Google rolls out two new Android widgets for Chrome

Since the arrival of Android 12, Google is tweaking its stock apps in every way possible. This time, the company is pampering the Chrome widgets that have been deserted for a long time.

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After a wait of eight months, Chrome is rolling out a couple of new widgets for every Android user. Earlier, Chrome only offered a Search Bar Widget and the Bookmarks Widget. Now, with Chrome 98, you have two more widget options, making it a total of four.

Starting with, the “Chrome Shortcuts” is a fresh search widget with all shortcuts, making everything available at your fingertips. The shortcuts include text search, voice search, Lens search, open an incognito tab, and the offline Dino game. You can use all the Google features directly from your home screen with just a tap!

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Moreover, there's no need to disconnect your mobile's data to play the dino game. You can now play with your outworn friend even when you’re online. In case you are more of a dino fan, you can add the dedicated “Chrom Dino” widget. Tapping on which will immediately open a new tab so you can play.

The widgets will be available on your device with Chrome 98. Alternatively, you can toggle the following flags to enable them:

chrome://flags/#enable-quick-action-search-widget-android

chrome://flags/#enable-quick-action-search-widget-android-dino-variant

Furthermore, there are new Chrome Actions that will help you to quickly access settings or other features. All you have to do is type the words on your desktop. To mention, the actions will soon arrive in more languages and on the Android platform.

• “Manage settings”


• “Customize Chrome”


• “View your Chrome history”


• “Manage accessibility settings”


• “Share this tab”


• “Play Chrome Dino game”

Read more: Google rolls out February 2022 update to supported Pixel smartphones

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Redmi K50 Gaming Edition to launch on February 16

Xiaomi shared a poster through its Weibo account, confirming the launch date of the Redmi K50 series. The company will hold an event on February 16 that will mark the debut of the upcoming lineup. Also, the post renders the first look of one of the devices from the series, which is likely to be the Redmi K50 Gaming Edition.

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The Redmi K50 series is said to include four models: Redmi K50, K50 Pro, K50 Pro+, and K50 Gaming Edition. Talking about the latter device, it will succeed the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition launched last year. To mention, we are not sure if all four models will make an appearance at the upcoming launch event.

Anyway, the smartphone on the shared picture features mechanical trigger buttons, implying that it is a gaming device. Moreover, there's a triple rear camera unit that seems to be melded with RGB lighting.



According to the leaks, the Redmi K50 Gaming Edition will flaunt a 6.67-inch OLED QHD+ display. The phone may measure 162 x 76.8 x 8.45mm in dimensions and weigh 210 grams. Furthermore, the power button will also act as a fingerprint scanner.

For optics, there's a triple rear camera unit that could house a 64 MP, a 13 MP, and a 2 MP sensor. On the other side, a 16 MP lens can serve selfies and video calls. Under the hood, it is likely to run Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. Also, it is likely to ship with a 4,700mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging.

Read more: Redmi Note 11S confirmed to accompany Note 11 launch in India 

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Vivo NEX 5 specifications and price revealed in render leaks

Vivo is working to contribute to the foldable generation of smartphones. Reportedly, the Vivo NEX and NEX 5 are under processing. While we don't have any details of the former device, the specifications of the latter are leaked. Here is what we know!

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The leaks claim that the Vivo NEX 5 will be a hybrid of the Vivo X70 Pro+ and iQOO 9 Pro. The smartphone is likely to feature a Samsung E5 AMOLED LPTO 2.0 display with curved edges. The panel could offer a Quad HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an IP68 rated chassis.

For optics, Vivo NEX 5 is suggested to house a 32 MP front camera to serve selfies and video calls. Furthermore, the rear side is expected to carry a quad-camera unit led by a 50 MP primary sensor. The other lenses could include a 48 MP ultrawide shooter, a 12 MP portrait lens, and an 8 MP telephoto sensor. Also, it may offer OIS support, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, and 60x digital zoom.



Under the hood, the Vivo NEX 5 will run Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. The phone could arrive in three storage variants of 256 GB and 512 GB paired with 8 GB and 12 GB RAM respectively. In addition, a 5,000mAh battery is tipped to keep the entire system working with the support of 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

Lastly, the Vivo NEX 5 is anticipated to debut this year in March or April. The smartphone will probably cost around 942$ for the base model (256 GB + 8 GB RAM). While it could go up to 1,099$ for the top model (512 GB + 12 GB RAM). The mid-variant (256 GB + 12 GB RAM) is expected to cost about 1,020$.

