LineageOS 15 based on Android Oreo Coming Soon!

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

With the announcement of Android 8.0 Oreo, Lineage Community has announced that the LineageOS 15 based on the Android Oreo is coming soon.

In case you've been living under a rock or if you don't know what LineageOS is... The LineageOS is the latest sensation among custom rom lovers and developers. Lineage OS is a continuation of what CyanogenMod was. LineageOS is one of the fastest growing community and it is now supporting thousands of devices.

We all know that most of the Android devices won't be getting the Android Oreo and there we have LineageOS to the rescue. 

That said, LineageOS is coming and we've made a Special Article for the LineageOS 15 Custom Rom - LineageOS 15 Android 8.0 O News, Features, and Release Date

Oreo! Let the wait for LineageOS 15.0 start now!! - Lineage

Watch Live: Android O Launch

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

The big day has finally arrived for the unveiling of Android O. Google will showcase the Android O mascot and name in New York City at an event perfectly coinciding with today’s solar eclipse.

The livestream of the event kicks off right around 12:10 AM IST (2:30 PM EST). Watch live action from the Android O Launch event right here:

Google's Hiroshi Lockheimer teases Android O possible names

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 19, 2017       

It might be troll or Google is teasing us with the new Android O name. Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President for Android, tweeted out an Image showing possible names of the Android O

The Image shows Android O teaser file names which Google used till date. Possible names includes Oreo, Oatmean Cookies, Orangia, etc. What's yours Pick?

How to enable and use Instant Apps on Android Device

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 19, 2017       

Instant Apps for Android allows users to run apps instantly without downloading an app from the Play Store. The Instant Apps feature is only available for users running Android Marshmallow and above.

Google says that over 500 million Android devices can access Instant Apps feature, but you need to enable it using the below Guide.

How to enable Android Instant Apps:

1. Open Settings Application on your Android Smartphone.

2. Scroll down and tap on Google.

3. Tap on Instant Apps. 

4. Enable It.

5. Confirm you agree to the terms by tapping, Yes, I'm in.
That's it! You can now access the Instant Apps on your Smartphone from any URL including search, social media, messaging, and other deep links without needing to install your app first.

Right now, there are over 50 apps compatible with Instant Apps, including Jet, Onefootball, Hotpads, Citymapper, Realtor, Vimeo, dotloop, NYTimes Crosswords and many more.

How to use Android Instant Apps

1. Go to a Google search page. 

2. Enter your search term, such as Jet or Vimeo. 

3. Tap on the first result. 

4. Enjoy the app

Android O is touching down to Earth with the solar eclipse!

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 18, 2017       

Android O is touching down to Earth with the total solar eclipse, bringing some super (sweet) new powers!

It's Official, Google will be announcing the Android O on August 21st during a live event from New York City at 2:40PM ET. 

Just a few more days and those of us with supported devices will be enjoying the Android O. The devices currently eligible for Android O developer preview will be the first devices to get Official Android O update. Therefore the first devices to receive this public release are the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and the trio Pixels: Pixel, Pixel XL, and Pixel C.

Android O is very likely to be called "Oreo". As always, this is just an assumption, and we won't know the name of the Sweet (O...) 'til Google wants us to.

Along with the Android O Countdown Timer, Google's page also has links to the NASA livestream, giving us a good way to spend some time before the event itself kicks off. 

On August 21st, a solar eclipse will sweep across the entire United States for the first time since 1918. Android is helping you experience this historic natural phenomenon so you can learn more about the eclipse and count down to the big day—when you’ll meet the next release of Android and all of it’s super (sweet) new powers, revealed via livestream from New York City at 2:40PM ET.

Google

Nexus 6 gets Android 7.1.1 Nougat, Again

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 16, 2017       

The Nexus 6 is now getting Android 7.1.1 Nougat Software update, Again. This is not actually the first time the Nexus 6 has seen a 7.1.1 update as back in March, Google pushed a downgrade OTA for the Android 7.1.1-powered Nexus 6 units forcing them back onto 7.0 Nougat.

