WhatsApp Rolls Out Message Reactions feature to Android beta users

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps available out there. In the latest news, the message reaction feature is finally rolling out for the social media messenger. The feature was in light since last year and is ultimately making its way to some Android users on the beta channel.

Make sure to visit: FMWhatsapp Latest Version: Features and How to Install [APK]

For the unaware, this feature is similar to that of other apps, including Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, or iMessage. All you have to do is hold on to a message and choose an emoji as a reaction. As per the report, the ability to react to messages is limited to selected beta testers. Although WhatsApp has not officially confirmed when all users will get the feature, it will roll out to everyone soon.

According to WABetaInfo, the emoji reactions feature is rolling out for the users on WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.22.8.3. Initially, there are six emojis to choose or react from. This includes Like, Love, Laugh, Surprised, Sad, and Thanks (👍💖😂😮😢🙏).



The company could potentially add more emoji options in future developments. Also, for now, there is no word if the user can change or customize these reactions. On the bright side, WABetaInfo mentioned that all users will be able to see message reactions, even if they can’t send them.

Assuming this is a server-side rollout, it'll be available for the latest beta version users. However, as mentioned, there's no guarantee for everyone. The company will hopefully make it functional for general users in the coming months.

Read more: WhatsApp beta brings new Communities Tab and tweaks Voice Recordings

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Samsung Galaxy S20 and S21 series on Verizon starts receiving One UI 4.1

A couple of days ago, Samsung rolled out the One UI 4.1 update for the Galaxy S21 series in South Korea. The update was rolled out for all three devices in the Galaxy S21 series. Now after rolling out updates in South Korea, Samsung is pushing the update to the Verizon Galaxy S21 lineup. Not only the Galaxy S21 series but the Galaxy S20 series have also started receiving the One UI 4.1 update.

The update bumps up the firmware version on each device. The new firmware versions are listed below:

• Galaxy S21: G991USQU5CVC4


• Galaxy S21+: G996USQU5CVC4


• Galaxy S21 Ultra: G998USQU5CVC4


• Galaxy S20: G981VSQU2FVC5


• Galaxy S20+: G986USQU2FVC5


• Galaxy S20 Ultra: G988USQU2FVC5

Samsung has become the industry leader in terms of software updates as other brands are nowhere near updating their devices to Android 12. While other brands are not able to launch their device with Android 12, Samsung is updating the two-year-old flagship S20 to Android 12. Samsung's new One UI 4.1 brings a lot of new features to these devices giving them a much-needed refresh. The new update includes the latest March 2022 security patch. The changelog for the update is a big one, but we are going to discuss the main ones.

One UI 4.1

The first change is the palette picker in the wallpaper-based theming. As we all know, Android 12 brought the wallpaper-based color theming for the entire UI, Samsung also implemented it on One UI in its own way. Now, the color palette picker is a long vertical rectangular in place of the old circular one. There is also the new enhanced object eraser and the live sharing in Duo. The enhanced object eraser is a very useful tool for many users who wants a clean profile pic on their social handles.



Samsung has also enhanced the Grammarly integration on the keyboard. The other changes include the ability to search on youtube from the finder app. You can also hide search results on the finder. Now, you can also zoom up to 3x on the portrait video mode too. There is much more to explore once you update your device to One UI 4.1.

If you hold any one of the devices mentioned above, you might receive the update notification soon. You can also check for the update manually by heading to the Software Update tab in the Settings app.

 

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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.

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.



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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Make 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

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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.

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

Read more »

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.

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

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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.

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

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