Saturday, June 26, 2021

Xiaomi Redmi 7 starts Receiving the MIUI 12.5 Update in China

Xiaomi is known for supporting its devices for a long period of time. They roll out several MIUI version updates even to their old devices. The Xiaomi Redmi 7 was launched back in 2019. The brand has now started rolling out the MIUI 12.5 update to the device. This update is currently being rolled out in China. The MIUI 12.5 update for Xiaomi Redmi 7 comes as firmware version V12.5.1.0.QFLCNXM.

Xiaomi Redmi 7

What's New?


This update brings various new features to the Redmi 7. MIUI 12.5 for Xiaomi Redmi 7 brings a galore of changes to the system animations, the Notes application as well as the Browser. With MIUI 12.5 Xiaomi claims that they have reduced the number of preloaded bloatware on Xiaomi devices. You can read other new features of MIUI 12.5, here. Xiaomi has already released this version of MIUI for several other devices such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 LiteRedmi K30 4GXiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Changelog


[Hihglights]


MIUI 12.5. Yours alone.


[System]
New: Response to gestures is now instant.
New: With 20 times more rendering power, there are now few limits to what you can see on your screen.
New: With custom device model adjustments, any phone becomes faster after the upgrade.
Optimization: MIUI became lighter, faster, and more durable.


[System animations]
New: A new animation framework renders movement more realistically.
New: New UI design is focused on visualization and making your interaction with the device more lifelike.


[System sounds]
New: Nature mix is a new exciting way of creating your own notification sound system.
New: Hundreds of system sounds that represent animals from all around the world.
New: Stereo system sounds.


[Privacy protection]
New: Now you can see what apps access your clipboard and control access.
New: Using approximate location adds up points to privacy protection.
New: You can now manage sensitive permissions and related app behavior independently.
New: The behavior of web pages is also tracked now, which helps you to block unwanted and malicious actions.
New: Now it's up to you who and when can track your online behavior.
New: All apps now come with a security statement from GetApps.
New: Privacy risk scanner.
New: Control which apps access and delete items from your Gallery.
New: A comprehensive overview of all sensitive permissions.
New: You'll be notified whenever high-risk permissions are used and will be able to block the corresponding actions.
Optimization: An all-new privacy protection page.


[Notes]
New: Compose mind maps with complex structures.
New: New tools for doodling and sketching.
New: Press and hold a sketch to adjust the strokes automatically.
New: A gesture shortcut now allows you to create notes, tasks, and excerpts anywhere.
New: Excerpts save text, URLs, and images to Notes in a few simple taps.
New: Dynamic layouts make bring the typography in Notes to a new level.
All-new Notes.


[Xiaomi Cloud]
New: Convert images to PDF.
New: Password manager allows you to store passwords in the cloud.
New: You can share device location with other people in your family sharing group.
New: Location information can be recorded automatically before the device powers off.


[IME]
New: A more convenient way to move a cursor using the scrollbar.
New: Function buttons support switching between languages and keyboards.
New: You can press and hold the function buttons to access more features.
New: Custom themes for keyboards.


[Themes]
New: Font weight adjustment options for third-party fonts.
Optimization: Personalization features for system wallpapers, animations, and sounds.


[Browser]
New: Wallpaper customization in the lite mode.
Optimization: Redesigned Incognito mode.
Optimization: Pages load much faster now.


The update is currently being rolled out in batches in China. Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners in CHina can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings > About Phone > System Updates. Users who can't wait for the OTA can manually flash the update using the recovery ROM (Download Link).

Friday, June 25, 2021

Realme GT Master Edition and Realme Book tipped ahead of launch

Reportedly, Realme is preparing to launch a set of smart devices in China that will include Realme GT Master Edition and Realme Book. The Vice President of Realme, Wang Wei Derek recently shared an image that revealing the design of the devices. Apparently, Realme GT Master Edition and Realme Book may together debut in July 2021.

Realme GT Master Edition and Realme Book

Make sure to visit: Download the latest Game Space 4.5.0 for your Realme smartphones

As you can see the above picture of Realme GT Master Edition shared by the Vice President. Giving a look closer, there's a notebook that can be seen in the background. This is supposedly the upcoming Realme Book, the first laptop by the company. This picture hints that the duo may launch together by the next month.

