Google Messages becomes the default SMS app for the Galaxy S22 series in the US

It's been a while since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series. The smartphones pack a bundle of features, but the users in the United States get something extra. The lineup in the country comes pre-installed with Google Messages as the default messaging app.

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

Earlier, Samsung offered its own stock messaging app. Anyway, both apps are compatible with Rich Communication Services (RCS). For the unawares, RCS is a next-gen SMS texting version. The element provides features like the ability to share high-quality multimedia files, typing indicators, reading receipts, and a lot more.

Although Google Messages is set as the default app on the latest Galaxy flagships, the Samsung stock app can still be found on the device. That means the user can switch back to the Samsung version of the RCS app anytime. The company has confirmed the news officially.

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“To create the best possible messaging experience for users — with a richer, more engaging communication experience that is consistent across platforms — Samsung is now making Messages the default messaging app for Galaxy S22 series users worldwide, giving them even better capabilities,” said Jordan Guthmann, Samsung's spokesperson.

To recall, the hot-selling Galaxy S21 series also offers Google Messages as a default SMS app in some regions. Also, anyone could just head to the Play Store and download the Google Messages app. But let's be honest, we use whatever ships on our phone out of the box.

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

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Nokia G11 goes official in Europe with Unisoc T606 SoC, 13 MP triple cameras, and more

Along with Nokia G21, the HMD Global also unveiled the Nokia G11 in Europe. The devices share a similar design with a minor difference in specifications. As the name indicates, Nokia G11 succeeds the last year launched Nokia G10 smartphone.

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The Nokia G11 is built around a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen holding a teardrop notch at the top center. The panel offers a 90Hz refresh rate, a 180Hz touch sampling rate, an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. For security, it has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a face unlock feature that works even when wearing a mask.

For shooting purposes, Nokia G11 carries a triple rear camera island led by a 13 MP primary unit. The other lenses include a couple of 2 MP sensors to measure depth and macro aspects. On the other side, the device houses an 8 MP front snapper to serve selfies and video calls.



Under the helm, the Nokia G11 runs the Unisoc T606 chipset paired with 3 GB RAM. The phone arrives in a single storage variant of 32 GB. Further, it boosts Android 11 OS out of the box. To mention, it is eligible to receive two major Android updates and three years of security updates.

In addition, the Nokia G11 ships with a 5,050 mAh battery and a 10W charger. Though it does support 18W charging as well. The other features include dual SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, USB-C, a Google Assistant key, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Availability and Price

The Nokia G11 is available in two color options: Charcoal and Ice. It costs £119 (~$161) in the U.K. The smartphone could debut in other markets soon.

Related: Nokia G21 launched with Unisoc T606 SoC in Europe for €170

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Chrome for desktop arrives with 11 security fixes

After a successful rollout of Chrome 98 a couple of weeks ago, Google has released another upgrade over the stable version. Usually, the tech giant follows a four-week cycle to release the next version. However, as this is a minor bump, there is no new feature on the table. More importantly, it brings fixes for various security and privacy-related issues.

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The update started rolling out yesterday for desktop operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Though termed as Chrome 97, the minor upgrade can be identified via version number 98.0.4758.102.

As far as changes are concerned, the build does not carry any significant features. However, it enhances privacy by addressing 11 different security-related issues, out of which 10 are classified as High severity. FYI, this is the second-highest rating after critical. Here is a brief overview:

• High CVE-2022-0603: Use after free in File Manager.


• High CVE-2022-0604: Heap buffer overflow in Tab Groups.


• High CVE-2022-0605: Use after free in Webstore API.


• High CVE-2022-0606: Use after free in ANGLE.


• High CVE-2022-0607: Use after free in GPU.


• High CVE-2022-0608: Integer overflow in Mojo.


• High CVE-2022-0609: Use after free in Animation.


• Medium CVE-2022-0610: Inappropriate implementation in Gamepad API.

Moreover, there are several other fixes that Google has found internally during audits. As always, the server-side update will reach out to the users automatically. Alternatively, you can load the “chrome://settings/help directly” flag and check for any updates.

Read more: Google Play Services gets February 2022 update with several new features

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Infinix Zero 5G unveiled in India with Dimensity 900 SoC for ₹19,999

Infinix Zero 5G is now official in India as the company's first 5G smartphone. The smartphone offers everything we expect from a mid-range device including decent battery life, appreciable camera quality, and standard screen size. Check out the new handset in detail!

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The Infinix Zero 5G features a 6.78-inch full-HD+ IPS LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel provides a 1,080x2,460 pixels resolution, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, 500 nits of peak brightness, and an aspect ratio of 20.5:9. It measures 168.73×76.53×8.77mm and weighs 199 grams.

On the software front, the smartphone boosts Android 11 OS out of the box along with XOS 10 on top. Under the helm, the Infinix Zero 5G runs MediaTek Dimensity 900 SoC paired with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. For biometrics, it has a fingerprint sensor onboard.

