Friday, April 15, 2022

WhatsApp adds Communities feature and more to enhance group conversations

WhatsApp has made group conversations more eas and more convenient by introducing a set of new features. Months after the feature was spotted in testing, the Communities tab is finally rolling out to stable users along with four other features. This includes admin delete, large voice calls, message reactions, and large file sharing.

WhatsApp

Must see: Best WhatsApp Tricks 2021

The Communities space will allow group admins to manage their groups better. Also, they’ll be end-to-end encrypted. It will allow users to “receive updates sent to the entire Community and easily organize smaller discussion groups on what matters to them,” says the Meta-owned messaging platform.

WhatsApp

In addition, the feature will bring new tools, including announcement messages that can be controlled and sent to several groups at once. WhatsApp plans to bring communities, like schools, colleges, NGOs, and more together under one roof. Moreover, there are more additions as mentioned before.

WhatsApp

  • Reactions: This works similar to Facebook's Messenger or Apple's iMessage reactions. The users in a group can now react to a particular message and share their opinion without flooding the chat with text.

  • Admin Delete: WhatsApp group admins will be able to remove errant or problematic messages from everyone’s chats.

  • File-Sharing: WhatsApp is also increasing file sharing to support files up to 2GB. FYI, the existing file limit is 100MB, so we can mark it as a significant expansion. Also, it is applicable to both personal and group chats.

  • Larger Voice Calls: The group calls on WhatsApp are extended for up to 32 people with an all-new design. In the present version, it only allows up to 8 participants.


WhatsApp





The aforementioned features will initially roll out for beta users, while the stable release will occur in the coming weeks.





Read more: WhatsApp brings 'Disappearing Media' feature with advanced functionality

OnePlus 9R upgrades to ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12

It's not been even a month since the OnePlus 9R received the Android 12-based skin iteration. The company is now releasing an upgrade over the previous version. The smartphone is now getting the ColorOS 12.1 update based on the latest operating system.

OnePlus 9R

Must see: [Download] OnePlus 9 wallpapers in High-Quality

The latest ColorOS 12.1 package for the OnePlus 9R is bundled with the firmware version C.21. The build is packed with a bunch of features, new addition, optimizations, and more. In addition, the changelog is pretty hefty as you can see below.

Changelog



  • New design

    • The borderless design concept has evolved again, and the design language of real noise reduction makes the experience simple, easy and burden-free
      Convenient and efficient

    • [New] Portable card holder, easy to organize and share photos of cards and receipts in the album

    • [New] Open the floating window in the split-screen state, support three applications to display at the same time, and the floating window and split-screen applications can be switched to each other, making it more convenient to collaborate on the same screen

    • [Optimization] Flashback window interaction, add support for clock application

    • [Optimization] The free translation function, after the smart sidebar is enabled, adds support for selecting full-screen translation
      seamless interconnection

    • Application multi-open function, support to open up to three application windows on the computer at the same time, multi-task parallel processing is more efficient



  • Security Privacy

    • [New] Clipboard read permission settings, control the access permissions of third-party applications to clipping information, and protect information security



  • Game experience

    • [Added] HyperBoost full-link game frame stabilization technology

    • GPA frame stabilization technology to find the best balance between performance and power consumption to achieve stable frame rate and lower power consumption in key scenes (supports some games)




The latest update is rolling out in batches. It will steadily make way for all users after making sure there are no critical bugs. Alternatively, you can manually check for the update via Settings > Software Updates > Download and Install.
Related: OnePlus 8 series receives a new software update based on ColorOS 12

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Realme V23 with Dimensity 810 SoC is official in China for ¥1,699

Realme has launched a new smartphone under the V series flagship— Realme V23. The device packs everything we expect from a mid-range offering. Let's take a closer look at the latest handset.

Realme V23

Make sure to visit: Download Realme Game Space Latest Version [old versions archived]

Talking about the design, the Realme V23 has a rising sun design made up of crystal diamond technology. This makes the device more transparent and textured color effect. The smartphone features a 6.58-inch FHD+ display with a screen resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels. Also, it measures 8.1mm in thickness and weighs 190g.

Under the hood, the Realme V23 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC. The phone arrives in two storage variants of up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of memory. For software, the smartphone runs the Android 12 OS pre-installed along with Realme UI 3.0 on top.

In the optics department, Realme V23 carries a dual rear camera consisting of a 48MP primary lens and a 2MP secondary unit. On the other side, there's an 8MP front-facing camera that serves selfies and video calls.

Furthermore, a 5,000 mAh power cell keeps the system working with a 33W fast charging support. The other features include a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded inside the power button.

