Google Chat gets a new bottom bar UI on Android

Google is steadily changing the layout and design of its services and first-party apps. Be it dynamic Material You theme or some other visible changes, the company is making everything more convenient. In the latest news, Google Chat on Android is getting a new bottom bar UI.

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The old UI packed all shortcuts including Gallery, Camera, Drive, Google Meet, and Calendar inside one large text box underneath the text area. Whereas, the new UI brings a pill-shaped text box alongside a “+” button on the left. Tapping on this button will take you to other services like Google Photos or Camera. On the other hand, you can notice the gallery shortcut on the right corner opposite the send button. In a nutshell, the new bottom bar houses all shortcuts under a button.

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The new Google Chat bottom bar UI is unfurling widely in a stable phase via version 2021.10.31.408397499. You can upgrade your current version from the Google Play Store. If the update isn't available for you now, you can tap on the button below to flash the APK file.

Download Google Chat from Play Store

Download Google Chat APK file

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TWRP 3.6.0 brings Android 11 support and other major developments

Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) is a choice for many who are flashing, installing, or rooting Android devices. It modifies the device software by aiding in installing third-party firmware and even allows backup of the current system. The latest TWRP version 3.6.0 adds support for Android 11 and several under the hood improvements for entirely new supported devices.

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Starting with the major change, Unlike before, the user will have a new tool under the Advanced section of the custom recovery called Flash Current TWRP. This option will install the recently booted TWRP image permanently to the device, making installation more efficient. Moreover, the TWRP 3.6.0 is compatible with devices with factory-installed Android 11.

The company has issued an official changelog according to which it extends support for a plethora of devices. Also, some devices have received new maintainers. Take a look at the changelog below for precise details and other changes.

Changelog

Android 9 Branch:

• Fixes
  
  
  
  • SAR Update script name for clarity – CaptainThrowback
  
  
  • Fix building toolbox in android-7.1 – CaptainThrowback
  
  
  • Fix bash – Jarl-Penguin
  
  
  
  

Android 11 Branch:

• Add support for installation realme/OPPO OTA – Ctapchuk


• update custom makefiles to golang modules – bigbiff


• sepolicy updates – nebrassy, bigbiff, CaptainThrowback


• encryption updates for a11 – bigbiff, micky387, CaptainThrowback


• vendor kernel module loader – bigbiff


• virtual A/B updates – bigbiff


• snapshot merges – bigbiff


• repacker warnings – CaptainThrowback


• f2fs formatting fixes – systemad


• symlink dynamic partitions in bootdevice – Mohd Faraz


• Fixes
  
  
  
  • Fix parsing get_args for wiping cache
  
  
  • vendor hal fixes – Mohd Faraz
  
  
  • fix samsung haptics – soulr344
  
  
  • digest check fixes – epicX
  
  
  • ozip decrypt fixes – Ctapchuk
  
  
  • Change how blank screen works – Sean hoyt
  
  
  
  

Android 9 and Android 11 Branches:

• add num template for PIN input – CaptainThrowback


• Ignore A12 XML files binary format – zhenyolka


• Add support of A12 keymaster_key_blob files structure – zhenyolka


• keymaster restore: warn when pin, password or pattern is enabled – bigbiff


• New flashing method for recovery as boot devices:


• Advanced > flash current twrp – nebrassy
  
  
  
  • factory wipe and mtp fixes – CaptainThrowback
  
  
  
  


• add indonesian language – Xdisk


• update Russian language – Ctapchuk


• add canceldecrypt page – CaptainThrowback


• copy logcat when copying logs in TWRP – CaptainThrowback


• Fixes
  
  
  
  • FBE Encryption fixes – CaptainThrowback
  
  
  • repacker fixes for compression – nebrassy
  
  
  • exclusion criteria for Fix Recovery Bootloop – CaptainThrowback
  
  
  • unmount vendor if not available – LinkBoi00
  
  
  • theme updates – LinkBoi00
  
  
  
  

Now that the latest version supports Android 11 along with Android 9 or 10, you can install TWRP 3.6.0 on your supported device from the official website (link provided below). Likewise, you can also bag the build through the TWRP app available on Google Play Store.

Download TWRP 3.5.1

OR

Download TWRP App

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Google finally added dual SIM support on Android Auto

Google always makes sure to keep its smart driving app updated with new features. You can mirror and use all the essential apps from your device to your car's screen without having to touch your phone. However, there are also some inconveniences including the inability to select SIM when making a call. The tech giant is finally addressing the issue in the latest Android Auto update.

