Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The latest Garmin Fenix 6 update adds new sports tracking profiles

The Fenix 6 is the ideal smartwatch of Garmin, one of the remarkable brands in the world of Smartwatches. In the latest news, the wearable is receiving a new software update that adds splendid new features including the latest sports tracking profiles and improvements as mentioned below.

Garmin Fenix 6

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The latest software includes brand new sports tracking profiles and better fitness tracking algorithms. If you look at the changes, it seems to be more focused on cycling. In fact, most of the new profiles as dedicated to cycling. This includes bike tour, bike commute, road bike, Cyclocross, and gravel cycling. The features will work similarly to the Apple Watch Series 7 launched last year.

Apparently, there's a new fever of cycling among people as per the 2021 Garmin Connect Fitness report. Needless to say, e-bikes and public cycles have become increasingly popular. Well, the pandemic has definitely made us adopt outdoor activities and exercise instead of gymming.

In addition, the software also adds more profiles to track the performance of different activities. This includes tennis, padel, high-intensity interval training, pickleball, and snowshoeing.

Moreover, besides these new sports profiles, there are other upgrades to refine the smartwatch experience. To mention, it polishes the altitude acclimation and lactate threshold algorithms. Additionally, Garmin has added new alerts. For instance, there's a low battery alert while syncing music. Also, an alert pops up when you are moving too much during a SpO2 measurement.
Read more: The latest Google Chrome update arrives with 37 security fixes!

No more software support for the OnePlus 6 and 6T!

OnePlus 6 and 6T were launched back in 2018 with Android 8.1 (Oreo). After three years of major Android updates and almost four years of security updates, the company has decided to drop the software update support for smartphones. A OnePlus representative verifies the news in the official community forum.

OnePlus 6
Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Orbit App Latest Version [old versions archived]

Anyway, the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T recently received an update that squashed a few bugs and upgraded the security patch to November 2021. To mention, the last major OS update for the duo was OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11. Unfortunately, this will be the last official software update for the series. But don't worry, you can always get third-party developer support to flash custom ROMs and enjoy the latest Android goodies.

The statement notes:
After 3 major updates and more than 3 years of updates, around 60 Closed Beta builds and over 30 Open Beta builds it’s now time to close a chapter and announce the end of OnePlus 6 and 6T official software support.

OnePlus shared its latest software update support last year in July. However, the schedule only mentioned the latest models starting with the OnePlus 8 series. For these flagships, the company will release three major OS upgrades and four years of security updates. While the OnePlus 6 and 6T were not a part of the timeline, the OnePlus 7 series was stated to get two major Android upgrades and three years of security updates.
Read more: OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro gets a new update with January 2022 Security Patch

Monday, January 17, 2022

Galaxy S20 FE & Galaxy S20 FE 5G joins the Android 12 update group

Samsung started the Android 12 deployment for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G a few weeks ago in Europe. Now, the company is releasing the latest operating system for the Galaxy S20 FE and the Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Asia.

Galaxy S21 FE

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As mentioned, the Android 12 based One UI 4.0 package for the Galaxy S20 FE and the Galaxy S20 FE 5G is rolling out in Asian markets. For the Galaxy S20 FE, the software is bundled with the firmware version G780FXXS8DUL6. While the 5G variant users can look out for the G781BXXU4DUL9 version.

For the record, Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Israel, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines are updating with the Android 12 package. On the other side, the build is reaching out for the Galaxy S20 FE units in Austria, Turkey, and Vietnam. Also, India is getting a hit for both smartphones.

The build intends to fix the existing privacy and security-related vulnerabilities by adding the December 2021 security patch. Needless to say, you will get all you expect from Android 12 like the Material You theme, Privacy and security enhancement, new widgets, and many more. Moreover, it is tossed with the company's own iteration, One UI 4.0.





The OTA update will reach out to the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S20 FE 5G users in the markets mentioned above. Alternatively, you can check for the software by heading to SettingsSoftware update.
Read more: Samsung Tab SM-X800 appears on FCC with S-Pen support




OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro gets a new update with January 2022 Security Patch

The OnePlus 9 series received the official Android 12 package last month based on ColorOS 12. Now, the company is ready to deliver new software to the duo that intends to bring several changes and the current security maintenance.

OnePlus 9

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Notes App Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The new software for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro is bundled with the firmware version C.41. The package optimizes the system performance and enhances security by inculcating the January 2022 Security Patch. Moreover, the update will address numerous system issues in the notification bar, charging animation, and OMOJI. In addition, the camera crash issues and the video recording interface are taken care of. Here's the official changelog by the company:

Changelog


System


  • The new update will bring optimization of system performance in certain scenarios, improving the stability and making your device run better

  • It will also fix the OMOJI crashing in some scenarios while also fixing the charging animation and notification bar interface being displayed abnormally


Camera

  • The update will fix the probabilistic camera crash while also fixing the video interface issue where it would previously become unresponsive in certain cases


Application

  • The update will bring optimization for the vibration effect in some game scenes


Security

  • The update will integrate the latest January 2022 Security Patch for offering improved system security


The OTA is rolling out in batches and will reach out to you in a short while. Meanwhile, you can track the build manually via Settings > Software updates > Check for updates.


