The latest update for Pixel Buds adds Android home screen widget

The Pixel Buds were launched a couple of years back. Since then, the buds have received a few updates. The latest update to version 1.0.3909 adds a home screen widget on your Pixel smartphone, giving easy access to control and manage your buds.

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If you are a Pixel owner, you can manage the buds controls like updates, settings, and more via the Settings app. In there, look for "Connected devices," then tap on the gear icon next to your Pixel Buds. Though this is more of a lengthy and inconvenient way rather than being useful. For other smartphones, there's a dedicated Pixel Buds app to manage these controls.

Google has finally come up with an easy way for Pixel users. The recent update to the Pixel bud app to version 1.0.3909 adds a new Android home screen widget. All you have to do is simply open up the widgets list > find “Pixel Buds” and select the new “Shortcut” widget.

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In case you have multiple sets of buds paired with your device, you'll be asked to select the preferred Pixel Buds. Finally, an icon styled and named after your Buds widget will be added to your home screen.

Alternatively, you can go to the “More settings” page under the manual Pixel Buds settings. There you can select “Add a widget to Home screen.” The benefit of choosing this way is that you can also give a custom name to your widget. Serving the purpose, tapping on the widget will directly open the settings for your Pixel Buds, making it quicker and easier.

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WhatsApp is finally working on a Message Reaction feature

The Facebook-owned messaging app is spotted working on a list of features lately. The next in line is the Message Reaction feature. Though this is not something new as other apps like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Signal, and many others already have it on board. Reportedly, WhatsApp is finally working on this feature after all this while.

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In the present version, all you can do is simply reply with an emoji as a regular text. The upcoming feature will make this easy. Once the trait starts unfurling, it will enable the user to react to a message received with an emoji. It will probably work the way it does on all the other platforms.

Needless to say, to experience this feature, both parties need to be on a similar version. In case the receiver has not installed the updated version of WhatsApp, the app will display a prompt message saying, “You received a reaction. Update your version of WhatsApp to see reactions.” Underneath the prompt, you will get an option to update the app directly. Also, the process is similar vice-versa.

The Message reactions feature is still in the early stages of development and is not available even for WhatsApp beta testers. Concluding, we are not anyway near to the release. Though the beta testers could experience this in the coming months, the stable public rollout will follow later.

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HMD Global is finally releasing Android 11 update for Nokia 1.4

Nokia is taking a leisurely walk for updating its flagships. Recently, the Nokia 3.4 and Nokia 1.3 have bagged the current stable version of the operating system. Following this, Nokia 1.4 may be next in line to grab the Android 11 update. Despite launching in February 2021, the smartphone powers Android 10 (Go edition).

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The official confirmation of the Android 11 rollout for Nokia 1.4 is still awaited. The package will probably make its way to the wave 1 market initially. Also, the list of countries is undercover. Though some regions have started to get a hit already.

Reportedly, the fresh software for Nokia 1.4 arrives on version number V2.130 weighing 1.27 GB in size. The update will carry all that we expect from Android 11. This includes chat bubbles, one-time permissions, smart device controls, native screen recorder, and much more. Apart from these brand new features, the changelog also mentions the month-old security patch, July 2021 that will replace the existing version.

Changelog

• Manage your conversations: Get all your messages in one place


• Bubbles: Chat while multitasking by pinning conversations to your screen


• One-time permissions: Give one-time permission to your apps that need your mic, camera, or location


• Google Play system update: Even more privacy and security fixes sent to your phone, right on Google Play


• Google security Patch 2021-07

If you own a Nokia 1.4, you can check if the update has reached your device. To do this go to Settings > System update > Check for update, and tap on Download and install.

In case you own any other Nokia smartphone and are still waiting for the new package. Check the updated timeline framed by the company for the Android 11 rollout here.

