Monday, October 18, 2021

OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro receives a new ColorOS 12 beta update

Back in September 2021, Oppo unveiled the new version of the ColorOS based on Android 12. And earlier this month, the Oppo Find X3 series and the OnePlus 9 series received the first ColorOS 12 public beta. Now, the OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro are receiving a new ColorOS 12 beta update.

OnePlus 9 Pro
Must see: Oppo ColorOS 12 update plan for November 2021

As usual, the latest ColorOS 12 Beta update for the OnePlus 9 series is presently limited to the home country, China. The package bumps the firmware version to C.25 which is more stable than the first beta update.

Talking about changes, the package resolves some problems for a better and stable experience. Precisely, you can now see the battery level of your connected headset on the smartphone. Also, the unstable WeChat icon on the desktop is now firm. Moreover, it also brings some fixes across the system.

Changelog



  • System

    • [Fix] A small arrow appears on the desktop in one-handed mode

    • [Fix] Automatic adjustment of screen brightness fails

    • [Fix] The location of the application icon in the desktop folder is displayed abnormally

    • [Fix] The delete and restore popups in the album are not displayed in the center



  • Application

    • [Fix] The WeChat icon on the desktop becomes bigger and flickers



  • Connection

    • [Fix] The battery level of the headset in the status bar is not displayed after connecting the Bluetooth headset




If you are a OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro user in China who has installed the first beta build of ColorOS 12, you will receive this update as an OTA.
Read more: All about Oppo ColorOS 12- release date, features, and more

Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

Xiaomi is continuously releasing the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to its eligible flagships. It started with Mi 11 and Mi 10 series and hit a handful of smartphones later. Now, the new stable skin is unfurling to the Redmi 9T.

Redmi 9T
Must see: Guide to turn off Clipboard suggestions in GBoard

The latest update for the Redmi 9T smartphone is rolling out for the global variants via the firmware version V12.5.2.0.RJQMIXM. Though the build is limited to Mi Pilot testers as of now, it will soon be available for all users as well.

Concerning changes, the changelog claims to adds numerous fixes related to themes besides the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition features. Below are the precise details.

Changelog



  • MIUI12.5 Enhanced

    • Swift performance. More life between the charges.

    • Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.

    • Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.

    • Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.

    • Smart balance: Core system improvements allow your device to make the best of the flagship hardware specs.



  • System

    • Stable MIUI based on Android 11



  • Themes

    • Fix: Navigation buttons weren’t displayed correctly in the super wallpaper settings

    • Fix: Wallpapers from the First space were also applied in the Second space when the Battery saver was on

    • Fix: Wallpapers weren’t displayed correctly in the Second space

    • Fix: Wallpapers flashed while the device was being unlocked in some cases

    • Fix: Wallpaper services crashed in some cases correctly

    • Fix: The screen flashed while Fingerprint unlock was being used

    • Fix: Wallpapers stayed dark after Dark mode was turned off in some cases

    • Fix: Some wallpaper previews weren’t displayed

    • Fix: Home screen background went black after

    • Fix: Ul elements overlapped in the super wallpaper descriptions overlapped during the setup process Ultra battery saver was turned off

    • Fix: Incorrect voice prompts for downloading super wallpapers in Accessibility mode

    • Fix: Text truncation issues in super wallpapers settings

    • Fix: When system font size was set to large, super wallpaper descriptions overlapped during the setup process




Related: Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 get a new stable update with MIUI 12.5.9

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Exynos Galaxy S10 series can get Android 12 based LineageOS 19.0 early build

Last week, with the introduction of Android 12, Google also uploaded the source code to AOSP. Soon after this, the third-party development community has started releasing Android 12 based custom ROMs. After a bunch of smartphones, the Exynos variant of the Samsung Galaxy S10 series is capable to grab an Android 12 based custom ROM— LineageOS 19.0.

Galaxy S10

Must see: Best Smartphones with MediaTek Dimensity 1000

The Samsung Galaxy S10, S10E, and S10+ can flash an early build of LineageOS 19.0 based on Android 12. Though noticing the fine working of Magisk and features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, cameras, and fingerprint sensor, the build appears to be relatively stable.

Moreover, the LineageOS 19.0 adds support for the Android 12 monet theming system. FYI, monet is a wallpaper-based theming system that extracts color from the background and applies the created palettes. The prominent color is applied to the overall UI including pop-ups, quick tiles, apps, and more.



However, as we know, an early build can not be stable, the VoLTE and VoWiFi are found broken. Also, numerous LineageOS-specific features are missing from the ROM. But, they will surely add on with subsequent future updates.

You can flash the LineageOS 19.0 early build and taste the Android 12 features by clicking on the button below. But keep in mind to install an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery like TWRP. Most importantly, do not forget to take a backup of your data.

