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

The Galaxy Tab A (2018) by Samsung is a mid-range device released in 2019 powering Android 8.1 (Oreo). The tab fuels Snapdragon 425 under the hood paired with 32GB storage and 2GB RAM. The smartphone features an 8.0 inches IPS LCD display housing a 2MP front camera. On the rear side, Galaxy Tab A (2018) holds an 8MP shooter.

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated frequently with the updates of the Galaxy Tab A (2018).

Galaxy Tab A (2018) Updates Tracker

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

• [August 27, 2021]: The Galaxy Tab A (2018) units on the T-Mobile network are receiving a new software update in the US. Arriving on the firmware version T387TUVS2CUH1, the build brings the current security maintenance, August 2021. The patch fixes 40 privacy and security-related risk. Besides, it may carry some device stability improvements as well.

The update is rolling out in batches to the different serial numbers. So, Galaxy Tab A (2018) owners can expect the update notification to reach them anytime soon. Alternatively, you can also download the package manually. To do this, head to Settings > Software update, and click Download and install.

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Galaxy S21 get more features and improvements over the One UI 3.1 firmware

For the second time in a month, Samsung is sending a new software update to the Galaxy S21 series. The new update arrives with a plethora of improvements and new features. In fact, much enough that we can consider it an upgrade over the current One UI 3.1. But technically it isn't.

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The major system overhaul can be identified by the firmware version G99xBXXU3AUHB weighing 970MB in size. As of now, the build is unfurling in European countries, including Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland. It seems that the Galaxy S21 Ultra has the top-most priority above the other models. All variants will eventually get the treat though.

After flashing the update, you can notice a handful of minor changes like faster animations, faster app launching, and more. Moreover, some users also claim that the overheating issue with the Galaxy S21 series is now resolved.

Further, the drawing board with Enhanced Processing is no longer the same. It is now called “Processing Speed” and includes three new presets— Optimized, High, and Maximum. Additionally, concerning features, you can notice a new "Bedtime Mode" toggle in the quick toggle area. At the beginning of the year, this option was added to the Digital Wellbeing.

If you own a Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra in any of the countries mentioned above, the OTA update will reach out to you shortly. If you can't wait to experience the new changes and features, head over to Settings > Software updates to check for the build manually.

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Realme C21 is finally getting an Android 11 Realme UI 2.0 update

Despite launching in Q3 this year, Realme C21 runs Android 10 out of the box. Though the early access program of the new version started a couple of months ago. The smartphone is now finally picking up the Android 11 update along with Realme UI 2.0 on top.

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The fresh operating system for the 5-month-old entry-level smartphone is arriving on the firmware version RMX3201_11_C.02. As of now, the firmware is live in India, while the units in more regions will get similar treatment soon.

After flashing the update, the security patch of your Realme C21 will be upgraded to August 2021. Alongside, the battery and battery charging capabilities will be optimized. Besides, it will also address some bugs and bring fixes for the same.

Concerning changes, the package will seed all the Android 11 features to the device. To name a few, this includes chat bubbles, native screen recorder, enhanced dark theme, one-time permissions, and more. These are further tossed with the customized skin of the company, Realme UI 2.0. The version adds a quick setting panel, custom icons, digital wellbeing, parental control, stock apps, and much more.

As usual, the OTA update is having an incremental rollout. That implies it will make way for limited users at first. A border rollout will follow after ensuring the stability of the new package. Alternatively, you can head to Settings > Software updates to check for the update manually.

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[Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Poco X3 Pro Updates Tracker

At the near end of Q3 2021, the Xiaomi-owned brand— Poco launched the Poco X3 Pro smartphone. It flaunts a 6.67-inch display which is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 shield. An Octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 860 powers the device paired with up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM. Poco X3 Pro offers Android 11, MIUI 12.5 pre-installed. In terms of camera, there's a 48MP quad rear camera and a 20MP single front-facing lens.