Realme GT Master Edition


The Realme GT Master Edition features a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. The panel flaunts a punch-hole design that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device may equip a Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Realme GT Master Edition

In the shooting section, the phone will house a triple camera module indulging a 50MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP B&W camera. On the other side, Realme GT Master Edition will carry a 32MP snapper to serve selfies and video calls. A 4,500 mAh battery may back up the device that will support 65W of rapid charging.

Realme Book


Referring to the shared pictures, we can conclude that Realme Book supports superslim bezels. According to the render leaks, the Book will hold a metallic build with stereo speakers, a 3:2 aspect ratio. Earlier, the upcoming Realme Book was expected to have Windows 10 on board. However, Derek has cleared the rumor that it will ship with Windows 11 pre-installed.

Realme Book

As of now, this is all we have in our hands about the upcoming Realme Book. The rest of the specifications are still under cover. We will make sure to keep you posted as soon as we receive any further information, so stay tuned.
Related: Realme GT Neo is receiving a new software update

Realme X7 5G gets Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0 Open Beta access

The 5G variant of Realme X7 was made available this year with Android 10 based Realme UI 1.0 on board. The Chinese giant promised to update the device with the latest build in Q2 this year. Keeping its words, Realme is sending the early access update of Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0 to the Realme X7 5G.

Realme X7 Pro 5G

Must see: Download the latest Game Space 4.5.0 for your Realme smartphones

The Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0 early beta access for Realme X7 5G is currently live in India. Realme mentions that to enroll themselves for the Early Acess Program, the users should be running Realme UI 1.0 version number RMX3092PU_11.A.14/ 11.A.16/ 11.A.17/ 11.A.18 or 11.A.20.

The announcement was made via the official community forums. The report further added, the smartphones will get all the Android 11 goodies. It will include features like chat bubbles, native screen recorder, enhanced dark theme, smart device controls, and more. Furthermore, it will also drive the Realme UI 2.0 attributes. This includes AOD display, parental controls, digital wellbeing, stock apps design, and much more.

If you are a Realme X7 5G user in India who wants to register for the program, head over to Settings -> Software Update -> Tap on the settings icon in the top right corner -> Trial Version -> Submit your details -> Apply Now. The company will choose a limited number of users who will bag the Realme UI 2.0 Beta.

However, Realme says that the users should enroll at their own risk. As the Open Beta versions of Realme UI 2.0 may have an unpredictable impact on your X7 5G phone and affect daily use.
Read more: Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0 early access beta program available for Realme 5 Pro

[Update: June 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 9 PureView Update Tracker

HMD Global unveiled the Nokia 9 PureView in February 2019 with a display of 5.99 inches with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It powers Android 9.0 (Pie) coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. Under the hood, it equips a Quad-core processor-based Snapdragon 845 SoC and Adreno 630 GPU. Nokia 9 PureView packs five lenses of 12MP each at the rear and 20MP snapper on the other side.

Nokia 9 PureView

Must see: Nokia redrafts Android 11 update timeline for its smartphones

Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated with every build released for the Nokia 9 PureView.

Nokia 9 PureView Update Tracker



  • [June 21, 2021]: Nokia 9 PureView is grabbing the June 2021 Android security patch. The new software is rolling out in Netherlands, UK, Poland, and Bulgaria that weighs around 24MB in size. The update does not bring any new additions, But internally, it brings fixes for severe issues and critical security vulnerability in the System component as defined by Google.

  • [March 31, 2021]: HMD Global is sending March 2021 Android security patch to the Nokia 9 PureView. The latest build for Nokia 9 PureView is live in Bulgaria that weighs almost 6MB in size. It could soon hit other regions as well. If we talk about features, the firmware does not bring any specific changes. However, it will surely drive in some bug fixes and enhancements in security policies.

  • [February 6, 2020]: Nokia starts rolling out an Android security patch for the month of December 2019 to Nokia 9 Pureview. The update is rolling out in Australia with about 32.1 MB in size. It is a small update that doesn’t contain anything other than a security patch. However, it eliminates potential bugs that could pose serious threats to user data.