In order to get the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update, your Nexus 6 need to be on the most recent Android 7.0 build. The new update weighs in at around 370MB.

Via: AndroidPolice

Review of Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 15, 2017       

If you think your Android phone is safe then you need to think again, mobile phones are never completely safe! You never know when it can be hacked via some hazardous site, or by hackers, or other types of security breaches. Criminals have always been able to show unlimited ability to spit out malware and scammers are constantly around, trying to generate new phishing locations to access your private information.

Because your Android phone most likely grasps all your personal data, pictures, important numbers, emails, PINs and over, so it’s necessary that you start taking seriously your Android security and all this information and, it may be a worthy idea to protect your mobile with security software.

There’s some discussion about whether you need a security system app for your Android. But everybody has agreed that malware has fully developed into a much bigger threat in recent years. Fortunately, security apps have upgraded radically to keep up with the new dangers. Below you can find a review of Bitdefender Mobile Security, one of the most popular security apps for Android.

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android
Bitdefender isn’t a new company and Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android has been available for years, offering internet security that has again and again been applauded by publications such as PCMAG and CNET.

To start out, the app can be installed from the Play Store for a 14-day trial at no cost, which should be useful for you to choose whether you want to purchase a license key for it or not. The app’s size is also pretty reasonable at 6.38 Mb, which means the installation can be done on low-end Android phones too.

Considering the antivirus protection, there are countless actually good Android security applications out there, but it’s hard to find one that offers all the same features. Bitdefender protects your mobile devices from any possible risk and provides:

• 100% malware protection according to the autonomous AV-Test
• Easy to download and use without restrictions
• No registration or login required
• Autopilot automatically set to Always On to scan for new and updated apps from the Google Play Store
• Real-time scanning of updating apps with notifications to user
• Automatic scan of storage upon a device restart including the SD card
• Completely Cloud-based for minimal storage usage and best-to-date detection (Bitdefender Cloud)
• Minuscule battery usage
• Updated GUI since mid-2017

Account Privacy

With this latest feature, you get to see whether your email account details have been leaked or not. Is your account still yours? You can simply validate your email address with the app and Bitdefender Mobile Security will run a check to discover if your privacy has been breached.

Bitdefender Anti-Theft

The Anti-Theft feature ensures that you can locate your phone without any internet connection through Web control and SMS control. It remotely locates, locks, wipes or sends a message to the Android device. Your phone will snap a photograph of anyone who attempts to interfere with your phone in case of your absence, and send it to Bitdefender Central.

Web Security

This feature protects your mobile’s browser from loading up websites and URLs which contain malware or privacy threats.

App Lock

App lock simply protects your apps from unidentified threats using a PIN code. Now you can surf the web and use social media without risks. In case someone tries to get your PIN, there will be a 30-second timeout break after each 5 repeated ‘wrong’ attempts.

There’s also a Fingerprint Sensor Support system which enables you to unlock the phone with the tip of your finger via smart sensor support.

WearOn

Recently, Bitdefender extended Android Wear smart watches in addition to its Mobile Security system. You receive a watch screen alert when you get too far from your mobile, while another alert makes an out-of-place mobile “scream” for easy tracking.

The bottom line

Bitdefender Mobile Security is a wonderful choice when there’s a need for malware protection. It proposes one of the best anti-theft and privacy protection outfits for the reasonable cost of $10 per year. It’s a good antivirus with an ultra-light package of innovative features.

Android O Launch Scheduled for August 21st, Which phone will get it first?

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 13, 2017       

Google is now all set to reveal the Final version of the Android O along with its name which is very likely to be called "Oreo". According to some tweets from a pair of Android reporters, the Android O launch is scheduled for August 21st.

The devices currently eligible for Android O developer preview will be the first devices to get Official Android O update. Therefore the first devices to receive this public release are the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and the trio Pixels: Pixel, Pixel XL, and Pixel C.

