Microsoft Launcher gets a refreshed design and new features

For those unaware, the Microsoft Launcher supplies a user-centric basis for Windows and Office-themed applications on your Android device via a Microsoft account. The launcher provides a lightweight, fast, and efficient, simplified user experience. In the latest update, the platform is upgrading with a refreshed design and a set of new features.

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The latest update packs the new version number 6.211102.0.1017440 that carries a refreshed design along with numerous new functions and various improvements. This stable update drives all the features that were previously available in the beta stage.

Coming forth to changes, after flashing the update, you will get new filters under the search option, which is also customizable. Though the company has not listed all changes or improvements that arrive with the new version. Also, there is no word regarding the bug fixes. However, it did mention that some other changes are a part of the package. Below is the official changelog:

Changelog - new functions

• The launcher feed and overall design have been updated.


• The news feed has been improved.


• Switching between work and private apps has been improved.


• Additional filters are now available to improve your search.


• Other known bugs have been fixed and improvements have been made.

If you are already using a launcher, the latest version will reach out to you automatically. Alternatively, you can flash the update from the Google Play Store.

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Redmi 9 Prime gets MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition Update in India

Xiaomi is releasing the MIUI 12.5 enhanced edition update to all of its eligible flagships. So far, several devices have bagged the new update. The latest one to join the long list is 2020 launched Redmi 9 Prime.

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The latest MIUI 12.5 enhanced update for the Redmi 9 Prime is rolling out in India and can be identified by the build number V12.5.2.0.RJCINXM. Regarding changes, the philosophy behind MIUI 12.5 Enhanced is to provide an uninterrupted flowing experience. The company has divided it up into four parts— Swift performance, focused performance, atomized memory, and liquid storage. Refer to the official changelog for more details:

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.
  
  
  
  

As always, the package is rolling out in batches. That means, it will release to a limited number of users initially. A border rollout will begin in the next few days. You’ll receive the update in a few days in case you haven’t received it yet. Alternatively, you can visit Settings > About phone > Check for new updates.

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Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE picks up MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update

The entire Xiaomi Mi 11 flagship has bagged up the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update. The package is now extending to the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE models. The smartphone was launched in September 2021 with Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 pre-installed.

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As of now, the latest update for the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is rolling out in India, Turkey, and other countries. It will soon expand to more regions by the next few days. The update can be identified by the build number V12.5.4.0.RKOINXM is based on Android 11.

Concerning changes, the packages do not bring any new additions but it polishes the previous MIUI 12.5. It improves the fluidity of the system, making it run smoother than ever before. Also, Xiaomi has issued an official changelog that you can see below for precise details:

Changelog

• 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.

As always, the package is rolling out in batches thus, taking more time to reach all units. However, you can always track the update manually via Settings > About phone > Check for new updates

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Nokia 8.3 5G, Nokia XR20 & Nokia G50 enters Android 12 beta

HMD Global finally decided to extend the Android 12 Beta program to more of its smartphones after the Nokia X20. In fact, this time, it's a set of three devices— Nokia 8.3 5G, Nokia XR20 & Nokia G50 that have been spotted on Geekbench running Android 12.

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The image below displays the arrival of the Nokia 8.3 5G with the latest stable operating system, Android 12. The same Geekbench listings are spotted for Nokia XR20 5G and Nokia G50 5G. Also, as the Nokia XR20 and Nokia G50 operate on the same processor, it will be easier for the company to update them in sequence.



Android 12 will bring the major overhaul ever to your smartphones, ranging from revamping UI to enhanced security tools. The version entirely emphasizes the “Material You” theme based on personalization. Accompanying this is an engine code-named “monet” that brings a palette of color based on the home screen wallpaper. The theme syncs to your apps, UI, wallpaper, and other platforms accordingly. To know the best of Android 12 features, tap on the button below.

