Google Contacts update on Android 12 adopts Material You theme

Android 12 is all based on the “Material You” theme which is all based on personalization. Accompanying this is an engine code-named “monet” that brings a palette of color based on your home screen wallpaper. Google is steadily adopting all apps to the theme as the stable version is approaching. Following the Gboard app, now, Google Contacts on Android 12 is now adopting the Material You theme

Make sure to visit: Google may bring new Search and Downloads sections to YouTube Music

The fresh update to the Google Contacts apps is rolling out that bumps the version to 3.50. Keep in note that the new version is only rolling out to those testing Android 12 Beta. After flashing the update, the Contacts app will open and display colors extracted from the wallpaper.

Moreover, the search bar, add a new contact, and edit contact buttons have changed majorly. All of these options now generate a design that is synced with the Android 12’s “monet” theming system. Look at the pictures below for clear reference.

[gallery size="large" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Google Contacts" link="file" ids="117457,117458,117459,117460,117461,117462"]

Also, keep in note that Google Contacts will not look the same for everyone as the theme is all based on personalization. Based on the user's wallpaper, the system will extract the colors accordingly. Also, the user can further customize the colors and apply them.

As usual, the functionality can only be seen on Google’s own smartphone as of now. While the other Android smartphone users will have to wait to see this new wallpaper-based theming system.

Read more: Samsung started the development of Android 12 for the Galaxy S21 series

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The Google TV setup app is now available in the Play Store

Smart TVs are the new option that serves browsing, gaming, entertainment, media, and much more on a big screen. Setting up the new Chromecast with Google TV is an effortless process. All you have to do is select language, connect to Wi-Fi, log into the Google account, and choose your default streaming apps. Apparently, Google is making it simpler by introducing a Google TV setup app, which is now available on the Play Store.

Must see: The latest Play Store update allows downloading Wear OS apps directly from the phone

Although, there is not much to this app. But the users can flash the latest Chromecast along with the Google TV interface and update the toll. The setup app enables the user to add, remove, or replace the streaming apps easily with a single tap on the handset instead of navigating from a remote.

In case you are still confused about how you can set up your Android TV through a smartphone, follow the below steps:

Connect Android TV

• Plugin and switch on your Android TV.


• In case your TV does not support Android by default, connect your TV to an HDMI cable through the respective port.

Set up Android TV

• You can simply follow the on-screen instructions via the remote control or;


• Open the Google app on your Android device


• Tap on 'set up my device'


• Follow the instructions on the phone


• Thereafter, you will get a code, enter the code on Android TV


• Select the name of the TV on the smartphone


• After this step, your TV will automatically sign in to your Google Account and will connect to the same Wi-Fi as your Android device.


• And finally, finish the set up by following instructions appearing on the TV

Read more: Google Drive for Android gets audio playback speed and notification controls

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OnePlus Nord CE 5G gets another update with OxygenOS 11.0.5.5

OnePlus unveiled the Nord CE 5G smartphone last month with Android 11 based OxygenOS 11 on top. So far, the device has received a couple of updates which added OxygenOS 11.0.2.2 and OxygenOS 11.0.4.4. Yet again, the company is releasing another update within the same month that brings OxygenOS 11.0.5.5.

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Edition wallpapers, ringtones, and more

However, the update has not been officially confirmed by OnePlus, but several users have received it already. As posted by a user on the OnePlus community forum, the build is arriving on 11.0.5.5.EB13DA firmware version. From the number, we can conclude that the package is unfurling in India.

Talking about the changes, the fresh update brings improvements in the camera and system app. Precisely, the overheating issue of the device is optimized along with several other bug fixes. Moreover, the picture clarity, quality, and stability are enhanced in different modes.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Optimized overheating control management
  
  
  • Improved the stability and fixed known bugs
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Improved the image clarity and stability
  
  
  • Improved the white balance consistency for better imaging uniformity
  
  
  • Improved the imaging quality of Nightscape
  
  
  
  

As usual, the OTA update is currently limited to India and will roll out to other regions soon. Accordingly, it will hit a limited number of users initially. A border rollout will follow after making sure there are no critical bugs. Alternatively, you can also track the update manually by heading to Settings > About > Software updates.

Read more: OnePlus 7 & 7 Pro are grabbing a new update with OxygenOS 11.0.2.1

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Kiwi Browser new update allows the user to turn off grid layout

Google released Chrome 91 this year which set the grid layout as a default option. Though the company was planning this for a couple of years. Initially, the feature was available after enabling certain experimental flags. But with Chrome 91, even the option to disable the flag was gone out of reach.

Make sure to visit: Google Chrome 92 Beta is now available to download

Kiwi Browser bagged an update this month which was based on Chromium 93. The software allows the user to switch back to the previous design and dump the grid layout. The fresh update bumps the version to v93.0.4577.18 which enables the user to switch tabs in the old style on a new Chromium base.

