Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro receives new unexpected November update

At the end of last month, Google released an update for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro adding the November security patch to the device. Now, another software is rolling out for the global and Verizon variants of both smartphones. This time, the security level remains the same but the build is addressing something unknown.

Pixel 6

Make sure to visit: Download Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Factory Images

The latest upgrade gives a minor bump to the present build version of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro variants. The global update arrives on version SD1A.210817.037, while for Verizon and MVNOs (Mobile virtual network operators), the package can be identified by SD1A.210817.037.A1. Both versions weigh 14.56MB in size.

We don't have any official list of changes at the moment, but looking at the software version, it is likely to fix some issues that the users are facing. As the package is arriving out of nowhere unexpectedly, we assume that the bug could be severe, maybe the security exploits found in the Google Tensor processor.

However, we are not sure which issue is being addressed here as Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro has many troublesome little bugs. We will update this article soon as we get any word from the company. Also, we are near to the big December release update we've been waiting for.

This OTA update will automatically hit your respective Pixel smartphones as it is rolling out in batches. This time, the Check for update trigger will not work.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

OnePlus Nord 2 gets a new update with November 2021 security patch

The OnePlus Nord series are eligible to receive only two major Android updates. But the company never fails to deliver regular upgrades to the upper mid-range device— Nord 2 5G. The new update for the smartphone arrives with some improvements, optimizations, bug fixes, and a new security patch level.

OnePlus Nord 2

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Zen Mode v2.4.9 [Old Versions Archive]

The details were revealed via a screenshot shared by a user on the OnePlus Community forums, while we still await an official announcement. The fresh stable OxygenOS build for the OnePlus Nord 2 is bundled with the firmware version DN2101_11_A.13 for the Indian variant and DN2103_11_A.12 for the European models.

Regarding changes, the changelog remains the same for both variants except for the security patch level. Where the Indian OnePlus Nod 2 gets November 2021 patch, the European one stands in October 2021. Further, after flashing the update, the system power consumption will be reduced thus, enhancing the battery life.

Moreover, it optimizes the back-end management to deliver a better gaming experience. Additionally, it also optimizes the network connection stability and VoWifi and ViLTE experience. And of course, the package resolves some known bugs and improves system stability.

Changelog



  • System

    • Further reduced system power consumption

    • Optimized the back-end management to offer a better gaming experience

    • Updated Android security patch to 2021.11

    • Improved the stability and fixed known issues



  • Network

    • Optimized the VoWifi and ViLTE experience

    • Optimized network connection stability




Like always, the OTA update is rolling out in batches. It will reach a limited number of users initially. A border rollout will follow after making sure there are no critical bugs. Meanwhile, you can also track the update manually via Settings > About > Software updates.
Read more: OnePlus Nord 2 blast reported in India, AGAIN!

Download Realme Clone Phone App v12.14.01 [Old Versions Archive]

Are you are changing your Android smartphone and worried about how you can transfer all the data? Well, Realme is here with a solution called the Clone Phone App. It will transfer all data stored on your old phone including Settings, Photos, Contacts, and Apps to your new phone in a few clicks.

Realme Clone Phone App

Must see: Download Realme Weather App v12.1.0 [Old Versions Archive]

All you have to do to transfer your data is install the Realme Clone Phone App on both devices from the dropdown list below. After downloading, select whether the device is old or new and scan the QR code from old to new phone. Once paired, the devices will automatically transfer the selected data via a personal hotspot.


Download Realme Clone Phone App



  • [November 16, 2021]: The Realme Clone Phone is receiving Version v12.14.01 globally in a stable phase. The app is compatible with devices running Realme UI 2.0 & ColorOS 11 and here is what it brings

    What's New:

    1. Adapt to Android version 29. In order to protect user privacy, please use the Clone Phone to scan the code connection and start clone, waiting for the system to pop up the connection prompt, confirm and manually connect before proceeding to the next step;

    2. Fixed some crashes and connection failures to improve user experience;

    3. Fixed some interface display problems.


Download Version v12.14.01




  • [October 25, 2021]: Realme is upgrading the Clone Phone app with Version v5.78.2. The stable update is available for the global users of Realme UI 2.0 and ColorOS 11.


Download Version v5.78.2




  • [October 2, 2021]: Realme Clone Phone app is receiving another stable Version v12.11.01 globally. Users on Realme UI 2.0 & ColorOS 11 can tap the button below to download the update.


Download Version v12.11.01




  • [September 21, 2021]: The Clone Phone app is getting bumped with Version v12.10.00 globally. You can flash the version if you're on Realme UI & ColorOS based on Android 5 or later. Here is what it changes:

    What's New:

    1. Adapt to Android version 29. In order to protect user privacy, please use the Clone Phone to scan the code connection and start clone, waiting for the system to pop up the connection prompt, confirm and manually connect before proceeding to the next step;
    2. Fixed some crashes and connection failures to improve user experience;
    3. Fixed some interface display problems.