The OTA update will reach out to all units in some time. But, you cal always track the build manually by heading to Settings > About > Software updates. Also, we advise users to switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid additional charges.
Related: [Update: June 2021 Security Patch] Realme X7 Update Tracker

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro grabs Android 11 One UI 3.1 update

After cultivating the latest stable channel and customized skin to its current devices, Samsung is looking at its older flagships. Following Galaxy XCover 4s, Galaxy A20e, Galaxy Tab S5e, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro is receiving the Android 11 update along with One UI 3.1 on top. The tab was released in 2019 with Android 9.0 (Pie) pre-installed.

Galaxy Tab Active Pro

Must see: Download Android 11 Wallpapers fresh out of the box

The fresh build for the Galaxy Tab Active Pro bears the firmware version T545XXU3CUF7_B2BF. As of now, the package is rolling out in Thailand, while the units in other regions remain in suspense. Apart from the Android 11 One UI 3.1 features, the package also inculcates the June 2021 Security Patch.

The official changelog regarding the update is not yet out. However, it will bring the new features of the operating system and Samsung's customized skin. Moreover, the update is expected to address some bugs, drive optimizations, and bring improvements to the system.

Concerning changes, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro will receive all the Android 11 features. It carries smart attributes like chat bubbles, smart device control panels, a native screen recorder, and much more. On top, it will bring One UI 3.1 traits. The latest stable skin includes improvements for Toolbars, Settings, Quick Panel, Notifications, and a lot more.

Also, it is to be noted that Galaxy Tab Active Pro was launched in 2019 with Android 9 Pie. This is the second major OS update for the device. Therefore, the phone will only receive the regular security patch levels, not any major OS update in the future.

As always, the OTA update is having a phase-wise rollout. Accordingly, it may take some time to hit all Verizon Galaxy Tab Active Pro units. But, as always, you can manually check for the build via Settings -> Software update -> Check for updates.
Related: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 arrives on FCC with 5G support

Asus ROG Phone 5 receives a new update with Improved stability

Asus unveiled the ROG Phone 5 a couple of months back this year. The company is leaving no stone unturned to keep the gaming experience alive with the device. Since the launch, the ROG Phone 5 has received a handful of updates that bought a bunch of fixes, optimizations, and new additions. Once again, the smartphone is grabbing a new software update that improves its system stability.

 ROG Phone 5
Make sure to visit: Google Chrome to probably get a consolidated share menu soon

The latest software update for the high-end smartphone arrives on firmware version JP_18.0840.2104.56. Concluding from the 'JP' in the number, the software is presently live in Japan. The ROG Phone 5 units in other regions will hopefully get a similar treatment by next week.

Asus is one of the few companies in the gaming hardware business, the ROG series has been its feather on the cap. The introduction of ROG Phone 5 boosted up the gaming segment. Moreover, the device can handle extensive gaming hours, media playback, and any other activity along with super-responsive touch.

Regarding changes, the new build furthermore enhances the devices' stability during the gameplay to provide a more seamless experience. After flashing the update, the minor bugs or drawbacks that hindered the gaming hours will not be a trouble anymore.

Changelog



  • Improved stability during gameplay


As most of the updates take place, this FOTA build is also unfurling to different serial numbers by batches. Accordingly, it may take a while to reach out to your device. Alternatively, you can navigate the update by tapping Settings > System updates > System, here check if there is new firmware available is available to you.
Read more: Asus will commence the Android 12 Beta update program once Google releases Stable build

Redmi Note 8 (2021) start receiving stable MIUI 12.5 update

It seems like Xiaomi has shot up its speed to release its latest stable skin for its flagships. So far, a handful of devices including Mi Max 3, Mi 11X Pro, Mi 9 Pro 5G, and several others have bagged the new software this week. It's not been even a month since the launch of the Redmi Note 8 (2021), it is inculcating the new MIUI 12.5 update.

Redmi Note 8 (2021)

Make sure to visit: Download Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Mi MIX Fold wallpapers

The latest build for the 2021 variant of Redmi Note 8 arrives on firmware version V12.5.1.0.RCUEUXM. From the 'EU', we can draw that it is currently limited to Europe, while units in other regions will get similar treatment soon.

As far as features are concerned, MIUI 12.5 brings enhanced performance, UI tweaks, new animations, privacy features, an updated Notes app, and a lot more. Moreover, the changelog mentions that after flashing the build, the system has 20 times more rendering power. Take a look at the update log below.

Changelog



  • System

    • Gesture response is now instant

    • With 20x more rendering power, there are now few limits to what you can see on screen.