Moreover, Google even took off the old layout from the Chromium code. This step forbids the third-party browsers from inheriting the old style as an option. On the contradictory, the latest update for the Kiwi browser again brings back the ability to turn off the grid layout option.



To quote it in simple words, the new Kiwi browser update will enable users to choose from both verticle tab and horizontal tab layout. You can flash the new update directly from the Google Play Store or by tapping the button below.

Download Kiwi Browser (v93.0.4577.18)

The latest update for Google Chrome bought new features including a screenshot, photo editor, and Google Lens on desktop. Alongside, there were several other changes through the Chromium Gerrit. To know more details about these features, visit our dedicated article.

Read more: Google Drive for Android gets audio playback speed and notification controls

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Android Studio Arctic Fox is now official to download with V2020.3.1

Google today released Android Studio Arctic Fox and Jetpack Compose 1.0 in a stable channel. For those unaware, these are Android's new tools to build a native user interface. Moreover, the stable arrival emphasizes all Android-powered devices including Wear OS.

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

Jetpack Compose 1.0 was supposed to release in May as announced by Google. The platform offers a variety of productivity features like Background Task Manager. This implies that the developers can now create high-end apps faster. Alongside, there is a list of other changes that will help to work more efficiently:

• Create previews of multiple components of your Compose UI


• Added Compose support to the Layout Inspector


• Enables deploying snippets of your Compose code directly to a device


• Added Live Editing of literals


• New Wear OS pairing assistant to simplify the pairing of Wear OS


• Added support for the Heart Rate Sensor API


• Added the newest Google TV Remote Control features and updated the Google TV system images


• Enabled the emulator to use car sensor data


• Updated all templates to support landscape out of the box


• Added new features to help you keep innovating and building amazing apps.


• Added an Accessibility Scanner for Layout Editor


• Added preview support for Apple Silicon (arm64) hardware and extended the emulator controls for wider coverage


• Added new Background Task Inspector.

Regarding Android Studio Arctic Fox, the platform was in the Beta stage before. The testing added new features like Accessibility Scanner, full support for Jetpack Compose, native support for M1 Macs, Test Matrix, along with a bundle of bug fixes.

Read more: Chrome gets Screenshot, Editor; Google Lens features on desktop

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[Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Xiaomi Mi 11 Series Updates Tracker

Xiaomi released the Mi 11 Series smartphones this year, including Mi 11, Mi 11 Lite, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11i, and Mi 11 Ultra. The smartphones features AMOLED, 1B colors screen. Under the hood, the lineup equips the latest stable channel, Android 11. There are plenty of differences in the family but we will focus on the updates the handsets have received.

Must see: Download MIUI 12 Global ROM for Select Xiaomi devices

Notes: This is an update tracker and will be updated with every build released for the Xiaomi Mi 11 smartphones.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Series Updates Tracker

• [July 29, 2021]: Xiaomi Mi 11i smartphone is receiving a new stable software update. The build arrives with firmware version V12.5.4.0.RKKEUXM. The version brings the current security maintenance, July 2021 to the device. This is a minor bump that does not carry any new additions.


• [July 19, 2021]: Xiaomi is sending another software update to the Mi 11 smartphone.The latest update is unfurling globally via firmware version V12.5.5.0.RKBMIXM. The update enhances privacy by incorporating June 2021 security patch. Additionally, an issue where the Knuckle double-tap stopped working after Game Turbo had been turned off is fixed. Tap here for detailed information.


• [July 9, 2021]: Mi 11 Ultra is getting an update with MIUI 12.5.2.0.As of now, the stable update is unfurling in India. The fresh skin can be identified by firmware version V12.5.2.0.RKAINXM weighs around 760MB in size. As far as features are concerned, Xiaomi has issued a precise changelog. To read that, click here.


• [July 6, 2021]: The latest handset to join the long MIUI 12.5 update list is the Xiaomi Mi 11i. The latest update is unfurling globally via firmware version V12.5.1.0.RKKMIXM. As far as changes are concerned, the new skin will bring a new experience to your device. Moreover, this package also carries the June 2021 security patch. Visit our dedicated article for precise details.


• [July 6, 2021]: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite EU and Global variant are grabbing MIUI 12.5.3 update. The latest update is currently rolling out for European and Global variants of the smartphone. The software bears the firmware version V12.5.3.0.RKQEUXM. Talking about the changes, the new skin gives 20 times more power to the device. Tap here to know what exciting the package carries.


• [May 20, 2021]: Xiaomi Mi 11 is finally acquiring the MIUI 12.5 update in Europe.The fresh skin can be identified by firmware version 12.5.1.0.RKBEUXM weighs 656MB in size. Along with the latest customized features, it incorporates the last month’s Android security patch by Google, April 2021. Click here to know more about the new update.

