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Galaxy S21 FE leaked renders show off all four colors
A render of the four colors of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has leaked, showing off its design and what we can expect to see later in the year.
Following leaks of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 this week, it should come as no surprise at this point to learn that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has leaked as well. It will come in four different colors, though we don't know when it'll launch. The four colors shown in the leaked image are gray, light green, light violet, and white.
Huawei has a strong and active community of users that love to share and discuss different topics online. It's a place for developers, users, artists, creators, and photographers. Anyone who uses Huawei products will find things to talk about in the Huawei official forum. Now users have the chance to win some free Huawei swag, by joining this great community.
[Update: Full Rollout] Twitter now lets users limit who can reply to tweets
Twitter now lets all users limit who can reply to their tweets, from everyone to people they follow to specific people who are mentioned.
CES 2020 is well underway and Twitterâs director of product management, Suzanne Xie, has unveiled some new changes that are coming to the platform later this year. These changes all primarily focus on conversations that you can have on the platform and aim to prevent bullying and harassment. The biggest change relates to "conversation participants." Rather than hiding your Tweets from people who you don't want to see it, you can simply prevent people from replying instead. You can limit your tweet to one of four groups: âGlobal, Group, Panel, and Statement.â
[Update: Coming to Chrome 86] Going back and forward in Google Chrome will get a lot faster with bfcache
Google plans to make navigating web pages back and forward a lot faster in Google Chrome with the help of bfcache. It will be testing this in 2019.
Google Chrome is the world's most popular web browser, both on mobile and on the desktop. Over the years, it has faced its fair share of criticism for being more memory-intensive than it needs to be and getting bloated in terms of size and features, but it has also received praise for its real-world speed and usability. Now, Google has announced that it is working on a new feature to improve back-forward navigation in the web browser, using bfcache (backward-forward cache).
[Update 6: Groups of 32 on Android] Group video calling in Google Duo goes live globally
Google Duo now allows users to make group calls with up to four participants and the feature is currently live only in select regions.
Google was at the disadvantage of being late when it launched Allo and Duo to compete against the much older existing heavyweights. As a result, Google Allo, the online messaging service collapsed under the pressure of giants like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram, but Google Duo has sustained the pressure for delivering video calling as its primary feature - an experience similar to Apple's Facetime. To make up to its competitors, Duo has been added with additional features like audio calling, 30-second-long video messages, support for web browsers and tablets. Meanwhile, another new functionality making its way to the app is Group video calling, which was spotted late last year and is now live in select regions.
[Update 2: Coming Back] The Google Play Store will no longer show notifications for updated apps
As per a recent statement from a Google spokesperson, the Google Play Store will no longer show notifications for updated apps.
Late last month we came across an issue with the Google Play Store which prevented some newly published apps from showing up in search. The bug only brought up related search results when searching for new apps, even though they were definitely live on the platform. Google addressed this issue shortly thereafter and users were once again able to look up new apps in the store. At the time, some users also reported another bug on the Play Store which stopped showing app update notifications in the notification shade. The bug was noticed shortly after Play Store version 17.4 rolled out to users and since then, more and more users have come up to share the issues on Reddit and Google's Support forums.
[Update: Possibly this month] Brave Browser Android dev says the team would like to add extension support in 2020
Brave Browser might get extension support in the first half of 2020 according a recent comment from one of its Android developers.
When it comes to web browsers, Android offers users a variety of different options. Along with Google Chrome, Android users have access to a plethora of great third-party browsers like Kiwi, Vivaldi, and Brave. These browsers offer some amazing features like native ad-blocking, Chrome extension support, cryptojacking protection, and more. But what helps Brave stand out is that it gives you the option to support your favorite websites (like XDA) by watching ads. For this reason alone, Brave ranks among the best third-party browser apps out there. However, its lack of extension support forces several users to rely on other browsers as well. But this might change in the near future.
[Update: Unity Plugin] Google open sources Cardboard so developers can build educative VR experiences in their apps
Google Cardboard was a quirky low-tech approach to VR, and it was probably more successful than Daydream. Google is now open-sourcing Cardboard.
