Thursday, November 11, 2021

Google slips Verizon-only Android 12 update to worldwide users

With the launch of the Pixel 6 series last month, Google released the final Android 12 update for the other compatible Pixel smartphones as well. Now, some users are receiving an unexpected new Android 12 update. But looks like this one just managed to slip out accidentally!

Android 12

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For the Google Pixel 4, the new OTA arrives with version SP1A.211105.002.A1/7807550, which actually is a Verizon-only build number carrying November 2021 security patch. This makes it obvious that the software was supposed to release for the Verizon models, but is rolling out for worldwide users instead.




Now that the update has started to unfurl wider than intended. Hopefully, Google is preparing to stop the process. Also, we are waiting for official words from the company explaining the accident.




Android 12 brings a major overhaul in years. It develops a personal device that adapts to you through its monet engine and Material You design. Moreover, it includes 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




Read more: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) gets updated with new sleep tracking features

Twitter drops auto-crop feature, will now show full-size images

This year in May, Twitter dismissed the auto-cropping feature on its Android and iOS apps. Now, a similar update is rolling out for Web. This means while scrolling through the Twitter timeline on your web browser, you will see images in their actual size rather than an auto-cropping algorithm making it ambiguous.


twitter android app

Make sure to visit: How to enable hidden features of Twitter for Android using Tweaks

The feature was long-awaited for Twitter for Web users. Now finally, you will get a better idea of what you’re looking at. And so will be the case with your own pictures, they will not get awkwardly cropped automatically. The accurate preview of your image, without being formatted will be shared and visible to your followers. All in all, you get to see and post a full picture in a 4K resolution!

Twitter says, “what you see is what you get” on a post referring to a full-size preview window. The picture changes could be a part of last year’s auto-crop controversy.  For the unaware, last year, some users observed that Twitter shows white faces more prominently after applying the auto-crop algorithm. Thus, assuming that the platform may favor white over Black. Maybe the algorithm was all-natural, not biased. But Twitter dropped the feature in any way to avoid any further debate.

Twitter has been experimenting with full-frame images since March. "when you Tweet a single image, how the image appears in the Tweet composer is how it will look on the timeline –– bigger and better,” said the company when the feature was under development.
Read more: Twitter introduces a prompt to let users know when a conversation might heat up

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE surfaces on TKDN

The much-anticipated device by Samsung, Galaxy S21 FE is in the light for months now. Though the smartphone was supposed to debut in August. However, the production got delayed to Q4 due to some technical reasons. But it has managed to pass through several certifications including FCC, TENAA, Bluetooth SIG, and Google Play Console. In the latest news, the Galaxy S21 FE has surfaced on Indonesian TKDN.

Galaxy S21 FE

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besides its network connectivity, the listing of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on TKDN does not divulge much information about the device. But, as the handset has arrived on several other certifications, we have some official information and render leaks with us.

According to TKDN, the model will support 4G LTE connectivity. As we already know, Samsung usually introduces its devices with two processors depending upon the region. The Galaxy S21 FE will also come in Exynos 2100 (global) and Snapdragon 888 (US/China). Apart from the SoCs, the other specification remains the same though.



Talking about the specifications, the design of Galaxy S21 FE will be identical to its other partners of the lineup. The smartphone will hold a 6.5 inch AMOLED Full HD+ display with a 120hz refresh rate. The panel offers a 1080 x 2009 pixel resolution with a punch-hole cutout at the top center. Also, the body is IP67 rated to protect it from dust and water.

Further, it will run the Android 11 pre-installed paired with 8GB RAM. We can expect the handset to have an updated version of One UI 3 on top. A triple rear camera will be housed on the device's rear side led by a 32MP primary sensor. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 12MP lens on the front side. A 4500 mAh battery will back up the Galaxy S21 FE with a 45 W fast charging support.
Read more: Galaxy S20 variants in the US receive One UI 4.0 Beta update 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

After hitting BIS India, Realme RMA2105 appears on FCC

It looks like a new Realme device with model number RMA2105 is soon going to hit the market. Last week, the smartphone was spotted on the Indian BIS certification site. And now, it has surfaced on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With the device’s listing on these certifications, the launch seems to be imminent.