Best Android 12 features

Moreover, despite the slow deployment of the OS, Nokia has already revealed a list of its flagships that are eligible to receive the Android 12 update by the end of next year. You can visit the link below and check if your Nokia device has made it to the list.

List of Nokia devices to get Android 12 update

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[Update: November 2021] Antutu Best Performing flagship phones List

The Antutu benchmark ranking gives a good idea of the best-performing smartphones prevailing in the market. Thus, the users get a reliable opinion on which device they can put their budget on. The benchmarking platform has now published its monthly list of Best Performing flagship which includes 10 Android smartphones.

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• Black Shark 4S Pro
  
  As per the Antutu benchmark list for November 2021, the Black Shark 4S Pro is the best-performing Android smartphone. The device has scored 875,382 which is beyond the rest of the devices. Released in October, the Snapdragon 888+ 5G paired with up to 512GB of storage and 16GB RAM is supervising the performance of the handset.
  The device features a 6.67 inch Super AMOLED display, Android 11OS with Joy UI 12.8 skin, 64MP triple rear camera, and a 20MP front cam. It is backed up by a 4500 mAh battery that gets fully charged in 15 min, thus providing an un-breakable gaming experience.


• Nubia Red Magic 6S
  
  

  Once again, the combination of the Snapdragon 888 SoC, along with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage makes it to the top. Nubia Red Magic 6s debuted in September scoring 852,719 on Antutu. The device is among the best gaming smartphone costing around Rs 42,000.
  You get a 6.8 inch AMOLED screen to play with and an Android 11 Redmagic 4.5 software. Also, the device is great for pictures, thanks to the 64 MP triple rear camera and an 8MP selfie lens. It supports 30W of fast charging for a 5050 mAh power cell.

  
  


• iQOO 8 Pro
  
  With a score of 846,663, the iQOO 8 Pro is one of the top three powerful devices for November 2021. Like the other two, it equips Snapdragon 888+ 5G SoC with 512GB of internal storage. Whereas, it lowers down with 12GB of RAM. Indian users can get their hands on the device for less than 60,000 Rs.
  The device specs include a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, Android 11 OS with OriginOS 1.0, 50 MP triple rear camera, 16 MP front snapper, and a 4500 mAh battery that gets fully charged in just 18 min with a help of a 120W fast charger.


• Black Shark 4 Pro
  
  Another Xiaomi smartphone has made it to the best performing device of the month with a score of 837,792— Black Shark 4 Pro. A combination of Snapdragon 888 5G with 512GB of storage and 16GB RAM deserves the credit for execution. The device is worth 650 Euro (roughly about 52,000 INR).
  The device holds a Super AMOLED display with a screen size of 6.67 inches. On the software front, it boosts Android 11 OS with Joy UI 12.5 skin on top. You get a 64 MP triple rear camera and a 20 MP selfie lens for taking pictures. It ships with a 4500 mAh battery that supports 120W of fast charging that gets 50% charged in 5 min and 100% in 15 min.


• Vivo X70 Pro+
  
  Vivo X7 Pro+ scored 835,275 on Antutu ensuring great performance. Like most of the above devices, the credit goes to the Snapdragon 888+ 5G processor coupled with 512GB of storage and 12GB RAM. Also, it features a premium design for $ 938.60.
  A 4500 mAh power cell backs up the device with Fast charging support of 55W. It carries a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Android 11, Funtouch OS 12 underneath. The camera quality is also powerful with 50 MP quad rear sensors and a 32 MP selfie cam.


• Asus ROG Phone 5s
  

  The Asus ROG Phone 5s is now very close to being the absolute best gaming smartphone in the market as per Antutu with a score of 831,627. Along with the Snapdragon 888+ SoC, it also has 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, making it the best Android gaming phone that users can buy for less than 50,000 Rs.
  This device has the most powerful battery of all the above at 6000 mAh. However, the charging time it takes is more. It supports 65W of fast charging that fuels the device up to 70% in 30 min and full in almost an hour.  The other specifications include a 6.78-inch screen, Android 11 OS, 64 MP triple rear camera, and a 24 MP front snapper.

