Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Realme GT Neo 3 with MediaTek Dimensity 8100 SoC launched for ¥1999

After the global launch of the GT 2 series, Realme has unveiled the GT Neo 3 smartphone in the home country. The Realme GT Neo 3 falls under the premium smartphone range by the company. The device is expected to make way for the Indian market after the Realme GT 2 Pro. Let's take a detailed look at the new handset.

Realme GT Neo 3

Must see: Download Realme Photos App Latest Version[Old Versions Archive]

The Realme GT Neo 3 is built around a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that features a centrally aligned punch-hole cutout. The panel offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, an octa-core processor-based MediaTek Dimensity 8100 SoC powers the Realme GT Neo 3. The device offers up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For software, it boosts Android 12 out of the box along with Realme UI 3.0 on top. To serve the security, it has an in-display fingerprint scanner.

In the optics department, the Realme GT Neo 3 carries a triple rear camera module led by a 50 MP main sensor. Accompanying this is an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP tele-macro camera. On the other side, there's a 32 MP front-facing snapper.

Realme GT Neo 3

Furthermore, the Realme GT Neo 3 packs a 4,500 mAh battery that supports 150W fast charging. In fact, the device can charge up to 50% in five minutes as claimed by the company. In addition, there's also a 5,000 mAh battery variant that supports 80W of fast charging.

Availability and Price


Realme GT Neo 3 is available in Purple, White, and Black color options. Depending upon the battery and storage variants, here's how much the device cost.


  • 5,000 mAh Battery

    • 6GB + 128GB: ¥1999

    • 8GB + 128GB: ¥2299

    • 8GB + 256GB: ¥2599



  • 4,500 mAh Battery

    • 8GB + 256GB: ¥2699

    • 12GB + 256GB: ¥2899








Read more: Unknown Realme RMX3571 hits TENAA revealing key specifications

Realme GT Master Edition gets Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 update 

Realme has started releasing the latest operating system to its mid-range flagships. The next in line to get the Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 update is the Realme GT Master Edition.

Realme GT Master Edition

Must see: Realme Service Centers in New Delhi

The latest software update for the Realme GT Master Edition is rolling out in India via firmware version RMX3360_11_C.05. Before flashing the new build, make sure that your device operates on the required version RMX3360_11_A.10 / RMX3360_11.A.12.

Changelog



  • New design

    • The all-new design, which emphasizes a sense of space, deliver a simple, clean, and comfortable visual and interactive experience.

    • Revamps the page layout based on the principle of reducing visual noise and spacing out elements, and prioritizes information with different colors to make key information stand out.

    • Redesigns icons using new materials to give more depth and a greater sense of space and texture to the icons.

    • Optimizes Quantum Animation Engine: Quantum Animation Engine 3.0 implements the concept of mass to make animations more lifelike, and optimizes more than 300 animations to bring a more natural user experience.

    • More creative Always-On Display: Adds realmeow and Portrait silhouette to let you freely express yourself.



  • Convenience & efficiency

    • FlexDrop is renamed Flexible Windows and is optimized:

    • Optimizes the method of switching floating windows between different sizes.

    • You can now drag a file from My Files or a photo from the Photos app to a floating window.



  • Performance

    • Adds Quick launch, a feature that detects the apps you use frequently and pre-loads them so you can open them quickly.

    • Adds a chart to display your battery usage.

    • Improves the responsiveness of turning on or off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and NFC.



  • Games

    • In team fight scenes, games run more smoothly at a stable frame rate.

    • Reduces the CPU load average and lowers the battery usage.



  • Camera

    • You can now decide which camera modes are displayed on the menu bar and in what order they are displayed.

    • You can now drag the zoom slider to zoom in or out smoothly when shooting a video using the rear camera.



  • System

    • Optimizes the auto brightness algorithm to adapt screen brightness to more scenes for a comfortable screen reading experience.



  • Accessibility

    • Optimizes accessibility:

    • Adds visuals to text instructions for an intuitive understanding of accessibility functions.

    • Optimizes categorization of functions by grouping them into vision, hearing, interactive actions, and general.

    • TalkBack supports more system apps including Photos, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.




