Supported Pixel devices receive August 2021 security patch update

On the first Monday of every month, Google publishes a new Android Security Bulletin. Like before, this week's start is also arriving with a new Android Security Bulletin for August 2021. Alongside the details of the current security maintenance, the company has also teased the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro officially.

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The latest August 2021 Android security patch fixes a range of bugs ranging in severity from high to critical. Most of these bugs are the ones that affect closed-source vendor components from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and other processors.

The Android smartphones that are running the patch as of 5 August do contain these closed-source vendor components. While the devices running on the 1 August patch are prone to these risks. To know more about the latest Android Security Bulletin, head here. However, do note that you will not find any detailed write-ups of every patched vulnerability here.

Alongside addressing the vulnerabilities across all Android devices, the patch resolves some issues that exclusively affect the Pixel smartphones. These risks are listed in the August 2021 Pixel Update Bulletin. Read the details here.

The August 2021 security patch is rolling out to supported Pixel devices as of 2021-08-05. that include Pixel 3 XL and above flagships. Additionally, the patch also includes a fix that prevents the accidental invoke of the Google Assistant. Below are the firmware versions that carry the update for respective smartphones.

• 
  
  Pixel 3 (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1


• 
  
  Pixel 3a (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1


• 
  
  Pixel 4 (XL): RQ3A.210805.001.A1


• 
  
  Pixel 4a: RQ3A.210805.001.A1


• 
  
  Pixel 4a (5G): RQ3A.210805.001.A1


• 
  
  Pixel 5: RQ3A.210805.001.A1

The fresh update is unfurling to the supported Pixel handsets while you may have to wait in case you are using another device. Depending upon the OEM, the update could take some days or weeks to go live.

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Motorola XT2163-4 and XT2163DL arrives on FCC with NT40 battery

The Lenovo-owned company is once again caught preparing a set of new devices following the Motorola Aruba-21. The new Motorola XT2163-4 and XT2163DL have arrived on FCC ahead of their launch. The listing reveals some information about the upcoming smartphones. Here's what we know so far.

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The arrival of new Motorola handsets on FCC documentation reveals its model number XT2163-4 and XT2163DL. Furthermore, the listing does not divulge much information apart from the battery capacity and connectivity options available onboard. Reportedly, this could be the Moto Edge 20 series that was previously spotted on TENAA.

If it is the rumored Edge 20 duo, the device had already crossed the 3C and a few other certifications last month. Regarding connectivity, the phone equips 4G LTE, dual-band Wifi, and Bluetooth 5.2 as disclosed by the FCC documentation. The duo is likely to be a budget offering as they do not have a 5G or NFC cutout.

Moreover, the Motorola XT2163-4 and XT2163DL will be packed with a Tekk NT40 battery along with MC-101-106 model power adapter. However, the listing does not reveal the fast charging support details. To know the render leaks about the Motorola Edge 20 series, visit our dedicated article.

At the moment, this is all the information that we have on the upcoming Motorola XT2163-4 and XT2163DL in our hands. But, now that the smartphones have passed the FCC certification, they will hopefully arrive soon. We will make sure to keep you all posted as soon as we receive any further information about the soon-to-launch devices.

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Google Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro are official with a custom Tensor processor

With all the leaks and hype, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are now officially announced by Google and will launch later this fall. Looking at the pictures shared by the company, the smartphones look quite different from the previous flagships. Apart from the new design, Google has powered these devices with its own Tensor processor. Let's take a detailed look at Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

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Instead of the typical XL model, this time Google has decided to introduce a pro variant. Talking about the design, both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is almost the same apart from the difference in their screen size, camera lenses, and a few features. Moreover, unlike before, the camera bar runs across the width of the phones and houses bigger sensors.

The Pixel 6 duo features a dual-tone design with a blank left side, while the power and volume rockers are placed on the right side. The front side houses a punch-hole cutout for a selfie lens. Further, the smartphones will have in-display fingerprint scanners. Under the hood, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will equip Android 12 on board with Google's Material You design.