We don't know when other Android smartphone OEMs are going to update their Smartphones to the Android O. But the premium handsets from the major OEMs are very likely to get Android O before the end of the year.

That said, We all know that Android O or Android 8.0 will be revealed on August 21st.... But the question is What will Android O be called? Oreo? Thoughts?

Via: 1 | 2

August's Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 07, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for August 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have August Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NHG47Q, NJH47F, NKG47S, NZH54D), Pixel C (N2G48C), Nexus 6P (N2G48C), Nexus 5X (N2G48C), and Nexus Player (N2G48C).

Nexus 6 (N6F27I, N8I11B) and Nexus 9 (N4F27K, N9F27H) gets August security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, NHG47Q is for Verizon models, NZH54D is for Deutsche Telekom, NKG47S is for T-Mobile, Fi users, and Rogers, while NJH47F is for everyone else.

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Google launches final Android O Developer Preview

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 24, 2017       

The Android O Developer Preview 4 Factory Images are now available for the Nexus and Pixel Smartphones. For those not in the Android Beta Program, have to flash the firmware manually.

The new Android O Developer preview 4 is having the prefix OPP4 and is available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. You can download the Factory Images from the link below.

Android O Preview 4 Images | Release Notes

[Update: Available for Android 7.1.1] Xposed for Android Nougat 7.0 & 7.1.1

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 22, 2017       

Development Status of Xposed for Android Nougat 7.0 and 7.1.1. Available for download or not?

The Xposed framework is one of the most loved feature for rooted Android devices. It's a set of tweaks, as the name implies, a framework where other developers can run their own code, known as modules.

It's been a few months since Google launched Android 7.0 and more recently, Android 7.1. With the release of new Android versions, Question arises, When will the Xposed framework finally support Android 7.0 and above? Will it?

Here is a quick update on the current status of the framework on Nougat

Update: 21st July, 2017

Xposed for Android 7.1.1 Nougat is now available, Thanks to PurifyOS Team. You can watch the below tutorial on How to Install Xposed on your Android 7.1.1 Smartphones. Download links and other information can be found in the below Video description.

Update 2: 28th January 2017

It seems that more and more people get nervous about whether (and when) there will be Xposed for Nougat or not, so I felt I should say something.
Why does it take that long? Because with every release, I try to ensure that Xposed integrates nicely with the improvements in the new ART version. The step from Lollipop to Marshmallow wasn't huge. It was an evolution, some things even made it possible to integrate Xposed in a more elegant way. On the whole, it was mainly careful porting than rather innovating.
With Nougat, something fundamental has changed. If you're using Nougat already, you'll have noticed that installations are much faster now. That's because APKs aren't compiled immediately (AOT), but start in (slower) interpreting mode. Sounds bad, but they have enabled JIT, which will quickly compile those methods that are used very often. That will restore the well-known and constantly improving performance of native code. Besides that, ART keeps a list of these frequently used methods ("profiling"). When the device is idle, it finally does the AOT compilation, but based on the profiling data. After that, you get the great performance right after starting the app. JIT is still waiting in case the usage patterns change, and I think it will also adjust the profile and improve the AOT compilation.
That results in various different compilation states and more complexity. Besides that, there were many issues in the past caused by Xposed's need to recompile the whole ROM and all apps: It sometimes caused boot loops when the odex files were too heavily pre-optimized, it blocked quite some storage space to store the recompiled files, and I needed to disable some optimizations like inlining and direct pointer calls. I hope that I can make use of the JIT compiler to avoid that in Nougat. If Xposed knew from where a method is called, it could invalidate the callers' compiled code, so that they would temporarily use the interpreter. If they're important enough, JIT will recompile them.
I have already done a lot of research and experiments for this and I'm currently trying to implement this. But as you can imagine, all of that is much effort and can easily take hundreds of hours. That's net (working) time, not real time. If I worked on Xposed 24 hours a day, that might be done within a week or two. But, in the last year or so, my "time for Xposed stuff" was about 5 hours a week, sometimes more and sometimes less. You can do the math yourselves... There are just so many other (non-technical) things that I need or want to do. If you substract the time it took me to build the new installer version, move the repo to a new server and restore compatibility with the Nov 2016 security patches, that's even less time for new stuff.
So yes, I'm still working on Nougat support, whenever my free time allows it, but I don't have any idea when it will be done. Once it's done, you'll know.     -rovo89 (XDA)