Last month, Google announced a handful of new products at the annual "Made by Google" event. However, one product was quietly discontinued: Daydream VR. The VR platform was not mentioned on the Pixel 4's specification sheet and Google later confirmed the absence. Today, the company is making moves in VR to open source the once-popular Google Cardboard.
[Update 11: San Diego, 5G Uploads] Verizon 5G is Rolling Out to More Cities
Today, Verizon flipped the switch for 5G Ultra Wideband in four new cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Washington DC.
While many people are still skeptical about 5G, Verizon continues its rollout plans. Today, the company flipped the switch for four new cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Washington DC. Verizon is already selling a couple of 5G devices, but the list of available cities is still relatively small. So the continued expansion is good news.
[Update: Fully Rolling Out] Dark theme rolling out for the Google App and Google Assistant once again
Google can once again be seen rolling out a dark theme for the Google app and this time the Assistant is also getting the new theme.
With the first stable release of Android 10 for the Pixel devices last week, the dark theme graduated as an easily accessible feature. Even before that, while showcasing developer previews, Google rolled out individual dark theme toggles for many of its apps such as Google Keep, Files, Photos, Fit, and many more Google apps. Back in June, Google had also started rolling out a dark theme for the Google app for certain users but at that time, the theme appeared to be partially applied and limited to only a few screens of the Google app â and only to a few users. Now, reports of complete dark theme have started to surface, with the feature now rolling out to Google Assistant as well.
[Update: Launched in India] FreeBuds 3 are Huawei's newest wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation and wireless charging
At IFA 2019, Huawei announced the FreeBuds 3, coming with Kirin A1 Bluetooth 5.1 chipset, Active Noise Cancellation, wireless charging and more! Read on!
Huawei is taking the stage at IFA 2019 to announce some important devices in its portfolio. First up was the Kirin 990 and Kirin 990 5G flagship SoCs, one of which comes with an integrated modem, and which will find their way inside the upcoming Huawei Mate 30 series smartphones. Next up was the Huawei P30 Pro, which received dual-tone color finish options. At the event, Huawei also announced the FreeBuds 3: their newest wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation.
[Update: Rolling Out] Spotify tests social listening to let you and your friends control music together
Spotify is testing a Social Listening feature. Users can scan a code generated from the app or visit a special link to join a shared queue.
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services on the planet right now. They continue to add features to the platform and apps. The Android app recently got a sleep timer and now it appears a new "Social Listening" feature is in the works.
Honor is offering deals on smartphones, wearables, and laptops for the next 2 weeks
Honor has officially kicked off its Global Fans Day sale during which it will be offering exciting deals on a variety of devices in its portfolio.
Following the launch of the Honor 30S, Huawei's sub-brand Honor has officially announced the Honor Global Fans Day 2020 sale during which it will be offering deals on a variety of devices in its portfolio. The sale, which will last till April 14th, is already live in 18 countries and regions, including Germany, France, the UK, Russia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, and more. Along with the sale, Honor has also unveiled its first-ever Honor Experience Offers, as part of which renowned social-media influencers from around the world will be demoing the company's smart devices.
[Update 2: Sprint 5G Model] OnePlus says the 7 Pro 5G will get Android 10 in Q1 2020
OxygenOS 10 based on Android 10 was released for the non-5G OnePlus 7 Pro over a month ago. They plan to release it for the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G EE in Q1 2020.
We've been talking a lot about the OnePlus 7T series lately, which initially launched without a separate 5G model. That was surprising considering OnePlus was one of the first to launch a 5G phone. We now know the OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition will be launching with 5G on T-Mobile, but we've also got some good (and bad) news for the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G on EE. It's getting Android 10, but OnePlus says it'll happen next year.
[Update 4: Realme UI beta recruitment for Realme X2 Pro] Realme announces its Android 10 update roadmap for the Realme X series
After rolling out Realme UI for Realme 3 Pro and Realme XT, the company is now recruiting beta testers for the Android 10 update on Realme X2.
