Google Duo is adapting a redesigned home screen with ‘New Call’ button

All the video calling platforms have seen an increasing number of users since last year. Everything from education, work to entertainment and social life shifted to the virtual side. Where every company is busy polishing its services, Google Duo seems to lag. Though Google is inclined towards the Meet app, it's been a while since the tech giant updated its most popular video calling app, Google Duo.

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After quite some time, Google Duo is receiving a new update with a home screen redesign. Alongside, there will be a “New Call” button that will perform every task. The button appears at the bottom-right corner of the page. Moreover, Google has added a top search field, whose function is to find contacts and dial them. While the remaining screen displays a grid of circular contacts.

As mentioned, the “New Call” button is there to do everything. That means the key action in the app like making a call and invoke the assistant can be done via this single button. Additionally, the user can also create groups and invite contacts. Further, tapping on a contact or group to message will enable the user to send multimedia files, notes, or pictures.

"Inspired by your feedback, we have taken steps to simplify the Duo home screen while keeping all the features you love," says Google.

This update makes the Google Duo app compact, sizeable, and easier to use. The fresh update has started to appear for some users, while a wider rollout will follow in the next few weeks. Keep in note that the update is initially rolling out to Android users and iOS devices will get a hit later.

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Xiaomi Mi 11 is getting updated with June 2021 security patch

Xiaomi Mi 11 was launched before the unveiling of its latest customized skin, MIUI 12.5. During the event, the company promised the up-gradation of the flagship with the new build. The Chinese giant kept its words and it seems Xiaomi is not done updating its current premium flagship. Yet again the company is sending another software update to the Mi 11 smartphone.

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The latest update for the Xiaomi Mi 11 is unfurling globally via firmware version V12.5.5.0.RKBMIXM. As far as changes are concerned, the new build will bring a new experience to your device. Moreover, it enhances privacy by incorporating a month-old patch, June 2021 into the device. Additionally, an issue where the Knuckle double-tap stopped working after Game Turbo had been turned off is fixed.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to June 2021. Increased system security.
  
  
  
  


• Other
  
  
  
  • Fix: Knuckle double-tap stopped working after Game Turbo had been turned off.
  
  
  
  

As usual, the OTA build is rolling out in stages and will hit your Xiaomi Mi 11 anytime soon. Alternatively, you can also track the package manually by heading to Settings > Software update > Check for update > tap on Download and install if the new version pops up.

Xiaomi Mi 11 acquired the MIUI 12.5 update in May 2021 accompanied by the April security patch. The update bought new features that added to the system performance and drove fixes for a couple of issues as well. To know precise details about this update, visit our dedicated article.

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Oppo A16 is finally official with Helio G35 chipset, All you need to know!

After an innumerable amount of leaks and rumors, Oppo A16 is finally official and has been announced in Indonesia. Before the launch, the smartphone appeared on several online websites including FCC, SIRIM, and NBTC. This listing gave us a hint of what we can expect from the device. But now that Oppo A16 is official, here are some in-depth details about the specs, pricing, and availability.

Must see: Download ColorOS System Launcher V11.1.00 for Oppo devices

Oppo A16 Specifications

Design: Like regular budget smartphones, Oppo A16 also flaunts a plastic body. The phone weighs 190g and the dimensions measures are 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4mm. You can grab the device in exotic color variants of Pearl Blue, Space Silver, and Crystal Black.

Display: Oppo A16 features a 6.52-inch LCD HD+ dewdrop notch display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The panel offers 720×1600 pixels resolution, 269 PPI, and 60Hz touch sampling rate. Additionally, the display has a typical setup to adjust light i.e; 1500:1 contrast ratio, 480 nits brightness, and an 88.7% screen-to-body ratio.

The rear side of Oppo A16 carries a rectangular-shaped module at the upper left corner to house the camera. The power button and volume rockers are placed on the right and left sides of the device respectively.



Processor and Storage: Under the hood, Oppo A16 equips an entry-level MediaTek chipset, Helio G35 SoC. Further, this is paired with 3GB LPDDR4x RAM and 32GB eMMC 5.1 internal storage. The configuration is expandable via a dedicated MicroSD card slot. The smartphone has Android 11 onboard tossed with Oppo's customized skin, ColorOS 11.1.