Read more: Specs Comparison: Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

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Xiaomi Pad 5 receives Android 11 based MIUI 13 update globally

Xiaomi introduced its next-gen customized skin MIUI 13 at the near end of the year 2021. Since then, the company has updated several Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones. Following the global rollout schedule, it’s time for the international models of Xiaomi Pad 5 to adopt the new features.

Xiaomi Pad 5

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The new features are packed for the Xiaomi Pad 5 with the firmware version V13.0.1.0.RKXMIXM. The software is based on Android 11 weighing around 2.8 GB to download. The package adds fresh features and new customized shortcut options, offering a seamless experience. For precise details, check out the official changelog below:

Changelog

MIUI 13

• New: Resizable floating windows bring the desktop experience to tablets


• New: Improved Function key features

Floating windows

• New: Drag any item from the dock to open it in a floating window


• New: Resizing options for floating windows


• New: Support for opening two floating windows at the same time


• New: New gestures for floating windows

Stylus & keyboard

• New: Pressing the Menu button on the keyboard opens the app dock


• New: Double pressing the Menu button allows you to switch between recent apps


• New: Custom system button shortcuts


• New: Custom app shortcut combinations

The OTA update will reach out to the users in batches, taking a while to be widely available. Alternatively, you may visit Settings > Software update to manually track the build. If the version is available for your device, tap on Download and install.

Read more: [Update: System Optimization] Xiaomi 12 series Updates Tracker

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Samsung can provide four years of major OS updates to supported phones

Samsung is ahead of all of the other OEMs in the race of updates. Well, that was not the case before. A few years back, the Korean tech giant extended its Android OS update policy from two to three years, setting an example for other companies. Now again, the company might do it at Galaxy Unpacked 2022 event.

Make sure to visit: Apply these Galaxy S22 wallpapers on your current smartphone!

According to recent leaks, Samsung is planning to extend the Android update policy for its latest smartphones. Instead of three years, the devices may get four major Android upgrades. Moreover, the same leaks suggest that the security patches will be deployed for five years instead of four.

As mentioned, the policy will be applicable only on the latest flagships. This could include Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3. In addition, the upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 lineup will also be on the list of supported devices.

That means if you buy a Samsung device running Android 12 say, Galaxy S22 or Tab S8, you will be eligible to get an Android 16 update somewhere in 2025-2026. On top, your phone will get five years of security update support. Isn't that amazing?

If the reports stand true, it will change the game for Samsung. The life of the Galaxy phones and tablets will be extended by a year. With a one-time investment, the Galaxy users can stay updated with Android OS features for years.

Read more: Galaxy Watch 4 Series gets enhanced health and wellness features

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Galaxy Watch 4 Series gets enhanced health and wellness features

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series is the best wearable from the company so far. This is the first time the company has dumped its Tizen OS for WearOS. The latest update for the watches enhances the health and wellness features. Also, it brings new customization options, making it more personalized than ever before.

Must see: Best Android smartphones under $400

Concerning changes, the update will introduce advanced interval training designed for cyclists or runners. It allows them to pre-set the duration, distance, and number of sets for their workout. Thereafter, the Galaxy Watch 4 will come up with a custom training session that will include both high-intensity and low-intensity workouts.

Moving on, there's a body composition update that provides a detailed understanding of their health advancement. Also, the Samsung Health app will render body composition acuities. To make the concept discernible, the company is providing a 30-day unrestricted trial.

Moreover, the fresh build designs a new sleep coaching program, helping users to acquire better sleep habits. The feature works by tracking sleep patterns for a week. Afterward, by completing two such surveys, the watch will assign you any sleep symbol animal from the picture below.



Furthermore, the update introduces more colors and digital clock fonts that allow users to customize the watch face. In addition, the Samsung Health Monitor app will expand to 11 more markets in March, including Canada, Vietnam, and South Africa. Also, there are more strap colors, fabric bands, and link bracelets on the way.



The software update will start rolling out on February 10 via the Galaxy Wearable app. While the straps will be available for purchase starting late February.

Read more: Specs Comparison: Honor Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

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Honor 60 SE 5G debuts in China with Dimensity 9000 SoC for 2,199 yuan

Honor is adding one more device to the Honor 60 flagship. The new phone Honor 60 SE is launched in China. For the record, the lineup was launched a couple of months ago with two phones: Honor 60 and 60 Pro. Check out the new smartphone below.