As usual, the OTA update is unfurling in stages. Therefore, you may have to wait a while to get the new build. In the meantime, you can also track the update manually via Settings > System updates.
Related: Realme X7 Max receives stable Android 12 update with Realme UI 3.0

Realme X7 Max receives stable Android 12 update with Realme UI 3.0

Realme X7 Max has finally passed through the fourth beta stage and is now receiving the stable Android 12 update with Realme UI 3.0. Before upgrading, make sure that your device is running on the required version RMX3031_11_A.22.

Realme X7 Max
Must see: Realme Service Centers in Chennai

The Android 12 update for Realme X7 Max is currently available in India, while it will soon hit other regions as well. You can identify the package via firmware version RMX3031_11_C.08. Concerning modifications, Realme has issued an outstanding changelog that mentions all-new features you'll get for a seamless experience.

Changelog



  • New design

    • The all-new design, which emphasizes a sense of space, deliver a simple, clean, and comfortable visual and interactive experience.

    • Revamps the page layout based on the principle of reducing visual noise and spacing out elements, and prioritizes information with different colors to make key information stand out.

    • Redesigns icons using new materials to give more depth and a greater sense of space and texture to the icons.

    • Optimizes Quantum Animation Engine: Quantum Animation Engine 3.0 implements the concept of mass to make animations more lifelike, and optimizes more than 300 animations to bring a more natural user experience.

    • More creative Always-On Display: Adds realmeow and Portrait silhouette to let you freely express yourself.



  • Convenience & efficiency

    • Adds “”Background stream””: Apps in Background stream mode continue playing the audio of a video when you leave them or lock your phone.

    • FlexDrop is renamed Flexible Windows and is optimized:

    • Optimizes the method of switching floating windows between different sizes.

    • You can now drag a file from My Files or a photo from the Photos app to a floating window.

    • You can now double-tap the text in a conversation in the Messages app to enlarge the text for easy reading and editing.

    • Adds more Omoji decoration items and facial types.



  • Security and privacy

    • Privacy-related functions including Privacy protection, Passwords, and Emergency call can now all be found in Phone Manager.

    • Optimizes spam block rules: Adds a rule for blocking MMS messages.



  • Performance

    • Adds Quick launch, a feature that detects the apps you use frequently and pre-loads them so you can open them quickly.

    • Adds a chart to display your battery usage.

    • Improves the responsiveness of turning on or off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and NFC.



  • Games

    • In team fight scenes, games run more smoothly at a stable frame rate.

    • Reduces the CPU load average and lowers the battery usage.



  • Camera

    • You can now decide which camera modes are displayed on the menu bar and in what order they are displayed.

    • You can now drag the zoom slider to zoom in or out smoothly when shooting a video using the rear camera.



  • System

    • Optimizes the auto brightness algorithm to adapt screen brightness to more scenes for a comfortable screen reading experience.

    • Optimizes the mistouch prevention algorithm for curved screens to reduce accidental touches.



  • Accessibility

    • Optimizes accessibility:

    • Adds visuals to text instructions for an intuitive understanding of accessibility functions.

    • Optimizes categorization of functions by grouping them into vision, hearing, interactive actions, and general.

    • TalkBack supports more system apps including Photos, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.




The OTA update is rolling out in batches. Realme will randomly push the build to a limited number of users first, later followed by a border rollout. Meanwhile, you can head over to Settings > System updates to track the package manually.
Related: Realme 8 Pro finally joins the Android 12 update party with Realme UI 3.0

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro gets Verizon 5G C-Band Spectrum support

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro now support 5G C-Band Spectrum. To mention, the AT&T and Verizon devices already switched to connectivity this year in January. However, the handsets needed valid firmware support. The update has finally arrived for Verizon users, ensuring that the users get elevated wireless 5G connectivity.