Camera: For Shooting purposes, Oppo A16 houses an 8MP lens on the front side that serves selfies and video calls. On the rear side, the device carries a triple camera setup consisting of a 13MP primary camera, a 2MP monochrome snapper, and a 2MP macro shooter.

Battery, Connectivity, and Sensors: Oppo A16 ships with a 5,000mAh battery that supports standard 10W charging over a USB Type-C port. To serve connectivity, the smartphone supports a 4G network with dual-SIM, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GNSS, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Moreover, Oppo A16 has standard sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass, and proximity sensor. To serve the security, the smartphone has a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Price and Availability

Oppo A16 is worth IDR 1,999,000 in Indonesia ($138). However, there are no words from the company regarding the availability of the device in other regions. Though as per leaks, the handset can be launched as Oppo A37 (2021) in some countries.

Read more: Oppo ColorOS 11 July 2021 roadmap: List of Eligible Smartphones

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[Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Galaxy Note 9 Updates Tracker

Samsung officially launched the Galaxy Note 9 in August 2018 with Android 8.1 Oreo. The phone features a 6.4-inch screen paired with 8GB RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Under the hood, it powers an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 chipset depending upon regions. In the shooting department, the phone houses a 12MP dual rear camera and an 8MP front snapper.

[caption id="attachment_109498" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Samsung Galaxy Note 9[/caption]

Must see: Download Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stock Wallpapers for Free

Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated regularly with the latest update releases for the Galaxy Note 9.

Galaxy Note 9 Updates Tracker

• [July 16, 2021]: The Verizon and T-Mobile variants of Galaxy Note 9 are grabbing the July 2021 security patch. The fresh update weighs almost 170MB and arrives on firmware version QP1A.190711.020.N960USQS9FUF1. The update does not carry anything special but it resolved almost 20 privacy and security-related risks.


• [June 9, 2021]: The Unlocked variants of Galaxy Note 9 in the USA are grabbing a new software update. The latest update for the Galaxy Note 9 in the US arrives on firmware version N960U1UEU8FUE1. Talking about the changes, the package brings improvements in system performance. Also, it is accompanied by the current security maintenance, June 2021 patch. To know about more features the build carries, visit our dedicated article.


• [April 19, 2021]: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is now finally receiving the April 2021 security patch update. The new update of the smartphone carries the firmware version N9600ZHS7FUD1. Presently, the build is unfurling in South Africa and China, while the units in other regions will get similar treatment soon. The update is a minor bump and does not add anything special.


• [March 24, 2021]: The Galaxy Note 9 has started tasting the March 2021 Security Patch. The build version N960NKSU3FUC1 can identify the update, and it is currently available to the unlocked and carrier variants (KT and SKT) in South Korea. The package incorporates three vulnerabilities fixes that are related to the Exynos 990 processor. Additionally, it also includes the 16 other vulnerabilities related to Galaxy devices.


• [July 10, 2020]: Samsung is rolling out the July security update to the Galaxy Note 9. It is to note that this particular update is initially available for users in Germany and comes with firmware version N960FXXS6ETG1. The company will be rolling out the update to other markets pretty soon. July security update addresses several Android OS and Galaxy series-specific vulnerabilities. Head here to know further improvements the build carries.


• [June 11, 2020]: The Galaxy Note 9 received the latest May 2020 security patch. Now, the company has started rolling out One UI 2.1 for the Galaxy Note 9 in Germany. firmware version N960FXXU5ETF5. The new UI includes features like Quick Share, camera improvements, and more. For precise details and features of the package, click here.


• [May 15, 2020]: The unlocked Galaxy Note 9S is receiving May 2020 security patch update in the US. The smartphone is receiving a new update with firmware version N960U1UES4DTD1. Apart from the May 2020 Security patch, the update does not feature any extra amenities for the device.


• [May 13, 2020]: The Korean giant is rolling out May 2020 security patch update for Galaxy Note 9. The new update for the Galaxy Note 9 is now rolling out in Germany with the firmware version N960FXXS5DTE2. Apart from the usual fixes, the new firmware adds some fixes to improve the overall stability of the smartphone. Click here to know more.