For shooting purposes, the handset holds a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 48 MP primary sensor. The other lenses include a 13 MP portrait shooter and a 2 MP depth snapper. On the other hand, there's a 16 MP unit for selfies and video calls along with a dual-LED flash.



A 5,000 mAh power cell backs up the Infinix Zero 5G with a 33W fast charging support over a USB Type-C port. For connectivity, it offers 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5, GPS, OTG, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.

Availability and Price

The Infinix Zero 5G smartphone arrives in two color options Cosmic Black and Skylight Orange. You can grab it via Flipkart from February 18 in a single storage variant of 8GB + 128GB for ₹19,999.

Moreover, you can also get an Infinix Snokor (iRocker) wireless earbuds worth ₹999 for ₹1. In addition, Flipkart is offering no-cost EMIs starting at ₹1,667. Also, you can get an instant discount of ₹750 from Citi Bank cards.

Read more: Nokia G21 launched with Unisoc T606 SoC in Europe for €170

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Xiaomi launches the Redmi 10 2022 with MediaTek Helio G88 SoC

Xiaomi has added a new budget smartphone under its sub-brand Redmi. The device is Redmi 10 2022 and is launched in the global market. As the name indicates, it is an upgrade over the Redmi 10 launched last year. In fact, both smartphones share most of the specifications.

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Specifications

The Redmi 10 2022 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD hole-punch cutout screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. The panel offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3. In addition, it weighs 181 grams and measures 161.95 x 75.53 x 8.92mm in dimensions.

For shooting purposes, the Redmi 10 2022 houses a quad-camera module led by a 50 MP primary sensor. Alongside, it sites with an 8 MP ultrawide camera and a couple of 2 MP sensors for depth and macro photography. On the other side, there's an 8 MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

Under the hood, the Redmi 10 2022 powers the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset. On the software front, it comes with Android 11 pre-installed with MIUI 12.5 on top. To serve security, it supports AI face unlock and has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.



A 5,000 mAh battery keeps the system working. It also supports 9W reverse charging along with 18W fast charging. In addition, you will get a 22.5W fast charger out of the box. For connectivity, it boards 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB Type-C.

Availability and Price

The Redmi 10 2022 is available in two storage variants of 64 GB and 128 GB paired with 4 GB of RAM. However, the pricing details are still under wraps. Anyway, we do know that it arrives in Pebble White, Carbon Grey, and Sea Blue color options.

Read more: Redmi K50 Gaming Edition to launch on February 16

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Google Play Services gets February 2022 update with several new features

The Play Services app intends to speed up and streamline the update process of Google's stock apps. On that note, the February 2022 update for the platform brings plenty of significant changes including enhancements in Google Pay and more. Let's check out more about the update.

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The latest update for the Google Play Services upgrades the version to 22.06. Concerning changes, the build resolves a plethora of bugs to stabilize the device's connectivity, safety, management, and utilities-related services. Moreover, you get a bundle of modifications as mentioned below.

Changelog

Critical Fixes

• [Phone] Bug fixes for device connectivity, developer services, safety & emergency, system management & diagnostics, and utilities-related services.

Account Management

• [Phone, Tablet] Updates a child’s settings experience on supervised Android devices (under ‘Settings > Google > Parental controls’) to include a read-only view of account settings and content restrictions for Google services such as Google Play, Search, Chrome and Assistant.

Google Play Store

• Improvements to the Play-as-you-download feature to let gamers start playing mobile games while the app download continues to reduce waiting times.


• New Features to help you discover the Apps & Games you love.


• Optimizations allow faster and more reliable download and installation.


• New features to the Play Pass and Play Points programs. 


• Enhancements to Google Play Billing.


• Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.


• Various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and improvements to security, stability, and accessibility.

Utilities

• [Phone] Users can have the ability to back up MMS messages on their devices.

Wallet 

• [Phone] Users can view the Google Pay balance on their card art.


• [Phone] Users can add cards from their mobile bank apps to their wallets for in-store and online payments.


• [Phone, Wear OS] Users can view a step-by-step guide on how to pay contactless with your device.


• [Phone] Users can view digital COVID-19 certificates on a recently unlocked device.

System Management 

• Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, stability, security, and updatability. 

Developer Services 

• New developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support ads, accessibility, analytics & diagnostics, and machine learning & AI-related processes in their apps.

This is a server-side update and is rolling out automatically for all Android devices. Accordingly, it may take a while to reach your device. Also, you can confirm the Play system version by heading to Settings > Security > Google Play system update.

Read more: Google rolls out two new Android widgets for Chrome

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Nokia G21 launched with Unisoc T606 SoC in Europe for €170

HMD Global has added one more smartphone under its wings, Nokia G21. As you might have assumed, the device succeeds the last year launched Nokia G20. Compared to its predecessor, the Nokia G21 shows some improvement in display, optics, and battery life.

