Friday, March 25, 2022

Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1.1 patch issues for the Pixel 6 series

A couple of weeks ago, Google released the first beta build of Android 12 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR). The build gave us a glimpse of the foreseen Pixel Feature Drop. Unfortunately, it was packed with a bundle of issues for the Pixel 6 series, such as poor call quality and irregular battery drain. Well, thanks to Google, the issues have now been addressed via the Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1.1 that was launched earlier today.

Pixel 6

Make sure to visit: Android 12L features that you should know!

As mentioned, the new QPR3 Beta update addresses the glitches present in the first beta build. The update can be identified via firmware version S3B1.220218.006. In addition, it upgrades the Google Play services version from 21.48.15 to 22.06.18.

However, even with the latest build number, the security patch level remains the same, March 2022. Check out the full changelog of Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1.1 below.

  • Fixed some issues that caused excessive battery drain.

  • Improved call quality related to issues like Issue #224716473 that caused a high pitch noise during phone calls on some devices. Although we’re still investigating the root cause of this and similar issues, we’re planning additional improvements for future beta releases.


Keep in note that the Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1.1 is only rolling out for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro exclusively. The rest of the beta-eligible Google Pixel smartphones will continue to run the first beta. The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users running the Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1 will receive this interim update via OTA.
Read more: Google adds major new features on the Google Photos app

OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro upgrades to ColorOS 12.1 with new features

The next featured ColorOS update is finally official for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro in China. The ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 brings in multiple new features and bumps the current version to build number C.60.

OnePlus 9 Pro

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

The ColorOS 12.1 update for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro is bundled with the firmware version LE2120_11_C.60. The new skin is proved to be more efficient and suitable for users. It carries brand new features for a more seamless experience as mentioned in the changelog below.

Changelog (translated)



  • 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

    • [New] Various decorations and face shapes for Omoji, more personalized gameplay

    • [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



  • Performance optimization

    • [Optimization] LinkBoost 3.0, intelligently identify and improve network quality, comprehensively improve for different scenarios and applications, make network connection more stable, transfer faster, and switch more naturally



  • 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)

    • Graphics heterogeneous technology to reduce game load and power consumption (support some games)




In case, the OTA update doesn't reach out to you automatically, you can track the build manually via Settings > Software updates.
Read more: OnePlus initiates OxygenOS 12 Closed Beta program for Nord 2 in India

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G gets One UI 4.1

A couple of weeks ago Samsung started pushing the latest One UI 4.1 to all the eligible devices. It started with the flagship Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy Tab S8 series, and now to the budget devices. The new device added to the list is the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.

Galaxy A42 5G

The One UI 4.1 update is now live for the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G and brings the March 2022 security patch with it. The March 2022 security patch addresses more than 50 privacy and security flaws. Along with the March 2022 security patch, the update also brings all the new One  UI 4.1 features with it. The latest software update for the Galaxy A42 5G has firmware version A426BXXU3DVC2 and is now being rolled out in Italy. It will also be available in other European countries in the coming weeks.

One UI 4.1 features


With the latest update, Samsung is bringing features like live sharing in Google Duo to the device. It will also allow users to turn off the GOS (Game Optimization Service), which was a huge issue for Samsung devices recently. The GOS was reducing the device performance to stop the processor from overheating. One UI 4.1 also provides users the new enhanced object eraser allowing them to remove unwanted objects and reflections.



Samsung has provided all the major One UI 4.1 features to the Galaxy A42 5G. However, unlike the flagship S series, the A42 5G is not receiving the Smart Widgets as part of the update. You can still use the wallpaper-based color theming and the color palette picker is also changed to a vertical rectangle now. There are many more features introduced to the Galaxy A42 5G with the One UI 4.1 update. Update your Galaxy A42 5G device if you want to explore all of them.

To update your Galaxy A42 5G device manually, open the Settings app and navigate to the Software Update section. Click on the "Check for updates" button, if it is available hit on the "Download and Install" button. The installation will take some time and after that, you can explore the One UI 4.1 on your device.

Realme C31 announced with UniSoC T612 SoC, 5000 mAh battery, and more

Realme has added one more device to its budget offering range. The Realme C31 has is finally made its global debut in Indonesia as a successor of the Realme C21. The device was running around the rumor mill for a couple of months.

