Monday, October 18, 2021

[Update: September 2021 Security Patch] Poco X3 NFC Updates Tracker

In September 2020, the Xiaomi-owned sub-brand— Poco launched the Poco X3 NFC with Android 10 onboard. It flaunts a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 shield. An Octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 732G powers the device paired with up to 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. In terms of camera, there’s a 64MP quad rear camera and a 20MP single front-facing lens.

poco x3 nfc

Must see: Best custom ROMs for Poco X2

Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated frequently with the Poco X3 NFC software release.

Poco X3 NFC Updates Tracker


The updates will be arranged in descending order (date wise). You can see the latest build at the top followed by the previous releases.

  • [October 18, 2021]: The Poco X3 NFC is grabbing a stable software update globally. The build carries the September 2021 security patch on V12.5.3.0.RJGMIXM firmware version. The update enhances the system security and resolves some lock screen-related issues. [Recovery ROM] [Apply for OTA]


Changelog


System
Updated Android Security Patch to September 2021. Increased system security.
Lock screen
New: New fingerprint options
Optimization: App vault memory usage when a device is locked
Fix: Screen flashed after locking when Super wallpapers were used
Fix: Wallpapers flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
Fix: Display abnormalities occurred when Fingerprint unlock was used with games
Fix: Issues with the fingerprint animation in several scenes
Fix: Fingerprint and Face unlock were turned off after a SIM card was installed
Fix: The screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used with Super wallpapers in some cases
Fix: "Raise to wake" turned off unexpectedly in some cases
Fix: Lock screen notifications didn't disappear on time when Fingerprint or Face unlock was used in some cases
Fix: Screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
Fix: No items except for the status bar were shown on the screen after using Fingerprint unlock
Fix: Issues with the Lock screen clock when third party themes and super wallpapers were used
Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed
Fix: Using Face unlock and Fingerprint unlock simultaneously led to crashes in some cases

  • [July 27, 2021]: Poco F3 NFC edition is finally joining the MIUI 12.5 update list. The update is rolling out globally through the firmware version V12.5.1.0.RJGMIXM. Visit our dedicated article for a detailed changelog.

  • [February 27, 2021]: Poco is releasing the February 2021 Security Patch for its POCO X3 NFC smartphone in Europe. It brings the firmware version V12.0.8.0.QJGEUXM weighs around 2.5GB. Apart from this, the update does not drive any significant changes.


A pop-up notification will let you know when the OTA update reaches your device or you can navigate it via settings > software update > download and install.
Related: [Update: System Optimization] Poco M3 Updates Tracker

Vivo Watch 2 makes it to TENAA with a 501 mAh battery

Along with introducing new smartphones in the market, Vivo is now shifting its attention to a new wearable, Vivo Watch 2. The upcoming wearable recently made an appearance in TENAA, revealing some of its key details. Here is what we have in our hands.

Vivo Watch 2

Make sure to visit: [Update] Download FuntouchOS 12 Game Space APK

The TENAA certification does not divulge all the details but we do have some key information like the display type, battery capacity, ad connectivity options. To recall, the earlier leaks about the Vivo Watch 2 suggested that it will encourage better app implementation. Thus, the users will be able to install complementing apps from their connected smartphones.

As per TENAA, the Vivo Watch 2 will have an OLED round dial with a higher screen-to-body ratio. However, the screen size is not yet disclosed. Further, the listing reveals that the wearable will have triple-network eSIM technology onboard. Also, it will support independent eUICC chips and more App adaptations. Moreover, it will pack a 501mAh rated battery that is supposed to last longer.

This is all we have in our hands at the moment of writing this. The rest of the details will be disclosed with the passing time or any official announcement from the compnay. We will update the article as soon as we get any information regarding the upcoming Vivo smartwatch.
Read more: Vivo V2156A hits TENAA with 4,005 mAh battery, 50 MP camera, and more

Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite is the latest device to get MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition

The new skin by Xiaomi, MIUI 12.5 enhanced version is expanding to more devices. The Mi 10 series was one of the initial flagships to receive the latest stable skin. Now, the latest smartphone from the series to get the new software update is the Mi 10 Lite.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite

Must see: Best Smartphones with MediaTek Dimensity 1000

The new skin for Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite is rolling out globally in a stable phase on the firmware version V12.5.4.0.RJIMIXM weighing 2.9 GB in size. Regarding changes, the company has issued a detailed changelog that claims to bring a variety of fixes and optimizations for a seamless performance along with the MIUI 12.5 enhanced features.

