Monday, November 1, 2021

[Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Xiaomi Civi Updates Tracker

In September 2021, Xiaomi introduced a new device in the home country— Xiaomi Civi. The smartphone has a 6.55-inch OLED, 1B colors display paired with up to 256GB of storage and 12GB RAM. Beneath the screen, the phone runs Snapdragon 778G 5G processor and Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 pre-installed. It has a 64MP triple rear camera and a single 32MP sensor for selfies.

Xiaomi Civi

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated frequently with the Xiaomi Civic smartphone updates.

Xiaomi Civi Updates Tracker



  • [November 1, 2021]: The Xiaomi Civic is receiving a new update in the home country China that adds the October 2021 security patch. The package arrives on version V12.5.7.0.RKVCNXM, which is currently in the Stable Beta Recovery phase. Besides increasing the system security, the update does not carry any other significant changes.


As usual, the updates are spinning out in batches which means they will roll out to certain users initially. After the successful verification, everyone will receive the package within a week. You can also check the update status manually by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Check for updates. Also, keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi to avoid any carrier data charges.
Related: [Update: October 2021 security patch] Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/ 8 Pro Updates Tracker

List of Huawei smartphones supporting EMUI 12

Every major smartphone brand has unveiled its Android 12 based customized skin. The latest company to join the list is another Chinese giant, Huawei. During the Asia Pacific New Product Launch event, the company disclosed the list of devices that are eligible to get EMUI 12. Now, it has finally announced the rollout plan for its smartphones.

EMUI 12

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The new Android 12 based EMUI 12 by Huawei features a minimalistic and realistic design. Apart from MeeTime video calls and improved security, the major features of the new version of the proprietary user interface include— quick and easy activation of the MatePad function to activate multi-screen collaboration, a user-friendly control panel, and flexible font adjustments.

Without further ado, here's the list of Huawei smartphones that are eligible to receive the EMUI 12 update. Besides the list, the aforementioned models starting in the first quarter of 2022 will also support EMUI 12 as mentioned by Huawei.

List of Huawei smartphones supporting EMUI 12



  • Huawei Mate 40 Pro

  • Huawei Mate Xs

  • Huawei Mate 30 Pro

  • Huawei Mate 30

  • Huawei Mate 20 Pro

  • Huawei Mate 20 RS

  • Huawei Mate 20 X 5G

  • Huawei Mate 20 X

  • Huawei Mate 20

  • Huawei Mate 10 Porsche Design

  • Huawei Mate 10 Pro

  • Huawei Mate 10

  • Huawei P40 Pro +

  • Huawei P40 Pro

  • Huawei P40

  • Huawei P30 Pro

  • Huawei P30

  • Huawei P20 Pro

  • Huawei P20

  • Huawei nova 7

  • Huawei nova 7 SE

  • Huawei nova 7i

  • Huawei nova 5T

  • Huawei nova 4

  • Huawei nova 4e

  • Huawei Y9 Prime 2019

  • Huawei Y9s

  • Huawei Y8p


Related: List of eligible devices to get Realme UI 3.0 update

SwiftKey enable copy and paste between Android and Windows

SwiftKey is a virtual third-party keyboard app by Microsoft for both Android and iOS devices. Since the introduction of Windows 10 in 2021, the is trying to uplevel the interlinking between desktop and Android devices. The new update is knocking with a new feature that enables the user to copy and paste between Android and Windows.

SwiftKey

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Microsoft is releasing a new update to its SwiftKey Keyboard App tagged with version 7.9.0.5. According to Microsoft's report, the version will allow the user to copy text from the clipboard of Android devices like smartphones or tablets and paste it onto the Windows PC. The process also works the opposite way.

FYI, earlier, the feature was only available for users who were using the app in connection with desktop. Now, all Android users can copy and paste text between the app on their smartphones and the Windows desktop.

In order to try and test the new functionality, you have to activate the option as it is not enabled by default. To activate, head to the SwiftKey settings on your Android device and look for the clipboard section under inputs. Therein, you will find an option called "Synchronize clipboard history". The same settings need to be done on your desktop under System > Clipboard.

Keep in mind to update the app to the required version first! Also, the update supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 i.e; from October 2018 update or later.
Read more: Google redesigns Chrome to sync with Windows 11 style

Friday, October 29, 2021

Android 12L features that you should know!

