WhatsApp's 90-days Disappearing Messages option is under testing

After introducing a handful of features, WhatsApp is now adding one more to the list. A new option for Disappearing Messages that will allow the user to delete a particular chat after 90 days is under testing. Although, there is already a similar feature introduced in November last year that vanishes the messages after a week.

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The new Disappearing Messages feature is accompanying another option that would allow the user to automatically delete the text after 24 hours. Both of the options are currently under the testing phase.

The features are currently under version 2.21.17.16 for Android beta. Reportedly, the 90 days option will be another alternative for the existing seven days auto-delete messages option. Alongside, from the last few months, WhatsApp is also testing the 24-hour vanish option for Android, iOS, and Web users.



The feature is still under development and is not available even for WhatsApp beta testers. So, don’t get impatient if you are not able to view the feature as it might take some time to go in a stable phase. As of now, we are not sure when the feature will have a stable public rollout.

Back in November 2020, while introducing seven days auto-delete option, WhatsApp said, “We're starting with 7 days because we think it offers peace of mind that conversations aren't permanent while remaining practical so you don't forget what you were chatting about.”

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Google is offering Pixel 5a 5G at a price of $216

Yesterday, Google finally made the mid-ranger Pixel 5a 5G official. As always, Google Fi has come up with a great deal with its subscription. Now the company is offering the device in a special offer for its Fi carrier model.

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FYI, Google Pixel 5a 5G is worth $449. But, with the Google Fi on a phone subscription, you just need to pay $9 every month for two years. Adding all, that would make it cost $216, which is even less than the actual price of the device. After a year of installments, you can grab the Pixel 5a 5G.

However, this cost does not cover the device protection. For this addition, you need to pay $6 more, making it a total of $15 per month. If you chose to go on the safe side, Pixel 5a 5G will cost $360 in total, which is still much less than the tagged worth.

To be precise, the protection plan covers the screen repair for $29 and will charge $69 in case of mechanical breakdown or for accidental damage replacement service. If unfortunately, your device gets lost or stolen, Google will only charge a fee of $99 for replacement. This scheme is not valid in New York though for some reason.

If you go for an unprotected plan, do remember that you still need to pay for 2 years even if anything happens to your smartphone. Therefore, protection is always a better choice.

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Google Fuchsia update is making its way to the 1st-gen Nest Hubs

In May 2021, Google released the Fuchsia OS after it was spotted on Bluetooth SIG. The first device to get the new operating system was the 2018 launched Nest Hub. Earlier, it was limited to a small number of users. Now, Fuchsia OS is expanding beyond the Preview program and is having a wider rollout for the first-generation Nest Hub owners.

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For years, Google is trying to develop a "non-Linux" operating system from the scratch and the results are finally here with Fuchsia. Initially, the rollout was limited to the users who enrolled in the “Preview program.” The trial was available to all devices via the Google Home app. So far, Google has been examining the performance and expanding the deployment of Fuchsia OS for the Nest Hubs.

A few days back, the updated Google support page mentioned the release of new software for the Nest Hub. Also, it clarified that the fresh OS is available for both the Preview program and all the other devices. Talking about the first-gen Nest Hub, it is grabbing the firmware version 1.52.260996.

To mention, do not get confused between the first-gen Nest Hub and the second generation Nest Hub that was launched in March this year.

The new build includes an update to the Fuchsia operating system as confirmed by Google. That implies, all the first-gen Nest Hub devices will run the new system by the next week. Though the upgrade might go unnoticed, but you can check for it via Google’s own instructions

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 gets its first update ahead of the release

Samsung's latest and greatest flagship, Galaxy Z Fold 3 is official but yet to release. Before launch, the company is already sending updates to the upcoming device. This could probably work as a sale strategy or to say that the device isn't going to miss anything. The first update majorly emphasizes refining the overall experience.

Make sure to visit: Comparing the partners: Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G v/s Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G

The pre-release software for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is arriving on the firmware version  F926BXXU1AUGB. Alongside polishing the user experience, the package inculcates the July 2021 Android security patch. The upgraded security maintenance could probably be served onboard.

Looking at Samsung's updating speed, there are strong chances that Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be picking up the August 2021 patch by the time it makes its way to the market. The first thing the user should do is set up the smartphone and head to Settings > Software update > Download and install and start using the device from the latest safety patch.

