Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Moto G Pro receives Android 12 update in the UK

Last year in December, Motorola shared a list of smartphones that are eligible to get the Android 12 update. The company said that the rollout will begin in February 2022, but there was no specific date provided. Adhering to its words, the Lenovo-owned firm is sending the latest operating system to the Moto G Pro with My UX on top.

moto g pro

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The Android 12 based My UX package is rolling out for the model number XT2043-7. The build is currently live in the UK bundled with the firmware version S0PR32.44-11-8. Hopefully, the other regions will also get the new software soon.

For the record, the Moto G Pro is also known as Moto G Stylus in the USA. The device was launched in 2020 with Android 10 OS out of the box. Anyway, it's surprising to see that instead of higher-end smartphones, like Edge 20 series, the Moto G Pro is getting the latest build.

Anyway, now that Motorola has started releasing the new operating system, we can expect more flagships to join the list soon. To on the button below to see what changes Android 12 will bring to your device.

Top Features of Android 12


If you own a Moto G Pro in the UK, the new package will hit your device as on OTA. The build is spinning in batches, taking a while to have a border rollout. To avoid the wait, you can track the update manually via the Settings > System > Advanced > System Updates menu.
Read more: Moto G71 5G: First smartphone with Snapdragon 695 launched in India

Redmi Note 11 & Note 11S launched in India with 5,000 mAh battery

It’s been a few months since Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 11 series in the home country. However, we’ve been waiting for India’s launch since. As promised by the company, the delay is finally over as the Note 11 and Note 11S are now official.

Redmi Note 11

Must see: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11T vs Redmi Note 10T

The Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11S shares some specifications. The smartphones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. The panel offers a 90Hz refresh rate with a quad rear camera setup. Also, they are IP53-rated for a splash-resistant build.

On the software front, they boost Android 11 OS tossed with MIUI 13 on top. For selfies and video calls, there's a 13 MP front-facing camera. In addition, a 5,000 mAh battery awakes the entire system with a 33W fast charging support. According to the company, a single charge can deliver up to two days of battery life.

Moving forward, the major difference between the Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11S is the processor. The Redmi Note 11 runs Snapdragon 680 under the hood, while the Redmi Note 11S equips Helio G96 SoC.

Redmi Note 11

In the optics section, Note 11 will carry a quad-camera unit led by a 50 MP primary sensor. The other lenses are 8MP ultrawide and a couple of 2 MPs depth & macro shooter. Whereas, a 108 MP snapper will guide the shooter of Note 11S along with the same additional snappers.

Availability and Price


The Redmi Note 11 will go on sale from February 11 at the following prices. The device is available in three color options: Horizon Blue, Space Black, and Starburst White.

  • 64 GB + 4 GB RAM: ₹12,999 ($175/€152)

  • 64 GB + 6 GB RAM: ₹13,499 ($180/€160)

  • 128 GB + 6 GB RAM: ₹14,999 ($200/€175)




Whereas the Redmi Note 11S will arrive in Horizon Blue, Polar White, and Space Black shades on February 21 at the below prices:

  • 64 GB + 6 GB RAM: ₹15,499 ($210/€180)

  • 128 GB + 6 GB RAM: ₹16,499 ($220/€195)

  • 128 GB + 8 GB RAM: ₹17,499 ($235/€205)




You can purchase the smartphones from Amazon, Xiaomi’s own websites, and offline retail stores. The buyers can get ₹1,000 off by using a Bank of Baroda credit or debit card. The company also provides no-cost EMI options and exchange offers at different retail channels.
Read more: Redmi K50 Gaming Edition to launch on February 16

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.

Chrome widgets

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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!

[gallery link="none" size="full" ids="123074,123073,123075"]

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

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.

Redmi K50

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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.

Redmi K50

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 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

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!

Vivo NEX 5

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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.

Vivo NEX 5

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

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 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

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.

Samsung

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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.

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.

Galaxy Watch 4

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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

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.

Honor 60 SE 5G

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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.

Honor 60 SE 5G

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