New privacy control feature rolling out to WhatsApp

There always are people with whom we don't like to share any information. Luckily, WhatsApp already offers plenty of such features to hide your details and pictures from specific users. Again, the social networking app is getting updated with a new privacy feature, making it easier to hide details from certain contacts from your list.

Must see: What is WhatsApp Plus and How it Differs from WhatsApp?

As we reported earlier, WhatsApp was working to develop a feature where the users can manage the contacts who can see their profile details and last seen. Finally, the update is rolling out for the beta users with version 2.21.23.14. Precisely, the update will allow you to hide your last seen, profile photo, and about section from selected users.

Presently, the stable WhatsApp version gives the control over this information to be set for everyone, your contacts, or no one. Now, one more option is going to add to this list, "My contacts except..." This will let users select contacts that they don't wish to share their profile details or last seen with.



Do keep in mind that this is a two-way process. That means if you hide your Last seen status from anyone, you will also not be able to see their status as well. However, the same thing doesn't apply to the profile management section. You can still see the other party's picture and bio even if you are hiding yours from them.

Read more: You can now transfer WhatsApp chat history from iOS to any Android device

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Google Pixel 2 XL get its first Android 12 based custom ROM

Google mentioned that the smartphones compatible with Android 12 are Pixel 3, Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, the Pixel 5, and the Pixel 5A. Thus, leaving the Pixel 2 and 2 XL behind. But luckily, there are custom ROMs to the rescue. The Google Pixel 2 XL gets its first custom ROM based on the latest operating system.

Make sure to visit: How to install SafetyNet fix on Android 12!

A Custom ROM is a third-party firmware that replaces the pre-installed version of Android on devices. For now, the official OS available for Pixel 2 and 2 XL is Android 11. The 2017’s premier Pixels are not eligible to get any further major OS updates. Therefore, the owners will miss all the Android 12 overhaul, amazing theming system, Privacy Dashboard, and much more.

But not anymore! because ProtonAOSP has provided a chance to explore Android 12 on your Pixel 2 XL. While the predecessor model will also gain access later sometime as the team is in woking. So now, you can hold on to your older device and still get all the goodies from the latest stable channel.

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Besides the core Android 12 features, the build also adds some additional tweaks to ensure its smooth functioning. Also, the package is available as a factory image, making it easier to flash Android 12 on Pixel 2XL as to stock a factory image. In case you encounter any problem, try upgrading your on-device system partition.

However, do keep in mind that this is a custom ROM build therefore, you may face some issues in operating. But again, currently, this is the only way to experience Android 12 on your Pixel 2 XL.

Read more: Google slips Verizon-only Android 12 update to worldwide users

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After BIS certification, OPPO CPH2375 arrives on EEC

The Chinese smartphone maker Oppo is reportedly preparing another device to debut in the market. A few days ago, a new smartphone from the company, OPPO CPH2375 was spotted on the Indian BIS website. Now, the same device has made an appearance on the EEC certification.

Make sure to visit: Oppo ColorOS 12 official wallpapers are out for download!

The OPPO CPH2375 has managed to pass through these certifications without revealing its name. Also, the EEC listing of the new Oppo device does not reveal any other information apart from its model number.



In other news, Oppo A95 4G was spotted on Geekbench a couple of weeks ago with model number CPH2365. Joining the dots, the latest listed Oppo model could be a part of the Oppo A95 series. The Oppo A95 series will be the successor of Oppo A94 which was launched in March this year.

However, we have no official word from the company yet. But now that the device is in a rumor for days now, it could launch by the end of this month.

Talking about the Oppo A95 4G (CPH2365) which recently visited Geekbench, revealing some of its key specifications. The smartphone managed to score 312 points in the single-core test and 1,274 points in the multi-core tests.



Under the hood, Oppo A95 4G will draw power from an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 662 chipset. Though the listing discloses an 8GB RAM variant, it could also arrive in a 6GB RAM option. The Oppo A95 4G will boost ColorOS skin out of the box paired with Android 11 OS. 

Read more: Oppo ColorOS 12 update plan for November 2021

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Download OnePlus Zen Mode v2.4.9 [Old Versions Archive]

OnePlus offers the Zen Mode feature on a number of its smartphones. The OnePlus Zen Mode brings some rest to your life by locking out your phone for a set period. After turning on Zen Mode, your phone shuts numb for a selected time so you can not perform any function. But you can still receive calls and take photos. Also, you can make calls only to emergency numbers. To mention, once the feature is on, nothing can take you back to normal usage until the set time is over.

Must see: Download OnePlus Sports App Version v3.1.3

Here we have created a list of all the versions OnePlus Zen Mode has received so far. The updates are arranged in descending order according to their release date. You can download the app from the following button.

Download OnePlus Zen Mode

• [November 11, 2021]: Version v2.4.9

The OnePlus Zen Mode is receiving another update with version v2.4.9. The build is rolling out globally in a stable phase and is compatible with OxygenOS 12 or later. It improves the experience by optimizing general issues and bugs.

What's New?

ο Optimized issues and general bugs to improve user experience.

Download Version v2.4.9

• [October 17, 2021]: Version v2.4.7

OnePlus is releasing Version v2.4.7 to the Zen Mode which is Compatible with handsets running Android 10 or later versions. The eligible users can head to the button below to download the new version. It optimizes issues and fixes general bugs, improving the user experience.