As per Samsung's policy, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will get four years of update support. This time duration is likely to include two or three major operating system updates apart from the regular security patches.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is up for pre-orders from August 11 onwards for $1,799.99. These would start shipping from the date of official release i.e; August 27 in most regions. The device will arrive in three color variants— Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver.

Read more: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy A71 Update Tracker

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The latest Gboard update adds Suggestion Highlights feature

With Android 12 underway, several apps have been updated with new features and designs. But, Gboard is the one that has received multiple updates and new features in the past few months. The latest update for the Google Keyboard app adds a new suggestion highlights feature.

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As the name suggests, the suggestion highlights feature will boldly highlight the suggested words as the user is typing. Also, not only the suggested word will be displayed at the center of the top Gboard strip. It will also be themed with Dynamic color on Android 12.

In case you are operating the older version of the Android, then the highlighted word will coordinate with the accent color of the theme. Though we can not tag this as a major change, only the suggested words will call attention to bring themselves to notice.

[gallery td_gallery_title_input="Gboard" link="none" columns="2" size="large" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="118195,118196"]

Previously, the new Gboard suggestion highlights feature was unfurling out for the beta users for a while. But it has started to have a wider rollout in a stable phase for all of the Android users. The iOS users do not have access to the updated version as of now and also there's no official statement when it will be available for them.

The new Gboard version with fresh features is live to download from the Play Store for all the Android users out there!

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OnePlus 8T gets OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 (NA & EU) and 11.0.9.9 (IN)

OnePlus is actively sending new software updates to its smartphones, especially with OxygenOS bumps. After the OnePlus 6 lineup and the Nord 2, the youngest member of the OnePlus 8 family, the OnePlus 8T is getting a new OxygenOS update in different regions.

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The OnePlus 8T is grabbing OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 in Europe via the firmware version 11.0.10.10.KB05BA. As announced by the company, a similar build will unfurl to North America as well on build number 11.0.10.10.KB05AA. Whereas, for the Indian variants, the OnePlus is will send 11.0.9.9.KB05DA build that will add OxygenOS 11.0.9.9.

Concerning changes, the package brings a couple of additions to the system and addresses the navigation bug. Moreover, the security patch will be upgraded to August 2021 alongside optimizing the camera app. Also, it adds a new Bitmoji AOD, that is co-designed with Snapchat. Furthermore, the Indian models will get the OnePlus Store to manage their accounts and get some exclusive benefits. Below is the official changelog issued by the company.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Newly adapted OnePlus Buds Pro and brought new powerful features
  
  
  • Newly added the screenshot feature for AOD
  
  
  • Fixed the failed issue of Navigation gestures in some scenes
  
  
  • Improved system stability and fixed known issues
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.08
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Optimized the portrait mode effect of the front camera
  
  
  
  


• OnePlus Store (IN Only)
  
  
  
  • An intuitive and convenient way to manage your OnePlus account, get easy-to-access support, discover exciting members-only benefits, and shop for OnePlus products. (Please note that it can be uninstalled)
  
  
  
  


• Ambient Display
  
  
  
  • Newly added Bitmoji AOD, co-designed with Snapchat, which will liven up the ambient display with your personal Bitmoji avatar. Your avatar will update throughout the day based on your activity and things happening around you (Path: Settings - Customization - Clock on ambient display - Bitmoji)
  
  
  
  

As usual, the OTA update will have an incremental rollout, implying that it will reach certain users initially. A border rollout will follow after ensuing the seamless functioning of the new packages.

Related: OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro gets OxygenOS 11.0.8.8 update!

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OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro gets OxygenOS 11.0.8.8 update!

OnePlus has pushed a new update for the 2020 flagship devices, i.e., for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. OnePlus has started rolling the update for the Indian, European, and North American variants of the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro's. The new update adds new features, fixed bugs, brings a new app, and much more. Here is the changelog and build number of the new update.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Newly adapted OnePlus Buds Pro and brought new powerful features.
  
  
  • Newly added the screenshot feature for AOD.
  
  
  • Fixed the failed issue of Navigation gestures in some scenes
  
  
  • Improved system stability and fixed, known issues
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.08
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Optimized the portrait mode effect of the front camera
  
  
  
  


• OnePlus Store
  
  
  
  • An intuitive and convenient way to manage your OnePlus account, get easy-to-access support, discover exciting members-only benefits, and shop for OnePlus products. (Please note that it can be uninstalled)
  
  
  
  


• Ambient Display
  
  
  
  • Newly added Bitmoji AOD, co-designed with Snapchat, which will liven up the ambient display with your personal Bitmoji avatar. Your avatar will update throughout the day based on your activity and things happening around you.
  