Pixel 6Make sure to visit: Install Stable GCAM 8.3 APK on any Android smartphone


The C-Band 5G support update is a part of the March 2022 Android 12L or Feature Drop upgrade. Although there's nothing official on Google’s OTA images or Verizon’s software update page, both smartphones should get the new firmware soon. The "Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have officially been certified to work on Verizon’s 5G C-Band network,” confirms the report.

https://twitter.com/GLKCreative/status/1505952577443274757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1505952577443274757%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xda-developers.com%2Fpixel-6-c-band-5g%2F

Along with the 5G C-Band Spectrum support, the latest update for the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also carry several other features. These features emphasize improving communication. This includes the ability to use stickers via messages & calls, accessibility to the Live Caption feature for calls. In addition, some of the features are app-centric i.e; arriving on selected apps, like Night Sight on Snapchat.

Furthermore, Google said that “earlier 5G-capable Pixel models have C-band capable hardware and are enabled for operation in certain countries” in a new support article. Having said that, the C-Band 5G will not be enabled on the Pixel 4a and later devices in the US.

Keep in note that Verizon’s C-Band 5G network is only obtainable to 5G wireless plans subscribers, including “5G Get More,” “5G Play More,” or “5G Do More”. Unfortunately, the cheapest “5G Start” wireless plan is not considered applicable.
Read more: Gmail for Android updates status bar icons for Google Chat and Spaces

Realme 8 Pro finally joins the Android 12 update party with Realme UI 3.0

Realme 8 Pro was launched almost a year ago pre-installed with Android 11 OS. On its birthday, the company is releasing the stable Android 12 update paired with Realme UI 3.0 on top.

Realme 8 Pro
Must see: Realme Service Centers in Hyderabad

The latest update for the Realme 8 Pro is rolling out in India via firmware version RMX3081_11_C.13 weighing 3.98 GB to download. Concerning modifications, the changelog is quite rich and impressive with all-new features offering a personalized, efficient, and seamless experience.

Changelog



  • New design

    • The all-new design, which emphasizes a sense of space, delivers a simple, clean, and comfortable visual and interactive experience.

    • Revamp the page layout based on the principle of reducing visual noise and spacing out elements, and prioritize information with different colors to make key information stand out.”

    • Redesigns icons using new materials to give more depth and a greater sense of space and texture to the icons.

    • Optimizes Quantum Animation Engine: Quantum Animation Engine 3.0 implements the concept of mass to make animations more lifelike, and optimizes more than 300 animations to bring a more natural user experience.”

    • More creative Always-On Display: Adds realmeow and Portrait silhouette to let you freely express yourself.



  • Convenience & efficiency

    • FlexDrop is renamed Flexible Windows and is optimized:

    • Optimizes the method of switching floating windows between different sizes.

    • You can now drag a file from My Files or a photo from the Photos app to a floating window.



  • Performance

    • Adds Quick launch, a feature that detects the apps you use frequently and pre-loads them so you can open them quickly.

    • Adds a chart to display your battery usage.

    • Improves the responsiveness of turning on or off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and NFC.



  • Camera

    • You can now decide which camera modes are displayed on the menu bar and in what order they are displayed.

    • You can now drag the zoom slider to zoom in or out smoothly when shooting a video using the rear camera.



  • System

    • Optimizes the auto-brightness algorithm to adapt screen brightness to more scenes for a comfortable screen reading experience



  • Accessibility

    • Optimizes accessibility:

    • Adds visuals to text instructions for an intuitive understanding of accessibility functions.

    • Optimizes categorization of functions by grouping them into vision, hearing, interactive actions, and general.

    • TalkBack supports more system apps including Photos, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.




The update is rolling out in batches and will reach out to the users in a short while. Alternatively, head to Settings > Software update to track the build manually.
Related: Realme GT Master Edition & Realme X7 Pro Extreme Edition gets stable Realme UI 3.0 update

OnePlus 9 series gets OxygenOS 12 C.47 update with March 2022 Security Patch

Earlier this month, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro got updated to OxygenOS 12 C.46 bought in some major fixes and an upgraded security patch. A similar build is rolling out again to the series that bumps the firmware version to OxygenOS 12 C.47.

OnePlus 9

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Camera App Latest version [Old Versions Archive]

The latest update for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro is rolling out in North America and Europe weighing 4.1 GB in size. For the OnePlus 9, the package arrives on firmware version LE2115_11_C.47 and LE2113_11_C.47, respectively for both regions. Heading to the Pro variant, the update is bundled with version numbers LE2125_11_C.47 (NA) and LA2123_11_C.47 (Europe).