What's New
ο Optimized issues and general bugs to improve user experience

Download Version v2.4.7

• [October 13, 2021]: Version v2.3.3

OnePlus Zen Mode version v2.3.3 is rolling out in a stable phase globally for smartphones with Android 10 OS or higher versions. The update fixes some general bugs and issues to improve the user experience.

What's New
ο Optimized issues and general bugs to improve user experience

Download Version v2.3.3

• [June 25, 2021]: Version v2.3.0.210621103059

OnePlus is releasing stable Version v2.3.0.210621103059 for its Zen Mode. Users running Android 10 or later are eligible to flash the build from the button below. It enhances the experience by optimizing issues and other known bugs.

What's New
ο Optimized issues and general bugs to improve user experience.

Download Version v2.3.0.210621103059

• [April 27, 2021]: Version v2.2.6.210420165719

OnePlus Zen Mode version v2.2.6.210420165719 is rolling out in a stable phase for smartphones with Android 10 or higher OS versions. This time, the team has added zen challenges which will award users with medals if completed successfully.

What's New
ο Take on the zen challenge to win medals!

Download Version v2.2.6.210420165719

Read more: OnePlus Nord 2 blast reported in India, AGAIN!

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Download OnePlus Clock App v7.0.51 [Old Versions Archive]

Every smartphone brand offers its own stock apps. From messages to UI launchers, all these apps are also available on the Play Store for the general public. Here we have crafted a list of updates that OnePlus has released for its Clock app. Like any other clock app, it also combines all the functionality into one package. This includes— set alarms, timers, stopwatches, keeping track of time around the globe, and more.

Must see: Download OnePlus Sports App Version v3.1.3

Download OnePlus Clock App

• [November 11, 2021]: version v7.0.51

The OnePlus Clock app is getting bumped with version v7.0.51, which is available for global users running OxygenOS 11 or later versions on their smartphones.

Download version v7.0.51

• [October 17, 2021]: Version v6.1.0

The users who are operating Android 11 or later can download the new version released for the OnePlus Clock app— Version v6.1.0 by tapping the button below.

Download version v6.1.0

• [May 2, 2021]: Version v5.3.0.210419175521

OnePlus is sending another update to the Clock app with Version v5.3.0.210419175521. The app is compatible with smartphones running on Android 8 or higher versions.

Download version v5.3.0.210419175521

• [March 25, 2021]: Version v5.3.0.210225160038.a0afad0

OnePlus Clock is upgrading with Version v5.3.0.210225160038.a0afad0 in a stable phase. The version is eligible for devices operating Android 8 or later.

Download version v5.3.0.210225160038.a0afad0

• [March 22, 2021]: Version v5.3.0.210308121826.3545621

The OnePlus Clock is getting another Beta update with version v5.3.0.210308121826.3545621. Android 8 or higher OS smartphones can test the beta by flashing it from the tab below

Download version v5.3.0.210308121826.3545621

• [March 21, 2021]: Version v5.3.0.210308211432.19b552f

OnePlus Clock has received a Beta update with v5.3.0.210308211432.19b552fwhich is Compatible with handsets operating Android 8 or later.

Download version v5.3.0.210308211432.19b552f

Related: Download OnePlus Gallery App v4.0.211 [Old Versions Archive]

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Redmi Note 11 series to power Snapdragon SoC in global market

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 11 series last month in its home country. The lineup consists of three devices—  Redmi Note 11, Note 11 Pro, and Note 11 Pro+. Reportedly, the family is soon going to debut in global markets including Vietnam. However, the design and other specs will differ for these devices outside China.

Make sure to visit: How to Root Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (Complete Step by Step Guide)

Starting with the processors, the Chinese variant of the Redmi Note 11 draws power from Dimensity 810. While the Note 11 Pro and Pro+ power Dimensity 920 SoC. But, as per the reports, Vietnam and other global models of the smartphone will equip a Snapdragon chipset. Though these models are also expected to visit China, but with different monikers.

It is still not clear why Xiaomi has decided to use Snapdragon SoCs instead of the default chipset for the global models. Some leaks claim that the shortage of Dimensity chipset stocked in Xiaomi’s facility could be the reason.

Additionally, the same leaks suggest that unknown Snapdragon Chipsets under the Redmi Note 11 Global edition could be the Snapdragon 778G Plus, and Snapdragon 695. But these are just assumptions at the moment. Also, the variants are expected to debut in the first quarter of 2022.

There's another leak again which states that the Redmi Note 11 is expected to arrive as the Redmi Note 11T 5G in India. Whereas, the Note 11 Pro and Pro+ are expected to be renamed as Xiaomi 11i and Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge. The presence of Snapdragon SoC for the Indian variant remains to be a secret.

Read more: [Update: MIUI 12.5.4.0 Rolling Out] Redmi Note 10/Note 10 Pro Update Tracker

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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!

Make sure to visit: Get official Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro wallpapers for free!

Google is asking the users who are running Android 12 on their compatible pixel devices to upgrade to Android 12, again! The users complain that they are receiving a new pop-up notification that tells them to upgrade their smartphone to the latest operating system. The OTA is arriving on all Pixel handsets including Pixel 3, Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, the Pixel 5, and the Pixel 5A weighing 1.8GB in size.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Must see: Download original iOS 15 Wallpapers for all of your devices

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 

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