Realme

Make sure to visit: Download Realme UI System Launcher v12.0.50 [Old Versions Archive]


Though the Realme RMA2105 has surfaced on a couple of online certifications, the actual name of the device is still not revealed. Also, the listings do not reveal any particular details. But now that it has started to emerge online, the launch should not take much time. Realme may hold a launch event in the upcoming months for their new devices, but then again, there's no such confirmation but the company yet.

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Launched in 2018, Realme has made its name among one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the world. The brand is in strong competition with other well-known giants like Oppo and Vivo. There are almost 100 million Realme users worldwide, out of which, 50 million users are from India.

Last month, Realme announced a new milestone with the launch of 100 new exclusive stores pan India. And, the company plans to expand the steps to 300 stores by the end of next year. Besides, raising its market share, Realme is also planning to increase its focus on accessories.

Though Realme already has a range of products apart from smartphones. This includes Laptops, Tablets, Bluetooth Speaker, Smart Wearables, Vacuum cleaners, Google TV sticks, more.
Read more: [Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Realme Narzo 50A & 50i Series Updates Tracker

[Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 2.3 Updates Tracker

Nokia 2.3 was introduced at the end of December 2019 powering Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box. The device features a 6.2 inch IPS LCD panel paired with 32GB storage and 2GB RAM. It draws power from a quad-core processor based on Mediatek Helio A22. For shooting purposes, Nokia 2.3 carries a 13MP dual rear camera and a 5MP selfie cam.

Nokia 2.3
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Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest updated information regarding Nokia 2.3.

Nokia 2.3 Updates Tracker



  • [November 10, 2021]: The Nokia 2.3 is receiving a new update that bumps its security level to  October 2021. The update is rolling out in Sri Lanka weighing 37 MB in size. Besides, it does not carry any other significant changes.

  • [April 7, 2021]: Nokia 2.3 is finally receiving the Android 11 update after a long period. You can visit our dedicated article for the list of markets, update size, and more.


Like all other updates, it is also spinning out in a phased manner and is expected to reach all the smartphones within a week. You can also check the update manually by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Check for updates. Also, make sure to switch over to a WiFi network to avoid carrier data charges.
Related: [Update: November 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Update Tracker

[Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 5.3 Updates Tracker

In March 2020, the HMD Global unveiled the Nokia 5.3 with an IPS LCD of 6.55 inches with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It powers Android 10 coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage. Under the hood, it equips a Quad-core processor-based Snapdragon 665 SoC and Adreno 610 GPU. Nokia 5.3 packs a 13MP quad rear camera and a single 8MP snapper on the other side.

Nokia 5.3

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated with every build released for the Nokia 5.3 smartphone.

Nokia 5.3 Updates Tracker


The updates are listed in descending order, i.e; the latest one is placed at the top.

  • [November 10, 2021]: The Nokia 5.3 is receiving a new update in India and the USA. The update inculcates the  October 2021 security patch weighing 25.61 MB in size. Apart from the security patch, there are no other changes. But internally, several new security enhancements and fixes will optimize the overall security of the device.

  • [February 5, 2021]: The Nokia 5.3 become the latest smartphone to receive the January 2021 Security patch update. The update weighs nearly 15.90 MB in size and it’s currently rolling to the India and Egypt markets. Apart from that, there’s nothing in this update. So, this update is only meant to increase the smartphone’s Security patch level.