• [April 2, 2020]: Samsung’s starts rolling out April security patch on its 2018 flagship Galaxy Note 9. The update comes with firmware version N960FXXU5DTCA and weighs about 468.26 MB in size. The video shooting is also and general camera performance is also improved. There are UI changes like the power button is seen in the notification area you can see that in the photo. Head here to know the precise details.


• [February 3, 2020]: The US Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is now receiving the Android 10 update. The Galaxy Note 9 bearing model number SM-N960U1 has started receiving the over-the-air update in the US. The update with the firmware version N960U1UEU3DTA5 weighs over 1.9GB in size. Along with the luxuries of Android 10, the company also packed the January Security patch 2020. Know the exciting Android 10 features here.


• [October 19, 2018]: Samsung finally starts rolling out Android Security Patch for the month of October on its Galaxy Note 9. The update weighs 67.5MB in size and comes with the firmware version N960FXXS2ARJ4. It includes the October Security Patch along with some improvements in the performance of the device. The patch includes the fixes for 2 Android OS critical vulnerabilities. However, Samsung has also added corrections for 11 vulnerabilities found in its own software.


• [September 12, 2018]: The Note 9 users have reported that they have been receiving September 2020 security updates. The update carries the firmware version N960FXXS2ARH6 in the Baltic region, Romania, Bulgaria Slovakia, etc. It fixes some existing bugs and also updates the latest September security patch. The update also enhances the performance of the device by solving those vulnerabilities.

As the update is having a phase-wise rollout, it may take some time to reach all the units. In the meantime, you can head to Settings > Software updates > Security updates to check the update manually. We also suggest you switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid data charges.

Related: [Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy M11 Update Tracker

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The latest update for Galaxy Watch 3 enhances SpO2 function

Samsung always finds a way to keep its products updated. Be it smartphones or watches, it takes care of all. Where the company is preparing to launch Galaxy Watch 4, it has not forgotten its older wearables. Recently, Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3 got a new software update. Yet again, the latter one is grabbing another build.

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The fresh build for the Galaxy Watch 3 is arriving via the R845FXXU1DUE4 firmware version. The update is live in India that weighs around 780MB in size. The package enhances the overall quality of the wearable. Though it mainly emphasizes increasing the accuracy of the blood oxygen measurement (SpO2 level) and provide better results.

FYI, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is the first wearable from Samsung that has SpO2 function on board. Furthermore, the changelog mentions the addition of a voice coach function or voice guidance support. The feature guides the user during exercise through the connected device. Galaxy Watch Active 2 users have already had this function available since last year.

What's New?

• Voice guidance is provided via a headset connected to the mobile when exercising with a watch.


• Voice guidance is provided for traveled distance and HR data when the Auto Lap feature is enabled during Running/Cycling.


• Improved Blood Oxygen management.


• Improved system stability and reliability.

If the users of Galaxy Watch 3 in India are connected to a smartwatch (via wearable app), they will receive a notification automatically. The update can also be checked manually by heading over to the Wearable application’s software updates section. Make sure to connect your Galaxy Watch to any smartphone via the Wearable app before doing this step.

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OnePlus Nord N10 5G is receiving an Android 11 update

Last year in November, OnePlus released the Nord N10 5G with Android 10 pre-installed. According to the timeline framed by the company, the smartphone is eligible to grab only one single major update apart from the three years of security maintenance. After marking enough time, the Nord N10 5G users are finally grabbing the Android 11 update.

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This is the one and only OS update for the Nord N10 5G smartphone that arrives on the firmware version BE2025_17_210623. However, there has been no official announcement by OnePlus regarding the new update. Accordingly, the changelog is still not revealed. Though, June 2021 security patch is accompanying the package.

Concerning changes, Android 11 adds a handful of new features, enhancements, optimizations, and better privacy controls to the smartphone. This includes redesigned UI, chat bubbles, native screen recorder, enhanced dark theme, one-time permissions, smart device controls, dedicated conversation area in the notification panel, and a whole lot more.