You may have to wait as the update is having a phase-wise rollout. Therefore it will take some time to hit all units. Alternatively, you can head over to Settings > Software update > Check for updates to track the package manually.

Related: [Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/ 8 Pro Updates Tracker

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is under testing for One UI 3.1.1 skin

Samsung has officially confirmed the arrival of its next customized skin, One UI 4. According to the company, the first beta for the new skin will be released in September. Meanwhile, the Korean giant has started testing an upgraded version of One UI 3.1, One UI 3.1.1 for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphones.

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

The new One UI 3.1.1 Skin for the Fold 2 will arrive through the firmware version F916NKSU1DUG7 in its home country. Though the number may differ for the variants in other regions. The beta is presently limited to Korea, and will probably expand soon to other countries as well. 

As per our expectations, the public release and timeline for the rollout of the skin will follow after the Unpacked Galaxy August 2021 event. However, the fresh features of the bumped skin are still undercover. But as One UI 4 is going to start its journey soon, the One UI 3.1.1 is unlikely to be a major overhaul. 

Moreover, as per the fresh reports, the upcoming Samsung foldable, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 will have One UI 3.1.1 Skin onboard based on Android 11. 

The One UI 3.1 update for Galaxy Z Fold 2 arrived with a bunch of new additions and optimizations. For locked variants of T-mobile, the update bought the February security patch. On the other hand, the unlocked variants bagged March 2021 security update. To see what more the current stable skin inculcated in the device, visit our dedicated article.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and Watch 4 details surfaces via new Galaxy Wearable app update

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Asus ZenFone 8 Flip gets July 2021 security patch update

Since the launch of the ZenFone 8 series in May 2021, Asus is constant in sending updates to the duo. ZenFone 8 Flip is receiving a second software update this month. While the earlier one arrived with the May security patch, the current update inculcates the patch for the month of July.

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

The latest update for the Asus ZenFone 8 Flip is unfurling in several regions. The build bears the firmware version RU_30.11.55.66 for the model number ZS672KS. The major attraction of the device is its innovative flip shooter that gives professional-quality pictures. In fact, Asus says that ZenFone 8 Flip is the “ordinary to excel in everything”.

With this update, the image quality for the default camera app, Instagram, and Snapchat is more enhanced. Moreover, privacy is now strengthened with the current security maintenance. This ultimately optimizes the system stability and improves the performance of the smartphone.

Changelog

• Improved image quality for ASUS Camera, Instagram, and Snapchat


• Optimized system stability


• Updated Android security patch to 2021-07-05

Like all the other updates, the OTA build is also rolling out in a staged manner. Therefore, it may take more time to hit every unit in respective regions. If you have a ZenFone 8 Flip, you will receive a pop-up notification in a short span of time. Meanwhile, you can also flash the firmware manually by heading to Settings > System > System updates > Download and install.

Read more: Asus ZenFone 8 new update brings VoLTE and VoWiFi across several carriers and countries [30.11.51.67]

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OnePlus 9R receives OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 Update

Updating a smartphone is one way of keeping it brand new, and no one knows this better than OnePlus. OnePlus phones are meant for performance, and any update is significant for enthusiasts. The OnePlus 9R is one of the brand's latest models in the market. Keeping these flagships updated is crucial to the company. And now, the OnePlus 9R receives OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 update with no Ui uplifts or changes upfront. Still, there are enough changes under the hood to make your phone feel even better.

Related: OnePlus 7T and 7T Pro is receiving OxygenOS 11.0.2.1 update

The update will be available globally, and like always, OnePlus will distribute it in batches. As we said, there are minimal UI patches, and the actual changes lie under the hood. From critical stability improvements to mild touches for the UI, let's see what the update has to offer.

OnePlus 9R OxygenOS 11.2.4.4 Update

The update mainly focuses on stability and thermal improvements. My users reported excess heating while using certain apps. OnePlus had acknowledged the issue earlier and has optimized the overheating control management of third-party apps. The update comes with the latest Android security patch 2021.07 and GMS package 2021.06. OnePlus in their changelog, also mentioned that they've fixed known issues and optimized the Quick Reply experience. 

OnePlus has added the screenshot feature for AOD (Always-on Display) and the Bitmoji AOD. The company designed the Bitmoji AOD with some help from Snapchat & Bitmoji. The user can now set their Avatar in the AOD. Just in case if they need others to know who the owner is. 

Also Read: Best Custom ROMs for OnePlus 9 series

Like we said earlier, this OTA will reach the users in batches to avoid network traffic and widespread critical failures. As in the past, OnePlus always distribute the update to a small percentage of users at first. A broader rollout can be expected in the following days. 

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