Saturday, October 23, 2021

Redmi Note 8T finally receives Android 11 update globally

Where other OEMs are busy planning Android 12 rollout, Xiaomi is still not done with the deployment of Android 11. After the European units, the company is releasing the Android 11 update for the global variant of the Redmi Note 8T.

Redmi Note 8T

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The Android 11 update for Redmi Note 8T brings a lot of new additions and optimizations to enhance the overall user’s experiences. The package is bundled with the firmware version V12.0.2.0.RCXMIXM. However, the update is released for pilot testers as of now. It will soon be available for the general public as well.

Though the changelog does not mention any specific features but, concluding from the package size which is 2.3 GB, we can say that it carries all that we expect from the new operating system.

Changelog



  • System

    • Stable MIUI based on Android 11




Android 11 endorse all-new features to the device such as revamped UI, enhanced dark theme mode, in-build screen recorder, smart media control, lock screen conversations, one-time permissions, chat bubbles, and other improvements or customizations.

As mentioned, the software is currently available only for the Mi pilot testers. After assuring that there are no critical bugs, the company will push a border rollout. Also, the new MIUI is expected to roll out in the upcoming weeks.
Read more: Xiaomi Mi 12 leaks: ceramic body, Snapdragon 898 SoC, 5000 mAh battery

List of Asus smartphones to get Android 12

With the stable release of Android 12, every smartphone brand has crafted its timeline for the rollout of the new version. The last one to join the group is the Taiwanese giant Asus. The company has finally shared its roadmap for the deployment of the latest operating system.


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As per the schedule, Asus plans to update six smartphones with Android 12 OS by the first half of the next year. According to the company, it will also introduce ZenUI-specific changes, tweaks in performance, and its own battery along with the upcoming software update.

The brand is still following the conventional two major Android update policy. That implies the devices following the ZenFone 6 and the ROG Phone 2 series will get the new Android version. Whereas, these smartphones will run Android 11.

List of Asus smartphones to get Android 12


From December 2021



From Q1 2021



From H1 2021



Read more: OnePlus ColorOS 12 update schedule: List of supported device

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 design and key specs leaked!

Usually, the Galaxy Tab S series is launched alongside the Galaxy Note series after the Q2 of the year. This time, Samsung seems to have canceled its plan. However, Galaxy Tab S8 is in the air that will probably debut in early 2022. But, we have some render leaks with us regarding the design and key details of the device.

 Galaxy Tab S8

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Starting with the design, the leaks suggest that the Galaxy Tab S8 will flaunt a flat frame. The screen will house minimal bezels all around to hold the product. While the right bezel will house the front-facing camera. The other side will feature a vertically aligned dual-camera module followed by a magnetic strip to hold/charge the S Pen stylus, and of course, the Samsung logo.

The volume keys and power button, with embedded fingerprint sensor, will sit on the right side of the Galaxy Tab S8. The bottom side will provide a USB Type-C port and two speaker grilles on either side. Also, another two speaker grilles are managed at the top beside a secondary microphone hole at the center.

 Galaxy Tab S8

Heading to the specifications, the Galaxy Tab S8 is tipped to sport an 11-inch HD+ LCD screen. The slate can measure 253.75 x 165.30 x 6.24mm in dimensions. Also, the panel is likely to offer a 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Galaxy Tab S8 will draw power from Snapdragon 888 SoC under the hood paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. As far as software is concerned, we are not sure if it will boost Android 12 or Android 11. But it is confirmed to arrive with One UI skin. The device will pack an 8,000 mAh battery supporting 45W of fast charging.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 grabs a new update, improving its stability

Google Pixel users report several issues after the Android 12 update



Google unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro this week at the Pixel fall launch event. Alongside, the tech giant also released the stable Android 12 build for the Pixel 3 and higher models. But the update seems to carry some bugs which are hindering the user experience.

Android 12


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Undoubtedly, the Android 12 OS is a major overhaul in years with all-new exclusive features and a brand new user interface offered by Material You design. Also, the operating system has some special focus on the security front. However, it also bought some annoying bugs for users who have updated their Pixel smartphones.

Google support forum is receiving complaints from several users who claim that their touch screen is not responding after upgrading to Android 12. Moreover, some users are also facing app crashing and freezing issues while operating the latest stable version. Furthermore, users are also finding it difficult to unlock their Pixel device as the face unlock is also not working properly.

