Google Meet gives more control to hosts for handling participants

The Google Meet hosts on the desktop already have the power to mute all participants at once. With the latest update, the host will get more control as the platform is receiving the new Audio and Video Lock feature.

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The feature allows the host to turn off the microphone and camera of select participants during a meeting. Also, the Audio and Video Lock does not allow the participants to turn them back on unless the host unlocks them. That implies, the members can not unmute themselves once they are mute by the organizer.

The announcement was made via a Google blog post. It says that the Audio and Video Lock feature gives hosts more balanced control over their meetings to ensure smooth functioning and productivity. Additionally, the host also has the power to allow different levels of participation from attendees.

The participant will be removed from the meeting in case he is not using the updated version with the new feature and the host or co-host turns on either of the locks. And if the participant tries to join a meeting that has either of these locks enabled, he will be asked to update the app or join the meeting from another device. These participants can join trouble-free if the host turns off the audio or video locks.

The locks will also be applied to any subsequently launched breakout rooms during a call. Once a breakout room is formed, any lock setting changes in an individual room will not affect the settings of other breakout rooms or the main meeting.

Users need to have the latest updated version of the Google Meet or Gmail app. The Audio and Video Lock feature works on devices with Android OS version M or newer and iOS version 12 or higher.

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Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold will get a major update later this month

Despite launching this year in Q3, the Mi Mix Fold runs Android 10 based MIUI 12 out of the box. But recently, Xiaomi announced a major MIUI update for the device that will be pushed by the end of this month. Also, we have an idea of what the vital build might bring.

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Xiaomi will mold and apply the MIUI experience crafted for tablet systems to the Mix Fold. The upcoming software update will arrive with tons of new features and optimizations besides the regular bug fixes.

To be more precise, it will add MIUI+ cross-screen collaboration and various other new functions. Moreover, the issues with application adaptation, dual-screen connection, and more will be addressed. Also, the package will optimize the PC mode for a trouble-free experience. Additionally, the large screen experience usage will be more effective.

Chang Cheng, Vice President of Xiaomi Group disclosed three main points of this forthcoming update son after the official announcement. Further, he mentioned that after the trial phase, the experience has improved greatly. In fact, he claims that the experience will be as great as using a new smartphone after flashing the update.

• The basic experience is greatly improved, smoother, and more stable: Internal screen/external screen, the desktop is the same. The inner screen adjusts the App position, and the outer screen automatically adjusts accordingly. Comprehensively incorporate the enhancement and optimization items of MIUI 12.5. WeChat can log in to the tablet mode, which greatly improves the experience.


• System App: Desktop layout/browser/game center, etc., many applications have been re-adapted and optimized for the foldable smartphone, including the PC mode that everyone likes.


• Three-party App compatible adaptation covers the Top 4000, adds MIUI+, etc.

Read more: Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

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[Update: September 2021 Security Patch] Redmi 8A Updates Tracker

Xiaomi announced the Redmi 8A smartphone featuring a 6.22-inch IPS LCD screen in September 2019. Under the hood, it is powered by an Octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 439 SoC. The smartphone ships with Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box paired with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Redmi 8A equips a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP selfie lens.

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Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest updated information regarding the Redmi 8A smartphone updates.

Redmi 8A Updates Tracker

• [October 20, 2021]: Xiaomi is releasing a new stable update to the Redmi 8A in India. The update arrives on the build number V12.5.2.0.QCPINXM increases the system security by inculcating September 2021 security patch. [Recovery ROM]

Like all the other updates, this as well is rolling out in a phase-wise manner. Accordingly, the users may have to wait a while to get the build. You can also check the update status manually via Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates. Also, we suggest you switch over to a WiFi network to avoid carrier data charges.

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

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Redmi Note 9T receives MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update

Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Note 9T powering Android 10 along with MIUI 12 on top out of the box. The device is the rebrand version of the Redmi Note 9 5G launched in China. After the Redmi 9T smartphone, the partner device is now grabbing the Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 enhanced edition update.