Availability and Price


Realme V23 is available in Glass Magic and Gravel Black color options. The device will go on sale today at a base price of ¥1,699 for the 8GB + 256GB model. Whereas, the higher 12GB +256GB model is priced at ¥1,899.
Read more: Realme GT 2 Pro gets a new update with March 2022 Security Patch and more

iQOO Neo 6 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 debuts in China for ¥2,799

The iQOO Neo 6 is now official as the successor of last year's iQoo Neo 5. For now, the smartphone is only available in China, while it could launch in other markets, including India soon. Anyway, here is what the latest model has stored for us!

iQOO Neo 6

Must see: How to rectify YouTube keeps pausing issue easily?

iQOO Neo 6 is built around a 6.62-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel supports a 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution, a 1200Hz instant touch rate, a 1300 nits peak brightness, and a 360hz touch sampling rate. Also, the device comes with an independent display chip that is said to ensure that the screen is providing the right amount of colors, even at low brightness.

Under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor powers the iQOO Neo 6 paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. In addition, it has a VC cooling system onboard to keep the phone cool during gaming. For software, the device runs Android 12 out of the box along with Origin OS on top.

In terms of optics, the iQOO Neo 6 houses a 16 MP lens at the front for selfies and video calls. The rear side carries a triple rear camera led by a 64 MP primary snapper. Accompanying this is a 12MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP portrait shooter.

iQOO Neo 6

Furthermore, a 4,700 mAh battery backs up the iQOO Neo 6 with an 80W fast charging support. The other features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, dual speaker setup, dual linear motor for rich vibration, and noise reduction algorithm.

Availability and Price


iQOO Neo 6 is available in Black, Blue, and Orange color variants. Depending upon the storage variant you choose, here is how much the device will cost.

  • 128GB/ 8GB RAM: ¥2,799 (~₹33,500)

  • 256GB/ 8GB RAM: ¥2,999 (~₹35,900)

  • 256GB/ 12GB RAM: ¥3,299 (~₹39,500)


Related: iQoo Z6 5G announced in India with Snapdragon 695 SoC for ₹15,999

Poco F3 receives Android 12 based MIUI 13 update in Turkey and EEA

Poco F3 was unveiled a year ago with Android 11-based MIUI 12 out of the box. Almost after a year, Xiaomi is endowing the device with the latest operating system. The Poco F3 is getting the Android 12 update in Turkey and EEA region based on the company’s own skin iteration MIUI 13.

Poco F3
Make sure to visit: [Download] Poco Launcher v2.20 focuses on Minimalist design and Personalization

As mentioned, the latest stable update for Poco F3 is rolling out in Turkey and EEA markets bundled with the firmware version V13.0.1.0.SKHTRXM and V13.0.4.0.SKHEUXM respectively. The package weighs 3.1 GB to download and is currently available only for the pilot testers. It will soon be released to the general public and more regions as well.
Concerning changes, the Android 12 operating system paired with MIUI 13 is loaded with new features. In addition, the package increases the system security and stability by integrating February 2022 security patch. Moreover, the apps can be opened as floating windows directly from the sidebar. Check out the changelog below for more details.



Changelog


[System]

  • Stable MIUI based on Android 12

  • Updated Android Security Patch to February 2022. Increased system security.


[More features and improvements]

  • New: Apps can be opened as floating windows directly from the sidebar

  • Optimization: Enhanced accessibility support for Phone, Clock, and Weather

  • Optimization: Mind map nodes are more convenient and intuitive now


As said earlier, the update is pilot tester exclusive as of now. The build will be accessible to all users after making sure that there are no critical bugs onboard.


Read more: Poco X4 Pro 5G with Snapdragon 695 SoC launched in India for ₹18,999

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Vivo X80 Series tipped to equip MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC

Vivo is expected to unveil the Vivo X80 series in China later this month. The series will succeed the Vivo X70 lineup launched in September. The upcoming series is said to include three smartphones, including Vivo X80, Vivo X80 Pro, and Vivo X80 Pro+. Ahead of the official announcement, the smartphones have managed to leak online.

[caption id="attachment_124770" align="aligncenter" width="840"]Vivo X80 Series Representative Image.[/caption]

Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison: Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

According to the leaks, the predicted Vivo X80, Vivo X80 Pro, and Vivo X80 Pro+ will power the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor under the hood. Also, the handsets are suggested to come with Vivo's in-house image chipset along with contact image sensors (CIS).

If the leaks stand true, you can capture images even in low light as it already increases the amount of light intake. To recall, the Vivo X80 series was earlier tipped to feature a display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphones are likely to arrive in up to 12GB RAM variants.

In addition, the vanilla Vivo X80 is said to pack a 5,000 mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. It will probably carry a 50 MP Sony IMX866 RGBW sensor as well.

Talking about the Vivo X80 Pro, it might house a quad rear camera island. The capacity of the rear camera can stand at 50 MP primary, 48 MP ultrawide lens, 12 MP portrait sensor, and an 8 MP periscope telephoto unit. On the other hand, a 32 MP camera could serve selfies and video calls.

Heading forth to the Vivo X80 Pro+, there's nothing much besides the support for a 6.78-inch Quad-HD+ LTPO E5 AMOLED display and 1TB of storage configuration.
Read more: Vivo X Fold and Vivo X Note launched in China alongside Vivo Pad

Realme GT 2 Pro gets a new update with March 2022 Security Patch and more

The Realme GT 2 Pro is the first flagship by the company in the year 2022. So far, the company has updated the smartphone every month. This time, the smartphone is receiving a new software update in the home country.