Here are some of the user's complaints as posted in the Google support forum:

“I’ve just upgraded to android 12 and immediately I noticed the upper 10-15% of the screen is touch insensitive. Only the left upper corner where the pinhole camera is working. In safe mode all works ok; also, everything worked today before upgrading. Funny that if I open app settings, the upper part starts working again. If I leave to another app or the home screen, it’s dead again. This is a disaster since all the apps have navigation/buttons up there, and I cannot use half of the apps, not even chrome, to enter an address. Any ideas? I haven’t installed any new apps recently, and as I said, there were no issues today before updating to 12. Please help!!"

“Hey, after my update to android 12, some apps are crashing continuously and the battery is draining very fast.”

So far, we have no words from Google or the Android team. But we expect the company to look into the matter soon and fix these bugs via an OTA update.
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OnePlus Nord N10 5G picks up OxygenOS 11.0.2 update

OnePlus released the Nord N10 5G smartphone last year with Android 10 pre-installed. Android 11 update for the device was released this year followed by the new OS-based skin, OxygenOS 11. Though, the handset is eligible to grab only one major OS update. The company is still bumping the customized skin with OxygenOS 11.0.2.

Nord N10
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The OxygenOS 11.0.2 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 11.0.2BE89BA. A similar package on build number 11.0.2BE86AA​ will make its way to North America​ soon.

Concerning changes, the package does not carry any such significant changes. But it improves the stability of the communication network for a better calling experience. Also, the security patch will be upgraded to October 2021 after flashing the update.

Changelog



  • System

    • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.10



  • Network

    • Improved the stability of the communication network




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

Friday, October 22, 2021

Best smartphones under $200

Every planning to purchase a smartphone started with a budget. Breaking the myth, you don't always need to go for high-end devices to get all the features. Numerous smartphones are offering a smooth experience at a low and budgeted price. Here we have crafted a list of such devices that will cost you less than $200.

Best smartphones under $200

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Best smartphones under $200




  • Moto G Fast- $200




The Moto G Fast tops the list considering all the features the device offers at this price. Launched in June 2020, the smartphone boosts Android 10 out of the box layered with a 6.4 inch IPS LCD panel. It draws power from an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 665 and Adreno 610 GPU.

Moto G Fast

A triple rear camera led by a 16 MP sensor is used for photography. The other lenses detail the picture with a help of an 8 MP ultrawide unit and a 2 MP macro sensor. On the front, you will get an 8 MP snapper for selfies and video calls. Further, there's a standard 4000 mAh battery supporting 10W of charging over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.


  • Moto G Play- $170




Moto G Play is the perfect launch of the year under this price category. A standard 6.5 inch IPS LCD panel will be handy to function Android 10. Moreover, the body has a Water-repellent coating protecting it from splash and rain. It runs Snapdragon 460 under the hood paired with an octa-core processor and Adreno 610 GPU.

Moto G Play

In the optics department, a 13MP primary camera along with a 2MP sensor to measure depth is housed on the rear side. While the front carries a 5MP selfie cam. A 5000 mAh power cell is enough to provide a day of routine functioning. It supports 10W of normal Charging over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.


  • Nokia 2.4- $140




Like the rest of the smartphones, Nokia 2.4 also compromises with some specs but is a great deal at this price. It features a 6.5 inch HD+ LCD powered by Mediatek Helio P22 chipset. This 2020 launched device also fuels Android 10 out of the box.

Nokia 2.4

A 13 MP + 2 MP camera setup is crafted on the back side while the front facing 5MP lens is something you can put second thoughts on, but it does the job. It ships with a decent 4500 mAh battery that supports charging over a microUSB 2.0 port


  • Blackview BV5900- $130




If you are a clumsy lad or have a physically demanding job, the rugged Blackview BV5900 is the best option for you. The solid phone has durable ratings to survive splash up to five feet. It has a 5.7 inch display that is easy to hold for butterfingers. But, it runs the old Android 9 pie powered by MediaTek MT6761 Quad-core processor.

Blackview BV5900

The company claims that the device could give 60 hours of standby time in a single charge of a 5580 mAh battery. Also, the phone is not meant for photography but it has a 13MP + 0.3MP rear camer and a 5MP lens on the front side.


  • Redmi Note 9- $180




The Redmi Note 9 by Xiaomi is inexpensive yet the most reliable smartphone fromt the list. The device made its debut last year featuring a 6.53 inch HD+ LCD with a Water-repellent coating and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It run Android 10 MIUI 12 pre installed that draws power from Helio G85 chipset.