Update: 6th November, 2016

“Hooks are generally working now. However, they’re still unreliable for inlined methods and when JIT is used (which is often the case). I had given a few technical insights here. I’m currently thinking about the different situations that need to be handled and I create unit tests for them. Then I need to fix those which are failing or even crashing the device – ideally without recompiling the whole ROM like in previous versions. Not sure if the latter is possible though.”                                        -rovo89

Xposed for Nougat status: Available for Android 7.1.1 Nougat

Few Pixel XL users are getting Android 8.0.0 with August Security Patch

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 19, 2017       

It seems that Google just dropped an unexpected OTA for a few Pixel XL users. It is probably rolling out in phases because only a few users have reported getting the latest update. If it is the Developer preview 4, the full system images, OTAs will be live soon.

The latest update comes with August 5, 2017 Security patch and Android version 8.0.0. One of the user who got the update claimed that he bought the device directly with Android O Pre-Installed. We're still not sure, if this is the Dev Preview 4 or Google accidentally updated a few devices.

If it's really Dev Preview 4, you will be getting the update soon on selected Android Smartphones including Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel, and Pixel XL.

We'll update this Article, once we get more information on this. The below are the screenshots of Android 8.0.0 with August 5, 2017 Security patch. Got the update? Let us know in the below comment section. 

Thanks Mardo Cordero

Jide discontinues the Remix OS and Other Products!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 18, 2017       

Remember Jide Technology? The creator of world's first Android PC... The company who made Remix OS, a very Successful attempt for porting Android OS to standard x86-based PCs. Maybe most of you. Well the company is now shifting away from consumer products.

"Over the past year, we received an increasing number of inquiries from enterprises in various industries, and began helping them build great tools for their organizations by leveraging Jide software and hardware. We see huge potential in the role that Jide can play to revolutionize how these businesses operate. And given our existing resources, we decided to focus our company efforts solely on the enterprise space moving forward."

In an official statement, Jide says that it will be discontinuing the Remix IO and IO+, that was funded on Kickstarter back in November 2016 and still wasn't shipped to customers. Additionally, the company will no longer support the Remix OS for PC and maybe for Smartphones. 

The company promises to provide full refunds to All Backers via Kickstarter and from Online Store for both Remix IO and Remix IO+ starting August 15th. Jide notes that the refund might take around ten days to appear on your credit or debit card statement.

We’d like to take this moment to thank our incredible community, who’ve joined us on this journey in the last three years to helped us build Remix OS. We very much believe that the future of computing is with Android and we're excited for the role Jide will play in this amazing ecosystem. - Jide

CopyCat Malware has Infected 14 Million Android Smartphones Across the Globe

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 09, 2017       

CopyCat Malware is a new virus spreading to Android smartphones across the globe. According to a security firm Checkpoint, the malware has already spread to nearly 14 million Android devices, more than half of which are found in Asia. And nearly 4.9 million devices have fraudulent applications installed, while owners of 3.8 million devices have to deal with the advertisements served by the malware.

The CopyCat Malware is an auto ad-clicking malware, which automatically clicks ads when you're on the infected app. That said, they have managed to earn around $1.5 million in ad revenue. 

Hackers are capable of rooting the device, serving fraudulent advertisements, installing fraudulent applications, and stealing app installation credits. The CheckPoint firm says that installing the apps directly from the Google Play Store should prevent the device from being infected.

So, to stay secured and away from these apps, check out the reviews for the app and game before downloading it. And if you find a bad review, then ignore the app. 