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Earlier, Android Auto didn't allow you to select the preferred SIM to make a call. In fact, it would use the default SIM whenever you made a call even if it's a dual SIM device. A couple of months back, Google detailed the dual SIM support arriving for Android Auto arriving in the coming weeks. The weeks turned to months but anyway, the feature is finally rolling out for Android Auto users.



With the latest Android Auto update, the user finally gets support for dual SIM phones. If you're placing a call in the latest version, you will see a pop-up asking which SIM you want to use for calling. That means along with playing music, accessing Google Maps, reading messages, and much more, you finally get the control to pick your preferred SIM right from your car’s infotainment unit.

Although it may not seem like a big deal for western users. But it is in the Indian market where the users with dual SIM smartphones are more prevailing. To flash the update, upgrade your Android Auto to version 7.1.614554 via the Google Play Store.

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Truecaller receives an update with brand-new features

Undoubtedly, TrueCaller has made the mobile experience convenient by acting as an anti-spam filter or recognizing unknown calls. After a long while, the app is receiving an update that enhances the overall calling experience. However, the upgrade does not support the iOS platform. For now, it is only rolling out to Android smartphones.

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The latest Truecaller version 12 adds some new features and brings back some of the options that were dropped before. Here is what we get with the latest update:

• Video Caller ID: This feature remains the highlight of the update. This will allow you to create a video and show it to your contacts whenever they call you. All you have to do is set up a recording on Truecaller.


• Call Recording: This function proves to be very beneficial in certain scenarios. However, Truecaller dropped this feature before for some unknown reasons. But now it is finally making a comeback for every Android user that too, for free!


• Dedicated Calls and Messages tabs: In honour of user demand, the separate Calls and Messages tabs are also making their entry back to the latest version.


•  Call Announcement: As the name suggests, it will announce the incoming calls from contacts. Also, it maintains the app's ability to identify scammer calls. The feature is only available for Premium users though.


• Truecaller Ghost Call: This is another Premium feature via which the user can schedule a time to receive a fake call. To schedule a call, head to the Premium tab > select Ghost call setting option > enter name and number or simply choose a contact > set time of the call you want to flash on the screen. After you finally set a “schedule call,” your device will automatically ring to get you out of any awkward situation.

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Pixel users facing multiple lock screen issues on Android 12

As per Google, Android 12 is the major overhaul to the operating system in the last few years. Indeed, the statement is true noticing the all-new user interface, brand new features, and numerous under the hood changes. However, with all these exciting improvements, the package seems to carry some bugs. Many users are complaining about the default squarish lock screen clock design.

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Earlier, Pixel 6 users were facing some issues like a slow fingerprint scanner, ghost-dialing, and a few more. Fortunately, Google had an eye on these problems and resolved them. Now, the other Pixel users running on Android 12 are encountering multiple concerns with the lock screen notifications.

To mention a few, users are complaining that when they swipe down on the lock screen, the device shows quick settings menu instead of notifications. Moreover, the lock screen of the Pixel only shows the details of the first notification while the rest of them are ignored. That means they can not see all notifications without unlocking their respective Pixel device. Also, some of them are unable to reply from the lock screen. While trying, the mobile switches to the last launched app.

Here is what some users have to say:

Can’t seem to get the lock screen to display the full detailed notifications. Instead I just get the little app icons, which I have to tap to then get the detailed view. I want the detailed view as soon as I turn the screen on. Can somebody point me to the correct setting? Not using AOD / ambient display or whatever it’s called these days.

On my lock screen, I get one notification that shows the content of my message, and then below that is just a summary of all my other notifications. Is it possible to get all the notifications to display? I can't find a setting for it.

Normally if you swipe down once it’ll show your notifications with 4 quick access toggles, and if you swipe down twice it’ll show all of your quick access toggles. Ever since updating to Android 12, if I swipe down immediately after unlocking my phone, it’ll pull down the entire notification area and show all 8 of my quick access toggles. I then have to swipe up to show the notifications. This ONLY happens if I swipe down immediately after unlocking my phone (either via fingerprint or PIN unlock). Has anyone else had this issue? It’s a very minor inconvenience, but something that’s just been bothering me.

As of now, we have no words from Google or when and how the company will address these bugs. Hopefully, it will soon notice all these complaints and take an action soon.

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List of Nokia devices to get Android 12 update

Google introduced the stable Android 12 OS with the launch of the Pixel 6 series. Since then, all the major smartphone brands have crafted their timeline for the rollout of the latest operating system. Here is the list of such Nokia smartphones.

