Thursday, May 12, 2022

Google introduces Pixel 6a, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds Pro at I/O 2022

Last night, Google made some remarkable announcements at the I/O 2022 Keynote event. Along with some new Android 13 features and improvements arriving for the Google stock apps, the developer event marked the introduction of some Pixel devices, including Pixel 6a, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds Pro. Let’s take a closer look at these three products.

Pixel 6a, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds Pro

Must see: Install GCAM GO 2.8 APK for all Android devices

Google Pixel 6a


The Google Pixel 6a is official in the US, while the tech giant also confirmed its launch in India. Although the exact date is still undercover. The smartphone features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a punch-hole cutout at the top center. The panel offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio.

On the software front, the Pixel 6a runs Android 12 out of the box. In addition, it powers the company's developed Tensor chipset paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. A 4,300 mAh battery keeps the system working. However, the charging capacity is not yet revealed.

Google Pixel 6a

For the camera, there's an 8MP lens on the front side for selfies and video calls. At the rear panel, Pixel 6a flaunts a horizontal camera strip with two sensors. The capacity of the camera stands at 12.2MP primary and a 12MP ultrawide unit. Like the Pixel 6 series smartphones, the camera offers extensive features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Face Unblur.

Price and Availability


Google Pixel 6a costs $449 in the US for its sole 6GB/ 128GB storage option. The handset arrives in black, mint green, and grey color variants.
Also, visit: How to rectify YouTube keeps pausing issue easily?

Pixel Watch


The Google Pixel Watch was a part of leaks for some time now. The company has finally announced the wearable at the I/O 2022 event. It is expected to launch later this fall, along with the Pixel 7 series smartphone. Although more details will be out soon. Fortunately, ahead of the official launch, we still know some of its features.

Pixel Watch is made from recyclable stainless steel and offers swappable bands. It features a circular, domed design with a touch screen and side button. Underneath, it will run an enhanced Wear OS 3 version with overall improvements.

Pixel Watch

The watch will offer apps, like Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Home, and more. As claimed by rumors, it will arrive with Fitbit integration as well, providing more health and fitness features. In addition, there's an Emergency SOS feature that will help you to contact a friend in case of distress.

The Pixel Watch will be compatible with devices running on Android 8.0 and later. Unfortunately, it will not support the iOS platform. Also, the product is said to be a premium offering, albeit there are no details regarding the price.
Related: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Comparison

Pixel Buds Pro


The Google Pixel Buds Pro falls under the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) category. The wearable offers some premium features, like active noise cancellation and an immersive audio experience, thanks to Google’s in-house audio engineering team. On the inside, the buds come with a 6-core audio custom-built chip that runs Google-developed algorithms.

The TWS intends to maximize the noise cancellation effect with a silent seal that adapts to the user’s ear. Furthermore, they have sensors inside them that claim to measure the pressure inside the ears so the buds can ease to be comfortable. The case and earbuds are also IPX2 and IPX4 rated for splash resistance.

Pixel Buds Pro

Besides, it provides you a hands-free control via Google Assistant support with real-time translation. The other features include wind-blocking mesh covers, transparency mode, beamforming microphones, multipoint connectivity, voice accelerometer, wireless charging, volume EQ, and touch controls.

On top of that, the Buds Pro will provide up to 11 hours of playback time without ANC and up to 7 hours with ANC. With the case, they provide a total of 20 hours with ANC and 31 hours without ANC.

Price and Availability


Google Pixel Buds Pro are a premium category product priced at $199.99. The buds will be up for preorder in the US from July 21 in Coral, Fog, Charcoal, and Lemongrass color options.
Read more: Google Pixel 6 Pro spotted on Geekbench with Android 13

Realme GT 2 Pro gets Android 13 DP Beta 1 in Europe: Download & Guide to install

Google has officially teased Android 13 at the I/O 2022 event yesterday. Keeping up with the pace, the other brands have started testing the next-gen OS for their respective flagships. In the latest development, Realme GT 2 Pro users can now flash the Android 13 Developer Preview Program.

Realme GT 2 Pro

Must see: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

The announcement was made official by the company via a blog post. The post mentioned that the Android 13 DP1 software is meant for the European version of Realme GT 2 Pro. As you already know, the program is developed for certified developers, not for regular users.