Changelog



  • MIUI 12.5 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

    • Optimization: Removed unnecessary sound notifications for DND mode.

    • Optimization: Full-screen gestures are now ignored on the Lock screen alarm page.

    • Fix: Home screen went black and started flashing after unlocking in some cases



  • System Animations

    • Optimization: Animations in selected scenes

    • Super wallpapers

    • Fix: Status bar colors weren’t displayed correctly in the Dark mode



  • Control Center

    • New: Swipe down from the upper left corner to open Notification shade and from the upper right corner to open Control center

    • New: When Notification shade is open, swipe down from the upper right corner to open the Control center

    • New: Animation that illustrates tapping a bigger card

    • New: An option that allows you to restrict opening Control center while on the Lock screen

    • New: Clock in Control center

    • New: Tapping a blank spot in Control center closes it now

    • Optimization: MIUI 11 custom toggle order is preserved after updating to MIUI 12

    • Optimization: Control center is now closed by incoming calls

    • Optimization: Press and hold redirection options

    • Optimization: Control center layout in landscape mode

    • Optimization: You’ll be now prompted about locked orientation in Landscape mode

    • Fix: Some toggles disappeared from Control center in the editing mode

    • Fix: Brightness adjustment bar couldn’t be used when Control center was opened for the first time

    • Fix: Toasts weren’t shown in Control center

    • Fix: Issues with the Data usage card in Control center

    • Fix: Custom toggles couldn’t be used in Second space or when Ultra battery saver was on

    • Fix: Couldn’t pull down the Notification shade on the Lock screen when the old version of toggle panel was still used

    • Fix: Toggle order wasn’t correct on the old toggle panel

    • Fix: Switching SIM cards crashed the app in some cases

    • Fix: Accessibility features weren’t available in the editing mode

    • Fix: Control center wasn’t always displayed correctly in landscape mode

    • Fix: The status of the Silent mode toggle wasn’t displayed correctly in some cases

    • Fix: The screen flashed while Bluetooth devices were disconnected

    • Fix: Toggles disappeared after Battery saver had been turned off

    • Fix: Control center couldn’t be closed when Ultra battery saver was on

    • Fix: Battery saver toggle didn’t work

    • Fix: Control center wasn’t displayed correctly in Dark mode

    • Fix: Wi-Fi status was updated with a delay in some cases

    • Fix: Content center couldn’t be closed in some cases

    • Fix: Brightness adjustment settings were dismissed after Control center was opened

    • Fix: Incoming calls weren’t displayed correctly in DND mode

    • Fix: Brightness adjustment didn’t work properly in Dark mode

    • Fix: Control center toggles were mixed up after Battery saver had been turned on



  • Dark Mode

    • Optimization: Brightness and color improvements for wallpapers in Dark mode



  • Always-on-display

    • Fix: Lock screen items were shown on the Always-on display



  • Status bar, Notification shade

    • Optimization: Third-party theme compatibility for the Notification shade

    • New: Permanent Lock screen notifications in the DND mode

    • New: Introducing customizable Lock screen clock (Settings > Lock screen password > Advanced settings).

    • New Lock screen clock doesn’t work with third-party themes.New: Animations for toggles

    • New: A toggle for switching between SIM cards

    • New: Double tap to wake or turn off screen

    • New: Refreshed the visual style of the Notification shade

    • New: Screen lights up with animation now

    • New: Status bar color gradient animation

    • New: An option to switch between connected devices in the notification about media playback