Realme GT 2 Pro

Must see: Download Realme Game Space Latest Version [old versions archived]

As mentioned, the update is rolling out in China bundled with the firmware version A.20. The package brings multiple fixes across the system, including Omoji font display, wallpaper display, and abnormal restart of the phone. Also, there's an overall optimization for a seamless experience. In addition, the build packs the March 2022 security Patch, enhancing the device’s security. Check out the official changelog below.

Changelog



  • System

    • Optimized the refresh rate of the screen display to 1Hz

    • Optimized the sliding smoothness of the sidebar of the game assistant

    • Optimized the smoothness of screen sliding and recent task sliding

    • Optimize network stability

    • Fixed the overlapping problem of the OMOJI font display on the account page

    • Fixed the problem of incomplete display of wallpapers when returning to the desktop

    • Fixed the abnormal restart of the phone in some scenarios to improve system stability



  • Fingerprint

    • Optimized the recognition rate of fingerprint unlocking

    • temperature control

    • Optimized QQ, WeChat video chat fever problem

    • Optimized the temperature control strategy for the GT mode of Honor of Kings, Peace Elite, and Genshin Impact in high-temperature scenarios



  • Security

    • Update Android security patch (2022#3)




The OTA update is rolling out in batches and will reach out automatically to all users. In the meantime, you can also give it a manual check by heading over to Settings > System update.
Read more: Realme GT 2 Pro and Realme 9 4G goes official in India: Specification and Price

Oppo A57 5G with MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC launched for ¥1,499

The latest Oppo A-series model is here— Oppo A57 5G. The smartphone is a successor to Oppo A56 5G which was launched last year in October. Here is what the Chinese giant has packed with its latest smartphone.

Oppo A57 5G

Must see: Oppo's Official ColorOS 12 update timeline for Q2 2022 (April, May, June)

The Oppo A57 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 720x1,612 pixels resolution. The panel offers a 90Hz refresh rate and a 90Hz touch sampling rate. In addition, the Oppo A57 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 10W standard charging. It measures 163.8 x 75.1 x 7.99 mm in dimeisons and weighs 186 grams.

Under the hood, a MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC fuels the Oppo A57 5G integrated with Mali G57 MC2 GPU. The phone arrives in up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of default storage. For software, it comes pre-installed with Android 12 along with ColorOS 12.1 on top.

In the shooting department, the Oppo A57 5G carries a dual rear camera consisting of a 13 MP primary lens and a 2 MP portrait sensor. At the front, there's an 8 MP unit for selfies and video calls.

The other specifications include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS/ A-GPS, dual-SIM (Nano), microSD card, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The sensors on board include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, magnetometer, proximity sensor, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Availability and Price


Oppo A57 5G is available in Black, Blue, and Lilac color options. The device costs ¥1,499 for its 8GB + 128GB storage variant. The pricing details for the 6GB + 128GB model are yet to be revealed. You can pre-order the phone now, while the shipping starts on April 15.
Read more: ColorOS 12 beta update goes official for Oppo F17 and Oppo A73

[Update: Bug fixes & Improvements] Samsung Keyboard app Updates Tracker

As the name suggests, Samsung Keyboard is the company’s official app that comes pre-installed with every Galaxy smartphone. The app has its own design with customization options, allowing you to change the layout, language, size, and other options. Moreover, it includes plenty of new additions, like animated emojis, GIFs, and stickers. In addition, the writing assistant supported by Grammarly keeps your grammar and spelling accurate.

Samsung Keyboard

Must see: How to fix the 'Samsung Keyboard Has Stopped' error

Furthermore, the company keeps the app updated with new features and general fixes to keep the experience seamless. Here we have listed all such updates in descending order as per their date of release.

Samsung Keyboard app Updates Tracker



  • [April 13, 2022]: Samsung Keyboard is getting a heavy update with version 5.4.70.25 which brings a handful of changes. After upgrading, you can enable or disable the Suggest Text Correction feature as required. Also, the UI is more consistent and it now has a lower typo rate. Lastly, it resolves a bunch of issues and brings improvements to the Clipboard feature.

  • [April 4, 2022]: Samsung Keyboard is receiving a new update with version 5.4.70.23 weighing around 110MB to download. The latest update comes with some normal changes to usability.

  • [February 23, 2022]: A new update with version number 5.4.70.7 is rolling out to the Samsung Keyboard app. The build does not bring any significant changes but it brings some general fixes to improve the stability and user experience.

  • [January 7, 2022]: Samsung Keyboard application grabs a new update with version number 5.4.20.6. The latest update brings some general fixes to optimize the system's stability.


You will receive the update notification automatically in a while. To give it a manual check, open the Samsung Galaxy Store > Click on the three-dot menu at the top left corner. The updates for all the apps will be enlisted here.
Related: [Update: Bug fixes & optimization] Samsung Camera app Update Tracker