Google Chrome for Android to get a redesigned address bar

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers across the world. The tech giant keeps the platform updated to meet the user's privacy and convenience. Reportedly, the company is now working to introduce a major UI change to the Chrome browser. It is planning to offer a modernized address bar and suggestions interface.

Make sure to visit: How to install Mobdro on Chromecast with Google TV?

With future developments, we can see an Omnibox address bar design, probably after the release of Chrome 108. Although it will only be visible when you tap the address bar. This will make the suggestions fall more in line. FYI, Omnibox is an enhanced address bar that combines address and search bar. Moreover, it accepts certain text commands, besides URL and web search.

As always, the flag for the upcoming feature can be enabled on Chrome Canary via chrome://flags/#omnibox-modernize-visual-update. It details the trait as “When enabled, Omnibox will show a new UI which is visually updated... This flag is for step 1 in the Clank Omnibox revamp plan,” You can also find the flag in the current stable Chrome 105.

[gallery columns="4" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="131313,131312,131311,131310"]

As of now, the effects are not so noticeable from the top. The change specifically shows up when you tap the address bar. The URL box displays a more rounded corner, while the suggestions are highlighted in a small card. In the future, Google is working to bring a major change. However, the precise details are still undercover. But it will make Android feel more consistent across default apps.

Read more: Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro launching in India too, confirms Google

Lastly, we expect that the address bar will shift to the bottom of the screen just like with Apple's Safari or Firefox.

Read more »

OnePlus 11 Pro to launch in Q1 2023 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, claims leak

Ahead of any official announcement from the company, the OnePlus 11 Pro 5G has started to be a part of leaks. The device is anticipated to make its debut early next year by the end i.e; Q1 2023. In the meantime, the leaks have revealed the specifications of the upcoming smartphone. Here is what we expect.

Must see: Best Smartphone Deals at Amazon Great Indian Festival

To recall, the OnePlus 10 Pro was unveiled this year in January, while the global launch was held in March. We hope that the company will follow the same pattern this time as well. Needless to say, the upcoming OnePlus 11 Pro will come with a significant upgrade over its predecessor.

According to the rumors, the smartphone will feature a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display. The panel will offer a punch hole cutout at the top left corner and a 120Hz refresh rate. Also, a 5000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging support can keep the screen lightened up.

Under the hood, the OnePlus 11 Pro will equip Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC paired with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For software, it is tipped to run Android 13 out of the box along with a layer of Oxygen OS 13 on top.

For optics, the leaks suggests that the device will carry a triple rear camera in collaboration with Hasselblad. The island will include a 50MP primary unit, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. At the front, it can house a 16MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

Read more: OnePlus 9 duo gets OxygenOS 13 Open Beta update in IN and NA

The other notable specs can include an alert slider, an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and a USB Type-C port.

Read more »

Realme X3 and X3 SuperZoom gets Realme UI 3.0 (Android 12) update

Realme X3 and Realme X3 SuperZoom are picking up their second major software update. The company is releasing the Android 12 package based on Realme UI 3.0 for smartphones. To recall, the devices were launched back in 2020 with Android 10- based Realme UI out of the box.

Make sure to visit: Best Smartphone deals from Flipkart’s Big Billion Days [Tracker]

The latest Android 12 update for the Realme X3 and Realme X3 SuperZoom is rolling out with firmware versions RMX2081_11_F.05 and RMX2085_11_F.05, respectively. This will be the last major update for the handsets. Before upgrading, make sure to keep your respective device updated to the required versions.

• Realme X3: RMX2081_11_C.15 / RMX2081_11_C.14 / RMX2081_11_C.13


• Realme X3 SuperZoom: RMX2085_11_C.15 / RMX2085_11_C.14 / RMX2085_11_C.13

As for changes, together with Realme UI 3.0, the package makes the user experience more fluid & more secure than ever before. It brings a more personalized, efficient, and smoother user experience. In addition, the changelog for both smartphones is enriched. To know the precise modifications, take a look at the official changelog below.