Last month, we reported that Google could introduce a minor update over Android 12 after the Pixel 6 series launch. Well, the news turns out to be true as the successor version is arriving. But it will be called Android 12L not Android 12.1.

Android 12L

Must see: List of Samsung devices eligible for Android 12L update  

However, the Android 12L is not meant for all smartphones as of now. The version is actually a “feature drop for Android 12,” which will release in early 2022. The version is specially crafted for devices with large screens like foldable smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks.

In other words, we can say that Android 12L is a refinement over Android 12 to make it more usable on large screens. Along with several UI refreshments, it brings new APIs, tools, and guidance to help developers optimize their apps. Here are the best Android 12L features you should know.

Android 12L features that you should know!


Refreshed UI


As Android 12L is designed for large screens, it makes it more easy and convenient to use. The notifications, quick settings, lock screen, overview, home screen, and more features a new two-column layout.

Android 12L

For instance, the lock screen pattern and PIN controls on tablets will be shown at the side of the screen. To bring the pin/pattern controls to another side, simply tap on that side. Moreover, the system apps are optimized. For foldable devices, the fold-unfold transitions are polished. Plus, the home screen grid is also optimized.

Just like on a desktop, Android 12L adds a new taskbar on large screens that makes it easy to launch a new app or switch to a new one. Additionally, you can also see two apps in split-screen mode. Also, the non-resizeable apps can also enter the split-screen mode. You can hide or reveal the taskbar with a simple long press.

Android 12L

Moreover, the features increase the speed of taskbar. A drag and drop feature will enable you to easily enter the enter split-screen mode while a simple swipe-up gesture will take you home. You can also set a quick-switch gesture under gesture navigation that will allow flipping through recent apps



Improved Compatibility


The compatibility mode is improved in Android 12L. Even for the apps that are not optimized to work on large or foldable screens, the new version makes it looks better by default by introducing some visual and stability improvements.

Android 12L

These enhancements include a better letterboxing experience, helping the app to adjust within the screen. Google is also making tools for different OEMs to customize their letterboxing experience. For instance, the brand can set a custom size or aspect ratio, layout for the app window, bar representation, and more.

"Android 12L is for phones, too, but since most of the new features won’t be visible on smaller screens, for now, we’re keeping the focus on tablets, foldable, and ChromeOS devices," says Google.


However, the company is planning to initiate the Android Beta program for Pixel smartphones. Thereafter, we expect to see some new phone-specific features.
Related: Best Android 12 features: Secure, Private, and Personal

The OnePlus 7 series picks up OxygenOS 11.0.4.1 update

OnePlus is releasing a new update for the OnePlus 7 series— OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro including the T-Mobile variants— OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro. The group is picking up a new update with OxygenOS 11.0.4.1.

OnePlus 7
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Starting with the standard variants, OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, the update is rolling out in Europe and globally. For the European models, the build carries the version number 11.0.4.1GM57BA for the OnePlus 7 and 11.0.4.1GM21BA for the OnePlus 7 Pro. While the global units will be bumped via version 11.0.4.1.GM57AA and 11.0.4.1.GM21AA​ respectively.
Moving to the T-Mobile versions, the package is making its way to India, Europe, and globally. For the OnePlus 7T, the update arrives via the firmware version 11.0.4.1.HD65AA in India. while EU and GLO are upgrading with 11.0.4.1.HD65BA and 11.0.4.1.HD65AA respectively.



On the other hand, the OnePlus 7T Pro is grabbing version 11.0.4.1.HD01AA for Indian models. Whereas the number varies to  11.0.4.1HD01BA and 11.0.4.1.HD01AA​ for the EU and GLO variants.​

Concerning changes, the changelog for all smartphones is the same. After flashing the new software, the system security patch will be upgraded to October 2021. Also, it improves system stability. Moreover, the delayed display of incoming calls interface issue is now resolved.

Changelog



  • System

    • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.10

    • Improved system stability



  • Phone

    • Fixed the issue of delayed display of incoming calls interface




As always, the package is having an incremental rollout. Thus, it will hit certain users at first. A border rollout will follow after ensuring smooth functioning and the absence of bugs. But the users can always track the build via Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates.
Related: OnePlus Nord gets a new update with OxygenOS 11.1.6.6

Download Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Factory Images

Almost a week ago, Google unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. As earlier, after every phone launch, the company has released both the factory image and OTA files for its new devices. If you are the one who likes to play around with and find a way to fix their phones, this one is for you!