  
  


• iQOO 8
  

  The iQOO 8 series including the standard smartphone has made it to the best performance list of phones for Nov 2021. However, there is a difference in ranking with a score of 829,916. Anyway, that does not take anything good away in performance terms. Priced at Rs 43,000, the device drives the fuel from Snapdragon 888, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage.
  The specifications remain similar to the iQOO 8 Pro except for the 6.56-inch display that operates with a help of a 4350 mAh power cell supporting 120W of fast charging.

  
  


• Lenovo Legion Duel 2 Pro
  
  The company frames the device as the next step in mobile gaming evolution. Looks like the statement is true as it has successfully made it to the best smartphone list with a score of 819,799. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G mobile platform offering 16GB RAM and 512GB of default storage. The device is not going to launch in India as per reports but you can get it for £699.
  It has a strong 5500 mAh battery that charges quickly to keep you gaming all day. Moreover, with the help of 64MP rear and 44MP front high-res cameras, you can create content while you play. A 6.92-inch AMOLED display with Android 11 OS software will add a feather to the cap.


• Oppo Find X3 Pro
  
  The Oppo Find X3 Pro is the current premium flagship by the company. Also, it is one of the best smartphones to own as per Antutu scoring 816,046. Again, it is a combination of Snapdragon 888 5G along with 512GB of storage and 16GB RAM at a price of almost 70,000 Rs.
  
  Android 11 based on ColorOS 11.2 ensures the savage features along with a 50 MP quad rear camera for pictures. The screen size stands at 6.7 inches that hold a 32 MP selfie lens at the top. The 4500 mAh battery of the device supports Fast charging 65W that charges it up to 40 in just 10 minutes!


• Realme GT 5G
  
  The Realme GT has fallen off to the last with a score of 815,801, but it still made it to the best Android phone of the month. The Rs 41,999 worth flagship-grade smartphone from Realme equips Snapdragon 888 SoC along with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
  Launched in March 2021, the device holds a 6.43 inches Super AMOLED display with Android 11 OS based on Realme UI 2.0. In the optics department, a 64 MP triple rear camera is sufficient to capture flawless pictures while there's a 16 MP snapper for selfies. It packs a 4500 mAh battery that gets fully charged in 35min with a help of a 65W fast charger.

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Realme 9 and Realme 9i appears on TKDN with 4G band

The Chinese giant Realme is gearing up to launch the successor series of Realme 8— Realme 9 lineup. The series is said to include four models— Realme 9, Realme 9i, Realme 9 Pro, and Realme 9 Pro+. Recently, two of these devices have made an appearance on the TKDN certification.

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The arrival of the Realme 9 and Realme 9i on TKDN doesn't divulge many details. It only discloses the model number and the connectivity onboard. According to the listing, the Realme 9 and Realme 9i will bear the model numbers RMX3393 and RMA3491 respectively. Additionally, it reveals that the duo will support the 4G network thus, we can say that they'd be budget smartphones.

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Unlike Realme 9, there are some render leaks and specifications about Realme 9i. The smartphone was spotted on the IMEI database along with realme 9 Pro+. As per the leaks, the Realme 9i will resemble Realme GT Neo 2 in looks. It may offer a punch-hole notch and a bezel-less display. While the rear side could house a triple camera setup inside a rectangular module.

The Realme 9i is likely to feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen with FHD+ resolution. The device could draw power from the Helio G90T chipset paired with 8GB RAM. The triple camera lenses are said to include a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP sensor, and a 2MP sensor. Whereas, the front camera is suggested to stand at 32MP. The other specification could include a 5,000mAh battery supported by 18W or 33W fast charging.