Changelog

• New design
  
  
  
  • The new design, which emphasizes the feeling of space, offers a simple, clean and comfortable visual and interactive experience.
  
  
  • Smart Assistant widgets are added that show key information about the applications and provide instant access to the functions.
  
  
  • The design of the page is renewed based on the principle of reducing visual noise and spacing the elements and prioritizes the information with different colors so that the key information stands out.
  
  
  • The icons have been redesigned using new materials to give more depth and a greater sense of space and texture to the icons.
  
  
  • The Quantum Animation Engine has been optimized with version 3.0, which implements the concept of mass to make the animations more realistic and optimizes more than 300 animations to provide a more natural user experience.
  
  
  
  


• Comfort and efficiency
  
  
  
  • The method of switching floating windows between different sizes is optimized.
  
  
  
  


• Security and privacy
  
  
  
  • Spam blocking rules have been optimized so that you can add a rule to block MMS messages.
  
  
  
  


• Performance
  
  
  
  • Quick Start is added, a function that detects the applications you use frequently and preloads them so that you can open them quickly and a graph to show battery usage.
  
  
  
  


• Games
  
  
  
  • In team fighting scenes, games run more smoothly at a stable frame rate.
  
  
  • The average CPU charge is reduced and battery usage is reduced.
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Now you can decide which camera modes are displayed in the menu bar and in what order they do so.
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • The automatic brightness algorithm has been optimized to adapt the brightness of the screen to more scenes for a comfortable screen reading experience.
  
  
  
  


• Accessibility
  
  
  
  • Images have been added to the text instructions for an intuitive understanding of accessibility features.
  
  
  • The categorization of functions has been optimized by grouping them into vision, hearing, interactive and general actions.
  
  
  • The TalkBack feature supports more system applications, including Photos, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.
  
  
  
  

Read more: Realme releases Android 13 Early Access roadmap

As usual, the OTA update for the smartphones is rolling out in batches. Accordingly, it may take some time to reach each unit. In the mean time, you can try to trigger the update manually via Settings > Software update.

Read more »

Sony WH-1000XM5 launched in India, Pre-order started

There is a separate fan base for Sony WH-1000XM5. This is the best alternative for AirPods Max. It came late to India, while it has been available in the global markets since May 2022. Let's take a detailed look at this piece of tech got.

Must Read: Best Smartphone Deals at Amazon Great Indian Festival (Galaxy S22, S21 FE, iPhone 12, and More)

Since the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM5 in other markets, most tech enthusiasts in India have been waiting for this moment.

Specifications

The device comes with the best of the best noise cancellation feature available on the market. And this is achieved with the help of eight microphones in the headphone. The Sony WH-1000XM5 comes with significant 30mm dynamic drivers. Sound profiles like SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio formats, and A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP all are supported. Also, it has Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity. The device can be charged with a type C charging cable.

Design

XM5 is already famous for its best quality audio in the market. Compared to their previous model, there is a design improvement primarily focusing on user comfort. Just another reason to like Sony! The device comes in 2 color options: Black and Silver. The Sony WH-1000XM5 comes with a massive battery backup. It will provide 30 hours of playback time with ANC and can play continuously for 40 hours without ANC. Moreover, the device can get charged from 0 to 100 in 3.5 hours, which is pretty decent.



There is also an AI-based DSEE Extreme technology that will scale the quality of the compressed audio files. Here we can rotate the earcups of the Sony WH-1000XM5 sideways but cannot fold inwards like their previous model. Also, the device comes with Alexa Voice Control.

Related: Best Smartphone deals from Flipkart’s Big Billion Days [Tracker]

Price and Availability

The Sony WH-1000XM5 costs around Rs 26,999. Preorder on Amazon for the gadget has started. The current price of the device will be the lowest one. After the pre-order sale, the price of the device will definitely increase. You can also purchase the device from Sony's official website.

If you are looking for headphones in this price range, this is the most recommendable one.

