The latest Telegram update brings a dozen of new features

We all are aware of the extensive features that Telegram offers. Today, the open-source platform is rolling out a major update that affects almost everything. From video playback speed to new emojis, nothing is untouched. There's not a single thing the new software brings, it's a box full of surprises!

Must see: How to Setup Insignia TV

The fresh Telegram 7.9.0 is live and available to download for Android users via Google Play Store. It adds a dozen of exciting new features including animated emojis, auto-delete, new drawing tools, and much more. let's take a look into detail.

• Video playback speed: With this feature, you can now fast forward the video from different speeds available that include 0.5x, 1.5x, and 2x. To change the video speed, tap on the 3-dot menu icon and choose an option. Moreover, if you want to show your friend a spot within a video, timestamp the video by replaying with that time. This will add a link that you can share with anyone.


• Auto-delete of messages: Though the option was already present, there's something new. You can now see a 1-month option alongside the previous 1-day or 1-week alternative. As before, open the chat and tap on the 3-dot menu button > “Clear history,” and then select 1-month.
  


• Group Video Calls 2.0: You can now add up to 30 video feeds and 1,000 viewers in a group video call. As per Telegram, the team will continue to expand this limit more with future updates.


• Screen sharing with sound: This implies that you can now share your screen with a friend and they can play audio from your device. To do this while on a video call, tap on the camera icon and select your screen as a source.


• Video Messages 2.0: The new video messages are now in high resolution. Plus, you can tap-to-expand to view and pinch-to-zoom while recording. Additionally, you can also pause, rewind, and fast forward the video and use a track from your device to record.


• The media editor: You now have more options when drawing on a picture. To be precise, the width of the pen can be adjusted accordingly. If you are using Telegram on a desktop, the media editor allows you to add drawings or stickers along with crop, rotate, or flip images options. Send this document as an uncompressed file if you don't want to negotiate with the quality.

Additional Features

• New in-app camera for iOS users


• Practice your two-step verification


• Added new animated emojis
  


• The animations on the passcode page are enhanced


• Added a new password reset option to recover your account.

Related: WhatsApp Upcoming Features: Multi-Device Support, View-Once Disappearing Feature, and more

Read more »

Specs Comparison: OnePlus Nord 2 5g v/s OnePlus 9R

OnePlus launched the OnePlus 9 series at the end of Q3 2021. Along with the standard smartphone, the lineup consists of two other devices namely, the OnePlus 9 Pro and the OnePlus 9R. Following this is the recently launched OnePlus Nord 2 5G. Here we will compare the cheapest model of the OnePlus 9 series i.e; OnePlus 9R and OnePlus Nord 2 5G.

Must see: Download OnePlus 9 Live wallpapers for any Android Phone

Starting with the similarities, both devices weigh 189g with Gorilla Glass 5 front and back protection. OnePlus Nord 2 5g and OnePlus 9R offers a Fluid AMOLED panel with 1080 x 2400 pixels density and a 20:9 screen-to-body ratio. Under the hood, the duo powers Android 11 onboard paired with up to 256GB storage and 12GB RAM.

The other common specs include dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, under-display fingerprint sensor, and 4,500 mAh battery with 65W of Fast charging capacity.

Heading to differences, the OnePlus Nord 2 5g and OnePlus 9R differ in terms of screen size, processor, camera, and a few more. Here are the precise details.

OnePlus Nord 2 5g v/s OnePlus 9R

[table id=14 /]

Related: Comparison: MediaTek Helio G90T Vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G

Read more »

Comparison : Redmi Note 10 5G v/s Realme Narzo 30 5G v/s Galaxy A22 5G

This year, Redmi, Realme, and Samsung released their mid-rangers namely: Note 10 5G, Narzo 30 5G, and Galaxy A22 5G. The trio is built with a plastic frame and a panel that features a 90Hz refresh rate. Further, the display offers a 1080 x 2400 pixels density and 20:9 screen-to-body ratio. Let's take a deeper look into the other details of smartphones.

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

Under the hood, Redmi Note 10 5G, Realme Narzo 30 5G, and Galaxy A22 5G equip Android 11. The devices powers an octa-core processor-based MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G (7 nm) chipset paired with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. For shooting purposes, the devices equip a single front and triple rear camera module consisting of a 64MP primary sensor. However, the quality of other lenses does differ.

The other identical specs include a 5000 mAh battery and basic connectivity like dual-band Wi-Fi, 3.5mm jack, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0. Moreover, the smartphones offer side-mounted fingerprint sensors along with an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.

Now that we know about the similarities, let's focus on what basis the Redmi Note 10 5G, Realme Narzo 30 5G, and Galaxy A22 5G differ.

Redmi Note 10 5G v/s Realme Narzo 30 5G v/s Galaxy A22 5G

[table id=15 /]

Hope this evaluation proves to be helpful and you got the information you are looking for

Related: Comparing the twins: Oppo Reno 6Z v/s Oppo Reno 6 5G

Read more »

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

Read more »

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

Read more »

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

Read more »

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

Read more »

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

Read more »

[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

Read more »