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OnePlus 6 and 6T bumps to OxygenOS 11.1.2.2 update

In August 2021, OnePlus released the Android 11 based OxygenOS 11 to the OnePlus 6 and 6T. Unfortunately, the flagship is not eligible for the OxygenOS 12 update based on Android 12. Still, the company leaves no chance to give a bump to the current version. After OxygenOS 11.1.1.1, the devices are grabbing the OxygenOS 11.1.2.2 update.

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The latest OxygenOS 11.1.2.2 update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T is rolling out to the international versions while the global units will join the group soon. As far as changes are concerned, the package does not carry any UI refreshments or significant changes, or any new additions.

However, as we know, minor upgrades are essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the device. This software resolves various severe system-related bugs and issues that the users reported on the previous stable build. Moreover, it increases the system privacy by upgrading the security maintenance to November 2021.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Improved system stability and fixed known issues
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.11
  
  
  
  

As always, the update is rolling out in batches. Initially, the build will be available for a limited number of users. A border rollout will follow in a few days after the successful verification to ensure the absence of any critical bugs.

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Galaxy Note 10 series joins the One UI 4.0 beta group

Now that the Galaxy S21 series is operating the stable One UI 4.0, Samsung is extending the beta program to more of its flagships. Ahead of the company's leaked schedule, the Galaxy Note 10 series is entering the One UI 4.0 beta stage in its home country.

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Both Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ are joining the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 beta program. As expected, only South Korean units of the series are eligible to participate in the beta build. While the other markets like India, China, and the US could also get it soon.

As always, all you need to do is visit the Samsung Members app. Therein, tap on the One UI Beta Program banner on the home page and tap enroll button at the end of the page. After enrolling, flash the One UI 4.0 beta via Settings > Software update > Download and install.

Concerning changes, there is no official changelog by the company. However, the One UI 4.0 will bring numerous enhancements and new features. The duo will get the new Material You design by Google with a redesigned UI. Moreover, Samsung is releasing the virtual RAM Plus feature to the Galaxy Note 10 series for the first time with this update. This means you can make use of up to 4GB of your internal storage to act like RAM.

Note: This is a beta update. we recommend you take a backup of your important files and data before flashing the beta build. The reason being it could carry a lot of bugs, hindering the user experience.

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Google adds Pixel 6 duo and more devices to the official ARCore support list

As per the behavior, Google has added a list of devices that will join the official ARCore support list. Augmented reality permits users to use physical objects in virtual reality to create a mixed actuality situation through the different phone components.

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A total of 26 smartphones from different brands like Motorola, Lenovo, OnePlus, Vivo, and Xiaomi are gaining ARcore support apart from the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. However, with the Pixel 6 hardware, the duo already had access to ARcore. Also, the company might add more sets of smartphones and tablets in phases.

Besides the Pixel 6 series, there are more such devices from the list which could experience augmented reality for a few months. For all such devices, the option was available under in-app features such as Live View in Google Maps.

List of devices to get ARCore support

• Google Pixel 6


• Google Pixel 6 Pro


• Infinix Mobile Zero X


• Infinix Mobile Zero X Neo


• Infinix Mobile Note 11


• Infinix Mobile Note 11 Pro


• Infinix Mobile Note 11S


• Kyocera Duraforce Ultra 5G


• Lenovo Tab P11 Plus


• Lenovo Tab P12 Pro


• Motorola moto g(50) 5G


• Motorola moto g(60)s


• Motorola edge (2021)


• Motorola edge 20 pro


• Motorola edge 20


• Motorola edge 20 lite


• OnePlus OnePlus Nord2 5G


• Sharp AQUOS sense6


• Sharp AQUOS zero6


• Tecno Camon 18P


• Tecno Camon 18 Premier


• Vivo V2105


• Xiaomi 11T


• Xiaomi Pad 5


• Zebra ET51L 10″ Enterprise Tablet


• Zebra ET56L 10″ Enterprise Tablet


• ZTE Libero 5G II

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