[Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Galaxy Xcover 5 Updates Tracker

In March 2021, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Xcover 5 smartphone featuring a 5.3-inch PLS IPS display. The phone offers Android 11 OS out of the box with One UI 2.0 on top paired with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM. Under the hood, it equips an octa-core processor-based Exynos 850 chipset. There's a 16MP single rear camera and a single 5MP sensor on the other side.

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated will every build released for the device.

Galaxy Xcover 5 Updates Tracker

The updates are listed in descending order with the latest one at the top.

• [August 17, 2021]: Samsung is sending the August 2021 security patch to the Galaxy Xcover 5. The update is rolling out through the G525FXXS3AUH1 firmware version. At present, it is presently limited to Asian and European countries. The current maintenance fixes 40 security and privacy-related vulnerabilities. Also, it could probably address some bug fixes and bring the device stability.


• [July 1, 2021]: Samsung has begun seeding the July 2021security patch update to the Galaxy XCover 5. The firmware G525FXXS3AUF5 brings improvements for overall stability. We can also expect a few bug fixes and improvements in this update. Click here to know more about this build.

As usual, the OTA update is rolling out in phases. You can either wait for a pop-up notification or check it manually. To give it a self-check, head over to the Settings app > Software update and tap on Download and install. Also, we suggest you switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid data charges.

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

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Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite receives June 2021 Security Patch Update

At the end of Q3 2021, Xiaomi introduced the Mi 10 Lite with Android 10 OS. A few months later the device received MIUI 12 which added a whole new experience. The smartphone is again receiving another software update that brings the stable MIUI based on Android 11.

Make sure to visit: New Global Mi Store App V3.23.0 update enhances security and privacy [Download]

The latest update for the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite is unfurling throughout the globe in a stable phase. The package can be identified by the firmware version V12.5.2.0.RJIMIXM. Alongside the new stable MIUI, the package inculcates the two-month-old Android security patch by Google, June 2021.

From the build number, we can conclude it carries the current stable skin, MIUI 12.5. Concerning changes, MIUI 12.5 brings a whole new experience to your device. Also, the system security is now enhanced as mentioned in the changelog. To know the best of the MIUI 12.5 feature, head here.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to June 2021. Increased system security.
  
  
  • Stable MIUI based on Android 11
  
  
  
  

Like all the other updates, the OTA is rolling out in batches. That means it may take some time to reach all the Mi 10 Lite units. But as always, you can head to Settings > Software update > Check for update to manually track the build. If the firmware pops up, tap on Download and install. 

If you are still feeling particularly impatient, you can click on the respective links below to manually apply for the OTA or flash the recovery ROM.

OTA Apply for V12.5.1.0

Recovery ROM

Read more: [Update: June 2021 Security Patch] Xiaomi Mi 10T/ Mi 10T Lite Updates Tracker

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[Update: System Optimization] Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro Updates Tracker

After three years of gap, Xiaomi finally released its next tab flagship— Mi Pad 5 5G and Mi Pad 5 Pro 5G in August 2021. The series features an 11.0 inches IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The duo runs Android 11 out of the box with MIUI 12.5 on top. The tabs majorly differ in the chipset and camera section. Mi Pad 5 equips Snapdragon 860 and offers a 13MP single rear sensor. Whereas, the Pad 5 Pro fuels Snapdragon 870 and houses a dual rear camera with 50MP primary snapper. But both have an 8MP lens serving selfies and video calls.

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Note: This is an updates tracker and will be updated regularly with the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro updates.

Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro Updates Tracker

The page will be updated in descending order i.e; the latest updates at the top.

• [August 17, 2021]: The Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro is receiving a new software update in China on firmware version V12.5.8.0.RKYCNXM. Though this is not a major build, it brings system optimization. As per the changelog, the update reduces the lags present in the software and increases the system stability. You can download the Recovery ROM here and apply for the OTA here.


• [August 13, 2021]: The Wi-Fi variants of Mi Pad 5 Pro 5G are grabbing their first software update in the home country. The build is arriving on the firmware version V12.5.7.0.RKYCNXM weighing 4.1GB in size. The update brings a major overhaul to the overall performance of the device. It includes a variety of new additions, optimizations, and much more. Visit our dedicated article for the precise changelog.

The OTA update will be pushed in different batches and may take some time to reach all the users. Alternatively, you can navigate to Settings  > Software Update > Check for the Update to manually track the package.