Realme is treading with a fast pace, especially when it comes to launching new devices. Earlier this month, they launched their first true flagship, the Realme X2 Pro, with Snapdragon 855+, 50W SuperVOOC charging, 64MP quad cameras, and so many other exciting features. At the same event in Madrid, Spain, the company also launched the Realme X2, which is the Realme XT but with faster 30W charging and a Snapdragon 730G for better performance, and the Realme Q (Realme 5 Pro in India). But one aspect of Realme phones that has left user expectations sore is the software and the company is now working to bring the experience closer to stock Android with ColorOS 7.
[Update 2: New Roadmap] HMD Global reveals Android 10 update roadmap for its Nokia smartphones, teases cheap 5G phone for 2020
HMD Global plans to update over 15 Nokia devices to Android 10, starting this year. They are also planning an affordable 5G device.
The latest version of Android, formerly known as Android Q, will be called Android 10 as part of Google's newest efforts to give Android a fresher look. That's it, no fluff, no dessert name---just Android 10. And while this may make sense from a business perspective, it is still not sitting well with Android enthusiasts. Nonetheless, Google made the announcement in anticipation of the OS' stable release, which should now come sooner than later, and with it, some companies have started detailing their plans for rolling out the new OS to Android users. One of these companies is HMD Global, which has outlined their Android 10 update roadmap for their Nokia device lineup.
[Update 14: Temporary License Extended Again] Google has revoked Huawei's Android license
Following an executive order from President Trump, Huawei smartphones can no longer use licensed Android, Google Play Services, or any other Google app.
Huawei is among the most valued Chinese companies and one which has an empire fanning out in all directions. Besides claiming the number two spot in terms of smartphone sales worldwide, Huawei is among the leading suppliers for telecommunication equipment and a driving force in the adoption of 5G. But for certain reasons, the company has been under the gunsight of the Trump administration, which has repeatedly alleged that Huawei's smartphones and telecom equipment are potentially being used for espionage. Citing founder Ren Zhengfei's previous association with the Chinese army, the U.S. government has barred government agencies as well as their private contractors from using any Huawei product, and also pursued allies to do the same.
[Update: New Build] Download: POCO F1 gets official Android 10 with MIUI 11 update
POCO has resumed rolling out MIUI 11 build based on Android 10 for the POCO F1 and you can flash it on your device right away with these download links!
Google officially rolled out Android 10 back in September last year. Since then, Xiaomi has rolled out MIUI 11 based on Android 10 for a couple of devices, including the Redmi K20 Pro, Mi 9, Redmi K20, Redmi Note 7, and more. While the company did release MIUI 11 for the popular POCO F1 back in November last year, the build was based on Android 9 Pie. Late last year, Xiaomi released the kernel sources of the Android 10 update for the POCO F1, Mi MIX 2s, Mi MIX 3, and the Mi 8 series. This suggested that the company was finally prepping up the Android 10 based release for these devices. As expected, Xiaomi has now started rolling out MIUI 11 based on Android 10 for the POCO F1 and you can download it right away.
ASUS says that Android 10 is now rolling out to the ROG Phone II
ASUS has announced that the stable Android 10 update for the ASUS ROG Phone II is now rolling out for the users worldwide.
ASUS is among the brands that witnessed their smartphone ventures rejuvenate in 2019. The credit goes to the much improved and bloat-free user interface on the flagship killer ASUS ZenFone 6 (aka ASUS 6Z) and persuasive pricing of the supercharged ASUS ROG Phone II. Besides, ASUS' software updates also picked up the pace with the ZenFone 6 and the previous year's ZenFone 5Z receiving stable Android 10 updates. The ASUS ROG Phone II also received an Android 10 beta in December last year and now, a stable build is expectedly rolling out to the users.
[Update: Rolling Out] Google will add filters to the subscription feed in the YouTube app
Google is rolling out new filters in the Subscription feed of the YouTube app which will allow users to stay up to date on all new videos.
The YouTube app on Android is packed full of features and Google keeps adding new features with each successive update. Late last month, the company rolled out a new remote and voice commands in the casting menu of the app, making it easier for users to control playback while casting videos to a smart TV. Before that, the company rolled a new layout for the app which hid the comments section below and replaced it with an Up Next section. Earlier this month, we learned that YouTube was testing a new feature that shows users a channel preview in an overlay on top of the comment section. And now, the company is rolling out filters in the Subscription feed of the YouTube app.