Download LineageOS 19.0 for the Exynos Galaxy S10 series



Read more: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 grabs a new update, improving its stability

Chrome OS 94 gets improvements in Select-to-Speak feature

Chrome OS has dumped its 6-weeks update schedule for a 4-week plan. Adhering to the treatment, Chrome OS 94 is finally released with new improvements, optimizations, and stability. This time, we can notice a major enhancement in the Select-to-Speak feature.

Chrome OS 94

Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison: OnePlus Nord 2 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G

Talking about the Text-to-Speech accessibility, the update makes the sound more natural or we can say human. Reportedly, an estimated 10-20% of the population with dyslexia spend a lot of time reading their smart screens. This time, Chromebooks have decided to evolve to meet the needs of these people. Currently, the voices are accents in 25 languages in various accents.


Today, we’re announcing new, more human-sounding voices for Select-to-speak, to help spoken text be more fluid and easier to understand. Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come.



Interestingly, there are chances that the new voices may have the ability to sound familiar to your accent to increase the perception. To enable the Select-to-Speak function, head to Settings > Advanced > Accessibility. Then, under the “Text-to-Speech” category, toggle ChromeVox.

After you are done enabling the accessibility, you can listen to a part of the page by selecting the text or simply follow the below steps:

  • If you want to hear the text:

    • Select a line of text by pressing and holding the search key.

    • Drag the pointer over any area of the screen.

    • ​Highlight the text and press the Search key + S.

    • Tap Select-to-speak at the bottom right. Then select text or drag the pointer over an area of the screen.



  • The Chromebook will start reading the section aloud and each word will be highlighted.

  • To stop the reading:

    • Press Ctrl or Search key.

    • You can also simply press the Stop button




Read more: Google adds search filters on Gmail app for Android

Oppo ColorOS 12 update plan for November 2021

With the introduction of Android 12, Oppo has announced its own customized skin— ColorOS 12. Though a handful of devices are set to receive the brand new skin, every month the company prepares a timeline for the rollout. This time, Oppo has released the roadmap for November 2021, even before the beginning of the month.

Oppo unveils ColorOS 12: Features, Release Date and More

Make sure to visit: [Update] Download ColorOS 12 Omoji Avatar App v1.0.0

Currently, the latest top-tier flagship from Oppo, Find X3 Pro is running the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 public beta. Before heading to the list, let’s take a look at the best features of the latest operating system. Along with the maintenance of stock Android features and fresh design aesthetics, ColorOS 12 brings:

  • Visual overhaul and color extraction

  • New Android 12 Quick Tiles

  • Privacy and security improvements

  • Notification improvements

  • Easier Wi-Fi sharing

  • One-handed mode

  • Quick Tap

  • Haptic-coupled audio effect

  • New widgets

  • Native Scrolling Screenshot

  • New App Pairs feature for Split-Screen Multitasking

  • Access Google Assistant through the power button

  • New Quick Settings buttons

  • Major optimizations for tablet


There's more to ColorOS 12 apart from the above-mentioned features which you can read in our dedicated article by tapping the button below.

All about Oppo ColorOS 12


Without further ado, here are the Oppo smartphones that are set to receive the Android 12 based skin in November 2021.

ColorOS 12 Update Plan: November 2021



  • OPPO Find X2 Pro

  • OPPO Find X2 Pro Automobile Lemborgini Edition

  • OPPO Find X2

  • OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G

  • OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition


Read more: OnePlus & Oppo unified OS to debut with OnePlus 10 flagship in 2022

Google Calculator receives its first post Material You design update

Google has updated all of its apps with the Android 12 based Material You theme. The theme provides a new and modern look to platforms and widgets by making them sleeker. While the other apps are done grabbing the overhaul, the Google Calculator app seems to get something extra.

Google Calculator
Make sure to visit: Best Calculator Android Apps on Play Store

The update can be identified by the Google Calculator v8.1. On top of the new style and color theme, the latest version adds a new animation. On top, it gets a haptic element as well, making it more engaging, tactile, and appealing.

While the Material You update added wider style circular buttons, the new version makes it switch when in use. Whenever pressed, the buttons morph into squares with rounded edges. When released, they return back to their circular shape. Moreover, the Calculator gets haptic feedback on every tap as mentioned earlier.

[gallery link="none" columns="4" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Google Calculator" ids="120309,120310,120311,120312"]

Additionally, the app now provides more advanced function keys in a drop-down menu. In a nutshell, Google Calculator v8.1 will serve all the functions of any advanced calculator in a nicer and more engaging way.
Read more: Google will set up “Quick Phrases” to trigger Assistant without “Hey Google”

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Poco M4 Pro 5G surfaces on FCC with model number 21091116AG

Xiaomi seems to be all buckled up to offer new smartphones in the market. While the company is preparing a new Mix Fold that can rival Galaxy Z Fold 3. A new device by the company, Poco M4 Pro 5G made it to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with model number 21091116AG.

