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Google Brings YouTube HDR Support to Pixel Devices via Software Update
Google has released a statement saying they will be adding YouTube HDR support for "Pixel devices" thanks to a new software update.
Google is working to expand HDR support on YouTube and while it only actually works with special videos, the feature has become quite the buzzword these days. We recently reported on this feature coming to devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Xperia XZ Premium, and that was possible thanks to the hardware supporting it. While hardware support isn't there on the Pixel or the Pixel XL, Google has said they're bringing YouTube HDR to these devices thanks to a software update.
Google is Updating AOSP Dialer with Floating In-Call Buttons and More
Since Google's switched to a public development model for the AOSP Dialer, the open source dialer app is receiving a host of major updates.
Google has been working on adding some more features to the Google Dialer application but hasn't yet decided to flip the switch and make the features public just yet. We covered a way to enable the new floating bubble feature in the application late last month but now it looks like more people will have access to this feature if they're willing to install its open source counterpart. We have found commits that Google is updating the AOSP Dialer application with this specific feature as well as committing to keeping the AOSP Dialer up to date.
How to get "Turn on WiFi Automatically" for the Nexus 5X/6P on Android Oreo
With a couple of quick ADB commands, we can bring back the turn on WiFi automatically feature in Android Oreo to the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.
Android Oreo introduces a new feature that lets you turn on WiFi automatically when you're near a "high-quality saved network," like one from work or home. This feature can be found on the official builds of Android 8.0 for the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, but it is not available on the Google Nexus 5X or Google Nexus 6P. However, that wasn't always the case. The two Nexus phones actually had the WiFi automatic wakeup feature when Android O Developer Preview 2 was out, but for some unknown reason Google removed this feature in the final Android 8.0 Oreo release for the Nexus 5X/6P.
Facer Receives an Update to v4.0, Adds Watchmaker Series, HTML5 Widgets and More
Version 4.0 of Facer adds a lot of new features including HTML5 widgets, the Watchmaker Series for official watchmaker brands, and verified accounts.
Smartwatch sales may not be booming like they once were, but there is still a dedicated community behind them. Some smartwatch owners will just switch between the pre-installed watch faces, while others will look for unique ones created by the community. There are watch faces provided by 3rd-party developers in the Play Store, and then there's Facer. Facer has come a long way since its inception and the team behind it has just released a big update to version 4.0.
OEMs are Required to Not Modify Dumpsys Commands in Android Oreo
Google states OEMs are not allowed to modify the format or contents of certain dumpsys commands useful to developers with the new Android Oreo update.
Each year, Google releases an updated version of their Compatibility Definition Document. These are the rules which every OEM must follow if they want to ship their own versions of Android with Google Play Services built-in. This means that new restrictions can be put in place but it can also mean that previous limitations can be relaxed. Another new change we've discovered in the CDD for Android Oreo requires OEMs to not modify the format or contents of Dumpsys commands.
[UPDATE: LINK REMOVED] Sony's 3D Creator Software gets Ported to Android 6.0+ Devices
XDA Senior Member IgorEisberg has just released a port of Sony's 3D Creator application that comes shipped inside the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact.
UPDATE 9/8/2017: Download link removed at Sony's request
Android Oreo's Rollback Protection Will Block OS Downgrades, but it can be Disabled
With the new update to Android Oreo, the operating system will monitor and prevent the device from booting if it detects it has been downgraded.
Google recently rebranded a number of their security features for Android as Google Play Protect. We see the company constantly trying to rebrand various products and services it offers, but it makes sense in this case since these individual features were never really packaged under one umbrella. Now there has been some added emphasis on increased security with the new Android Oreo update in a number of ways, with an interesting change being what Google is calling Rollback Protection.
Install the H2OS Boot Animation from the OnePlus 5 using a Magisk Module
The H2OS boot animation from the OnePlus 5 is now available for installation on rooted Android devices using a Magisk Module.
Some users prefer various aspects of the H2OS software from OnePlus, which is offered in China, over the OxygenOS bundled on devices solded internationally. The H2OS boot animation, for instance, is quite aesthetically pleasing, so XDA Senior Member alukarulz has made it available for OnePlus 5 devices running OxygenOS, but it can also be installed on most other rooted Android devices as well.
OpenSans and Roboto Fonts for Unrooted Huawei and Honor Devices on EMUI 4.0+
If you own a Huawei or Honor that runs EMUI 4.x or EMUI 5.x then you can follow this guide to install OpenSans and Roboto fonts as a theme without root.
Thanks to the way Huawei implements themes on Honor and Huawei devices running EMUI 4.x and EMUI 5.x, we can easily add a couple of new fonts to the device without needing root access. XDA Senior Member DarkAlpha.Sete has put together a couple of font files and written a guide that details how to install the OpenSans and Roboto Fonts on Huawei or Honor devices running EMUI 4.0+. Currently, the linked thread below doesn't have very many fonts available to pick from, but that will change as the themer states they will add more font support upon request.
Get the LineageOS Snap Camera on the OnePlus 5 Running OxygenOS
The LineageOS Snap Camera app has been ported to OnePlus 5 devices running on OxygenOS 4.5.10, the latest stable version. It does not require root.
For fans of the LineageOS Snap Camera or anyone just looking for a new camera app to try out, a port is now available on the OnePlus 5 running OxygenOS. This port is made available by XDA Recognized Contributor Android-Andi so that it works on OxygenOS version 4.5.10 (ie. the latest version at the time of this writing). This port was built from the source provided in LineageOS 14.1, and is does not require root to install.