Download Version v12.10.00




  • [September 9, 2021]: Realme Clone Phone app Version v5.76.0 is unfurling globally in a stable phase for the users operating Realme UI & ColorOS based on Android 5 or later

    What's New:

    1. Adapt to Android version 29. In order to protect user privacy, please use the Clone Phone to scan the code connection and start clone, waiting for the system to pop up the connection prompt, confirm and manually connect before proceeding to the next step;
    2. Fixed some crashes and connection failures to improve user experience;
    3. Fixed some interface display problems.


Download Version v5.76.0



Related: Download Realme UI System Launcher v12.0.50 [Old Versions Archive]

Verizon Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic gets a new update

The Galaxy Watch 4 series are exceptionally performing well and Samsung leaves no chance to update them. Well, it gets special attention as this is the first time company ditched Tizen OS for WearOS. In the latest news, the Verizon-based Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are getting a new update that brings some user-friendly changes.

Galaxy Watch 4

Must see: How to set Gboard Theme as per the Wallpaper

For the Galaxy Watch 4, the update arrives on firmware version R865USQU1BUI5 (40mm) and R875USQU1BUI5 (44mm). While for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the version upgrades to R885USQU1BUI5 (42mm) and R895USQU1BUI5 (46mm).

Regarding changes, here is a list of what the new version carries:

  • New Watch Faces: Samsung is adding four new watch faces with this update to make it more lively. The faces include— Live wallpaper, Basic dashboard, Info brick, and Weather center. Additionally, you also get two more Cute Characters!


[gallery link="none" size="full" ids="121031,121032,121038"]

  • Steps challenge: There are new animations and an option to choose Steps or Together. The Steps option is meant to count the user's steps. While the Together option will allow the user to challenge friends for walking competitions.

  • Animal: Now, you can also customize the edges of your Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with the newly added options to make your wearable more homely.










  • My Face: Your Galaxy Watch 4 wearables now supports GIFs. That means you can now see the received animations right on your wrist.

  • AR Emoji and Bitmoji: Soon after updating your watches to the latest version, you will get a popup notification. It will say that you can now create your avatars using the mobile app on your connected smartphone.

  • Quick launch gesture: There's a new gesture for which you just need to flick your wrist down twice within 5 seconds. The gesture can perform the assigned task like opening recently used apps, opening an exercise type list, starting a recent exercise, and adding a reminder.

  • Hard fall detection sensitivity: A new option has been added that will alert you in 60 seconds after a fall. In case you do not respond in a minute, an SOS message will be sent to the emergency contacts. You can toggle the Hard fall detection setting via the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone. Visit Watch settings > SOS > When hard fall detected > Hard fall detection.


As the OTA is having an incremental rollout, you may have to wait for some days to grab the new features. But you can always track the build manually via the dedicated app on your connected smartphone.
Read more: Samsung reveals One UI 4.0 update plan; later deleted










Xiaomi drops the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update plan for some Redmi devices

In August 2021, Xiaomi unveiled the enhanced version of the latest stable skin, MIUI 12.5 alongside the launch of Mi MIX 4. Since then, the company is busy with the deployment of the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version. However, it has now eliminated some Redmi smartphones from the list of eligible devices.

MIUI 12.5 Enhanced

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

The selected Redmi devices that are now not eligible to bag the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced edition are listed below:

Last year as well, Xiaomi mentioned two devices from the above list that were not qualified to get MIUI 12— Redmi 7 and Redmi Y3. However, the Redmi 7 received both MIUI 12 and the later version, MIUI 12.5. But unfortunately, the Redmi Y3 strictly followed the orders.

Therefore, we can say that there's still a possibility that some handsets from the above-mentioned list could receive the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update. But let's not keep any hope.

In other news, Xiaomi is planning to upgrade the maximum of its devices with MIUI 12.5 enhanced. The company has disclosed the third batch of the rollout plan which mentions more than 25 smartphones that you can see in our dedicated article.
Read more: Two mysterious Xiaomi smartphones receive China's MIIT certification

Oppo Find X2 series joins the ColorOS 12 beta program

Oppo unveiled the ColorOS 12 a couple of months ago and released it to the Find X3 lineup first. Now, the predecessor is getting a hit. Adhering to its November 2021 rollout plan, Oppo has released the ColorOS 12 beta program for the Find X2 series.

Oppo Find X2 series
Must see: Oppo ColorOS 12 official wallpapers are out for download!

According to the official announcement post on Oppo Community, the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 beta program for the Find X2 series is currently live in India and Indonesia. Precisely, the series includes three smartphones— Oppo Find X2, Oppo Find X2 Pro, and Oppo Find X2 Pro Automobili Lamborghini Edition.

If you are an interested Oppo Find X2 user in any of the respective countries, you first need to upgrade your devices' version to C.73. Thereafter, you can follow the below steps:

  1. Visit the Software update section under the Setting app

  2. Click on the Gear icon at the top right corner

  3. Apply for the beta version

  4. Update Beta Version and follow the on-screen instructions.


Oppo will entertain the registrations from November 15 to November 22. Also, keep in note that only 5,000 applicants will be selected for the first update batch in total for the three smartphones. Therefore, the user needs to make sure to register as soon as possible in order to be a first batch candidate.