Though the Nord N10 5G lacks support from the OnePlus team, we expect the wider rollout of the update to take place soon. Also, as this is the only update the device will receive, we can expect extra features to unfurl.

Despite this fact, the Chinese giant is slow in sending out regular security patches to the smartphone. Following OxygenOS 10.5.11 along with the March security patch, the last update for the device arrived in May with OxygenOS 10.5.13 for European and Global markets.

Read more: OnePlus Watch latest update refreshes the UI and fixed the erratic GPS issue

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Gboard color theme syncs with the wallpaper on Android 12

At Google I/O 2021, the company divulged the new Android 12 design called “Material You.“ The theme is all based on personalization. Also, there's an engine code-named “monet” which generates a palette of color based on your home screen wallpaper to use as a system theme. Accordingly, Gboard on Android 12 is bringing support for syncing the keyboard theme with the wallpaper colors.

Make sure to visit: Download the Windows 11 wallpapers in high quality from here

To be more precise, Gboard will collect color from the wallpaper and apply the respective theme on the keyboard. Google recently released the Android 12 Beta 3 for Pixel users. But, this functionality is not related to this as the feature was already present. After successfully crossing the testing stage, the feature is finally rolling out to Pixel users.

This is the new addition to the Android 12 “monet” theme which optimizes the overall UI, all based on your wallpaper. As of now, the functionality can only be seen on Google’s own smartphone. While the other Android users will have to wait to see this new wallpaper-based theming system. As per Google, the Android 12 monet theme will be one of the major revamps to the Android UI in several years.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Gboard " ids="117057,117058,117059,117060"]

Once this feature makes way, the user will see a new “Dynamic color” theme under the Google Keyboard app theme settings. Moreover, it will be worth watching how different custom OEM skins will handle this theming system.

The last update for the Gboard was when Google released the keyboard to Wear OS first time in years. This drove in several features including speech recognition, swipe to write, and much more. Following this was an upgrade that allowed easy access to the objects in the clipboard, that too without opening the menu.

Read more: The new Google Recorder update adds support for more English dialects

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[Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Galaxy Note 10 series Updates Tracker

Samsung released the Galaxy Note 10 lineup in August 2019. There are 5 flagships in the Note 10 series, one of which was a 5G variant of the original Note 10. Like every other flagship, these devices sported the latest Android 9 Pie and powerful hardware of early 2019. This includes Snapdragon 855, dual band Wi-Fi, BlueTooth 5.0, Gorilla Glass 6, UFS 2.1 storage, 8-12 gigs of RAM, and much more. 

Must see: How to disable Integrated Ads in Samsung Music App?

Note: This is an updates tracker and will be updated regularly with the Galaxy Note10 series updates.

Galaxy Note 10 series Updates Tracker

• [July 16th, 2021]: July 2021 security patch is rolling out to the unlocked variants of Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+. The latest update arrives on firmware version N97xU1UES6FUF1 in the USA on AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Comcast, Sprint, Tracfone, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile’s networks. According to Samsung's documentation, it fixes the Bluetooth-related risk and other 20 vulnerabilities. Moreover, the Android Auto bug is also addressed via this package.


• [June 10, 2021]: The Verizon-based Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus smartphone is grabbing the June 2021 Security Patch. The update can be identified by versions N970USQS6FUE3 and N975USQS6FUE3 respectively. Apart from these, the 5G variant of Note 10+ will grab N976VVRS6FUE3. As it is a security patch update, it might include Optimizations, Bug fixes, and improvements. Head here to know more details about this build.


• [April 15, 2021]: Samsung has diverted its eyes to Verizon‘s Galaxy Note 10 series. The new software brings enhancements to the system, fixes for some bugs, and new camera features. Additionally, it is accompanied by the latest, April 2021 Android security patch. Talking about the features and other details, visit our dedicated article.


• [March 23, 2021]: Samsung started seeding out One UI 3.1 to Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ users in Canada. The latest software carries the build version N970WVLU6FUBH for Galaxy Note 10 while the Galaxy Note 10+ update can be identified with version number N975WVLU6FUBH. The package brings all the One UI 3.1 goodies and more features. T know further details, click here.