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated frequently with Poco X3 Pro builds.

Poco X3 Pro Updates Tracker

The updates will be arranged in descending order. You can see the latest build at the top.

• [August 26, 2021]: The Poco X3 Pro is grabbing a stable software update globally. The build carries the August 2021 security patch on V12.5.4.0.RJUMIXM firmware version. The update enhances the system security but it does not carry any new additions.
  You can apply for the OTA here, and flash the Recovery ROM from here.


• [July 6, 2021]: Poco X3 Pro is the latest device to grab the MIUI 12.5 update. The latest stable update is unfurling in India on firmware version V12.5.3.0.RJUINXM. As far as features are concerned, MIUI 12.5 brings UI tweaks, new animations, privacy features, an updated Notes app, and a lot more. Visit our dedicated tracker for the official changelog.

Like all the other updates, this also is having an incremental rollout. That means a set of random users will start experiencing the update now. After the successful verification, everyone will be getting it within a week. You can also check the update status manually by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Check for updates.

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Android 12 Beta 4.1 addresses the boot loop and VPN issue for Pixel devices

Earlier this month, Google unveiled the Android 12 Beta 4. The version bought some changes and additions over the Beta 3. Though the latest version also addressed several bugs alongside. But Google has decided to give it a further bump with Android 12 Beta 4.1 for a more seamless and lag-free experience.

Make sure to visit: List of smartphones getting Android 12 Public Beta

Google said that Android 12 will be the major overhaul in years and that indeed is proving to be true. The stable version of Android 12 will be available later this fall. While the latest Android 12 Beta 4.1 brings few fixes including boot loop and VPN issues. Moreover, the fresh beta version fixes problems related to Bluetooth calling, volume controls, and more. Here is the precise information.

• Fixed an issue that caused some devices to get stuck in a boot loop after restarting the device.


• Fixed an issue where heads-up notifications were sometimes not shown, requiring the user to swipe into the notification drawer to view them.


• Fixed an issue where the device volume controls sometimes did not work when casting.


• Fixed an issue where Face Unlock did not work on some devices.


• Fixed an issue that prevented users from granting the Nearby Devices permission to the Phone app in settings. Users who are experiencing a crash loop with the Phone app when trying to make a call over Bluetooth can now grant the required permission. To do this, long-press the Phone app and tap App info, then go to Permissions > Nearby devices and select Allow.


• Fixed an issue where, after connecting the phone to a VPN, the phone could not connect to the internet.

The update will automatically reach out to you if you are running Android 12 Beta 4. Alternatively, you can track the build manually via Settings > System > System Updates. As always, the version will initially be available to Pixel users. That includes Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL.

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[Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 6.2 Update Tracker

A couple of years back, the HMD Global unveiled the Nokia 6.2 featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display. Under the hood, it is powered by an Octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 636 SoC. The smartphone ships with Android 9 Pie out of the box paired with up to 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. Nokia 6.2 equips a quad-camera module at the rear with a 16MP primary sensor and an 8MP snapper for selfies.

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Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest updated information regarding the Nokia 6.2.

Nokia 6.2 Update Tracker

The tracker is updated in descending order i.e; the latest one will be placed at the top followed by the previous build.

• [August 26, 2021]: Nokia 6.2 is grabbing the current security maintenance, August 2021. The build is rolling out in Spain weighing 8.16 MB in size. The patch fixes severe issues related to high-security vulnerabilities. Thus enhancing the safety of the device. The build will soon make way to other regions as well. 


• [February 4, 2021]: The January 2021 security patch is unfurling to the Nokia 6.2. The build is based on Android 10 and brings improvements and enhancements. As of now, the package is seeding in Finland and Europe. While the units in other regions will get similar treatment soon.

Alike all the other updates, the company is pushing the updates in batches. The users must wait for a couple of days to experience the update. If you are from any of the above regions, you can head over to Settings > Software updates and check for the updates to manually check the update.

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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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