Redmi Note 9

The Redmi Note 9 offers a surprisingly decent 48MP quad camera in this range. The other sensors include an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a couple of 2MP snappers for macro and depth aspects. The front cam is also great with a 13MP shooter. It ships with a 5020 mAh battery which claims to provide a 125H of backup. The cell supports 18W of Fast charging and 9W of Reverse charging.


  • Samsung Galaxy A12- $176




Samsung devices are best if you want to keep your device up to date with the latest features. Though not expensive, the Galaxy A12 also offers the best of Samsung starting with a 6.5 inch edge-to-edge display. It fuels Mediatek Helio P35 SoC based on an Octa-core processor and PowerVR GE8320 GPU. Underneath, it offers Android 10 by default but again, it is good with updates!

Galaxy A12

The camera quality is also good, thanks to the 48MP quad rear setup. Accompanying this is the 5MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. While there's a stadard 8MP snapper on the other side. It packa a generous 5000 mAh battery that canbe charged via 15W fast charger.


  • OnePlus Nord N100 (64GB)- $ 180




Though OnePlus is known for its premium flagships that offer extensive features in less range. The Nord series is meant for the budget-ers. The 64GB variant of OnePlus Nord N100 falls under this category. It flaunts a 6.52 inch HD+ display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Underneath, it runs Snapdragon 460 along with Android 10 OS based OxygenOS 10.5.9. To mention, the Nord series are set to receive only a single major OS update.

Nord N100

It carries a triple rear camera setup consisitng of a 13MP primary sensor and a coupke fo 2MP macro and depth shooters. On the other side, there's an 8MP selfie snapper. Like other devices, it also packa a standard 5000 mAh power cell which can be backed up by a 18W of fast charger.


  • Moto G Power 2021- $187




Motorola has the best smartphones to offer in a budget segment. There's again a Motorola device to the rescue— Moto G Power (2021). It features a Water-repellent coating on a 6.6 inch IPS LCD panel. It draws power from an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 662 and Adreno 610 GPU

Moto G Power 2021

It has the best camera quality offered by Motorola with 48MP triple setup. The other include two 2MPs sensors for macro and depth measurement. A 5000 mAh battery backs up the device that suports Fast charging of 15W over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite grabs MIUI 12.5 Enhanced edition update

After the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, Xiaomi is sending MIUI 12.5 Enhanced edition to the Mi 10T Lite. The device was officially launched last year in September with Android 10 along with MIUI 12 skin on top.

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite

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The latest update for the global variants of Mi 10T Lite is arriving on firmware version V12.5.3.0.RJSMIXM. Talking about changes, the package carry all that we expect from MIUI 12.5 enhanced. Moreover, it improves security by inculcating the October 2021 security patch. Further, the changelog claims to bring a variety of fixes in the lock screen, status bar, and notification shade.

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 October 2021. Increased system security.



  • Lock screen

    • New: New fingerprint options

    • Optimization: App vault memory usage when the 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

    • Fix: Lock screen notifications disappeared after an ended call

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

    • Fix: A flashing black line appeared when Fingerprint unlock was used



  • Status bar, Notification shade

    • Optimization: Algorithms for displaying incoming call notifications

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

    • Optimization: Dark mode adjustments for notifications

    • 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: Floating notifications flashed when the Second space was used

    • Fix: The clock wasn't always displayed correctly in the Notification shade

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

    • Fix: Notification badges didn't always appear

    • Fix: Backgrounds weren't displayed correctly when notifications arrived and third party themes were used

    • 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




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

Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro get MIUI 12.5 Enhanced in India

After the global rollout, the Indian variants of the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are receiving MIUI 12.5 enhanced version based on Android 11. The smartphones were launched in September 2020 boosting Android 10 based MIUI 12 out of the box.

Xiaomi Mi 10T

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The new skin for Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro is rolling out in India via the firmware version V12.5.3.0.RJDINXM weighing 3.8 GB in size. Regarding changes, the major attraction of the update is the extensive features of the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version. Moreover, the changelog claims to bring fixes in the lock screen, status bar, and notification shade.

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.



  • Control Center

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

    • 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 the Ultra battery saver was on

    • Fix: Battery saver toggle didn't work

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

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

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



  • Lock screen

    • New: New fingerprint options

    • Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed

    • 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



  • Status bar, Notification shade

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

    • Optimization: Dark mode adjustments for notifications

    • 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: 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: 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: 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




As always, the OTA is rolling out in phases, it may take a while to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can head over to Settings app > Software update to manually track the update.
Related: Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

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.

Google Meet

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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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