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As mentioned, the company has announced the Honor 60 SE in the home country. However, the entire specifications are still under wrap. The smartphone is likely to feature a Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as confirmed by Honor. You can get the device in two storage variants of 128 GB and 256 GB paired with 8 GB RAM.

In addition, the teased images depict a punch-hole cutout at the top-center that will house a 64 MP front cam. On the other side, Honor 60SE carries a 64 MP triple rear camera. The other lenses will stand at 8 MP ultra-wide-angle and a 2 MP tertiary sensor.



Moreover, as per the past leaks, the smartphone could run MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC under the helm. On the software front, the Android version will be tossed with Magic UI 5.0 on top. Also, Honor 60SE will support 66W fast charging. The battery capacity remains unknown though.

Price and Availability

The Honor 60 SE is already live for pre-orders in China. The smartphone will start shipping on February 18. From this day, you can get it from any channel. The device will cost 2,199 yuan ($345) for the base variant and goes up to 2,499 ($393) yuan for the upper model.

Read more: Specs Comparison: Honor Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

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Google rolls out February 2022 update to supported Pixel smartphones

Today, Google announced the February 2022 update for its supported Pixel smartphones. The software is live for the devices running the latest Android 12 OS. Check out the official details below.

Must see: Get official Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro wallpapers for free!

The February 2022 update is live globally for supported Pixel devices. Talking about the compatible phones, it covers Pixel 3a (XL) and onwards devices, including the Pixel 6 series. To install the fresh update, watch out for the following firmware versions for your respective smartphone.

Software versions

• 
  
  Pixel 3a (XL): SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 4 (XL): SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 4a: SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 4a (5G): SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 5: SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 5a (5G): SQ1A.220205.002


• 
  
  Pixel 6: SQ1D.220205.003


• 
  
  Pixel 6 Pro: SQ1D.220205.003

Coming forth to changes, the build ensures the stability, safety, and security of your Pixel smartphone. In addition, the issues related to Bluetooth, camera, Keyboard, and connectivity will be resolved. Depending on your Pixel model, here's what it will carry:

Changelog

Framework (Pixel 3a and newer)

• Fix for issue causing the keyboard to display over input text in certain conditions.

Telephony (select Pixel 4 models, Pixel 5)

• Connectivity fixes for specific carrier networks.

Camera (Pixel 6, 6 Pro)

• Fix for issue causing device reboot when using the camera in certain conditions.

Bluetooth (Pixel 6, 6 Pro)

• Fix for issue causing audio playback to disconnect while using certain Bluetooth devices.


• General improvements for Bluetooth audio quality with certain media codecs.

Some of you might have received the update already as it started rolling out on Monday. However, in case you haven't, wait for the OTA to hit your device in the upcoming weeks.

Read more: The latest Google Chrome update arrives with 37 security fixes!

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Realme 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ to debut on February 16, Check out more details here!

Realme 9 series is still in preparation. The lineup will consist of four models— Realme 9, Realme 9i, Realme 9 Pro, and Realme 9 Pro+. While the former two models are already in light, the latter two will make an appearance on February 19. Here's everything we know about the Pro models.

Make sure to visit: Download Realme Calculator App Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

Reportedly, the Realme 9 Pro will flaunt an IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone will draw power from Snapdragon 695 processor. For shooting purposes, a 64 MP lens will lead the triple camera unit at the back. Moreover, the model will ship with a 5000mAh battery that supports a 33W power supply.

Also, the leaks suggest that the back panel of Realme 9 Pro will change color if exposed to direct sunlight. The phone will boot NFC and a single speaker.

Moving on, the Realme 9 Pro+ will feature a Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The panel will offer an in-display fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitoring. Under the helm, the smartphone will equip MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC.

In the optics section, the Realme 9 Pro+ will carry a 50MP triple rear camera and optical image stabilization (OIS). Furthermore, the smartphone will support 60W SuperDart fast charging technology. Additionally, there are dual speakers on board with NFC.

Lastly, both smartphones will offer Android 12 OS on day one paired with Realme UI 3.0. Realme 9 Pro and Realme 9 Pro+ will be available in two color variants of Aurora Green and Sunrise Blue. As mentioned, the smartphones are set to launch on February 16 and they will cost around ₹23,000 (approx $310).

Related: Realme C35 design and specs revealed before its launch on February 10

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