Read more »

OnePlus 9 duo gets OxygenOS 13 Open Beta update in IN and NA

The OnePlus 9 series has already received the ColorOS 13 Open Beta update in China. As per the latest community post, the duo is getting the OxygenOS 13 Open Beta update in India and North America. While the Android 13-based build will soon be available for the European region as well.

Must see: [Updated] List of OnePlus devices eligible for Android 13 update 

The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users in the countries can enroll in the beta program. However, before updating, make sure that your device is updated to the latest OxygenOS 12 version i.e; C.63. Also, keep your device's battery above 30% and a minimum of 4.5 GB of storage space free. Here is what you will experience with the new beta.

Changelog

• Aquamorphic Design
  
  
  
  • Adds Aquamorphic Design theme colors for enhanced visual comfort.
  
  
  • Applies the Aquamorphic Design philosophy to animations to make them natural and vivid.
  
  
  • Adds Shadow-Reflective Clock, with shadow simulating the orientation of the sun and moon.
  
  
  • Adds a Home screen world clock widget to show the time in different time zones.
  
  
  • Upgrades to Quantum Animation Engine 4.0, with a new behavior recognition feature, which recognizes complex gestures and provides optimized interactions.
  
  
  • Optimizes UI layers for a clearer and neater visual experience.
  
  
  • Applies real-world physical motions to animations to make them look more natural and intuitive.
  
  
  • Optimizes the widget design to make information easier and quicker to find.
  
  
  • Optimizes fonts for better readability.
  
  
  • Optimizes system icons by using the latest color scheme to make the icons easier to recognize.
  
  
  • Enriches and optimizes illustrations for features by incorporating multicultural and inclusive elements.
  
  
  
  

• Efficiency
  
  
  
  • Adds Meeting Assistant to enhance the meeting connecting and note-taking experience, and introduces an option to make notifications more subtle and less distracting.
  
  
  • Adds large folders to the Home screen. You can now open an app in an enlarged folder with just one tap and turn pages in the folder with a swipe.
  
  
  • Adds a new type of Always-On Display that shows live information about music, ride-hailing, and food delivery (Supports only some apps).
  
  
  • Adds media playback control, and optimizes the Quick Settings experience.
  
  
  • Adds more markup tools for screenshot editing.
  
  
  • Adds support for adding widgets to the Home screen, making information display more personalized.
  
  
  • Adds Sidebar Toolbox. You can open a floating window inside apps for a smooth operation.
  
  
  • Upgrades Doodle in Notes. You can now draw on graphics to take notes more efficiently.
  
  
  • Optimizes Shelf. Swiping down on the Home screen will bring up Shelf by default. You can search content online and on your device.
  
  
  
  

• Seamless interconnection
  
  
  
  • Optimizes cross-device file transfer, with more file formats and device models supported.
  
  
  • Optimizes Screencast, with cast content automatically adapting to the target screen.
  
  
  • Optimizes earphone connectivity to deliver a more seamless experience.
  
  
  
  

• Personalization
  
  
  
  • Optimizes Bitmoji to offer more Always-On Display animations.
  
  
  • Optimizes Insight Always-On Display, with more personalized Always-On Display settings available.
  
  
  • Optimizes Portrait Silhouette Always-On Display, with more drawing tools and line colors available.
  
  
  
  

• Security & Privacy
  
  
  
  • Adds an automatic pixelation feature for chat screenshots The system can identify and automatically pixelate profile pictures and display names in a chat screenshot to protect your privacy.
  
  
  • Adds regular clearing of clipboard data for privacy protection.
  
  
  • Optimizes Private Safe. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is used to encrypt all files for enhanced security of private files.
  
  
  
  

• Health & Digital wellbeing
  
  
  
  • Adds Kid Space. When in Kid Space, your browser app automatically switches to Kids mode to create a child-friendly space.
  
  
  • Adds Eye comfort in Kid Space to protect children's vision.
  
  
  
  

• Performance optimization
  
  
  
  • Adds Dynamic Computing Engine to improve the system speed, stability, battery life, and app experience.
  
