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How to install OTA updates and keep root on your Google Pixel phone
Looking for a way to keep root access after OTA updates on your Google Pixel phone? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Part of the beauty of owning a Google Pixel phone comes through the proper availability of firmware images that can be used to return the device to a factory state. Even if you unlock the bootloader, root the phone, or tinker a bit too much, you can always restore the stock configuration. Having said that, some users might find it difficult to keep root access and associated mods intact while retaining the ability to take monthly security updates. Although many hardcore Android fans will know exactly what to do, not everyone is as adept at getting their phone updated without losing root.
Pixel 6's surprise mid-November update fixes the fingerprint scanner issue
Google has rolled out a surpise update to the Pixel 6 series which finally fixes the fingerprint scanner issue.
The Google Pixel 6 series received a new update with November security patches towards the end of October. While we're still a few weeks away from December, Google has just released a surprise mid-November update for both phones.
Are you satisfied by OEMs promising 3 years of Android updates?
Some of Samsung and Nokia mid-rangers now come with 3 years of software updates guaranteed. Do you want other phone companies to follow?
Smartphones are getting more powerful, and the performance gap between a flagship and a mid-ranger is getting shorter. With fewer hardware features to stake their claims, OEMs are now turning their attention towards software updates. The latest trend in this area is to promise a certain number of Android generational upgrades and use it as an argument against the competition. Samsung and HMD Global are two brands that have recently promised three Android version upgrades to their mid-range phones, and we think more companies should follow suit. What do you think about it?
LG Q6 Android Oreo update adds DTS:X 3D stereo sound & new camera LED features
The LG Q6 is getting an update to Android Oreo (8.1), which adds DTS:X 3D stereo sound support along with a number of cool new camera LED features.
The LG Q6 is a low-end Android smartphone released last year powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435. Being a low-end phone, the expectation is that it won't receive many (if any) software updates. It launched with Android 7.1 Nougat last year and hasn't received a major update since. That's set to change, though, as according to a report from Korean publication kbench, it's being updated to Android Oreo (Android 8.1). That update has a few added extras, including DTS:X 3D stereo sound and a number of new camera LED features.
TWRP 3.2.2-0 brings ADB fixes and improvements to OTA updates
TWRP 3.2.2-0 is here, and it brings a number of ADB fixes and improvements to the installation of OTA updates. Check it out here!
The most famous custom recovery, Team Win Recovery Project (known as TWRP) has been updated to version 3.2.2-0. This release brings a number of fixes and improvements over the previous version. Notable fixes include proper support for the adb backup feature, along with improving the installation of OTA updates so that you don't need to decrypt when installing them on your device. You can read the full changelog below as posted by XDA Senior Recognized Developer Dees_Troy on GitHub.
How to immediately get OxygenOS updates for the OnePlus 6/5T/5/3T/3
Get the latest OxygenOS updates immediately on your OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5T, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3T, or OnePlus 3. Skip the OTA line!
One of the most annoying parts of over-the-air (OTA) updates is waiting for the update to be delivered on your device. This varies wildly from device to device, and many factors take part while checking if you're eligible: your carrier, your OEM, your current Android version, and your actual geographical location/IP, just to name a few. It's particularly annoying when your OEM doesn't officially support your country. If you want to skip the wait and immediately get OxygenOS updates on your OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5T, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3T, or OnePlus 3, then you can use the free Oxygen Updater app to do so.
Huawei Mate 10 Lite & Huawei P10 Lite receiving Android Oreo (8.0) update
The Huawei Mate 10 Lite and the Huawei P10 Lite are both receiving the Android Oreo update now. It brings EMUI 8.0 and all of Android's latest features.
The Huawei Mate 10 Lite and the Huawei P10 Lite are both receiving an update to Android 8.0 Oreo, according to a report from HuaweiBlog.de. Both devices will also receive the latest version of EMUI, EMUI 8.0 which comes with its own set of additional features over stock Android, too. We first saw EMUI 8.0 debuted with the Huawei Mate 10 Pro last year. Users on the Mate 10 Lite or the P10 Lite could install the beta update to Android Oreo through the company's own open beta program.
Nearly every Philips Android TV device will get Android Oreo
Nearly every Philips Android TV device will get the latest version of Android Oreo, bringing with it a redesigned task switcher and more.
With Android P on the horizon, many Android TVs are only now starting to get the update to Android Oreo. The Xiaomi Mi Box got it the other day, and the Nvidia Shield TV only got it a few weeks prior to that. Now Philips is getting around to updating its Android TVs too. Nearly all of their TVs as far back as 2014 will be updated to the latest version of Android TV, according to a report from Toengels Philips Blog. Check out the model list below of Philips TVs that will be receiving the update to Android Oreo.
Xiaomi Mi Box's Android Oreo update is finally rolling out
The Xiaomi Mi Box's Android Oreo update is finally rolling out, and it comes with a number of features including Google Assistant support.
According to multiple users on Reddit, the Android Oreo update for the Xiaomi Mi Box is finally rolling out. We already suspected it would be arriving soon after beta testers started to receive the update early last month and it wasn't labeled anywhere as being an actual beta release. Interestingly, the device never actually received Android Nougat despite being promised to receive it shortly after launch. There was a public beta released 11 months after its launch that you could sideload, but nothing further ever came after that. There's even better news for device owners, as the update appears to be rolling out globally. We've got some screenshots below of how it looks, but first, you can take a look at the new interface in the video below.
EXCLUSIVE: Pixel Software Updates, Partition Changes, Dual Booting & Seamless Custom ROM Updates
Speaking with TWRP's lead developer, Dees_Troy, on the matter, we believe that it may be possible to exploit seamless updates to provide dual-booting.
During this year's Google I/O, Google officially introduced Android Nougat which has brought several much-needed usability enhancements to those of us lucky enough to own a modern Nexus device. There were some features Google outlined during Google I/O that didn't find their way into final Nougat production builds for current Nexus devices, most notably seamless updates.
Be Warned: Despite Acknowledging the Issue, OnePlus is still Leaking your IMEI when you Check for Updates
OnePlus phones running OxygenOS are leaking your phone's IMEI whenever your phone is checking for an update. The phone uses an insecure HTTP POST request.
The OnePlus One was one of the first Android smartphones that proved that consumers didn't need to shell out $600+ for a flagship experience. In other words, even at a lower price point you should never settle for purchasing an inferior product.
OTA Updates for Nexus 7 and Nexus 7 (2013) Mobile
OTA updates of Android 5.0.2 have been captured for Nexus 7 and Nexus 7 (2013) LTE
A few days ago, Google finally released factory images for mobile versions of Nexus 7 and Nexus 7 (2013). The waiting period was quite long, as Google had a 3 month delay to provide the update. It was a bit of a weird situation, but it's definitely nice to see the factory images being released.
While it may not be Ice Cream Sandwich just yet, Motorola has released an official OTA update for the Atrix 2 that updates the OS to Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread and brings several improvements and bug fixes to this popular dual-core device.