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Samsung launches Galaxy M32 5G in India with Dimensity 720 SoC

Be it releasing new devices or updating the previous ones, Samsung has majored in all. Last month, a new mid-ranger was spotted on the Indian BIS certification site. Finally, the Galaxy M32 5G has debuted in India serving all the standard key specs. In fact, the smartphone is quite identical to the Galaxy A32 5G that was launched in January this year.

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According to the Indian BIS listing, Galaxy M32 5G bears the model number SM-M326B/DS. Besides this, the site did not reveal any other information about the device. But now that it is official, we have all the required details in our hands.

Samsung Galaxy M32 5G features a 6.5-inch TFT LCD Infinity-V display. The panel offers an HD+ resolution protected with Gorilla Glass 5 shield. The smartphone runs Android 11 out of the box paired with One UI 3.1 on top. Under the hood, the handset fuels MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset coupled with 128 GB of internal storage and up to 8GB RAM.

The Galaxy M32 5G houses a quad-camera setup indulging a 48 MP primary camera. The other lenses include an 8 MP ultrawide camera, a 5 MP macro shooter, and a 2 MP sensor to measure depth. On the other side, there's a 13 MP snapper for selfies and video calls. For safety purposes, it has a side-mounted fingerprint reader and Knox security.



Galaxy M32 5G offers a 5G network with 12 bands and has all the standard connectivity options on board. This includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-SIM card slot, GPS, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The phone ships with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 15W of fast charging over a USB Type-C port.

Price and Availability

The Galaxy M32 5G is available in two color options Sky Blue and Slate Black. The lower variant (6GB+128GB) of the device costs INR 20,999. Whereas, the upper model (8GB+128GB) is worth INR 22,999. Also, Samsung is providing a cashback offer of INR 2,000 if the payment is made via the ICICI Bank credit or debit cards.

You can purchase the Galaxy M32 5G from September 2, 2021 through the Amazon app or Samsung’s official online store.

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Samsung updates the Galaxy Buds 2 ahead of its official release

Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 2 at the Galaxy Unpacked 2021. Before the official release on August 27, the company has pushed the first firmware update for the latest earbuds. The software refines the performance of the device and adds some essential features.

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For those who have pre-ordered or planning to buy Galaxy Buds 2, the update will be ready to install once you set them up. Arriving on the firmware version R177XXU0AUH2, the new build is initially rolling out in South Korea weighing 2.97MB in size. The variants in other regions will also get similar treatment shortly.

After flashing the update, the users can activate Ambient Sound during calls. Also, the ambient modes can be customized. Alongside, noise cancellation protection is also added which can also be controlled with one earbud.

Moreover, there's a new addition to the experimental Lab section. Precisely, you can now double-tap on the edge of earbuds for easy control. Lastly, the package deals with a few minor bugs thus, enhancing the overall quality, experience, and stability of the Galaxy Buds 2. Here is the translated changelog for your reference.

Changelog

• New Features
  — Use ambient sound listening during a call


• Added noise control protection
  — Noise control with one earbud
  — Customize ambient sound listening


• Add new function in Lab
  — Double-tap the edge of earbuds


• Apply stabilization code related to device behavior

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Google Chrome update will allow the user to save Group Tabs for later

The Group Tab feature on Google is the best way to stay organized and allows you to open saved websites with a single click. The user can even label them with custom names and colors, and do more with them. However, these changes do not stay when you open a new browser session. As per a new flag, the latest version of Chrome Canary will allow the user to save group tabs for later use.

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You can see the feature live in the Flags menu in Chrome Canary. But all pre-release software, this feature is also partially functional. You can save group tabs by right-clicking the menu and adjust your closed tabs in the group from the browsing history. But when you close and re-open the browser, the group loses its place. Also, there's no easy way to bring back the tabs together.

Google is now working to resolve this issue and so you can save group tabs for later use. To see the functionality, open the canary channel and look for "chrome://flags/#tab-groups-save." Enable the flag and then restart the browser. Do keep in note that the flag is currently available on version 95.