    • Optimization: Readjusted sensitive areas for the dots in the unlock pattern

    • Optimization: GPS icon in the status bar

    • Optimization: The UI for renaming fingerprints

    • Optimization: Readjusted touch-sensitive areas for Wallpaper Carousel

    • Optimization: Algorithms for displaying incoming call notifications

    • Optimization: Third-party theme compatibility for the Notification shade

    • Optimization: Dark mode adjustments for notifications

    • Fix: Call time bubble overlapped with notification icons

    • Fix: Issues with overlapping in Dual Clock settings

    • Fix: Tapping grouped notifications made them disappear

    • Fix: Screen didn’t always light up for notifications

    • Fix: Screen lock prompt wasn’t displayed correctly in landscape orientation

    • Fix: Issues with triggering the Notification shade during calls

    • Fix: Media volume couldn’t be restored after receiving a notification

    • Fix: Brightness bar didn’t respond to adjustments fast enough

    • Fix: Status bar wasn’t displayed correctly with color inversion

    • Fix: Some notification icons couldn’t be displayed

    • Fix: Notifications flashed in some cases

    • Fix: Lock screen notification animations froze after the device was unlocked using face data

    • Fix: Notifications flashed in some cases

    • Fix: Floating notifications weren’t displayed correctly in landscape mode

    • Fix: Notification badges weren’t updated for incoming notifications on a locked device

    • Fix: Floating notifications overlapped when the transparent background was used

    • Fix: Permission dialog elements overlapped after a notification was long pressed

    • Fix: Notifications weren’t displayed correctly when App lock was used

    • Fix: Cleaner animations weren’t displayed correctly

    • Fix: Notification shade couldn’t be opened in some cases

    • Fix: Notifications weren’t displayed correctly after missed calls

    • Fix: Issues with permissions after missed calls

    • Fix: Status bar icons turned black in some cases

    • Fix: Music player controls weren’t displayed in some cases

    • Fix: App notification switches didn’t always work

    • Fix: The button for clearing memory wasn’t always displayed correctly in the Notification shade

    • Fix: Issues with displaying grouped notifications

    • Fix: Player controls weren’t always displayed in the Notification shade

    • Fix: Notifications weren’t always displayed correctly when “Raise to wake” was used

    • Fix: Buttons weren’t always displayed correctly on the notifications when Dark mode was on

    • Press and drag the Lock screen shortcut to open Camera

    • GPS toggle renames as “Location”



  • Lock screen

    • New: New fingerprint options

    • Optimization: Special effects for the fingerprint scanner

    • Optimization: App vault memory usage when a device is locked

    • Fix: Custom signature didn’t appear on the Lock screen

    • Fix: Fingerprint unlock didn’t work on Always-on display in some cases

    • Fix: The screen flashed after the device was unlocked in Reading mode

    • Fix: Fingerprint unlock animation kept playing after the device was unlocked

    • Fix: Issues in the Settings deactivated Fingerprint unlock in some cases

    • Fix: Fingerprint unlock animation led to crashes

    • Fix: Fingerprint icon didn’t appear or was displayed incorrectly when the screen was turned off in landscape mode

    • Fix: The screen went black, the device was locked, and Lock screen wallpaper was replaced with Home screen wallpaper after Fingerprint unlock was used

    • Fix: Issues with Fingerprint unlock vibration

    • Fix: Using fingerprints in some apps locked the device

    • Fix: “Raise to wake” turned off unexpectedly in some cases

    • Fix: Fingerprint icon didn’t disappear after the device was unlocked

    • Fix: Fingerprint icon didn’t disappear after the device was unlocked

    • Fix: Lock screen went transparent after Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases

    • Fix: Issues with the Lock screen clock when third party themes and super wallpapers were used

    • Fix: Memory issues when dual clock was displayed

    • Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed

    • Fix: Wallpapers flashed when Fingerprint unlock was being used which didn’t allow to unlock the device

    • Fix: The device was locked again after successful Fingerprint unlock attempts

    • Fix: Using Face unlock and Fingerprint unlock simultaneously led to crashes in some cases

    • Fix: Lock screen notifications disappeared after an ended call

    • Fix: Lock screen items weren’t displayed when super wallpapers and themes were combined

    • Removed: Lock screen and Always-on display issues in Second space



  • Themes

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

    • Fix: Wallpaper services crashed in some cases

    • Fix: Some wallpaper previews weren’t displayed 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: Home screen background went black after Ultra battery saver was turned off

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

    • Fix: Text truncation issues in super wallpapers

    • Fix: UI elements overlapped in the super wallpaper settings

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



  • Recent

    • New: You can blur the previews of some apps in Recents now

    • Fix: Previews weren’t displayed correctly




The OTA is rolling out in phases, making it take more time to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can manually track the update via the Settings app > Software update > Check for update. 
Related: Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

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”