Related: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Galaxy Tab S6 Updates Tracker

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Android Auto gets Yandex.Maps; an alternative to Google Maps

Managing maps and navigation while driving can be a tough task, but thanks to Android Auto. Google Maps is the first thing that strikes when we talk about navigation, but there are plenty of other options as well. Over the last few months, Android Auto has introduced more such platforms like Waze, TomTom, and Gaia. Again, there's another alternative arriving— Yandex.Maps.

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The new Yandex.Maps is a popular mapping app from Russia-based Yandex. Earlier this month, the Android Auto was operating version 10.5.0. With the new addition added in the changelog, the version has been bumped to 10.5.1 on the Google Play Store.

However, according to the changelog, the new functionality in Android Auto is only present in Russia as of now. Also, the user will be asked to upgrade to a Yandex Plus subscription that costs 169 roubles a month. There are chances that this can lead to limit the users of Yandex.Maps on Android Auto. Surprisingly the app has already crossed 50 million current downloads.



Regarding features, Yandex.Maps have all the regular mapping app things like cities and satellite view, real-time information about traffic and public transport, and so on. Furthermore, you can also;

• Manipulate the map: change the scale, measure distances, etc.


• Use Map Constructor to create your own map with your map items.


• Create and edit various items (roads, streets, villages, buildings, organizations, gardens, rivers, wells, and so on), which will appear on Yandex.Maps after passing moderation.

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Xiaomi Mi 11T and Redmi K40 Ultra key specs bought to light

Xiaomi is preparing a successor of Mi 10T launched last year. The Mi 11T has been leaked extensively so far and now we have a more clear picture of what we can expect from the smartphone. Alongside, the company is also planning to launch Redmi K40 Ultra in China. Both upcoming devices share some identical specs. Keep scrolling to have a detailed look at them.

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Xiaomi Mi 11T Specifications (expected)

The Xiaomi Mi 11T is codenamed 'Amber.' As per reports, it will feature a 6.67 inch super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel will offer 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 shield. Under the hood, the phone is likely to equip a MediaTek chipset. However, the processor is still undercover.

For shooting purposes, the Mi 11T is expected to carry a 64MP triple camera setup at the back. The other two sensors will be Sony IMX355 wide-angle camera and a telemacro lens offering 3x zoom. Further, the device could ship with a 5,000 mAh battery with 65W of fast charging support.

Redmi K40 Ultra Specifications (expected)

The Redmi K40 Ultra is codenamed 'Agate.' Just like the Mi 11T, this is likely to offer a 120Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Also, in the hardware section, the phone is tipped to fuel an unknown MediaTek chipset.

Both smartphones differ from each other in the shooting department. The Redmi K40 Ultra is said to house a triple rear camera setup with a 108MP primary lens, a Sony IMX355 wide-angle snapper, and a telemacro sensor with a 3X zoom.

Read more: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra gets MIUI 12.5 enhanced version stable update

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Google Pixel 5a 5G key details revealed in leaked renders

A few days back, Google confirmed the launch of Pixel 5a 5G this year. Reportedly, the upcoming smartphone is set to release on August 17. As we're getting closer to the official launch, the device has managed to leak online. Here's what we know so far.

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Talking about the design, the rear side of the Google Pixel 5a 5G carries a square shape camera cutout which is accompanied by a LED flash. Beneath the module, a fingerprint scanner is placed in the middle. The mid-bottom spot is taken by a subtle Google logo.

A newly textured power button sits on the right side above the volume rocker featuring a mint green color touch. The front side offers a punch-hole cutout to house the selfie camera in the top left corner. That implies the smartphone will be identical to the Pixel 4a 5G launched last year.



Google Pixel 5a 5G is said to support a 6.4-inch OLED Full HD+ display. Under the hood, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chipset could power the device paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The front is likely to house a 16MP front lens while the rear could house a 12.2MP dual camera setup.

A 4,680 mAh battery is likely to back up the Pixel 5a 5G. If this stands true, this will be the first Pixel to have the highest power cell on board. Also, it is expected to be rated IP67, making it resistant to dust and water.

Price and Availability

According to leaks, the Google Pixel 5a 5G will launch on August 17 and will be available to purchase from August 26 onwards. The phone is worth $450 (~33,377 INR) and will debut in black color.