Must see: Best smartphones under $200

Nokia G21 Specification

The Nokia G21 features a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Also, it supports an adaptive refresh rate that drops to 60Hz in power saving mode. Moreover, the phone holds a side-mounted fingerprint reader to serve security.

Underneath, the Nokia G21 powers the Unisoc T606 chipset paired with 4GB RAM. The device is available in two storage configurations of 64GB and 128GB. In addition, it has a dedicated microSD card slot to further expand the storage. On the software front, the phone boosts Android 11 OS out of the box.

In the optics section, the Nokia G21 houses a triple camera island consisting of a 50MP primary shooter, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2MP sensor to measure depth. Also, the handset supports Super Resolution and Night Mode features. On the other side, there's an 8MP front-facing snapper.



Furthermore, the Nokia G21 packs a 5,050 mAh battery that supports 18W of fast charging. However, you get a 10W charger out of the box. Although, the company claims that the device will give up to three days of usage on a single charge.

Availability and Price

The Nokia G21 will soon be available for purchase in Europe. The device arrives in two color options of Nordic Blue and Dusk for €170.

Read more: Nokia 7.2 gets Android 11 update with December 2021 Security Patch

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OnePlus 10 Pro gets a new update with 1Hz refresh rate and more

The OnePlus 10 Pro is still awaited to launch in the global markets, while it is accessible in China for a while now. Recently, the company released a new software update for the smartphone units in the home country. Here is what the new build packs!

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Health App Latest Version [Old Versions Archived]

The latest update for the OnePlus 10 Pro bumps the firmware version to ColorOS 12.1 A.09. Regarding changes, it optimizes the refresh rate of the screen by adding a 1Hz AOD. Along with a few more system optimizations, the Bluetooth compatibility and the Camera app are also taken care of. For precise details, check out the official changelog below

Changelog

• Camera
  
  
  
  • [Optimized] Background blur effect in portrait mode
  
  
  • [Optimized] The white balance effect of the front camera of the three-party camera [Optimized] The imaging clarity of night scene shooting
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • [New] 1Hz AOD, optimize the refresh rate of the screen display, reduce the standby power consumption in AOD scenarios (only support some AODs)
  
  
  • [Optimization] Improve system fluency
  
  
  • [Optimization] Some applications of vibration motor effect
  
  
  • [Repair] Solve the problem of low probability of freezing and improve the game experience.
  
  
  
  


• Bluetooth
  
  
  
  • [Optimized] Bluetooth headset compatibility Photo Album – Portable Card Holder.
  
  
  • [Optimization] Classification accuracy of the carry-on card package label.
  
  
  • [Optimized] Wi-Fi download speed and stability.
  
  
  
  

The OTA update is rolling out in China in batches. It will be available for a limited number of users at first, followed by a border rollout. Alternatively, you can track the software manually via the device's Settings > Software update > Check for updates.

Read more: OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G teased; Launch set for February 17

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Download Oppo/ Realme Quick Glance Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

Quick Glance provides access to common small programs such as weather, notes, and clocks. Also, it adjusts to a variety of third-party apps. In fact, with ColorOS 12, you can also see the express shipping information and smart product status in the quick overview card.

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We have listed all the versions here available for the Quick Glance app. You can find the required version from the dropdown list below and tap on the download button. For the record, the latest versions are placed at the top, followed by the previous builds.

Note: The app may not be compatible with every smartphone. You can download it at your own risk.

Download Oppo/ Realme Quick Glance

• [February 11, 2022]: A new Quick Glance update with version v2.4.4 is rolling out for the global users of ColorOS 11 based on Android 11 or later.

Download version v2.4.4

• [January 16, 2022]: The global users of Android 11 based ColorOS 11 can tap on the button below and download the new update of the Quick Glance app with version v2.3.15.

Download version v2.3.15

• [January 6, 2022]: The Quick Glance app is upgrading with version v2.3.14 for the global users of ColorOS 11/Android 11 or later.

Download version v2.3.14

• [November 30, 2021]: Quick Glance version v2.3.8 is live for the global users of Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0/ColorOS 11 or later. Check out what changes it brings:

Changelog

1. Adapt to the new UI interaction scheme of OS 12, support componentized interaction, and cards support drag and drop and free combination of multiple sizes.
2. Support the active selection and recommendation function of cards, actively distribute services and optimize the path and efficiency of service reaching users.
3. The card store has been revised to support external display services.

Download version v2.3.8

• [October 23, 2021]: A new update with Version v2.2.6 is out for the Quick Glance app. The update is compatible with the devices running Android 11 based Realme UI 2.0, ColorOS 11, or later.

Changelog:

1. Adapt to the new UI interaction scheme of OS 12, support componentized interaction, and cards support drag and drop and free combination of multiple sizes.
2. Support the active selection and recommendation function of cards, actively distribute services and optimize the path and efficiency of service reaching users.
3. The card store has been revised to support external display services.

Download version v2.2.6

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