If you are an interested user in Europe, make sure that your Realme GT 2 Pro runs the Android 12 version RMX3301_A.14. The Android 13 Developer Preview program will thereafter bump it to RMX3301_11_C.01.

To download the Android 13 Beta 1 update package, click here and follow the steps below:

  • Transfer the downloaded firmware to the phone storage

  • Turn on developer mode

  • Go to Settings > Software Update > Settings in the upper right corner > Manually select the installation package

  • Select the downloaded firmware package, click install after loading

  • After the verification is completed, the system will be restarted and updated


Needless to say, the firmware will pack a bunch of bugs or glitches. Realme has already mentioned some of these lags to beware the advanced users.

Known Issues:

  1. All user data will be erased during the upgrade.

  2. Some system functions are not available.

  3. Part of the interface display may look less than desirable.

  4. Some applications may not work properly or be fully functional.

  5. The system may have some stability issues.


In case you want to change your decision and shift back to Android 12, download the rollback package. Before that, make sure to take a backup of your data and maintain at least 30% of the battery. Also, this may take a while so, do not turn off your phone during the process.
Related: Android 13 Developer Preview Program is live for Oppo Find X5 Pro

OnePlus Nord gets Android 12 based OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 3 update

Last month, OnePlus Nord received the Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 Open Beta update. The smartphone has come closer to getting the official version of the operating system as it has successfully completed two phases of testing. Now, the device is all set to jump into the next level: Open Beta 3.

OnePlus Nord

Must see: Download OnePlus Health App Latest Version [Old Versions Archived]

Needless to say, the Beta 3 build resolves multiple bugs and issues packed in the last version. This includes the issue of abnormal Touch sounds, boot animation, and starting “OK Google” with voice. Moreover, it adds the April 2022 security patch. The package can be identified by the firmware version AC2001_11_F.11.

Changelog



  • Security

    • [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.04



  • System

    • [Fixed] the issue of abnormal Touch sounds

    • [Fixed] the issue of the abnormal boot animation



  • Voice

    • [Fixed] the occasional issue that unable to start “OK Google” with voice




For those who are currently operating the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta 3, this package will arrive as an OTA. However, in another case, the user needs to flash the first beta in order to experience the third one.

In addition, keep in mind that bugs are a part of the beta updates. Less than the previous build, but this update as well, carries a lot of issues.

According to the OnePlus update policy, the Nord series is eligible to receive only two major Android updates. The OnePlus Nord was launched back in 2020 with Android 10 out of the box. Therefore, the Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 will be the last major upgrade for the device. However, OnePlus is keep improving the user experience by releasing minor updates.
Read more: OnePlus 10 Pro gets Android 13 Developer Preview Program

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Android 13 Developer Preview Program is live for Oppo Find X5 Pro

Google has prepared the Android 13 OS and is ready to kick off later this evening. Meanwhile, all the major smartphone brands have started releasing the Android 13 beta for their respective flagships. The list includes multiple devices, including the OnePlus 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, Mi Pad 5, and more. In the latest news, the Developer Preview Program is live for the Oppo Find X5 Pro.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

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The announcement was made official by the company via a blog post. As you already know, the DP program is developed for certified developers and other early adopters, not for regular users.

To flash the firmware, make sure to take a backup of your data. To do so, visit Settings > System settings > Back-Up & migrate > Local backup > New backup. Thereafter, follow the below steps:

  1. Back up the data to the computer or cloud before upgrading;

  2. Download the Android 13 Developer Preview Upgrade Firmware Package and copy the Upgrade Firmware Package to the mobile phone storage root directory;

  3. Go to “Settings – About device – Version” and click on Build number 7 times;

  4. Go to “Settings – About device – Up to date – Click the top right button – Local install – Click the menu button in the top left corner”;

  5. Click on the phone series name below – Click on the corresponding rollback package at the bottom of the page – Extract;

  6. Wait for the extraction to finish and click “Install Now”;

  7. Wait for the phone to restart and successfully upgrade to the Android 13 Developer Preview version


Needless to say, the firmware will pack a bunch of bugs or glitches. Oppo has already mentioned some of these lags to beware the advanced users.