Talking about Google Pixel 6, the phone flaunts a matte aluminum finish that carries a 6.4-inch full-HD+ screen offering a 90Hz refresh rate. As per the images revealed, the rear side of the phone has a dual-camera module. However, the precise quality is not yet revealed.



Heading to the Pro variant, it features a polished aluminum frame that holds a 6.7-inch QHD+ display. The panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate with a triple camera sensor on the rear side. The camera is said to include a 4X optical-zoom folded telephoto lens alongside a standard wide-angle and secondary sensor. Also, the primary lens is likely to take in 150 percent more light for a higher quality picture.

This is all we know about the upcoming Pixel devices so far. Stay tuned with us for further updates.

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Google Chrome 92 stable release, here are the best features!

Google Chrome 91 release has a lot of bugs that were fixed with a minor upgrade over the stable channel. Of course, this caused a delay in the stable rollout of Chrome 92, where the beta version was already available in June 2021. But Google is now back on track and has announced Chrome 92 for mobile and desktop.

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The latest version of Chrome OS has some new features on board to enhance the user experience. Here are some of them!

Google Chrome OS 92 features

Dedicated emoji picker

Adding an emoji gives a sense of emotional shade to your simple boring text. Since the introduction, emojis are constantly expanding, providing you more options to express yourself. But sometimes it's difficult to find a perfect emoji from the whole bunch. To make it easier, Google has reframed the emoji picker for Chromebooks.

To try this on Chrome OS 92, rick-click on an empty text field and click the "Emoji" option at the top. To make it quicker, try pressing the Everything (Search), Shift, and Space keys on the keyboard.

Enhanced clipboard manager for tablets

The native clipboard manager has taken over the virtual keyboard with Chrome 92. Now you can quickly refer to the clipboard for the copied text or image. The Chromebook will keep up to five copied items on the track, including screenshots.

To try out this feature, tap on an empty space and click the new clipboard icon on the virtual keyboard.

Virtual desktops for Android and Linux apps

With Chrome OS 92, you can manage your task and the bunch of browser tabs cluttering up. Organizing is much easier now as you can create a dedicated desk for work, gaming, and so on. Moreover, virtual desktops will now allow assigning Android and Linux apps to all desks or to a specific one.

Clear your clutter simply by right-clicking on the app's window.

Voice recognition

Typing takes more time than speaking and it increases the chance of mistakes. Chrome OS 92 has a solution for this with its powerful speech-enabled notepad that has support for continuous dictation. Moreover, Google's speech recognition technology will serve as a cherry on the cake.

To enable the continuous dictation, Click on the "Accessibility" option in the system preferences and select "Manage accessibility features." In there, head to the "Keyboard and text input" section and toggle on "Enable dictation (speak to type)."

Use the device directly from the launcher

Chrome OS 92 is user-friendly even for those who are not well-versed with computers. Though the new version is already simple and easy to use. To make it more convenient, the launcher will extract information from the Explore app to help you with the desired task.

To ask for assistance, just type the question in the launcher to get it all started.

More capable Tote

Google is as usual taking its productivity to a next level with a new feature that will save a lot of time. Chrome zos 92 will integrate downloads from Android apps and Chrome's print to PDF functionality straight away in Tote.

To access your all downloads, simply tap on the Tote icon present next to the system tray on the taskbar.

Stay online from anywhere

Chrome OS 92 has eSIM support, making it easier to stay online and keep in touch with everyone. You can download settings and switch between carriers electronically on some compatible devices like the Acer Chromebook Spin 513

To enable eSIM, visit the "Network section" of system preferences and look for "Mobile data" to add a connection. Alternatively, you can also set up a new cellular network by using a QR Code.

New wallpapers

Three artists, Aurelia Durand, Sabrena Khadija, and Meech Boakye have come up with a new set of wallpaper for Chrome OS 92. The theme is all based on togetherness with a blend of bold geometry. The figures portray pride, self-expression, and more indicating an inclusive future ahead for all.