Poco M4 Pro 5G
Make sure to visit: What is Android Instant Tethering and How to use it (Complete Guide)

Before the FCC certification, the Poco M4 Pro 5G has made an appearance in the IMDA certification as well. Besides the supported model number, the listing reveals the details regarding the operating system, storage configuration, and connectivity options the device will have.

The FCC listing discloses that the Poco M4 Pro 5G will have MIUI 12.5 on board. With this skin level, it is likely to arrive with the Android 11 operating system out of the box. Furthermore, the device supports a 5G network with n77 and n78 5G bands onboard. Also, it will offer connectivity options like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and NFC. On the storage front, the handset will be available in two configurations— 64GB and 128GB paired with 4GB RAM and 6GB RAM respectively.

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The arrival of the Poco M4 Pro 5G on the IMEI database divulged the fast-charging capacity and hinted at the possible processor. The smartphone will support 33W fast charging and will probably equip a MediaTek processor.

Now that the Poco M4 Pro 5G is listed on all the major certifications, we can expect more information to reveal soon. Also, the device will not take much time to debut in the market.
Read more: Xiaomi Mi 12 leaks: ceramic body, Snapdragon 898 SoC, 5000 mAh battery

Google Clock on Wear OS enters Material You design club

Google has successfully applied its new Material You theme to all of its major apps like Gmail, Google Photos, Play Store, and more. Now, the tech giant is shifting its focus to smaller platforms starting with Google Clock. The app is finally joining the Material You design club.

Wear OS
Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison: OnePlus Nord 2 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G

The Alarm tab under the Google Clock gained a title depth with the Material You makeover. Instead of the black and blue color scheme, the time is now displayed in a yellowish pill set at the center of the screen. Above it, you can see the time pending for the alarm to ring in a semi-opaque circle. Here's a picture below for your reference.



When the time is finally completed and the alarm rings, you can notice a blur two-tone texture in the background. The time along with snooze and dismiss options are shown on the screen as in the picture below.



If you want to repeat the alarm, you will notice large and bubbly buttons for the purpose. These buttons also represent a slightly yellow tint, with no fancy background.


While for the timers, the color is changed to turquoise. Unlike before, the list view will be easier to read with larger fonts housed in large-shaped pills. Moreover, it shows a large circle that you can rotate accordingly. The circle rotates vertically in a carousel fashion to reset hours, minutes, and seconds.



[gallery link="none" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="120269,120270,120271"]




Talking about the stopwatch, it has a large circle of blue dots. The time, reset button and stop buttons are in the middle. The circle looks solid with a color change, again. This time, it is peach.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="120267,120268"]
FYI, we are not sure when the update will roll out as the Google clock for Wear OS is still in the current design.

Related: Galaxy Watch 4's latest update causing trouble in tracking heart rate 

Galaxy Watch 4's latest update causing trouble in tracking heart rate 

For the first time ever,  Samsung dumped its Tizen OS for WearOS. This resulted in an exceptional performance of the Galaxy Watch 4 series. But as nothing comes perfect, the wearable also has some flaws. This includes variations between Google Fit and Samsung Health data, weak body, and syncing concerns with Play Services.


Must see: How to Setup Insignia TV

Though the above-mentioned points are minor, or we can say neglectable. While the major issue with the Galaxy Watch 4 is that it is not tracking the heart rate accurately during workouts. Reason being for calling it a significant concern is that it targets workout freaks. Thus, basic functioning like heart rate monitoring shouldn’t be a problem.


The affected users complained the numbers do not represent their actual stats. Also, this is tested comparing with the other heart rate monitoring gadgets. Now, where users were hoping for an update that'd resolve the trouble, Samsung has removed the feature on the Galaxy Watch 4!

A set of time bars showing the average heart rate replaces the continuous heart rate graph. Confirming this, a Samsung representative admitted that this change is a part of the latest update to the Health app. Talking about the latest update, it was released almost a week ago with version v6.19.1.001. Here are the changes it carries.

What's New?



  • Gather all information such as Profile, Weekly Summary, Rewards, and Personal Best that are scattered and provide them integrated on My Page.

  • Add more gender options to make it easier for anyone to choose a gender. (“Others”, ”Prefer not to say”)

  • Various bug fixes and improvements applied


There's nothing mentioned about the removal of the continuous heart rate graph. But if you require this function, all you need to do is switch back to the previous version 6.18 or older.

[via]
Read more: List of Samsung devices receiving RAM Plus feature