  
  
  

• Gaming experience
  
  
  
  • Upgrades to HyperBoost GPA 4.0 to stabilize the frame rate and balance the performance and power consumption in key scenarios.
  
  
  
  

Related: OnePlus 10 Pro starts receiving stable OxygenOS 13 update

As this is a beta build, it will be loaded with bugs and glitches. Some of these issues are mentioned by the company.

Known Issues

• Carrier version devices (VZW) aren't compatible with the Open beta builds.


• After the flashlight is activated, the notification of the flashlight switch will not be shown on the lock screen.


• There is a possibility that missed call notifications can only be found in the call history if a VoLTE call from an iPhone isn't picked up.

If you have made u your mind, download the official package from the below links and follow the steps.

• OnePlus 9 (IN)


• OnePlus 9 (NA)


• OnePlus 9 Pro (IN)


• OnePlus 9 Pro (NA)

1. Download the latest ROM zip package from the above links


2. Copy the ROM upgrade package to the phone storage.


3. Go to Settings > About device > Version


4. Click on the build number 7 times and enter the password
   This will make you enter developer mode.


5. Go back Settings > About device > Up to date > Click the top right button > Local install > Click on the corresponding installation package > Extract > Upgrade > System upgrade completed to 100%.


6. After the upgrade is complete, click Restart.

For the rollback process and further assistance, visit the official OnePlus community.

Read more »

Oppo F21 Pro picks up ColorOS 13 Open Beta update in India

After the Find X3 series, Oppo F21 Pro is now picking up the ColorOS 13 Open Beta update. The users in India can taste the Android 13-based customized skin before its official release for the device. FYI, this will be the first major update as the phone runs Android 12-based ColorOS 12.1 out of the box.

Make sure to visit: Oppo ColorOS 13 update timeline for September 2022

The announcement was made via Oppo's official community forum. As per the post, the Android 13 x ColorOS 13 Beta version kicking off for users in India. While the program will soon expand to other markets as well. The users can apply from Sep. 21, 2022, to Sep 28, 2022.

Initially, the company is recruiting 5000 users in the first batch. Therefore, interested users should apply as soon as possible. Before that, make sure that your F21 Pro is updated to the required A.16 / A.17 version. Thereafter, follow the below steps.

Oppo F21 Pro: How to register for ColorOS 13 Open Beta?

1. Open Settings > About device


2. Tap on the gear icon at the top right of the page


3. Click on Trial versions


4. Fill in your information and tap Apply Now


5. Update About device and select Download Now

The company will review the entry and after application success, the build will hit your device within 3 working days. In case the application quota is already full, please wait for the next round (if there's any). Also, the selected users are expected to report the bugs in the ColorOS community or contact the customer service center directly.

Related: How to download Oppo ColorOS 13 based on Android 13?

As this is a beta version, the package will not be as smooth as a stable build. In fact, it may carry a lot of bugs and some third-party apps might not work as well. Therefore, we do not recommend you flash it on your primary phone. An already known issue quoted by the company is the AOD of Music display malfunction. Lasty, do not forget to take a backup of your data before testing the beta version.

Read more »

Xiaomi Civi 2 to launch on September 27, design and specs revealed

Xiaomi unveiled the Civi lineup last year with two models: Xiaomi Civi and Xiaomi Civi 1S. Now, the company has announced the addition of a new device in the series: Xiaomi Civi 2. The new female-focused smartphone will make its debut in China on September 27th at 2 PM local time (11:30 IST). In the meantime, let's take a look at the known key details ad specs.

Make sure to visit: List of Xiaomi devices received September 2022 Security Patch Update [Tracker]

Along with the launch timeline, the company also teased the design of the upcoming Xiaomi Civi 2. As per the poster image, it will render an appealing wave-like pattern on the rear side. On the other side, the phone will have a micro-curved edge display with narrow bezels and a center-aligned punch-hole cutout.

According to the rumors, the phone will feature a 6.56-inch OLED display with an FHD+ resolution. The panel will offer a 120Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint sensor. A 4,500 mAh battery will keep the screen lightened up with 67W fast charging support.