Read more: Android 12 ColorOS 12 Open Beta is live for OnePlus 8, 8 Pro & 8T

Android 12 ColorOS 12 Open Beta is live for OnePlus 8, 8 Pro & 8T

Before reaching the stable update, the build for the OnePlus devices goes through two different phases— Closed Beta and Open Beta. In the latest news, the company has initiated the ColorOS 12 Public Beta program for the OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, and the OnePlus 8T.


Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Edition wallpapers, ringtones, and more

Earlier, OnePlus said that the OnePlus 8 series are shifting from HydrogenOS to ColorOS in China. The statement is now confirmed as the official community post announced the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 public beta in the home country. Before registering, make sure that your device runs on the required version. Thereafter, you can follow the below steps:

  • Go to Settings > Software Update

  • Click on the Gear Icon at the top

  • Tap on Upgrade Early Access > Upgrade Public Beta

  • Follow on-screen instructions and click submit.


The basic version for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro is HydrogenOS 11.0.14.14.IN21 and 11.0.14.14.IN11 respectively. Whereas, for the OnePlus 8T, the requirement is for Hydrogen 11.0.13.13.KB05. To mention, depending on the software integration required, both OnePlus 8 and 8T will get different versions of ColorOS 12.

The registrations are open from January 16 to January 17 till 15:00. Also, keep in note that the update will be buggy so you might encounter a lot of issues. Though the build will not erase any data but OnePlus suggest the users keep their backup. In addition, do not forget to maintain at least a 30% battery level and a 3GB of storage space free.
Read more: OnePlus Buds Pro gets Dual Connection support with the latest update

Friday, January 14, 2022

Mozilla Firefox 96 brings new features to Android and Desktop

Unlike other browsers, Firefox uses its own rendering engine. Accordingly, Mozilla has the power to try new improvements and changes. The company is now rolling out a new version of the browser, Firefox 96 for Android and desktop that brings a bundle of improvements. Also, the search engine becomes faster with each update.


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The Mozilla Firefox 96 intends to squash every possible bug hindering the user experience. Both Desktop and Android platforms are upgrading with tons of improvements and a handful of new features. To mention a few, you get noise cancellation on calls, history highlights, and a refined home page. Refer to the changelog below for precise details.

Desktop Changelog


New features

  • We’ve made significant improvements in noise suppression and auto-gain-control as well as slight improvements in echo-cancellation to provide you with a better overall experience.

  • We’ve also significantly reduced the main-thread load.

  • Firefox will now enforce the Cookie Policy: Same-Site=lax by default which provides a solid first line of defense against Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks.


Fixes

  • On macOS, Command-clicking links in Gmail now open them in a new tab as expected.

  • Our newest release fixes an issue where video intermittently drops SSRC.

  • It also fixes an issue where WebRTC downgrades screen sharing resolution to provide you with a clearer browsing experience.

  • Plus, we’ve fixed video quality degradation issues on certain sites.

  • Detached video in fullscreen on macOS has been temporarily disabled to avoid some issues with corruption, brightness changes, missing subtitles, and high CPU usage.

  • Various security fixes


Android Changelog


New features

  • We’ve added history highlights to recently visited sites.

  • Firefox will now display better images for recent bookmarks on the home page.


Fixes

  • “Fill link from clipboard” has been improved for Android 12.

  • Now, selecting ‘search group’ in ‘Jump back in’ switches to an active tab.

  • We’ve fixed an interface problem where private tabs were displayed as normal tabs.

  • The history delete button is now correctly labeled for screen readers.

  • Duplicate history items are now merged.

  • A rare crash when browsing bookmarks is now fixed.

  • Deleted search groups are now repopulated after interacting with their tabs.

  • You’ll now find Search Groups in Jump Back In will not also display in Recently Searched.

  • You can now dismiss the keyboard when scrolling Home behind search dialog for a clearer, smoother experience.


Read more: Twitter enables iOS & Android users to record Spaces

Oppo A74 gets stable Android 12 update with ColorOS 12

Oppo is extending its Android 12 based ColorOS 12 package to more of its flagships. This time, the update is hitting the Oppo A74 in India. This is the first major update for the device as it was launched last year in April with Android 11 based ColorOS 11.

Oppo A74

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As mentioned, the Android 12 x ColorOS 12 software is rolling out in India bundled with the firmware version C.29. More regions could get the update soon over the next few weeks. The all-new features, improvements, and optimizations weigh around 5GB in size. Before updating, make sure that your device runs on A.12.