To check out these wallpapers, right-click on the desktop and select "Set wallpaper."

Additional Changes

• keep always-on VPN without help from Android or Linux. After configuring a VPN, toggle "Always-on VPN" under VPN preferences


• Ability to create searchable PDFs. Convert the scanned document into searchable text.


• Linux app support on Chrome OS is finally stable after three years of the announcement.


• For the Family Link users in the US, Explore app on Chromebooks offers a digital magazine crafted for kids


• Enable live Caption in Chrome OS 92 by visiting Accessibility settings > Captions.

• The camera app on Chrome OS now supports Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) controls.


• Google introduced some new shortcuts with Chrome 92. See these updates in the Shortcuts app.

• A person with mobility impairments can use the touchscreen on Chromebook with the Point Scanning feature


• Google Chat and Meet will now be on board by default on the Chromebook.

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[Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Galaxy A8 (2018) Updates Tracker

In December 2017, Samsung officially launched the Galaxy A8 (2018) with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) on board. The smartphone equips an octa-core processor based on Exynos 7885 chipset. It features a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display paired with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. There's a dual front camera consisting of a 16MP primary sensor and a 16MP rear shooter.

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated with every build released for the device. The updates are placed in ascending order (the latest one on the top).

Galaxy A8 (2018) Updates Tracker

• [August 2, 2021]: The Galaxy A8 (2018) smartphones are grabbing a new update that brings the August 2021 security patch. The build is rolling out in Russia on firmware version A530FXXSLCUH1. Apart from this, the update does not carry any new features to the old edition. Also, Samsung is yet to detail its current security maintenance.


• [February 26, 2021]: Samsung is releasing the March 2021 security patch to the Galaxy A8 (2018). The firmware version A530FXXSICUC1 is rolling out to all smartphone units across the globe. Apart from the new patch, the update doesn’t come with any new features. Hence, this update is only pushed to increase the smartphone’s Security level.


• [February 3, 2021]: Galaxy A8 (2018) starts receiving the February 2021 Security patch update. The update arrives on the A530FXXSHCUB1 Firmware version and it’s currently rolling out only in the United Arab Emirates. The update doesn’t come with any new features, bug fixes, etc. Hence, this update is only pushed to increase the smartphone’s Security patch level.

As usual, the OTA update is having a staged rollout. You can either wait for a pop-up notification or check it manually. To do this, head over to the Settings app > Software update and tap on Download and install. 

Related: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy A72 Update Tracker

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Xiaomi sends a stable MIUI 12.0 update to the Redmi 9T globally

The launch of MIUI 12 was a major event for Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco device owners. The new skin was released last year. Though the company is sending an upgrade over the skin, MIUI 12.5, it is still inculcating the previous version to some devices. The rollout started with Xiaomi Mi 9 and has now reached the Redmi 9T.

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The latest update for the Redmi 9T smartphone was released today for the global variants via the firmware version V12.0.1.0.RJQMIXM. The MIUI version is based on Android 11 as mentioned in the changelog. Apart from this, the update log does not mention any other introduction regarding the security patch. But, this skin itself carries a bundle of features, some of them are listed below.

Changelog

• Stable MIUI based on Android 11.

The OTA update will be available for every unit in the upcoming week. Alternatively, you can track it manually via Settings > Software update > Check for update.

Features of MIUI 12

• Mi-Light Cone Animation framework – With the new Mi-Light Cone Animation framework, the company claims to have made the user experience much smoother. This new framework consists of three key features: Light Cone Rendering Engine, Light Cone Physics Engine, and an enhanced animation framework.


• Weather app and system UI apps – The new weather app allows users to see real-life weather conditions inside of the app. For example, if a storm is heading your way the weather app will showcase a storm in the background.


• New Control Centre and Notification Shade – With MIUI 12, Xiaomi has split the notification shade into two parts: a new Control Centre and a redesigned Notification Shade. The new Control Centre can be accessed by swiping down from the top right and it consists of all of the quick settings toggles and other setting options. Whereas, the notification shade can be accessed by swiping down from the top left.