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The latest build for the Redmi Note 9T is unfurling globally on the firmware version V12.5.5.0.RJEMIXM. Regarding changes, the company has issued a detailed changelog that claims to add numerous fixes related to the lock screen in addition to the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition features. Moreover, it bumps the safety version to September 2021.

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.
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to September 2021. Increased system security.
  
  
  
  


• Lock Screen
  
  
  
  • New: New fingerprint options
  
  
  • Optimization: App vault memory usage when 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
  
  
  
  

Recovery ROM
Apply for OTA

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Google app beta update brings Material You weather widgets

Google is updating its applications to sync with the Material You theme Since I/O 2021. But, none of the beta updates bought the Material You weather widgets. With the stable release of Android 12, the much teased Material You-themed weather widgets are finally rolling out.

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The Google app beta version 12.41.14.29 brings the weather widgets themed by the Material You design. It offers two ‘Weather’ widgets measuring 3×3 by default, which can be adjusted down to 3×2.

The weather widgets synced with the Material You theme are live with the latest beta version of the Google app. Before this update, the user only had two options of weather widgets to choose from. Precisely, there was one square-shaped widget and the other one featured an axis oblong pill design.

The square weather widget displayed the highs and lows for the present day in addition to the location and temperature. This information was also described via an image visual. On the other hand, the oblong pill only housed the city along with state and temperature.

Keep in note that this is not a server-side update. That implies you have to flash the Google app's latest beta to enjoy the new weather widgets. In order to download the beta, search for the Google app on the Play Store and enroll in the beta program.

Like every other update, this as well is currently Pixel exclusive i.e; downloading the update will not work on other devices. But it should not take much time to reach other OEMs.

Read more: Google Calculator receives its first post Material You design update

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OnePlus 8 & 8 Pro receives OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 update

While OxygenOS 12 is still under the beta stage, OnePlus is releasing the next versions of OxygenOS 11 to its flagship. Recently, the OnePlus 8T got bumped with OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 (IN) and 11.0.11.11 (NA & EU). Now the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro is receiving OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 update.

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The latest update for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro is currently rolling out in Europe with firmware version 11.0.9.9.IN21BA for OnePlus 8 and 11.0.9.9.IN11BA for the OnePlus 8 Pro.

As announced by the OnePlus community forum, the Indian and North American regions will also receive the update soon. For Indian variants, the build will arrive on version 11.0.9.9.IN21DA and 11.0.9.9.IN11DA respectively. For the North American models, the version will vary to 11.0.9.9.IN21AA and 11.0.9.9.IN11AA​.

Concerning changes, the package addresses some general bugs, improving the system stability. Moreover, it adds ‘Files by Google’ that will allow the user to search files quickly via search and simple browsing. Also, your security level will be upgraded to October 2021 after flashing the new version.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Added the Files by Google, find files faster with search and simple browsing
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.10
  
  
  • Improved system stability
  
  
  • Fixed known issues
  
  
  
  

The latest OxygenOS update is rolling out in batches in Europe. The build is hitting the units in a staged manner to a limited number of users today. It will steadily make way for all users after making sure there are no critical bugs.

To manually check for the update, the users need to navigate to their device’s Settings > Software Updates > Download and Install.

Read more: OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro picks up new update with October 2021 security patch

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OnePlus 8T gets OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 (IN) and 11.0.11.11 (NA & EU)

OnePlus is frequent in releasing updates to its smartphones, especially with OxygenOS bumps. The latest device to grab the build is the youngest member of the OnePlus 8 family, the OnePlus 8T. The smartphone is getting a new OxygenOS update in different regions.

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The OnePlus 8T is grabbing OxygenOS 11.0.11.11 in Europe via the firmware version 11.0.11.11.KB05BA. As announced by the company, a similar build will unfurl to North America as well on build number 11.0.11.11.KB05AA. Whereas, for the Indian variants, the OnePlus is will send 11.0.10.10.KB05DA build that will add OxygenOS 11.0.10.10.