The company portrays the ColorOS 12 as the “Best custom version of Oppo” with the concept of “Just Sync.” The skin aims to provide a new inclusive UI, smoother performance, rich features, and a seamless experience. Read the ColorOS 12 features and more by tapping on the button below. In addition, you can click here to see if your Oppo device is eligible to grab ColorOS 12 based on Android 12.

All about Oppo ColorOS 12


As always, the software is currently rolling out in batch and is available for limited users as of now. Also, the ColorOS 12 public beta testers do not need to click on early adopters to apply. While the users of the official version will have to apply for some upgrades and early adopters.
Read more: OPPO Reno 5 5G and Reno 6 5G gets stable ColorOS 12 update

Twitter enables iOS & Android users to record Spaces

In Q2 2021, the microblogging and social networking service Twitter introduced a new feature for its users called “Twitter Spaces”. In the latest news, iOS and Android users can now record Twitter Spaces as per the recent announcement made by the company.

twitter android app

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From now onwards, the host can willingly record a Space when they are setting one up. The public can access the recording for 30 days after the Space has ended. If your Space is being recorded, you will see an icon at the top of the Space indicating the same.

Here's what Twitter said:

https://twitter.com/TwitterSupport/status/1481711244105158660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1481711244105158660%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2022%2F1%2F13%2F22882479%2Ftwitter-spaces-recordings-ios-android

For the record, Twitter Space allows users to host and participate in live audio conversations, hosted within “Spaces” or audio chat rooms. Last year in October, only the users with at least 600 followers or above were able to create a live chat room. After a few weeks, the feature was available for all users. However, the web still doesn't allow you to host one, but you can join.

In order to create your own space, tap on the “Create Tweet” button and select the “Spaces” option at the top of the pop-up FAB. After clicking on the “Compose” button, you will see an expanded FAB providing ‘Spaces’, ‘Photos’, and ‘GIF’ options. Tap on Space and you can add up to 10 other speakers

Read more: [Update: Bug Fixes] Google Messages Updates Tracker

Android 12 update extends to Verizon Galaxy Note 10 series

Samsung has already released the Android 12 update to the Galaxy Note 10 series in several regions. After a couple of weeks, the One UI 4.0 based package is now reaching out to the Verizon-based models of Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, and Galaxy Note 10+ 5G.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series receiving August 2020 Security Patch update

Must see: [Download] Samsung Galaxy Note 10/10+ Wallpapers up for grab

As mentioned, the software is live in the US for the Verizon Galaxy Note 10 series. It arrives on firmware version N970USQU7GULD for the Galaxy Note 10. Whereas, Note 10+ and Note 10+ 5G are upgrading with N975USQU7GULD and N976VVRU7GULD respectively.

Android 12 arrives with a major change that you haven't seen in years. Ranging from UI to privacy, everything is taken care of. In addition, Verizon has issued quite an impressive changelog that you can read below.

Changelog


Color Themes

When you select from featured and downloaded wallpapers, you can select different device color themes based on your wallpaper colors. From Settings, go to Wallpaper > Color theme > select your favorite color theme > Done.

Samsung Keyboard

  • Emoji Creator

    Create your emojis by combining two different emojis and customizing the animations for the pair. To create an emoji in the Messages app, tap the smiley face on the keyboard > Tap Try it out.

  • Grammar Correction

    Samsung Keyboard now supports built-in grammar correction (powered by Grammarly). Enable this in Samsung Keyboard settings > Suggest text corrections > English (US).

  • Enhanced Privacy

    Take control of your privacy with the new Privacy Dashboard, Permission Controls, and Camera/Microphone Indicator.

    • Privacy Dashboard

      Privacy Dashboard lets you easily view which apps are accessing your permissions. Then you can use the permission manager to enable/disable apps from accessing these.

    • Camera/Microphone Indicator

      Whenever your phone is recording audio/video, a green icon will appear in the top right informing you if your camera or microphone is being used. This helps to ensure you're only recording when you want to.



  • Camera

    The camera app now has a simpler, improved layout for the Main and Pro modes.

    • Advanced Quick Take

      When using the Camera, you can hold the Shutter button to record video (Quick Take). Now you can lock the Quick Take for hands-free recording.



  • Video Collages

    In Samsung Gallery, you can now mix both photos and videos using Video Collages. From Gallery > Select the More icon (3 dots) > Create > Collage.

  • Driving Monitor

    Digital Wellbeing has a new Driving Monitor so you can track your phone usage while driving. You can limit your app usage while driving and make sure you're driving safely.

  • Widgets

    Home screen widgets are redesigned for better visibility and ease of use. The new widget list gives you more information at a glance and lets you personalize and decorate your home screen. You will also see recommended widgets to help your daily routine.

    • Weather widget: A dynamic weather widget that changes background color based on the weather or time.

    • Lock screen widgets: Have been improved for more flexible usage.

    • Calendar widget: Added monthly view for "Today's schedule" in widget settings.




Related: Galaxy S10 series gets Android 12 One UI 4.0 update globally