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Samsung Galaxy A03s design and specifications revealed

Last month, an entry-level smartphone by Samsung has made an appearance at the Bluetooth SIG certification. The same device, Galaxy A03s has managed to leak ahead of its launch in India and Europe. Let's take a look at the smartphone's design and key specifications we have with us.

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Samsung Galaxy A03s will have model number SM-A037F as revealed by the Bluetooth certification authority. According to the leaks, the handset will feature a 6.5-inch TFT LCD Infinity-V display. The panel will offer an HD+ resolution with 1,600 x 720 pixels.

Underneath the screen, Galaxy A03s will equip an octa-core processor-based MediaTek Helio P35 chipset. The latest stable channel, Android 11 will power the device with One UI 3.1 on top. The device will have a dedicated microSD card slot and a default configuration of up to 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage.

For shooting purposes, Galaxy A03s will have a 5MP snapper to serve selfies and video calls. On the rear side, it will carry a tri-lens consisting of a 13MP primary camera and a couple of 2MP sensors to measure macro and depth aspects. Also, the handset can record 1080p videos.

A 5,000 mAh battery will back up the Galaxy A03s that supports 15W fast charging over a USB Type-C port. FYI, this will be an upgrade for entry-level smartphones. The other key specs include a dual-SIM card slot, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, LTE, GPS, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Price and Availability

Now that the device has passed major certifications, we can expect the Galaxy A03s to launch anytime soon. Reportedly, the phone will arrive in black, blue, and white color variants at a starting price of €150 (approx INR 13,000) in Europe.

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Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra gets MIUI 12.5 enhanced version stable update

Xiaomi's product director and MIUI experience chief Jin Fan announced the enhanced version of MIUI 12.5 at the company's press conference on August 14. As per his statement, the software update will be released to 12 smartphones in the first phase.

Make sure to visit: List of Android smartphones launching in August 2021

Reportedly, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is one of these devices receiving the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version. The latest package arrives on firmware version 12.5.12.0.PKACNXM weighing 314MB in size.

According to a survey, Xiaomi addresses 160 system header issues and 224 system application issues with the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version. Moreover, the build optimizes the overall performance of the device.

Talking about features, the enhanced version of the current stable skin supports liquid storage. That implies it can measure the amount of fragmentation with high sensitivity. Plus, this can be defragmented with 60% increased efficiency.



Furthermore, the fresh version pays special attention to the storage area. The MIUI 12.5 enhanced version supports ultra-fine memory management and refines/ compresses the current memory usage. Alongside, it prioritizes to end non-essential tasks and splits application memory.

In fact, the new version improves the power consumption by almost 8% and reduces the CPU utilization fallen by approx 15%. Additionally, it brings enhancements like the device's operation is calculated according to the scenes. Alongside, the skin smoothly accelerates 51 core scenes and adds focus calculations.

Accompanying the Mi 11 Ultra, the Redmi K40/K30 Pro/K30S Extreme Commemorative Edition, Xiaomi 10S, and Xiaomi 10 Pro have bagged the stable update of the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version.

Read more: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Xiaomi Mi 11 Series Updates Tracker

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Oppo PECM20 surfaces on TENAA ahead of its launch

After an effective launch of Oppo A16 and Reno 6Z, the company is spotted preparing another device. Another smartphone with model number PECM20 has surfaced on TENAA and successfully received the certification. Though the listing has not disclosed the handset's design, we have the key specifications in our hands.

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The OPPO PECM20 weighs 175 grams and measures 162.2 x 75 x 7.9mm. The smartphone features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display that offers 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio.

Under the hood, Oppo PECM20 will equip an unspecified 2.0GHz octa-core processor. The phone will have the latest stable channel, Android 11 on board. Like always, the upcoming device will initially be released in China with a 128GB storage configuration. This unexpandable option will be coupled with 4GB / 6GB / 8 GB of RAM.

In the shooting department, Oppo PECM20 will carry a triple rear setup at the rear side. A 16MP sensor will serve as a primary camera assisted with a couple of 2MP snappers. On the other side, an 8MP front camera will serve selfies and video calling purposes.

A 3,945mAh rated battery will back up the Oppo PECM20. Also, the handset will have a fingerprint scanner for security objectives. But, the placement of the reader is still unknown as the design is undercover. The 5 G-equipped smartphone is likely to arrive in black/white, purple/silver, and red color variants.

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