Though the version number and build may be different, the changelog for all the regions is identical. Talking about changes, the package bumps the security version to October 2021. Plus, it resolves some known issues and improves system stability. Moreover, it adds 'Files by Google' which will make the file search quick and fast via search and simple browsing.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Added the Files by Google, find files faster with search and simple browsing
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.10
  
  
  • Improved system stability
  
  
  • Fixed known issues
  
  
  
  

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 absence of critical bugs and seamless functioning of the new packages.

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Android 12 Final build arrive for all compatible Pixel smartphones

With the introduction of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro at the Google Pixel Fall launch event. The company finally released the final build of Android 12 for all the compatible Pixel smartphones. The latest operating system will arrive later this year to other smartphones brand like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Xiaomi, and more.

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Talking about the compatible Pixel devices, this includes the handsets dating back to the Pixel 3. To be more precise, you can install Android 12 on Pixel 3, Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, the Pixel 5, and the Pixel 5A. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will run the OS pre-installed.

If you own any of the above compatible Pixel smartphones, you can track the Android 12 update manually via System Settings. The build should not take much time if you are arriving from the Android 12 beta stage. But if you are shifting from Android 11, the update will weigh 1.5GB in size. To check for the update, head over to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.

Android 12 brings the major overhaul in years as mentioned by Google. It emphasizes developing a personal device that adapts to you through its monet engine and Material You design. The OS is more expressive than any other previous version of Android that coordinates with all the apps.

That’s not all, Android 12 also includes smoother screen motions, new privacy features & dashboards, scrolling screenshots, fluid animations, refreshed notification shade with brand new Quick Settings tiles, and a whole lot more. Read all the Android 12 features by tapping the button below.

Top Features of Android 12

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Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launched with Google Tensor for $599 and $899

As promised, Google finally launched the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro at Google's Pixel Fall Launch event. The smartphones power the Tensor chipset with the latest Android 12 OS and Material You design. Rendering an all-new design, Pixel 6 will cost you $599 where the Pro version is worth $899.

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The pre-orders for new Google smartphones are live while the devices will be up to grab from October 28 in the US. The pricing and availability in other markets including India are still undercover.

Pixel 6 will be available in Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam, and Stormy Black color variants. While the shade differs from Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black for Pixel 6 Pro.

On the designing front, the Pixel 6 duo features a dual-tone layout with a blank left side, while the power and volume rockers are on the right. The front houses a punch-hole cutout for a selfie lens. Further, the smartphones will have an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Google Pixel 6

The Google Pixel 6 flaunts a matte aluminum finish that carries a 6.4-inch full-HD+ screen offering a 90Hz refresh rate. The panel offers 1,080x2,400 pixels resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and 441ppi of pixel density.



For shooting purposes, it has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 50 MP primary sensor and a 12 MP ultra-wide shooter. On the other side, there's a single 8 MP selfie lens housed inside the punch-hole cutout.

Google Pixel 6 packs a 4,614mAh battery that supports 21W wireless fast charging and 30W wired fast charging via a USB Type-C port. The device offers 128GB and 256GB of storage onboard paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

The connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS/ A-GPS, and NFC. It arrives with all the essential sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light, barometer, pyrometer, magnetometer, and a proximity sensor.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Heading to the Pro variant, it features a polished aluminum frame that holds a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display. The panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,440x3,120 pixels resolution, a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 512ppi, and a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top.



In the optics department, Pixel 6 Pro carries a triple rear camera lead by a 50 MP primary unit. The other lenses include a 48 MP telephoto shooter and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. While a 11.1 MP snapper serves the selifes and video call purposes.

In terms of storage configuration, the Pixel 6 Pro has an upper hand with a 512GB model paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. While the connectivity options and sensors are similar in both the variants. A 5,003mAh battery backs up the Pixel 6 Pro that supports 23W fast wireless charging and 30W fast wired charging over a USB Type-C port.

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