Pixel 6

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Though we have the factory image and OTA files available in several versions, we don't know what will the package reveal. But we'll get to know eventually! For now, there are four different carrier-specific builds.

Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro Factory Images



  • SD1A.210817.015.A4

  • SD1A.210817.019.B1 (AT&T)

  • SD1A.210817.019.C2 (T-Mobile, USCC, Google Fi, CA, TW carriers)

  • SD1A.210817.019.C4 (Verizon)


Download Factory Images


Download OTA


The new build that will arrive globally as an OTA update will have the version number SD1A.210817.036. While the number will differ from SD1A.210817.036.A8 for the Verizon-specific build.
Read more: Google Pixel users report several issues after the Android 12 update

Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Z Fold 3 get One UI 4.0 Beta program in Korea

A couple of days back, Samsung announced the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 Beta program for Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Galaxy Z Fold 3. The company has initiated the program starting from its home country, South Korea. The interested users in the country can start registering to see the new features of One UI 4.0.

One UI 4.0

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According to the Community Manager on the Samsung Members forum, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 users in South Korea can register in the program. The One UI 4.0 beta program is live for both unlocked units and carrier-locked (LG Uplus, KT, and SKT) variants of the foldable devices.



However, the Thom Browne versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 are not eligible for this update. Samsung is expected to open the program for these variants and in other markets in the upcoming weeks. Meanwhile, here is how Korean users can join the beta update group.


How to register for the One UI 4.0 Beta test?



  1. Open the Samsung Members app.

  2. Click on the One UI 4.0 banner. (under the main screen or Notices section)

  3. Scroll down and tap on enroll button to complete the registration process.


Once you are done enrolling, you can download the Android 12 One UI 4.0 beta update by simply heading to the Settings app > Software update > Download and install. 
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A03s (NA variant) arrives on WiFi Alliance with model number SM-A037U

Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 get new features via new software update

For the last few months, Google is frequently giving attention to the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3. Every update brings new features to the wearables and so is the case this time. This time, the company is rolling out the OS 5.3 update to the Sense and Versa 3. Here is what the software carries!

Fitbit Sense and Versa 3

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Though this update is not major, it does bring some practical features that add to the pile of attributes it already offers. Both Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 are getting two new features status indicators and outdoor exercise mode.

The status indicators could always save a few extra seconds as they will allow the user to monitor the battery, see whether the device is connected to a phone or not, manage the do not disturb or sleep mode settings.

Moreover, the OS 5.3 update adds the outdoor exercise mode, which the user can look for under the Exercise app. As the name suggests, it will help you to track outdoor activities like skating, kayaking, skiing, hiking, and a lot more.

The update will arrive as on OTA on your Fitbit Sense and Versa 3. Thus, it can take a couple of weeks to reach all smartwatch units. In another case, the company asked the users to check the Fitbit app in a few days. Thereafter, you will see a message when the OS will be available on your wearable and you can install the update.
Read more: Google Pixel users report several issues after the Android 12 update

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Specs Comparison – Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro vs Apple iPad Mini 6

Having a bigger screen size makes multitasking easy and intuitive to work seamlessly across apps. Thus the companies have started updating their tablet categories. Recently, Xiaomi and Apple launched Mi Pad 5 Pro and iPad Mini 6 respectively in different price segments yet with some similar features. You can see the comparison between these two devices based on their key specs here.

Mi Pad 5 Pro vs iPad Mini 6

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As mentioned, both Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro and Apple iPad Mini 6 have some common grounds. However, they are not major or significant in most cases.

Similarities



  • The body of both smart devices has a Glass front and an aluminum back.

  • The memory of either device is unexpandable.

  • The rear camera offers HDR and panorama effects for better detailing of the picture.

  • Common connectivity and sensor options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Accelerometer, gyro, and compass.


Only the above-mentioned points are homogenous specs for Mi Pad 5 Pro and iPad Mini 6. Needless to say, they differ on all the major grounds including screen, processor, camera, and other functionality. To make this difference simple for you, we have portrayed a table emphasizing the major factors.

Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro vs Apple iPad Mini 6


[table id=43 /]
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