Realme C31

Must see: [Update] Download Realme Community v2.4.8 app!

Realme C31 is built around a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD screen featuring a waterdrop notch display. The panel offers a 120Hz touch sampling rate and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The device offers Android 11 out of the box along with Realme UI R Edition, which is quite disappointing.

Under the hood, Realme C31 powers an octa-core processor based on UniSoC T612 SoC paired 4GB RAM and up to 64GB storage. The storage can be expanded via a dedicated micro-SD card slot. A 5,000mAh battery keeps the system working with a 10W charging support over a USB Type-C port.

For optics, the Realme C31 houses a 5 MP camera for selfies and video calls. Also, there's a triple-rear camera setup led by a 13MP primary shooter. This is accompanied by a macro lens, a B&W sensor, and an LED flash.

Realme C31



Further, the connectivity options include Dual-SIM, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, a 3.5mm audio port, Beidou, and Galileo. Lastly, it measures 164.7 × 76.1 × 8.4mm in dimensions and weighs 197grams.

Availability and Price


The Realme C31 is available in Light Silver and Dark Green color options. The device arrives in two storage variants of 3GB + 32GB and 4GB + 64GB costing IDR 1,599,000 (~₹ 8,500) and IDR 1,649,000 (~₹ 8,700), respectively.



Related: Realme Narzo 50A Prime with Unisoc T612 SoC announced in Indonesia for Rp1,799,000

Redmi 22041219G and Poco 22041219PG bags IMDA Certification

Two unknown smartphones by Xiaomi have made their appearance on multiple certification websites, including TENAA, China's 3C, IMEI databases. The Redmi 22041219G and Poco 22041219PG have now bagged the IMDA Certification. Here's what we know about smartphones.

[caption id="attachment_124212" align="aligncenter" width="696"]redmi and Poco Representative Image[/caption]

Make sure to visit: Download the latest Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool, All You Need to Know

The Redmi 22041219G and Poco 22041219PG have hit several portals. However, the name of the smartphones still remained unknown. Unfortunately, the appearance of the devices on the IMDA database doesn't reveal much besides their 5G connectivity and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Luckily, do have some details from TENAA, China's 3C certification, and the IMEI portal. Talking about the Redmi 22041219G, it could be a global variant of some device shipping with a 22.5W charger in India. On the other hand, the Poco 22041219PG could be a global model.

[gallery link="none" size="full" columns="2" ids="124211,124210"]

Moreover, the smartphones could be a mid-range offering as confirmed by TENAA. They will boost the MIUI version V13.0.1.0.SLSCNXM. Considering this, the handsets will come pre-installed with Android 12 paired with MIUI 13 on top. In addition, based on the details, the upcoming Xiaomi devices are likely to power the MediaTek processor, or most probably, a Dimensity chipset.

Reportedly, the Redmi 22041219G and Poco 22041219PG belong to the L19 series. Based on the details, it is speculated that the device may be Redmi 11X 5G, Redmi Note 11X 5G, POCO M6 Pro 5G, or a new Redmi Note 12 series.
Read more: Redmi MAX 100-inch Giant Screen TV appears on Bluetooth SIG certification

Poco F3 receives Android 12 update globally based on MIUI 13

Poco F3 was unveiled a year ago with Android 11 based MIUI 12 out of the box. On its birthday, Xiaomi is endowing the device with the latest operating system. The Poco F3 is getting the Android 12 update globally 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

The latest stable update for Poco F3 is rolling out globally bundled with the firmware version V13.0.2.0.SKHMIXM. 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


The OTA update is having an incremental rollout, making it take more time to reach all units. If you want to try the new version, you can track the update manually via the Settings app > Software update > Check for updates.

Read more: List of eligible Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices to get Android 13 update

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Realme Narzo 50A Prime with Unisoc T612 SoC announced in Indonesia for Rp1,799,000

Realme has unveiled a new smartphone under its Narzo series flagship. The new Realme Narzo 50A Prime is an upgraded model of Narzo 50A, which was launched in India earlier this year. Here's a detailed look at the new smartphone.

Realme Narzo 50A Prime

Make sure to visit: Download Realme Weather App Latest update [Old Versions Archive]

Realme Narzo 50A Prime is built around a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen featuring a waterdrop notch. The panel offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, 600 nits of peak brightness, and a 90.7 percent screen to body ratio.