The OTA update will reach out to all units in a short while. But, you can always track the build manually by heading to Settings > About > Software updates. Also, we advise users to switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid additional charges.
Related: [Update: System Optimization] Xiaomi Mi 10 series Updates Tracker

Galaxy Note 20 joins the One UI 4.0 Beta update group in the UK

Yesterday, Samsung released the One UI 4.0 Beta program for the Galaxy S20 series in the UK and the US. Today, the program is extending to the Galaxy Note 20 seriesNote 20 and Note 20 Ultra. The Android 12 based One UI 4.0 Beta is presently live in the UK. While the other markets like India, China, and the US could also get it soon.

Galaxy Note 20

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The interesting Galaxy Note 20 users in the UK can apply for the One UI 4.0 Beta program via the Samsung Members app. Therein, tap on the One UI Beta Program banner on the home page and tap enroll button at the end of the page. After enrolling, simply head to the Settings > Software update > Download and install.

As far as changes are concerned, the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 Beta adds the new Material You design by Google with a redesigned UI. Additionally, it carries several other improvements in the widget picker menu, stock apps, and Samsung Internet & Samsung Keyboard apps. This is further tossed with optimizations in the camera, calendar, home screen, lock screen, and almost every aspect of a smartphone. On the top, it enhances privacy and security for a safer user experience.

Further, Samsung has issued a detailed changelog for the One UI 4.0 Beta update for the Galaxy Note 20 duo. You can refer to the image below for the precise details about the new update.


Keep in mind that this is a beta update. Thus, it could carry a lot of bugs, hindering the user experience. Therefore, we recommend you take a backup of your important files and data before flashing the beta build.

Read more: List of Samsung devices receiving RAM Plus feature

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) gets updated with new sleep tracking features

Getting enough sleep is one major factor to manage your healthy routine. Though keeping track of sleep is no major task with all the smart devices available. Now, the 2nd gen Google Nest Hub is also joining the category. The new update brings enhanced sleep tracking features, making it more serviceable.

Nest Hub

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The latest update arrives with a sleep stage detection that gives a better insight into how you sleep. To be more precise, the feature determines when the user is in light, deep, or REM sleep. Moreover, it also figures out mensuration when the user is awake. Generally, the option is only available on best and premium Android smartwatches.

As per Google, using sleep stage detection along with other sleep information will "help you better understand what's happening while you're sleeping."



Furthermore, the potential sleep disturbances factors are getting more accurate. Now, it can more accurately tell you the difference between coughing and snoring sounds. While the noises from the outside will fall under the "Other sounds" category.

To make your sleep more peaceful, Google has also added some meditation content to calm your mind. The Calm Premium subscribers will have access to a full library with several relaxing sounds.



The update has started rolling out today and should reach every user by the next few weeks. To note, the Sleep Sensing feature will remain a free preview throughout next year for the 2nd Gen Nest Hub

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

Google Home gets a dedicated Android TV remote, lacking some features though!

Almost a year ago, Google debuted its first Chromecast with a native interface. While the remote control app for Android TV launched a couple of months back. The Google Home app is now getting a dedicated Android TV remote, allowing users to control Nvidia Shield without any extra app.


Must see: What is Peel Remote application and how to use it?


Along with the bottom display of the selected running Android TV, you can notice a new option that will allow opening a virtual remote. The control panel works like any other virtual remote, by matching the devices with a PIN displayed on the TV. After successfully entering the code, your smartphone will enable you to search for shows and scroll through apps on your Android TV.

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As far as layout is concerned, the new control panel resembles the Google TV app remote with a large touchpad above back, home, and Assistant shortcuts. However, the new remote is not as sturdy as the one on the TV. To begin with, you have to select the streaming device and click on "Open remote" at the bottom.

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Talking about the interface, there's a power button at the top that allows to power on/off the TV with a single tap. While you cannot control volume or mute the TV from the Home. To adjust this, you have to switch from a touchpad to a D-pad.

In a nutshell, the new Android TV remote is a bit of a hassle. But Google could pack more features and create a handy shortcut with a future update. Anyways, a virtual control panel can be a lifesaver in case you misplaced the remote.
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