  • Photos taken by the front camera may be displayed abnormally

  • The retouch effect may not be displayed after adjusting Retouch in the rear camera's PORTRAIT mode and taking photos

  • The Camera may crash when taking photos in a dark environment

  • The Compass may not display latitude and longitude

  • Flashback may happen when switching on and off 5G

  • Unable to display the usage of data

  • Abnormal operation may happen after tapping the SIM application toolkit

  • Bluetooth headset aac may have no sound

  • The native browser may not open web pages

  • After upgrading, the desktop may not display Bilibili and Amap

  • Setting lock screen password will be required when accessing the desktop after flashing the build or resetting to factory settings

  • Abnormal restart may happen after selecting "Restart now" in Capture logs


For more details and guidance, read the official blog post by Oppo.


Read more: Oppo Reno 8 Lite leaked, tipped to power Snapdragon 695 SoC

OnePlus 10 Pro gets Android 13 Developer Preview Program

Google is all prepared to reveal the Android 13 OS tonight at the Google I/O 2022 keynote event. Ahead of any official announcement, the companies have started preparing their devices to adopt the next operating system. On that note, the OnePlus 10 Pro is getting the Android 13 Developer Preview Program.

OnePlus 10 Pro

Make sure to visit: Download OnePlus Zen Mode Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The official statement was made official via the OnePlus Community forum. The Android 13 Developer Preview Program is meant for the developers and other early adopters. These advanced users play around with the software and create a better user experience.

Needless to say, the firmware is loaded with lots of bugs or glitches that hinder the user experience. Therefore, we do not recommend regular users with no experience flashing custom ROMs. In addition, there are already some known issues:

  • All data will be cleared while flashing the build or rolling to Android 12

  • Some issues with system stability and performance

  • Unable to access Shelf

  • Unable to move the documents in My Files

  • Some apps may not function as expected

  • Unable to record voice to active Voice awake on the Start-up navigation page

  • Some features of ORoaming may not function as expected


Most importantly, do not forget to take a backup of your important data before installing the Android 13 Developer Preview firmware. Moreover, make sure the battery level is above 30% and a minimum of 4GB of storage space is available.

In case the program is not suitable for you, you can always roll back to Android 12. For more details and assistance, visit the official OnePlus Community forum.
Read more: Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5 are open for the Android 13 Developer Preview Program

Google Pixel 6a likely to be announced today at the I/O 2022 event

Google is all set to commence the I/O 2022 keynote event tonight at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST). At this time, we still don’t know what the company might be cooking up to present on the stage. In the meantime, rumors claim that the tech giant might announce the Google Pixel 6a smartphone along with next-gen Google Nest Hub, Pixel Watch, and more.

Google Pixel 6A

Make sure to visit: Download Google Apps (GApps) for Android 12L or Android 12.1

There's a new post via Made By Google handle on Twitter, teasing the launch of a new Pixel-branded device. “Hey #TeamPixel!, See you at #GoogleIO tomorrow at 10 am PT," says Made By Google ahead of the Google I/O 2022 keynote event. Further, a short video is attached to the tweet that includes an invitation to the Google IO 2022.

https://twitter.com/madebygoogle/status/1524098169042206720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1524098169042206720%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mysmartprice.com%2Fgear%2Fgoogle-teases-new-pixel-devices-at-io-2022%2F

Although there's nothing relevant we could get from the post regarding the launch of Pixel 6a. The invitation hints that at least one Pixel product will be made official today. However, these are just rumors as there is no official statement from the company yet.

The Google Pixel 6a is in the rumor mills for a few months now. The device will be powered by Google’s in-house Tensor GS101 chipset along with Mali-G78 GPU and at least 6GB of RAM. For software, it will boost Android 12 OS out of the box. On the upfront, the Pixel 6a will sport a 6.2-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution.

Alongside, Google is also expected to announce Android 13 Beta 2 tonight. Recently, the Google Pixel 6 Pro has made an appearance on the Geekbench database with Android 13.
Read more: Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5 are open for the Android 13 Developer Preview Program

Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5 are open for Android 13 Developer Preview Program

Android 13 is all set to be announced later this evening at Google I/O 2022. The beta version is Pixel-exclusive as of now, but it seems like Xiaomi users won't have to wait long either. In the latest development, the company has announced the Android 13 Developer preview program for Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 5.