July's Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 05, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for July 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have July Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NHG47O, NJH47D, NKG47M, NZH54B), Pixel C (N2G48B), Nexus 6P (N2G48B), Nexus 5X (N2G47Z), and Nexus Player (N2G48B).

Nexus 6 (N6F27H) and Nexus 9 (N4F27I, N9F27F) gets July security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, NHG47O is for Verizon models, NZH54B is for Deutsche Telekom, NKG47M is for T-Mobile, Fi users, and Rogers, while NJH47D is for everyone else.

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

LineageOS gets major update, improves Jelly, adds long press power for torch, and more

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 05, 2017       

LineageOS is the latest sensation among custom rom lovers and developers. We already know that the Lineage OS is a continuation of what CyanogenMod was, the LineageOS 14.1 is based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and has same build number system as CyanogenMod's.

Lineage OS is still in formation phase and the community developers are working actively to add new features to this project.
Now, the community has added some interesting new features to the custom rom including a new and improved Jelly browser, more reliable LineageOS updater, and tap-to-pay fix. Additionally the alarm clock can now set a system profile when an alarm triggers, and the ROM's media codecs have been updated.

The new update includes timeout for the ‘long press power button for torch’ option which can be set by going to Settings - Buttons -Automatically turn torch off. The Custom tiles have now been integrated into the framework, which means new toggles with more abilities can be added in the future

In addition to, the LineageOS now supports 8 new devices: Nexus 9 LTE, Motorola Droid 4, Motorola Droid RAZR, Motorola Droid Bionic, Motorola RAZR/RAZR MAXX (GSM), Motorola Droid RAZR/RAZR MAXX (CDMA), NVIDIA Shield TV 2015, and NVIDIA Shield Tablet.

via: AndroidPolice | Source: Lineage

Android O to bring Animated Clock Icon and Widget, Get it right now!

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 24, 2017       

Earlier this week, we reported that Android 8.0 could be named Android Oatmeal Cookie, as the sweet name was mentioned multiple times in Android Source code during Google I/O presentation.

With every Android version, Google brings a lot of new features to enhance and improve the Android OS. We have already seen a number of new features which came along with Android O Developer preview. 

Now, according to the latest reports, the final version of Android O might bring Animated Clock Icon and Widget. The latest Android O Developer preview's "Google Clock app" contains images and code of the upcoming Animated clock.

That said, we might get Animated Clock Widget and Icons with Android O. However, you can use the Animated Clock right now by Installing the Action Launcher v25.0 (Play Link).

Android O 8.0 could be called 'Oatmeal Cookie'

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 23, 2017       

The next iteration of Android could be called "Oatmeal Cookie" according to some recently discovered references in the source code. The code contains numerous references to 'oc-dev' Android-OS, which is being tested on Google Pixel (Sailfish).

In addition to the oc-dev references found in the source code, it’s also been pointed out that there were mentions of “oatmeal_cookie” in sample code that was used in a Google I/O presentation slide.

That said, Android Oreo sounds better, but chances are it probably won’t be the name of Android 8.0. What do you think Android "O" will be named?

Myce (Thanks for tip)

Samsung rolls out June 2017 Android Security patch for the Galaxy S7 in Canada

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 20, 2017       

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Smartphones in Canada are now receiving the latest Software update with June 2017 Android security patch.

Few reddit users have seen update coming through Bell and Telus. The update comes with build no. G930W8LS2BQF1 and weighs in at around 17.53MB. It brings new features, bug fixes, improvements and latest Security patch.

Via: Reddit

Android O Developer Preview 3 now Available for Pixel and Nexus Phones

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

The Android O Developer Preview 3 Factory Images are now available for the Nexus and Pixel Smartphones. For those not in the Android Beta Program, have to flash the firmware manually.

The new Android O Developer preview 3 has build OPP3.170518.006 for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. You can download the Factory Images from the link below.

Android O Preview 3 Images | Release Notes