Talking about the changes, OxygenOS 12 C.47 is a minor update that addresses a few bugs related to communication, display, and MMS. Moreover, it improves system stability and security by adding March 2022 patch. Plus, the fluency of taking photos will be improved.

Changelog



  • System

    • [Optimized] the stability of communication

    • [Fixed] the issue of the operator's name displayed incorrectly

    • [Fixed] the low probability issue that unable to send MMS

    • [Improved] system stability

    • [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.03



  • Camera

    • [Optimized] the fluency of taking pictures




As always, the new software is rolling out in batches and will reach out to you shortly via an OTA. Meanwhile, the user can track the build manually via Settings > Software updates. Also, we recommend you keep your device connected to Wi-Fi to avoid carrier data charges and maintain at least 60% battery.
Read more: OnePlus 9RT gets March 2022 security patch and more via OxygenOS 11_A.07 update

OnePlus 9RT gets March 2022 security patch and more via OxygenOS 11_A.07 update

OnePlus 9RT smartphone is in line to get the Android 12 based OxygenOS 12 update soon. Meanwhile, the company is frequent in releasing new software updates based on OxygenOS 11. In the latest news, the device is receiving a fresh software update labeled OxygenOS 11_A.07.

oneplus 9rt
Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Game Space Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The latest software update for the OnePlus 9RT is bundled with the firmware version MT2111_11_A.07​ with a download size of almost 200 MB. The package brings some major bug fixes, improvements, and optimizations. Moreover, it enhances privacy by integrating the current Android security maintenance, March 2022.

To be more precise, the update resolves issues related to the speaker where it was unable to play sound in some scenarios. In addition, the blurred screen glitch while in the bring surroundings is taken care of. Furthermore, your OnePlus 9RT will give a better battery backup after flashing this build. Also, it improves system stability, ensuring a seamless experience. Check out the official changelog below.

Changelog



  • System

    • [Optimized] power consumption, improved battery life

    • [Fixed] the issue that speaker unable to play sound in some scenarios

    • [Fixed] the low probability issue of the blurred screen when in the bright environment

    • [Improved] system stability

    • [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.03




The OxygenOS 11_A.07 software is currently rolling out in batches. Therefore, it might take a while to reach everyone. In the meantime, you can also keep checking for the update manually by navigating to Settings > System > System updates.
Read more: OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12 rolling out for OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 8 series

Monday, March 21, 2022

Gmail for Android updates status bar icons for Google Chat and Spaces

After the failure of Hangouts, Google has shifted its focus to Google Chat and Spaces. Both of them are Google's attempt to capture the messaging app market. These apps can be used for professional work just like Slack. Google maintains both the apps and updates them with the latest features regularly. Both the features are available on the Gmail app on Android.

You can access both features in Gmail from the bottom bar present in the Gmail app. The problem with this integration of all the different platforms on one app was the notification. It was not a big problem but, whenever you receive a notification, all three platforms show the same icon. Whether you receive an email, a chat, or a message on spaces, you will be having a double chat bubble icon placed on top of one another. But, now Google has changed it in the new Gmail app. Now, you will see different icons for different platform.

New status bar icons



As you can see in the image above, there are different icons for mails, Spaces, and Chat. The icon for Chat is a chat bubble with an empty interior, for Spaces, it is the icon with three persons standing next to each other and then we have our normal Gmail icon. As you can notice, these are the same icons present on the bottom bar of the Gmail app which makes them easy to recognize. So, now it is easy to recognize the kind of message received just by looking at the status bar icon.

Currently, these status bar icons are seen only on a single Android device running the 2022.02.20.x version of the Gmail app. The version is not available for every device as of now, but it might be available for more devices soon. The move comes as Gmail for iOS begins to display the Chat sender's profile photo beginning this month.

