[Update: System Optimization] Poco M4 Pro Updates Tracker

The Xiaomi-owned brand— Poco launched the Poco M4 Pro smartphone in November 2021. It flaunts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD which is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 3. An Octa-core processor-based Dimensity 810 5G powers the device paired with up to 128GB storage and 6GB RAM. Poco M4 Pro offers Android 11, MIUI 12.5 pre-installed. In terms of camera, there’s a 50MP dual rear camera and a 16MP single front-facing lens.

Must see: New Global Mi Store App V3.23.0 update enhances security and privacy [Download]

Note: This tracker will be updated frequently with every build released for Poco M4 Pro in descending order. You can see the latest updates at the top.

Poco M4 Pro Updates Tracker

• [November 12, 2021]: The Poco M4 Pro 5G is receiving its first update globally which polishes the system performance. The build arrives on the firmware version V12.5.2.0.RGBMIXM.

    Changelog

Optimized system performance
Improved system security and stability

Like always, the update is having an incremental rollout. That means a set of random users will start experiencing the update now. After the successful verification, everyone will be getting it within a week. You can also check the update status manually by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Check for updates.

Related: [Update: System Optimization] Redmi 9A and 9C Updates Tracker

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Google Photos adds a new shortcut to reach the Screenshots folder quickly

Google has decided to give users easier access to reach out for the Screenshots folder in Google Photos. Though, the process was not complicated earlier either. But a little shortcut never hurts!

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Currently, if you want to open screenshots in Google Photos, you need to click on the Screenshots folder under the Library tab present in the bottom bar. While this new shortcut will make this more convenient. You can now access the Screenshots folder right from the Google Photos home screen.

In the present Google Photos version, you can see your recent photos and videos following the Memories pill which is housed at the top of the home screen. According to the Google News Telegram channel, Google Photos is upgrading to version 5.66.0.406885096. The update will edit the home screen with a shortcut at the top to reach the screenshot folder easily.



As seen in the picture above, the new Screenshots shortcut will appear as a banner at the top of the home screen. Additionally, it displays the total number of screenshots with a preview of the most recent ones. However, there's is no official word from Google yet. But you can try upgrading your Google Photos app and let us know about the new shortcut in the comment section below.

As always, the new version is rolling out as a server-side update. That means it will reach out to all users automatically. It could take almost a week though!

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MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition reaches out to Redmi K40 Pro & K40 Pro+

The next smartphones to join the long list of MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update by Xiaomi are the Pro variants of Redmi K40. The Redmi K40 Pro and Redmi K40 Pro+ were launched this year in February with Android 11 based MIUI 12 out of the box.

Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison – Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 Pro vs Apple iPad Mini 6

The latest update for the Redmi K40 Pro & K40 Pro+ is bundled with the firmware version V12.5.5.0.RKKCNXM weighing 3.8 GB in size. The Android 11 based package is currently rolling out in its home country China. But it could soon reach out to other regions in the upcoming week.

The MIUI MIUI 12.5 Enhanced is a minor upgrade over the MIUI 12.5 Android customized skin by Xiaomi. Though the new version does not carry any major changes, it ensures that the user gets a smooth experience by adding four optimizations— Focused algorithms, Liquid storage, Atomized memory, and Smart balance

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.
  
  
  
  

The OTA update is rolling out in phases and will hit every device over the next few days.

Read more: Xiaomi Mi 12 arrives on EEC certification with Snapdragon 898

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Realme GT Master Explorer Edition get Realme UI 3.0 Beta

Realme unveiled its new Android 12 based customized skin, Realme UI 3.0 last month. The Realme GT 5G was the first smartphone to receive the beta program. Now, the Realme GT Master Explorer Edition is joining next to join the Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta Program.

Must see: All about Realme UI 3.0- Features, Supported Devices, and more

Though the entire GT series was scheduled to receive the Realme UI 3.0 Beta build in October, somehow the process got delayed. Currently, the Realme GT Master Explorer Edition models in the home country are eligible to get the update. But it could soon go live for other markets as well.

The interested Realme GT Master Explorer Edition users in China can enroll themselves in the Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 beta program. The Registration will be open from 11:30 on November 11. But as this is a closed beta registration, it will only be accessible to 700 users who are registered on the Chinese forum.

To register yourself, follow the below steps:

• Head to phone Settings > Software update


• Look for the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen


• Click upgrade and early adopters and fill in the required information


• Scroll down and register yourself by confirming the agreement

At the time of writing, there is no official changelog for the Realme UI 3.0 Beta. As per the company, the skin is “more fluid, the layout is more spatial, & the overall UI experience is more expressive.” You can dig the features by tapping on the below button

Best Realme UI 3.0 features

Read more: After hitting BIS India, Realme RMA2105 appears on FCC

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All major OEM brands to support Android 12 dynamic themes

We all are aware of the impressive Android 12 theming system based on the codename ‘Monet.’ The new Material You theme extracts color from your wallpaper and applies the respective theme to the overall UI. However, the theme is currently limited to Google's own devices. But, now the major smartphone brands are finally planning to bring support to their devices.

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

There's a new code, commit is spotted in Google’s Material Components library which states, “Add supporting manufacturer list of dynamic colors.” As the name suggests, it reveals the list of brands that will support the dynamic theming system by Google. The list includes OPPO, Realme, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, Motorola, Intel, Tecno Mobile, Infinix, HMD Global, Sharp, Sony, TCL, Lenovo, Google, and Roboelectric.

However, the color palettes generated from your wallpaper on these Android smartphones could be from Google’s own Monet implementation. There are chances that the OEMs will create their entirely new algorithms. For instance, instead of implementing the monet engine, Oppo will execute its own dynamic themes to refresh system UI just like it did to the Android 12 Beta for Oppo Find X3.

Moreover, Google also confirmed that the Monet code will be added to AOSP sometime after the stable release of Android 12. But again, the manufacturers might not be interested in supporting dynamic themes. The reason being, the most of these brands already have their own customized skins offering their own design languages.

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

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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

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