a user in the Asus Community forums asked the brand about its plan for the Android 12 release for Asus Zenfone 8, a forum admin replied:

We do not actively maintain Android 12 AOSP Beta – as it is a developer program to enable developers with Zenfone 8 an early access to the Android 12 level APIs. ZenUI Android 12 Beta for Zenfone 8 will start at a later date once the Android 12 reaches final release.

Therefore, Asus plans to directly release a ZenUI based Android 12 beta for its consumers. This ZenUI based Android 12 Beta will begin after Google releases the stable Android 12 update. The admin also suggests that users who are capable can try Android 12 AOSP Beta using GSI and DU Loader. However, flashing a GSI via DU Loader requires unlocking the bootloader. Hence, the GSI option isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Hence Asus Zenfone 8 owners are advised to patiently wait for the Android 12. While the brand didn't comment on an exact date, they did provide us with a timeframe for the beta update. Do let us know what are your thoughts on a ZenUI based Android 12 update in the comments.

(via)

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Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0 early access beta program available for Realme 5 Pro

After the launch of Realme UI 2.0, the early Realme device users are waiting for the update to hit their device. The update is currently available for the recent devices, but older devices have to wait for it. Surprisingly, there is some good news for Realme 5 Pro users as they can now access the Realme UI 2.0 beta on their devices.



The program is launched as an early access program for those who want to taste the new Realme UI 2.0. It is a beta program based on Android 11 which brings the best that Android has to offer. The early access program is currently available for India and China only, it may launch for other regions in the future.

If you want to experience the new Realme UI 2.0, you also enroll in the early access program. Here is how you can do it.

How to apply for Realme UI 2.0 early access update

1. First, make sure you have the correct model number, the update is for RMX1971EX_11_C.14 in India. Users should have at least 5 GB of storage available for the update.


2. On your device open the Settings app and navigate to software update. You will find a settings icon on the top right corner of the page. Click on the Settings icon and you will find the trial version over there. Select open beta and apply for the program, you have to fill in the required details also.

We hope after performing the above steps you receive the Realme UI 2.0 early access beta for Realme 5 Pro.

Related: [Update: January 2021 Security Patch] Realme 5 Pro Update Tracker

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Four Samsung devices receive Google's ARCore Certification

Samsung has been on a roll with device launches recently. It launched various devices under its A series along with a few tablets. Some of these devices carried powerful enough hardware for ARCore. However, they were not certified for ARCore at the time of launch, and hence their potential was limited. Users couldn't benefit from the AR Capabilities that their new Galaxy device possessed. This is about to change as 4 new Samsung devices have received an update enabling ARCore. These four devices are- Galaxy A22 5G, Galaxy A72, Galaxy Quantum 2, and Galaxy Tab S7 FE.

Must See: Google ARCore update adds support for Dual-Camera setup

What is ARCore?

To recall, AR stands for Augmented Reality. It allows users to use physical objects in a virtual world thus giving the feeling of mixed reality. It does this by using a combination of camera, motion sensors, etc. ARCore is Google's software development kit that allows for augmented reality applications to be built. It provides developers with various APIs that help them to develop AR-related features.

The ARCore certification is given after testing and checking whether the device meets the hardware and software requirements for a smooth experience. In the testing, the device's camera, processor, and its working with the sensors, and their calibration is checked. This isn't the first time that an Android device is receiving ARCore certification after launch. For example, the OnePlus 9 Pro recently received support for ARCore.

As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy A22 5G, Galaxy A72, Galaxy Quantum 2, and Galaxy Tab S7 FE have officially received the ARCore certification. Look out for an update to enable ARCore on the aforementioned devices. With ARCore coming to these Samsung devices, they'll become compatible with a wide range of AR-related applications and games that are already available on the Play Store. Do let us know what you think about ARCore support for Samsung devices in the comments section.

Related: OnePlus 9 Pro receives Google ARCore support despite no official listing

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Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) bags June 2021 Security Patch

Samsung has massively evolved as a brand in terms of providing software support to their devices. It recently committed to 4 years of support to a range of Galaxy devices. Now, the brand has started rolling out a software update to its 4-year-old mid-range device. The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) has started receiving the June 2021 Security Patch.

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What's new?

The June 2021 update for Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) is based on Android 9. The new update for J7 comes as firmware version J730GMUBSCCUF3. This update doesn't bring any other changes to the device except the security patch. The June 2021 Security Patch comes with around 4 dozen and 19 fixes from Google and Samsung, respectively. To recall, the device was launched in 2017 with Android Nougat. Since then, the brand has upgraded the device to Android 8, followed by OneUI based Android 9 updates.

Availability and Roll-Out

The update is currently being rolled out in Mexico in batches. J7 owners from Mexico can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings -> Software Update -> Download and install. Users in other regions are requested to patiently wait for the update.

Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) was launched in June 2017. The device is shipped with a 5.5" FHD Super AMOLED display. The smartphone has a screen-to-body ratio of 73.1%. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio. The device is powered by the Octa-Core Exynos 7870 SoC. The processor is built on the 14nm architecture. Graphical duties are handled by the Mali-T830 MP1. Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) sports a single 13MP rear camera and a 13MP front camera for selfies. It is backed up by a 3600 mAh battery. For security, the device possesses a front-mounted fingerprint scanner. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and a compass. The device was available in four colors - Black, Blue, Gold,  and Rose Gold. The device has a metal back and weighs 181 gm.

Related: Samsung sends Android 11 One UI 3.1 update to Galaxy A51 in the US

 

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Amazfit GTS 2e & GTR 2e gets Alexa support with latest update

At the beginning of this year, Huami debuted the Amazfit GTS 2e and Amazfit GTR 2e. Though the wearables have some extensive features on board, they still miss Amazon's Alexa support. The case is now going to change with a new software update the company is pushing to the smartwatches. After flashing the new build, the user will be able to command Alexa to execute different functions.

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As of now, the latest software update is arriving in India with firmware version 1.0.2.31. The new build will allow its users to connect smartly to their smartwatches. Moreover, with no efforts put in, a single command will answer your question, make a call, send a text, set an alarm, play music, get updates, and a whole lot more.

The smartwatches came pre-installed with an offline voice assistant. However, it only has access to few features that can be controlled through voice commands without internet access. With the new software, the array of features has expanded, allowing more smart handling of the device.

"the much-awaited Alexa for the Amazfit GTS 2e and GTR 2e is now available for users to enjoy voice interaction, play music, provide weather forecast, and lots more. Users were encouraged to update their devices to enjoy the Alexa support." Says Amazfit Team, India.

You can install the fresh build for the GTS 2e and GTR 2e via the official Zepp app. After flashing the update, add Amazon Alexa to your Account Profile. To do this open the Zepp app, go to the Profile > Add Accounts > tap on "Amazon Alexa" > log in with your Amazon account. Lastly, follow the instructions present on-screen to enable Alexa on your device.

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