    • With custom adjustments based on the device model, any phone gets faster after the update.

    • MIUI becomes lighter, faster, and more durable.



  • Note

    • New: Compose mind maps with complex structures.

    • New: New tools for doodling and sketching.

    • New: Press and hold a sketch to automatically adjust strokes.



    • New: A gesture shortcut now lets you create notes, tasks, and excerpts anywhere.



    • New: Excerpts save text, URLs, and images in Notes with just a few taps.

    • New: Dynamic layouts take typography in Notes to a new level.




As always, the OTA update is rolling out in a phase-wise manner, taking more time to hit all units. Alternatively, the users from Europe can track the build via Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates. Furthermore, you can also follow below to download and flash the update file manually.

Downloads



  • Device: Redmi Note 8 (2021)

  • Channel: Stable

  • Region: Europe

  • Android: 11

  • Version: MIUI 12.5

  • Build: V12.5.1.0.RCUEUXM

  • File type: Recovery


Download Now


Note: Don’t prefer this method if you don’t know how to flash the update manually.

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Google announces a new Android smartphone and 5G partnership with Jio

Last year, Google announced its partnership with Reliance Jio. Today, Jio announced that it will introduce an affordable 5G Jio smartphone powered by Google Cloud. This device will power an extremely optimized version of the Android operating system. The smartphone developed with an alliance of both the giants will be called JioPhone Next.

JioPhone Next

Must see: Download Android Studio 4.2 New Features and Changes in the Bag

JioPhone Next was announced at the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries by Mukesh Ambani. The smartphone will support voice assistant, automatic read-aloud of screen text, language translation. Above all, it will provide access to the Google Play store.

JioPhone Next

With the covid-19 pandemic, our dependency on online services and information has increased. From education to work and entertainment, everything has become virtual. However, there are still a hundred million Indian users that still do not have access to the digital world. Keeping this in mind, the main motive to introduce an affordable smartphone is to make internet access easy for millions of users in India with Jio.
"Last year, Sundar and I had talked about Google and Jio co-developing a next-generation, feature-rich, but extremely affordable smartphone," says Ambani at the Reliance AGM.

JioPhone Next

Despite being an affordable smartphone, Jio and Google do not compromise with the features and camera quality. In fact, the device is likely to deliver a great camera experience. Furthermore, it will receive the latest Android feature and security updates constantly.

The smartphone is under development and will hit the Indian markets on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, September 10. Although the company says that it will be a budget-friendly device, the cost is not yet out. But it will be "the most affordable smartphone not just in India, but globally," says Ambani.

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

Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s gets Android 11 update with One UI 3.1

This year, Samsung promised four years of update support for all its flagships. Adhering to its words, the company is updating a 2019 launched device, Galaxy XCover 4s. The smartphone was launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box. Now, it is receiving its second major OS update with Android 11 along with One UI 3.1 on top.

Galaxy XCover 4s

Must see: Download Android 11 Wallpapers fresh out of the box

The latest software for the Galaxy XCover 4s can be identified by the firmware version G398FNXXUCCUF4. As of now, the build is limited to Poland, while the units in other regions will get similar treatment soon. Apart from the latest stable channel and skin, the package also brings the June 2021 security patch.

After flashing the update, the user will experience all-new Android 11 One UI 3.1 goodies. Android 11 brings a refreshed UI, chat bubbles, one-time permissions, smart device controls, and much more to your device. Furthermore, this along with the One UI 3.1 skin that includes improvements for Toolbars, Settings, Quick Panel, Notifications, and a lot more.

One UI 3.1

The software also brings improved Digital well-being, parental controls, Dynamic Lockscreen options, redesigned Device Care menu, improved Samsung Keyboard and Samsung Internet apps. Also, after flashing the update, the user can remove GPS location data from images while sharing them.

Also, it is to be noted that Galaxy XCover 4s was launched in 2019 with Android 9 Pie and this is the second major OS update for the device. Therefore, after this update, the phone will only receive the regular security patch levels.

The OTA update is having a phase-wise rollout in Poland. Accordingly, it may take some time to hit all the Galaxy XCover 4s units. But, as always, you can manually check for the build via Settings -> Software update -> Check for updates.
Related: Samsung sends Android 11 One UI 3.1 update to Galaxy A51 in the US