In other news, Google is probably planning to introduce a new Chromecast. Recently, a new Google device received the FCC certification. And reportedly, the render leaks of that device are related to a streaming stick. To read more on the upcoming device, visit our dedicated article.

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Google Maps may show you the toll cost in a future update

Calculating toll fares during a road trip can be confusing. Google with its constant tweaks in the Maps app may have a solution for us. The future Google Maps update may add the most requested feature. According to a message received by the members of the Google Maps preview program, the next update will automatically show the toll fees for roads, highways, or any navigation route set.

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Reportedly, a member of the preview program confirmed that they were asked to perform a survey to develop the Maps and the best way to implement this feature. As per the message, the total toll prices will be shown while selecting the driving route. This will help the user to make a better decision on which route to take in order to save time and money.

In the present version, you can see the toll roads through your way on a general map or navigation route. However, the toll price is not included. FYI, this feature is already present in the Google-owned Waze app for the past three years. Hopefully, the feature will make its way to Google Maps soon.

Apart from the survey that Google Maps preview members are asked to undertake, there is no other information in the message. We hope that the members will develop a feature that will be user-friendly and easy to use for everyone.

As of now, the feature is not even available for the members of the preview program. So, we can not expect the beta to arrive soon. Ultimately, the update is far away to have a stable rollout.

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OnePlus Nord N10 5G picks up OxygenOS 11.0.1 update

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G was released last year with Android 10 pre-installed. Last month, OnePlus released the Android 11 update for the Nord N10 5G. Later, the device received the new OS-based skin, OxygenOS 11. Though, the handset is eligible to grab only one major OS update. The company is still giving a bump to the customized skin with OxygenOS 11.0.1.

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The OxygenOS 11.0.1 update for the Nord N10 5G is announced via the official OnePlus community forum. According to the brand, as of now, the European regions are getting the hit through the firmware version 11.0.1BE89BA. A similar package on build number 11.0.1BE86AA will make its way to North America​ soon.

Talking about the changes, the new software enhances the privacy and safety of the device by inculcating the current security maintenance, August 2021. Alongside, the changelog claims to improve the system performance for smoother functioning. Moreover, the network connections are now improved. Precisely, the internet connection is refined to ensure a trouble-free browsing experience. Similarly, the Wi-Fi signal connection is also optimized. Below is the official changelog issued by OnePlus

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Improved system performance
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.08
  
  
  
  


• Network
  
  
  
  • Improved internet connection and optimize Wi-Fi signal
  
  
  
  

As usual, before initiating a border rollout, the update will be pushed to a limited number of users to ensure its stability. Also, we recommend you maintain at least 50% of the battery for a seamless updating experience.

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Asus updates ROG Phone 5 with July 2021 security patch

In April 2021, Asus unveiled the ROG Phone 5. Since then, the company has released a handful of updates that refresher the gaming experience. Once again, the smartphone is grabbing a similar update with the July 2021 security patch.

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The latest software update for the high-end smartphone arrives on firmware version JP_18.0840.2107.151. Concluding from the ‘JP’ in the build number, we can say that the software is presently live in Japan. The ROG Phone 5 units in other regions will hopefully get similar treatment soon.

Asus is one of the few companies in the gaming hardware business, the ROG series has been its feather on the cap. The introduction of ROG Phone 5 boosted up the gaming segment. Moreover, the device can handle extensive gaming hours, media playback, and any other activity along with super-responsive touch.

Regarding changes, the package enhances the device's security by inculcating the July 2021 security patch. Moreover, it refines the user experience by improving the performance while playing videos. Also, the Air Triggers usage performance is now enhanced.

Changelog

• Google Security Patch Update (July 5, 2021)


• Improved performance when playing videos


• Improved performance when using Air Triggers

As most of the updates take place, this FOTA build is also unfurling to different serial numbers by batches. Accordingly, it may take a while to reach out to your device. Alternatively, you can navigate the update by heading to Settings > System updates > Download and install.

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