Android 13
Make sure to visit: List of eligible Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices to get the Android 13 update

The official statement was made official via the Xiaomi Community forum. The post listed the eligible devices for the Android 13 Developer Preview Program. As mentioned, it enlist some of its latest smartphones: Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5. However, the post did not mention when the Developer Preview firmware will be available for download. Luckily, it does guide on how to flash the program.

How to flash Android 13 Developer Preview Program?



  • To enter into the fastboot mode, turn off the device

  • Press the volume down button and the power button together for 4-5 seconds.


Keep in mind that once the firmware becomes available, the user must use the Fastboot flash method for installing the Android 13 Developer Preview Program. In addition, the same method will apply in case the user wishes to downgrade to Android 12 as well.

Most importantly, do not forget to take a backup of your important data before installing the Android 13 DP firmware.

We will keep our readers updated once the program is available. In the meantime, you already know how you can flash the build.
Read more: Google Pixel 6 Pro spotted on Geekbench with Android 13

Download Android Studio Chipmunk 2021.2.1

Android Studio includes everything you need to build Android apps. It is the official IDE for Android development. Ahead of the Google I/O 2022, the tech giant has updated its official Android programming IDE: Android Studio Chipmunk 2021.2.1.

Android Studio Chipmunk

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Android Studio Chipmunk brings three new options for programmers along with several other changes as listed below.


  • Compose Animation Preview






This function is for the Jetpack Compose developers, the code-based interface builder. It will allow them to inspect and debug, or simply preview their animations created with Compose. Currently, it supports AnimatedVisibility and updateTransition, while more animation types will be added in the future.




  • CPU Profiler






Android Studio Chipmunk will allow builders to find the actual cause of jank information or faults, including its types and other details. This information will be available while using Android Emulator or physical devices with API level 31 i.e, Android 12.




  • Build Analyzer enhancements






In Chipmunk, there's a new Jetifier check-in Build Analyzer that will inform you if you can delete the Jetifier flag from a launch to enhance efficiency.

The Jetifier flag was designed to port third-party libraries to use AndroidX and other major Android Studio projects. However, the library ecosystem begins to help AndroidX natively, turning it into a consumable. Disabling the flag will approximately save 5-10% on build times.




  • IntelliJ Platform Update






The IntelliJ 2021.2 platform is a major release for Android Studio Chipmunk. It inherits new features like project-wide evaluation, a new powerful Package Search UI, IDE actions enhancements to speed up your workflow, and other numerous fixes and enhancements.


In a nutshell, Android Studio Chipmunk improves the quality, performance, and stability of the IDE, and packs all new features as well. Tap on the button below and try it now!

Download Android Studio Chipmunk 2021.2.1



Related: Download Google Apps (GApps) for Android 12L or Android 12.1

Google Pixel 6 Pro spotted on Geekbench with Android 13

Last year, Google introduced the Android 12 along with the launch of the Pixel 6 series. The lineup includes two smartphones: Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While we still await the Android 13 announcement at the Google I/O 2022, Google Pixel 6 Pro has been spotted on the Geekbench database with Android 13. It seems like the latest Pixel device is already under testing.

Pixel 6

Make sure to visit: Download Google Apps (GApps) for Android 12L or Android 12.1

To recall, Android 13 beta is already available for the Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 6 Pro. Needless to say, the handset will be among the first ones to get the new stable operating system. As per the Geekbench listing, the phone has managed to score 1018 in the single-core round and 2627 in the multi-core round.

In addition, the website mentions a 12GB RAM model of Pixel 6 Pro. Under the hood, the phone powers Google's Tensor SoC. Besides the aforementioned details, the Geekbench website does not mention any other features.



Talking about specifications, Google Pixel 6 Pro holds a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display along with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on top. The phone carries a triple rear camera setup led by a 50 MP primary unit. The other lenses include a 48 MP telephoto shooter and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. While a 12 MP snapper serves the selfies and video calls.

Moreover, a 5,003 mAh battery backs up the Pixel 6 Pro that supports 23W fast wireless charging and 30W fast wired charging over a USB Type-C port. It offers up to 512GB of internal storage and 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
Read more: Google Pixel Foldable Smartphone specifications revealed in render leaks