• Super wallpapers – Super Wallpapers are inspired by space and are images of actual surfaces of Mars and Earth taken by NASA. The images showing the planets zoom in when the phone is unlocked to show the surface of the planet. Apart from zooming into various areas of the planets, the Super Wallpapers also change with time showing Night, Day Evening, and more.

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Poco X3 GT get a new software update that increases the system stability

Xiaomi recently announced to add a new device under its sub-brand Poco. The smartphone is named as Poco X3 GT which is expected to release soon this month. The device will debut with Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 out of the box. Ahead of its launch, Poco X3 GT is receiving its first software update that optimizes the overall performance of the system.

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The first update for the brand-new Poco X3 GT is releasing as of 2nd August 2021. The build is unfurling globally in its stable form through the firmware version V12.5.2.0.RKPMIXM. Rolling out an update before the official release of the device could serve as a sale technique or maybe Xiaomi wants to show that the smartphone will be updated constantly.

Talking about changes, the update is not major as the device already has all the latest features on board. Though, some internal things are do taken care of with the new package. To be more precise, the build increases the system's stability. Moreover, the chances of system lag are reduced, providing a seamless experience to the user.

Changelog

• Optimization: Increased system stability


• Optimization: Reduced system lag

Like the usual updates take place, this OTA update will also take a while to hit all units as it is following a phase-wise rollout. Alternatively, the user can also track the build manually once he purchases the new device by heading to Settings -> System -> Software update -> Check for updates, if the firmware pops up, tap on Download and install.

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OnePlus Nord 2 user suffers trauma as the unit exploded

The cases of smartphone explosions have become usual in recent times. A Redmi Note 9 Pro/ Pro Max caught fire earlier this year. And now, a brand new OnePlus Nord 2 smartphone ended blowing up that caused trauma to the user. This is the first time ever that OnePlus Nord 2 caught fire.

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A user from Bengaluru, Ankur Sharma took the incident to Twitter and later deleted the post. He said that his wife went cycling with her brand new (5 days old) OnePlus Nord 2 and the handset “blasted” and smoke started coming out of it. Following the explosion, Ankur Sharma's wife met with an accident that caused her trauma.

He posted pictures of the exploded smartphone which shows the unit was completely damaged. The rear panel, frame, and display are completely burned and the Lithium-Ion protective bag is also visible. As per the images, it seems that the smartphone was burned from the inside.



OnePlus had an eye on the post and it promised to investigate the matter. Though the company is yet to develop a final statement, the incidence is still under investigation. In response to Ankur Sharma's tweet, OnePlus reverted that they are "gutted" to hear about the event. The company requested Sharma to get in touch via direct message so that they can make it up. It is still vague on how the brand is planning to compensate.

https://twitter.com/OnePlus_Support/status/1421765402858868737

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Specs Comparison: Oppo A74 5G v/s Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

This year, Oppo and Samsung added a few mid-rangers in their flagship including Oppo A74 5G and Galaxy A22 5G. Here we will compare the two devices based on their specifications and performance. If you are doubtful about the two devices, scroll down to know them in detail.

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Oppo A74 5G and Samsung Galaxy A22 5G offers a panel with 90Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 pixels density, and 20:9 ratio. Under the hood, both the devices have the latest stable channel, Android 11 onboard. In the shooting section, the other sesnors do differ but the primary lens remains same with 48MP.

Oppo A74 5G and Galaxy A22 5G equips a 3.5mm jack, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, and USB Type-C 2.0. For security purposes, both devices have a side-mounted Fingerprint reader and other sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. The smartphones pack a Li-Po 5000 mAh non-removable battery.

Now that we know about the specs Oppo A74 5G and Galaxy A22 5G share, let's move forward with the differences.

Oppo A74 5G v/s Galaxy A22 5G

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Above are the non-identical features of Oppo A74 5G and Galaxy A22 5G. Now you can choose one from the duo without any doubt.

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