Concerning the stable release, it should happen by next month once all the bets issues are taken care of. Also, the Android 12 ColorOS 12 will be the second last major update for the Find X2 series as it debuted with Android 10 based ColorOS 7.1.
Read more: After BIS certification, OPPO CPH2375 arrives on EEC

OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro get OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 2 with November 2021 security patch

Last month, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro became the first smartphone from the company to get the taste of OxygenOS 12. Now it's time for the devices to enter the second stage. OnePlus is releasing the Open Beta 2 for the duo along with some other changes that you can follow below.

OnePlus 9

Must see: Download OnePlus 9 Live wallpapers for any Android Phone

Concerning changes, the OxygenOS 12 improves the system stability and camera stability. Also, it optimizes the system operations for an enhanced user experience. Moreover, the build resolves several issues, making the device functioning more hassle-free. On top, the security patch level is upgraded to November 2021. Below is the official changelog for your reference.

Changelog



  • System

    • Optimized the fluency of the status bar

    • Optimized battery life and charging speed

    • Fixed the low-probability issue of the status bar not displaying apps

    • Fixed the low-probability issue of automatic brightness failing

    • Fixed the issue of some desktop widgets displaying abnormally

    • Fixed the issue of Cloud service not opening in Notes

    • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.11

    • Improved system stability



  • Camera

    • Improved app stability



  • Bluetooth

    • Fixed the low-probability issue of the status bar not displaying the battery of Bluetooth earphones




But as we know, bugs are a part of the beta updates. This update also carries a lot of issues and some of them are listed by OnePlus below.

Know issues



  1. Auto-rotate for desktop may be delayed under some using scenes

  2. Probable issue of WLAN automatically disconnected

  3. The camera will freeze when taking videos in 4K 60hz mode

  4. Notifications for some apps will automatically be switched on

  5. Global Search may not response

  6. Background Apps may automatically switch off under the using scene of low RAM


For those who are currently operating the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 1, this package will arrive as an OTA. However, in another case, the user needs to flash the first beta in order to experience the second one.

Also, OnePlus suggest user maintain at least 30% battery level and keep a minimum of 3GB of storage available.
Read more: OnePlus Nord 2 blast reported in India, AGAIN!

Two mysterious Xiaomi smartphones receive China's MIIT certification

Recently, two mysterious Xiaomi smartphones with model numbers 21121119SC and 2112123AC have received China's MIIT certification. The smartphones were also spotted earlier in other public certifications but none of them reveals the marketing name of the devices. Though we do have some other details about these devices.

Xiaomi

Must see: Specs Comparison – Motorola Moto E40 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 8

To mention, both unknown Xiaomi devices will not be a part of the same series. In fact, the Xiaomi 21121119SC is said to be a Redmi branded phone. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 2112123AC is could be the rumored L3A device.

Talking about the Xiaomi 21121119SC, the device has received China's 3C certification site a few days back. Apart from the charging specifications and network support, the listing did not reveal any other details. The Xiaomi 21121119SC will support fast charging of up to 22.5W and 4G LTE connectivity.

The smartphone is tipped to debut as Redmi 10A with MediaTek Helio G-series chipset under the hood. Further, it is suggested to carry a dual rear camera and around 5,000mAh battery capacity. The other specs about the Xiaomi 21121119SC are still undercover. With the device's listing on these sites, the pending details could be out soon!

Heading to the Xiaomi 2112123AC, the phone made it to CMIIT, 3C, and TENAA so far. The 3C certification divulges that the device may pack a 67W charger. Whereas, TENAA does not disclose any information confirming its specifications. Though it is likely to be the rumored L3A handset that is said to equip Snapdragon 870 chipset. But again, these are just assumptions as there is no official word from the company yet.

With the smartphone's arrival on these respective certifications, the launch seems to be imminent. We can also expect Xiaomi to spill the beans soon!
Related: Xiaomi Mi 12 arrives on EEC certification with Snapdragon 898

Stable One UI 4.0 update released for Galaxy S21 series

The Galaxy S21 series by Samsung is under the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 beta program for almost a month now. Today, the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra are finally leaving the beta stage as the stable update of the latest customized skin has started rolling out worldwide.

One UI 4.0

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

Yesterday, Samsung accidentally pushed the timeline for the stable One UI 4.0 rollout on the Samsung Members app. But as the post was later deleted, we were not sure if the schedule was finalized. But, looks like it was for Galaxy S21 as it mentioned the stable build for the series this month.

Keep in note that Samsung did not mention any particular region for where the update will start rolling out. But, it will probably be its home country Korea. Though the build will gradually extend to more regions in the upcoming weeks. The users have to keep patience till that time. “We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” says Samsung.

Talking about the features, the One UI 4.0 will allow you to create a customized mobile experience, making it more expressive, dynamic, and personal. It arrives with new Color Palettes, redesigned widgets, a variety of emoji features, GIFs, and stickers on Samsung Keyboard, a new privacy dashboard that alerts you when an app is accessing a camera or microphone, and a whole lot more.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A03 (SM-A035F) arrives on BIS India, launch imminent