Under the hood, the Narzo 50A Prime powers a Unisoc T612 SoC paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. For software, the device offers Android 11 OS out of the box along with Realme UI 2.0 on top.

In the optics department, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime houses an 8 MP front camera. The rear panel carries a triple-camera island led by a 50 MP primary sensor. The other lenses include a 2 MP macro unit and a 2MP portrait sensor.

Realme Narzo 50A Prime

A 5,000 mAh battery keeps the screen lightened up with an 18W fast charging support over a USB Type-C port. The connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, 4G VoLTE, a micro SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, there's a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. 

Price and Availability


Realme Narzo 50A Prime arrives in Flash Black and Flash Blue color variants. Depending upon the storage variant, the device costs IDR 1,799,000 and IDR 1,999,000 respectively for the 4GB + 64GB and 4GB RAM + 128GB model.
Related: Realme GT Neo 3 with MediaTek Dimensity 8100 SoC launched for ¥1999

Oppo K10 goes official in India with Snapdragon 680 SoC for ₹16,990

Oppo has added a new budget smartphone under its K series of the flagship. The Oppo K10 is launched in India with all the affordable specs. Here's a detailed look at the new phone.

Oppo K10

Make sure to visit: Download Oppo/ Realme Quick Glance Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

Oppo K10 Specifications


Oppo K10 features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz screen refresh rate. The panel has a punch-hole cut-out and a Glow design that offers an assortment of glossy and matte finishes with 2B colors.

Under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor powers the Oppo K10 paired with Adreno 610 GPU. It offers default storage of 128 GB coupled with up to 8 GB RAM that can be extended via the Virtual RAM feature. For software, unfortunately, it comes pre-installed with Android 11 OS tossed with ColorOS 11.1 on top.

Oppo K10

For shooting purposes, the Oppo K10 houses a 16 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. On the other side, there's a triple camera island consisting of a 50 MP primary lens and a couple of 2 MP sensors for depth and macro aspects respectively.

A 5,000 mAh power cell keeps the system working with a 33W SuperVooc fast charging support. The connectivity options include a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, speaker grille, and a dedicated microSD card slot to expand storage.

Price and Availability


Oppo K10 arrives in two storage variants of 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB costing ₹14,990 and ₹16,990 respectively. The smartphone will go on sale from March 29 via Flipkart in Black Carbon and Blue Fame color options.
Read more: Oppo A53s 5G and Reno 4Z 5G gets ColorOS 12 early access beta

Google adds major new features on the Google Photos app

Google Photos is one of the most used photos gallery apps on smartphones whether it's an Android device or iOS. Today, Google introduced some new changes and addition to their Photos app for the upcoming updates. There are a lot of improvements made on the app to help users easily organize, import and sort through albums, access shared content, and use screenshots. The new features help in using the on-device folders and also sorting the files in the libraries.

Google Photos: What's new for you?


The first visual change that is seen on the update is in the libraries section. Now you can apply filters from the filter options present on the top and then sort them according to your choice. The three filters available are albums, shared albums, favorites, or on-device folders. So, now it will be easy to organize multiple galleries and access them quickly.



One more feature which will help you access all your photo on Google Photos is the Import option. Under the album grid, where you find all the options like archive and trash, you will find the new import option too. This option will allow users to import photos from other galleries like iCloud. It was also possible to import photos from Facebook and iCloud to Google Photos. But, now you can do it from Google Photos itself, making it much easier than other methods. This feature will make Google Photos your destination for all your photos.

 

The Sharing tab is also receiving a change, now it will provide sections for sharing with a partner, shared albums, and conversations. This will make it easier to manage the shared photos. Android devices will receive this update from today meanwhile iOS users have to wait a little more for it.



There are some more features like accessing screenshots quickly. Google will add shortcuts that will allow users to go to the screenshots directly. This shortcut will be present on the top of the main photo grid. Also, Google Photos will not recommend deleting these screenshots in order to save space in the clean-up suggestions. The update also introduces new shortcuts to copy text from screenshots or use Google Lens on screenshots. Google made these changes as most users capture screenshots for copying text or information from it. Google will roll out these features to Android in the coming weeks.