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HMD Global released the Android 12 Beta for the Nokia X20 in September 2021. The company guarantees 2 and 3 years of Android support update to the majority of its smartphones. Considering this fact, Nokia devices launched with Android 10 or Android 11 preinstalled will get the Android 12 update.

As per the company, the deployment will initiate at the end of this year and be completed by the end of next year. The below-mentioned mobiles will get the Android 12 update if the beta stages work well!

List of Nokia devices to get Android 12 update

• Nokia 5.3 


• Nokia 5.4


• Nokia 8.3


• Nokia 1.3


• Nokia 2.4


• Nokia 3.4


• Nokia 8.3 5G


• Nokia G10


• Nokia G20


• Nokia G50 


• Nokia X10


• Nokia X20


• Nokia XR20


• Nokia T20

Furthermore, there are two new Nokia smartphones that are spotted running Android 12 at Geekbench— Nokia X10 and Nokia G50.

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Moto G31 launched in India With Helio G85 SoC at ₹12,999

A few days ago, Motorola introduced five of its next-generation Moto G series. Out of which, one smartphone, Moto G31 finally made it to the Indian market. The smartphone will cost ₹12,999 for the lower end variant (64 GB + 4 GB RAM) and ₹14,999 for the upper storage variant of 128 GB + 6 GB RAM. It will go on sale from December 6 at noon via Flipkart in two color variants of Baby Blue and Meteorite Grey. Let's take a look at what the device has to offer!

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Motorola Moto G31 features a 6.4-inch OLED HD+ display offering a 1080 pixel resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The panel has a 409ppi pixel density and a 20:9 aspect ratio. It measures 161.89 x 74.60 x 8.45mm in dimensions and weighs 180 grams. Also, it has a fingerprint reader and face unlock support on board for security purpose.

Under the hood, the device draws power from a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage. Also, the configuration is expandable up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD card slot. On the software front, the device boosts Android 11 OS out of the box.



In the optics section, the Moto G31 carries a triple camera setup at the back led by a 50MP camera. The other lenses include an 8MP wide-angle and 2MP macro sensor. On the front side, the hole-punch houses a 13MP snapper for selfies and video calls. The rear island is accompanied by an LED flash and includes the support for Dual Capture, Spot Colour, Night Vision, Portrait, Live Filter, AR Stickers, Pro Mode, and more.

Furthermore, the Moto G31 ships with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 20W TurboPower fast charging. As per the company, the device will last up to 36 hours on a single charge via a USB Type-C port. The other specifications include a hybrid dual-SIM slot, 4G LTE, FM Radio, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth v5, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, USB Type-C port, GPS, GLONASS, and more.

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WhatsApp may soon enable message reactions

The social media messenger WhatsApp may soon allow the user to react to messages using emoji. The feature is similar to the one we see on Instagram. Though it's been a couple of months since the feature is under beta build. But it has now come to light more prominently.

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Be it personal inbox or group chats, every user will be able to view a panel listing some of the limited emoji while tapping onto the message. Do keep in mind that not all features make up the stable phase. But considering it's been months since the function is under testing, we do expect it to remain unchanged before the public release.

On the current WhatsApp Beta, there are six emojis available for message reaction, out of which, the user can give one reaction per message. Hopefully, the company will add more emoji options in the later beta versions or during the stable release.



As you can see in the image above, the screenshots are taken on WhatsApp iOS. However, some reports suggest that it is also developing for the Android OS. The stable rollout of the feature is still a secret but it's only a matter of time when it will exit the beta versions.

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Three new Vivo devices surfaces on TKDN

After the launch of Vivo Y74s 5G, the Chinese giant is all geared up to introduce its new smartphones in the market. Recently, a set of three Vivo devices with model numbers V2131, V2130 and V2126 have been spotted on the Indonesian certification authority, TKDN.

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The arrival of the three smartphones on the TKDN doesn’t reveal much information apart from the model numbers and network connectivity onboard. The Vivo 2126 and Vivo V2130 will support 5G and 4G LTE connectivity. Whereas the Vivo V2131 will only have access to the 4G network.

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From the three phones, two of them also made appearence on the Google Play Console. The devices were V2130A and the V2131A. The listing revealed some key details and the design of the mobiles. The devices will draw power from the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. Additionally, they will support 44W of fast charging.

From the disclosed pictures, we can see that the Vivo V2130A and the V2131A will arrive with a Full HD+ resolution. The panel will house the selfie camera inside the punch-hole cutout on the center. Furthermore, they will boost Android 11 OS pre-installed.

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At the time of writing, this is all we have in our hands. The company has not mentioned anything about the upcoming smartphones. But now that the phones have started to emerge online, we can expect official announceent anytime soon.

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