• [March 17, 2021]: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 on Verizon and AT&T network is receiving the One UI 3.1 update. The new update carries firmware version N97xUSQU6FUBH for Galaxy Note 10 models. Along with a bundle of new features, the build also enhances privacy by introducing the March 2021 security patch. Tap here to know what exciting this package carries.


• [March 3, 2021]: Galaxy Note 10 Lite is grabbing a new update with One UI 3.1 skin. The update is unfurling in France via Firmware version N770FXXU7EUB3. Also, it brings the latest March 2021 security patch. Though there is no official update log published, but you can see here what features arrive with the latest skin.


• [February 16, 2021]: Samsung has started seeding out the February 2021 Security patch update to the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+. Identified by the firmware version N97xFXXS6EUB2 is rolling out in many countries. The security patch brings various new fixes to enhance the overall security of the device. It even improves the performance and stabilizes the device.


• [January 22, 2021]: The Korean giant has now started rolling out the January 2021 update to the Galaxy Note 10+. The update is currently being rolled out in phases in a few countries via firmware version N975FXXU6EUA5. The update increases the overall system stability, performance, and security of the device. Apart from the security patch, the brand has mentioned that the update fixes certain bugs.


• [August 2, 2020]: Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10 + has started receiving the Security Patch update for the month of August 2020. The update is unfurling in Germany via the N97xFXXS6CTGA Firmware version which weighs around 169MB in size. Apart from the latest Security Patch, bug fixes, enhancements, the company has not mentioned the features in the Changelog.


• [June 15, 2020]: Samsung has started rolling out the June 2020 Security patch update. The new build is rolling out in Spain with the firmware version N770FXXU3BTF1. This is a minor bump and does not bring any new additions to the smartphone. Though, internally, it enhances privacy and reduces the risk from various vectors.


• [June 12, 2020]: Note 10 Lite is getting the latest June security patch in various countries. Additionally, the device is also receiving the One UI 2.1 update in India. The newer update comes with the firmware version N770FXXU3BTE5. It brings new features like AR emojis, Custom Filters, Single take and Pro modes for the camera, and more. This update also includes Quick Share and Music share options. Additionally, users can use a revamped keyboard with support for undo/redo, AR Emojis, and multilingual translation. Visit our dedicated page for more information.


• [February 28, 2020]: Starting from Germany, Samsung is seeding a new update for Galaxy Note 10 in various European countries. The new firmware version N97FXXU2BTB5, N975FXXU2BTB3, and N975FOXM2BTB3 are now available on respective Galaxy Note 10 variants. It brings improved face to unlock recognition and also improved gesture navigation along with other changes. Also, the build enhances overall system stability with several bug fixes on the board. For precise details on this update, head here.

As the update is having a phase-wise rollout, it may take some time to reach all the units. Meanwhile, you can head to Settings > So

ftware updates > Security updates to check the update manually. We also suggest you switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid data charges.

Related: [Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy M11 Update Tracker

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Motorola Moto G 5G is finally receiving the Android 11 update

Motorola update train is moving in its own good time. The Lenovo-owned firm is cultivating Android 11 to the Moto G 5G smartphone. The device was launched last year in November with Snapdragon 750G 5G powered by Android 10 out of the box. In Fact, Moto G 5G is one of the early devices built on 5G technology.

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The Android 11 update for Moto G 5G can be identified by build version RRV31.Q2-36-14-14. Concluding from the number, the firmware seems to be rolling out in the USA. Though, the official changelog is currently not available.

However, the Android 11 update usually includes features like chat bubbles, easy conversations, smart device control, one-time permissions, enhanced dark theme mode, native screen recorder, smart media controls, and much more. The latest security patch, June or July 2021 can also be a part of this software update.

Hopefully, the company will toss it with some under the hood performance improvements,  new animation, some internal enhancements, extra features, and bug fixes for the device. Additionally, the own goodies by the giant like Moto Gametime, Moto Audio, and equalizer are also likely to arrive with the package.

Also, there’s no information available right now about the wider release. However, we can expect it shortly in the coming days. Motorola G 5G users from the United States can see a notification if the update reaches their device. Alternatively, the user can also manually track the update. To do this head to Settings > About > Software update > Check update, tap on Download and install if the build is available.

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