Monday, November 15, 2021

Xiaomi releases MIUI 12.5.8 update to Redmi Note 11 Pro & Pro+

In late October, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Note 11 series in the home country. The lineup consists of three models— Redmi Note 11, Redmi Note 11 Pro, and Redmi Note 11 Pro+. Finally, the first major update for the Pro variants of the family is arriving with MIUI 12.5.8.


Redmi Note 11 series



Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison – Motorola Moto E40 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

The latest update for the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is bundled with the firmware version 12.5.8.0.RKTCNXM weighing 239MB in size. The major addition of the update is the "atomic memory" which actually is a part of the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version.

Talking about Atomic memory, the function provides an ultra-fine memory management mechanism that will make RAM usage more efficient. To be more precise, it splits application memory and ends additional processes according to usage scenarios. Ultimately, this helps to improve the available memory and background resident ability thus, offering a seamless experience.

Additionally, the update also resolves some known bugs and issues including the slow charging issue in some cases. Moreover, the update enhances privacy by upgrading the security level to October 2021. The OTA update is rolling out in phases and will hit every device over the next few days.


In other news, the Redmi Note 11 lineup is soon going to debut in global markets as well, including Vietnam. However, the design and other specs will differ for these devices outside China. To know about these differences, you can visit our dedicated article.



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

Google fixes the ghost-dialing problem in Pixel 6

Last month, Google released the Pixel 6 series with is claimed to be the best in a long time. The lineup features a new design, an astonishing camera, a dynamic theme based on Android 12, and much more. But as we know, nothing is perfect. So is the case with Pixel 6, the device seems to have some issues like a slow fingerprint scanner, ghost-dialing, and a few more. Finally, Google has started addressing the problems as the latter one is getting a fix.

Pixel 6

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Lately, some Pixel 6 users were reporting that their smartphone would light up anytime and say that it’s calling XYZ (a random person from the contact list). The scene was happening at different times with different contacts, all by itself. Eventually, more users with a similar problem were joining the discussion. However, the issue got major when other Pixel devices users also reported the same issue. Some Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a users also started complaining about the ghost calling. But Google has finally looked into the matter and resolved it.

According to the Pixel community manager, the ghost dialing problem will be smashed once the user updates the Gooogle app to the latest version 12.43.18 or higher. That means you can now toggle on the Google Assistant without worrying that it might call random people on your contacts list.

If you are facing a similar problem in your Pixel 6 or any other Pixel device, you can simply resolve it by updating the Google app from the Play Store.
Read more: Google Photos adds a new shortcut to reach the Screenshots folder quickly

Friday, November 12, 2021

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G hits FCC with 15W of fast charging support

Almost after a year, Samsung is planning to introduce a successor of the last year released budget smartphone, Galaxy A12. Reportedly, the new Galaxy A13 has visited the FCC authority in the US, hinting at an imminent launch. Also, the listing reveals some details that you can read below.

Galaxy A13

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

According to the FCC listing, the Galaxy A13 will bear the model number SM-A136U. While there are other models number spotted, SM-A136U1 and SM-A136DL which are also associated with the phone.

Moreover, the arrival of Galaxy A13 on FCC discloses its charging capacity and measurements. The smartphone will measure 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.9mm in dimensions. Plus, it will support 15W of fast charging.



As per the leaks, the Galaxy A13 5G will feature a Full HD+ resolution panel with a 6.48-inch IPS LCD. It could offer storage up to 128GB while the RAM is hinted to go up to 8GB. Under the hood, the device is likely to draw power from Dimensity 700 chipset. On the software front, it is tipped to boost Android 11 based One UI 3.1 out of the box.

In the optics section, Galaxy A13 is suggested to arrive with a 50MP triple rear camera and an 8MP single front-facing lens. The other specs could include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and a 5000 mAh battery.

Samsung is expected to launch Galaxy A13 in four color variants of black, white, blue, and orange. To mention, the device is likely to launch this month for around $250.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE surfaces on TKDN

[Update: November 2021 Security Patch] Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition Updates Tracker

Realme extended its X7 flagship that was launched in September 2020 by introducing a new device— Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition aka Realme X7 Pro Ultra. The device debuted in April 2021 featuring a 6.55-inch Super AMOLED display. Under the hood, it is powered by an Octa-core processor-based MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC. The smartphone ships with Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 out of the box paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Realme X7 Pro Ultra equips a 64MP triple rear camera and a 32MP snapper for selfies.

Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition
Must see: Download Realme Phone App Version v8.16.6

Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest updated information regarding the Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition Updates

Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition Updates Tracker



  • [November 12, 2021]: Realme X7 Pro Ultra is grabbing a new update in China on build number A.15. The package inculcates the November 2021 security patch and fixes the highlight flashing issue when taking pictures. Also, the system performance and stability are optimized.


    Changelog

  •  Camera

    • Fix the problem of probabilistic highlight flashing when taking pictures



  • System

    • Optimize system performance and improve system stability



  • Security

    • Update Android security patch (2021#11)



  • [June 4, 2021]: Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition is receiving its first update with May 2021 security patch. The latest update for the Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition is live in India on firmware version A.10. Regarding changes, you can visit our dedicated article.


The update is having an incremental rollout. Thus, it will take a while to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can track the update by heading over to Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates.
Related: [Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Realme C25/ C25s Updates Tracker

[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 11MIUI 12.5 pre-installed. In terms of camera, there’s a 50MP dual rear camera and a 16MP single front-facing lens.

Poco M4 Pro

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

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!

Memories widget
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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.

Google Photos

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

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.

Redmi K40 Pro

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

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.

Realme GT Master Explorer Edition
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

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.

Android 12

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