Sunday, March 20, 2022

OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12 rolling out for OnePlus devices

Recently, OnePlus launched the OnePlus 9RT and OnePlus Nord 2 CE 5G, both were interesting devices. However, both came with Android 11 out of the box, so, the OnePlus users were a little upset as Android 12 was launched last year, but it is still not available. So, now OnePlus has started rolling the Android 12 update for some of its devices not the ones mentioned above, but the other flagships. The list of devices that are going to receive the new Android 12 update are:


  1. OnePlus 9R

  2. OnePlus 8

  3. OnePlus 8 Pro

  4. OnePlus 8T


All of these devices have already received the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 in China. OnePlus devices in China run on ColorOS while the devices outside China still run on OxygenOS. So, now the update is made available for users outside China which means it is an OxygenOS update. It is the new OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12, which was in the beta stage previously and is now available in the stable version. The new update is made available to the open beta users and will be out for stable users later. Also, the update for EU regions is not available currently but will be rolled out soon.

oxygenos

The OxygenOS 12 is not a huge update in terms of visual changes as most of the design is similar to the previous version. There are some major changes like you can access the self from the notification panel, Work-Life balance function, and more. The update fixes the bugs that were present in the earlier beta stages of the OS.

OxygenOS 12 update,


The new update is available in different regions for different devices. The OnePlus 9R will receive the new update in IN region with firmware version LE2101_11.C.14. The OnePlus 8, 8T, and 8 Pro is receiving update in IN and NA regions. For the OnePlus 8 the firmware versions are:

  • IN region: IN2011_11.C.11

  • NA region: IN2015_11.C.11


For OnePlus 8 Pro:

  • IN region: IN2021_11.C.11

  • NA region: IN2025_11.C.11


For OnePlus 8T:

  • IN region: KB2001_11.C.11

  • NA region: KB2005_11.C.11


OnePlus 8T receives OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 Update

Changelog:




  • System


    • Optimized desktop icons with improved textures, by using a design inspired by brand-new materials and uniting lights and layers

    • Fixed the issue that background applications are abnormally closed in specific scenarios

    • Fixed the issue with lens permissions when using third party camera applications

    • Fixed the issue of the screen cannot respond when receiving notifications






  • Dark mode


    • Dark mode now supports three adjustable levels, bringing a more personalized and comfortable user experience




  • Shelf


    • New additional style options for Cards, making data contents more visual and easier to read

    • Newly added Earphone Control Card with Bluetooth earphone one-click adjustment

    • Newly added access to OnePlus Scout in Shelf, allowing you to search multiple contents on your phone, including Apps, Settings, Media Data, etc.

    • Newly added OnePlus Watch Card in Shelf, to easily glance at your health stats




  • Work-Life Balance


    • Work-Life Balance feature is now available to all users, allowing you to effortlessly switch between Work and Life mode via quick settings

    • WLB 2.0 now supports automatic Work/Life mode switching, based on specific locations, Wi-Fi network, and time, also bringing customized App notification profiles according to the personalization




  • Gallery


    • Gallery now allows you to switch between different layouts with a two-finger pinch gesture, intelligently recognizing the best-quality pictures, and cropping the thumbnail based on the content, making the gallery layout more pleasing




  • Canvas AOD


    • Canvas AOD brings you new diverse styles of lines and colors, for a more personalized lock screen experience with inspiring visuals

    • Newly added multiple brushes and strokes and support for color adjustment

    • Optimized software algorithm and improved face recognition to better identify the features and skin color of different figures




  • Network


    • Fixed the issue that unable to automatically connect to Wi-Fi




  • Bluetooth


    • Fixed the issue that wireless earphones cannot play a sound when connecting Bluetooth in specific scenarios




As we can see from the changelog, the update fixes the majority of bugs faced in the earlier builds of the OS. It also adds some new cards for earphone control, search, and more. You might have received the notification for the update on the device if you are on the open beta version. You can also check for the update manually by heading to the software update section in the settings app.

This is an early stable build so, it may contain some bugs and maybe a little uncomfortable for some users. If you are one of those users, you should wait for a review on the new OxygenOS 12. However, if you still want to try the new update, you can download and install it and roll back to the previous version using the rollback packages. But, you should make a backup before that as it will wipe your device.