OnePlus 2 Receives Android 8.0 Oreo Unofficially via LineageOS 15
An early version of LineageOS 15 based on Android Oreo has been released for the OnePlus 2 by XDA Recognized Contributor Shreesha.Murthy.
A lot of OnePlus 2 owners have felt burned due to the lack of OTA updates that OnePlus has pushed out. For a while, owners of these devices were told that the OnePlus 2 was eventually going to be receiving an official update to Android 7.0 Nougat. That unfortunately turned out not to be the case, thus making the last official build of OxygenOS for the device to be based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Thankfully, the device still has quite the developer support on our forums, and developers have just released an early build of LineageOS 15 based on Android 8.0 Oreo for the device.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (Snapdragon) Receives Unofficial Android Oreo Port
The Snapdragon Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 receives an unofficial port of Android Oreo 8.0 thanks to members on our forums. It is based on LineageOS 15.
Google finally released Android Oreo a couple of weeks back, and with it came the official source code release in AOSP as well. This means that developers around the world can start building Android's latest update for a device they own. We've been highlighting these unofficial builds lately and now we have a new one to put the spotlight on. For those who want to test an early build of Oreo, you can now do so on the Snapdragon Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (mido).
Huawei Removes EMUI Firmware Downloads from their Website
Huawei says they're removing the EMUI firmware downloads from their website in order to deliver a more convenient and satisfactory update service.
Some of us are used to being able to visit a website to directly download a new update for a smartphone or tablet. Google does this and OnePlus does as well, but even community members maintain websites for other OEMs as well. Huawei used to do this via a downloads page on the emui.huawei.com website, but XDA Senior Member RedSkull23 just brought to our attention that this is changing. If you visit this downloads page right now you'll be greeted with the following message. . .
Google is Mandating Linux Kernel Versions in Android Oreo
Starting this year with Android Oreo, Google is now mandating that all SoCs productized in 2017 must launch with kernel 4.4 or newer.
Google has been offering Android as a mobile operating system for close to a decade. The company acquired it in 2005, unveiled it to the public in 2007 and then in 2008 we saw the first commercially available Android smartphone. There are some rules and limitations that Google has in place for a company to be allowed to use the main configuration of Android (which they have faced legal action about in the past), but for the most part they're giving companies free reign with certain aspects. One aspect that has been up to the OEM is the Linux kernel version but this is changing with Android Oreo.
Petition Asks the Developers of Phoenix OS to Open Source the Kernel
An online petition has been created by the community in hopes of convincing the developers behind Phoenix OS to open source the kernel.
Android is mainly considered an open source mobile operating system, but there are a number of closed source elements that hundreds of millions of people use every day. The actual requirements of Android is that the kernel be open sourced for the public. This is enforced by the GPL but sadly this is one of those gray areas where someone actually needs to take legal action to enforce it. Some companies have violated this time and time again, and a new petition is calling for the developers of Phoenix OS to do the right thing.
ARCore for All Brings Google's New Augmented Reality Platform to Unsupported Devices
Thanks to some work from the developer community, we can try out Google's new augmented reality platform with the ARCore for All project.
Google recently announced a new platform called ARCore that enables smartphones without specific cameras and sensors to have fun with augmented reality. Much like Google has hardware requirements for its Daydream platform though, there are some hardware requirements in place for their augmented reality platform as well. However a community developer has figured out a way to get this working on unsupported devices with a new project they're calling ARCore for All.
Motorola Launches the Mid-Range Moto X4 for €399, Europe Release in September, US in the Fall
Motorola has officially launched the mid-range Moto X4 with its dual rear-camera setup, IP68 water resistance, and Amazon Alexa support.
We've been hearing about a new Moto X since May of this year, which was surprising to many since the company didn't release one last year. Initial renders that were leaked had most of the details right, but some were off (the camera module in specific). Then this month the device was approved for sale in Brazil and then shortly after that it passed the FCC certification process. Today, Motorola has officially launched the Moto X4 and we now know the full details of the new smartphone.
Mod to Customize the UI of your Google Pixel running Android Oreo
A collection of mods has been released for the Google Pixel running Android Oreo that lets you customize the user interface.
With the Android Oreo OTA update rolling out to the Google Pixel phones, some are looking for ways to customize the user interface of their device. So XDA Senior Member Tulsadiver has put together a collection of mods that lets you pick and choose which mods you want to install through an Aroma installer.
OnePlus Student Program Offers 10% Off Orders, Including the OnePlus 5
The new Student Program from OnePlus will allow students to get a 10% off coupon for just about any order they place on the OnePlus website.
A lot of companies offer discounts on their products and services for anyone who is currently a student. This can be 50% off the price of an Amazon Prime membership, free access to Office 365 from Microsoft, and a ton of other discounts. OnePlus has just announced their OnePlus Student Program where they will begin offering a 10% off coupon for anyone who is a student in select countries around the world. Other than location, the only limitation here is that you must have a Student Beans account for verification.
Google Talks About YouTube's New Logo, Recent Changes and Future Ideas
Google has been working on redesigning YouTube to better showcase the new products they offer and a new logo is the latest change they've announced.
YouTube was launched 12 years ago and since then they've essentially had the same logo. Sure, the logo has evolved from one with a more 3D-esque red tube for the word Tube to sit in to a flat one, but for the most case the idea behind the logo hasn't changed. Today, the company has announced the new logo redesign, which still isn't a huge change, along with talking about some of its more recent changes and some of their upcoming changes too.