Under the hood, the smartphone will draw power from Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. The chipset will be paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. On the software front, it will boost Android 12 out of the box along with MIUI 13 on top.



In the optics department, the Xiaomi Civi 2 is likely to carry a triple camera setup with an LED flash. The module can consist of a 50MP main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and another 2MP unit. At the front, the handset may house a 32MP snapper to serve selfies and video calls.

Read more: Xiaomi 12T Pro Global Variant hits Geekbench, key specs revealed

The other features can include “special” Vlog modes for the rear camera setup and support for Dolby Vision. As of now, this is all we know about the upcoming Mi device. Anyway, the company is ready to take off the wraps in a week.

Read more »

Vivo X Fold+ to launch on September 26 with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

Vivo X Fold+ was running around the rumor mills for some time now. Now, the company has officially given it a rest by confirming the launch date of the device. The next-gen foldable from Vivo will make its debut in China on September 26th at 7 PM local time (4:30 IST). Alongside, the tech giant has also shared the first look of the handset. Here is what we know so far.

Make sure to visit: List of Funtouch OS 13 eligible Vivo smartphones [Android 13]

A few months earlier, Vivo launched the Vivo X Fold together with Vivo X Note and Vivo Pad. Now we await the successor foldable which is likely to be an upgrade over the previous model. According to the leaks, the Vivo X Fold+ will feature an 8.03-inch foldable display. Whereas, the cover display will be a 6.53-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen. Although both panels will offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the device is likely to draw power from Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. In addition, a 4600 mAh battery is said to keep the system working with 80W fast charging support out of the box. Likewise, it may support 50W wireless charging as well. For software, the phone will come pre-installed with Android 12 along with a layer of Funtouch OS 12 on top.

In terms of optics, the Vivo X Fold+ is anticipated to carry massive a quad-camera setup at the back. The module may include a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide unit, a 12MP portrait sensor, and an 8MP periscope snapper. For selfies and video calls, the displays can house 16MP or 32MP shooters.

Read more: New Vivo V2156FA 5G smartphone spotted on TENAA

Lastly, it will retail in Huaxia Red and Blue color options. Also, we can expect Vivo to ship the device outside China in the next few months. In that case, it will run FunTouch OS 12.

Read more »

Xiaomi 12T Pro Global Variant hits Geekbench, key specs revealed

Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil the Xiaomi 12T lineup with at least two models: Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro. The devices can make their debut in September or October 2022 in the global markets. Ahead of the official launch, the Xiaomi 12T Pro has made an appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking website. The listing reveals some key specs of the device that follows below.

Must see: Best Smartphone Deals at Amazon Great Indian Festival

On the Geekbench database, the Xiaomi 12T Pro can be identified with the 22081212UG model number. The 'G' here indicates this is a Global variant. The phone has a score point of 1300 in the single-core round and 4061 in the multi-core round. Further, the portal reveals some key specs, including processor, Operating system, storage configuration, and more.

Under the hood, the upcoming device will equip an octa-core processor. The chipset will have four cores running at 2.02GHz, three cores running at 2.75GHz, and one prime core running at 3.19GHz. Considering this, it is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC that will further be paired with Adreno 730 GPU.



In addition, the website confirms an 8GB RAM model of the Xiaomi 12T Pro. However, we can expect the company to introduce multiple storage options. On the software front, it will run Android 12 out of the box. With this operating system, the device is likely to arrive with MIUI 13 skin iteration on top.

Read more: Xiaomi 13 Pro to sport a 6.7-inch Samsung E6 display, claims leak

As for leaks, the Pro model from the series is likely to sport a Full HD+ display with a punch hole cutout and 1220 x 2712 pixels resolution. For optics, we can expect a 20MP front camera and a massive 200MP triple camera module on the back. The other specs can include a 5,000mAh battery, 120W fast charging support, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and Dolby Vision support. Besides, the smartphone was spotted on Google Play Console a couple of months back.

Read more »