  
  
  

Build number of OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro after OxygenOS 11.0.8.8 update!

OnePlus 8

• IN: 11.0.8.8.IN21DA


• EU: 11.0.8.8.IN21BA


• NA: 11.0.8.8.IN21AA

OnePlus 8 Pro

• IN: 11.0.8.8.IN11DA


• EU: 11.0.8.8.IN11BA


• NA: 11.0.8.8.IN11AA​

As you can see in the changelog, the update includes a new Bitmoji AOD from Snapchat, and you can take a screenshot of AOD now. They optimized the smartphone to work with the new OnePlus Buds Pro. The addition of the OnePlus Store app is which most users don't care about. The best thing is that you can remove it if you don't like it. OnePlus also has optimized the portrait mode for the front camera of both devices. Interestingly, OnePlus has pushed the security patch to August 2021. Also, now you can set your personal Bitmoji avatar in the Ambient display. To setup this, head to Settings and click on Customization. From here, tap on Clock on ambient display and finally on Bitmoji to set your personal avatar.

The brand has confirmed that the update is currently rolling out for a few devices in three regions. We expect the wider rollout to begin in the upcoming days. Check whether the update has reached your device. To check, head to Settings and then to About Phone and tap on Software Update. Would you please share the article with your fellow users of the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro?

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All about Realme UI 3.0- Features, Supported Devices, and more

With Android 12 underway, all the major OEMs are busy preparing their own customized skin. Realme is one of them but it has not made any official statement about the approaching skin. Realme UI 3.0 is said to come with a major overhaul with UI, animation, features, and more. To know more details about the skin, keep scrolling.

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Realme UI 3.0 Release date

Looking at the fact that Realme X50 Pro was the first phone to get Realme UI 2.0 beta in September last year, later followed by the stable version. This year, Realme GT is the one to join the Android 12 developer beta program. Joining the dots, Realme GT could get the Realme UI 3.0 beta next month as the skin is based on Android 12 OS.

Realme UI 3.0 Features

The upcoming Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 will bring numerous refreshing features such as enhanced notification management, a new user interface, etc ultimately being more user-friendly.

Moreover, some minor changes with regard to customization are likely to arrive. That implies the user will be able to change the icon shape or put it in different styles, and so on. A new design of Settings and other pre-installed apps like phones, messages, is expected to accompany the package.



Here's something more that supported Realme smartphones are likely to get with Realme UI 3.0.

• New Gaming Dashboard


• Easier Wi-Fi sharing


• Notification improvements


• More screenshot markup options


• One-handed mode


• Improved privacy features


• Face-based auto-rotate


• Smarter app storage management


• Manage two apps as a single task


• Scrolling screenshot support


• Enhanced cookie handling


• Wallpaper-based theming system


• Compatible media transcoding


• Rich content insertion


• New widget organization

Realme UI 3.0 Eligible Smartphones

With the release of Realme UI 3.0, Realme will divulge a timeline for eligible smartphones. The company has promised to roll out the skin to 2019 launched and following flagships. Considering this, we've made a list of supported devices which is as follows:

Realme Series

• Realme 6


• Realme 6s


• Realme 6 Pro


• Realme 6i


• Realme 7i


• Realme 7


• Realme 7 5G


• Realme 7 Pro


• Realme 8


• Realme 8 5G


• Realme 8 Pro

Realme X Series

• Realme X7 5G


• Realme X7 Pro 5G


• Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition


• Realme X50 Pro 5G


• Realme X50 5G


• Realme X50m 5G


• Realme X50 Pro Player Edition


• Realme X3


• Realme X3 Super Zoom

Realme V Series

• Realme V5


• Realme V3


• Realme V13


• Realme V11


• Realme V15

Realme C Series

• Realme C15


• Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition


• Realme C12


• Realme C17


• Realme C20


• Realme C21


• Realme C25

Realme Q Series

• Realme Q2 Pro


• Realme Q2


• Realme Q2i


• Realme Q3


• Realme Q3i


• Realme Q3 Pro

Realme Narzo Series

• Realme Narzo 30A


• Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G


• Realme Narzo 10


• Realme Narzo 10A


• Realme Narzo 20


• Realme Narzo 20A


• Realme Narzo 20 Pro

Realme GT Series

• Realme GT


• Realme GT Neo

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[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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