TechDroider: News

Moto G5s Plus is Getting New Update, No It's not Oreo!

Moto G5s Plus has picked up a new software update that introduces the January 2018 security patch.

If you own a Moto G5s Plus in India you should have received the over-the-air update notification for January 1st, 2018 Android security update. That’s all that is detailed in the new software version (NPSS26.116-64-2), though there is a mention of "KRACK" Fix. It’s a WiFi vulnerability that breaks WPA2 by forcing nonce reuse. While this update would have been more exciting if it had brought Oreo 8.0, which is already available for a few Motorola Smartphones.

Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. We will let you know once the update is out for other countries. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Stereo Speaker Moto Mod is coming

The Moto Z is one of the most innovative Smartphone we've have ever seen. Being modular, Moto Z is designed to accommodate add-on modules that snap to the back of their cases. From a Simple Style Case to a Pico Projector, Moto Mods can be attached to the back of Moto Z, Moto Z force or Moto Z Play via magnetic pins.

Lenovo and Motorola teased a bunch of new Moto Mods during Special event in China, including a Camera Mod with ZEISS Optics (Vario-Sonnar), and another that has a Rotatable Camera. Yesterday, AndroidHeadlines gave us first look at an upcoming Stereo Speaker Mod.

The Moto Stereo Speaker Mod will feature a little pop-out ring to the back that will act as a kickstand. The Mod will be available in three different colors which are Blue, Red, and Black.

There's no information on when Motorola is going to release the Stereo Speaker and other 2018 Moto Mods. However, rumors are the company is announcing few new phones and products at MWC 2018. Thoughts?


AndroidHeadlines

Nokia 8 Receiving Android 8.1 Oreo

Nokia 8 Receiving Android 8.1 Oreo
The Nokia 8 is now receiving Official Android 8.1 Oreo. It it is the lastest Android Software from Google and arrives in as build V4.84A for the Nokia 8.

Android 8.1 comes with numerous changes over Android 8.0. You get new dark and light themes which changes according to wallpaper, Pixel 2 Launcher, Redesigned Power Menu, new Shutdown and Reboot Animation, Round Statusbar Icons, and Settings. Nokia has also added the latest February 2018 Security Patch with the update.

The Android 8.1 for the Nokia 8 weights in at around 1562.7MB. Nokia's instructions explain that for a successful installation, your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. We will let you know once the update is out for other devices. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Android 9.0 P will get a Refreshed Design, Support for iPhone X-Like notches, and more

Android 9.0 P will get a Refreshed Design, Support for iPhone X-Like notches, and more
Android P is going to make it easier for device makers to create and apply their own version of Android skin on their devices with iPhone X-like notch. Apparently, Android P will add support for more unique display types including multiple screens, foldable displays, and displays with notch.

The report also says that Google is going to integrate the Google Assistant even tighter in Android P. With Android 9.0 Pie, third-party developers will be able to integrate the Assistant into their own apps.

"Developers will be able to integrate Google’s voice-based technology inside of their apps. The company has also weighed integrating the search bar on the Android home screen with its assistant, although neither of these changes are finalized for introduction this year, according to one of the people familiar with the situation."

Bloomberg says that Android P will deliver a “dramatic redesign” to the Android OS. Rumors are that Google may implement "Material Design 2" with Android P.

Finally, Internally Google is calling Android P as Pistachio Ice Cream which is also called Pistachio Nut Ice Cream. However, Google has a knack of using different official names, the report says.

Just like every year, Google is expected to reveal the next version of Android OS, "Android P" followed by Multiple Developer Previews and a Full launch. This latest Android OS will reportedly come with new "smart features." Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

7 Vivo phones will be updated to Android Oreo, check if yours is in the list

7 Vivo phones will be updated to Android Oreo, check if yours is in the list
Better Late Than Never. Vivo has updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the Android 8.0 Oreo update and this list includes the devices that have been released by the company in the recent times as well as it also includes some devices that have been a little older.

However, the Vivo V7 and V7 Plus has not been included in this list by the company even though the smartphone was released last year. Here is the full List of Vivo Devices Getting Android 8.0 Oreo Official Update
  • Vivo X20
  • Vivo X20 Plus
  • Vivo X9s
  • Vivo X9s Plus,
  • Vivo Xplay6,
  • Vivo X9
  • Vivo X9 Plus
Android Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Vivo is expected to add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Vivo Smartphones would feature the latest Funtouch OS with new UI and enhancements.

There's no information when Vivo is going to push the public rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo for their Smartphones. However, Vivo says that X20 users will get the Android 8.0 Oreo beta for testing starting April 2018.


Samsung Experience 9.0 based on Official Android 8.0 Oreo available for S7 edge

Samsung Experience 9.0 based on Official Android 8.0 Oreo available for S7 edge
Just a few days back we reported that Samsung Vietnam accidentaly pushed Official Android 8.0 Oreo Software Update with firmware version G935FXXU2ERB2 to a lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user.

Well, it seems that XDA Developer "ProtoDeVNan0" was able to pull that Android 8.0 Oreo firmware of S7 edge based on Samsung Experience 9.0 and convert into a working Custom ROM.

Developer notes that the Samsung Experience 9.0 ROM works only for  the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge with model G935F. In order to install this ROM, you'll need an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 edge with TWRP Custom Recovery installed.


You can download the Samsung Experience 9.0 ROM zip file from below and install it via TWRP after wiping the Cache, Data, System, and Art memory.

There's no information when Samsung is going to push the public rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Samsung has already started Official 8.0 Oreo rollout for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, so expect the S7 family to get update after a few months.

Download: S7 Edge Android Oreo ROM //XDA

Android 8.0 on Moto X4: Moto Launcher gets Dark Theme Option

Here are the Full Moto X4 and Z2 Force Oreo Update Release Notes
Motorola's Moto X4 and Moto Z2 Force are two of their best phones of 2017. Recently Motorola started pushing Android 8.0 Oreo update to both of them. The update has already started rolling out in India, Brazil, US, and other countries. The update is a big one, though, and there are tons of new features.

Because this is Oreo and also Motorola's lightly touched version of Android, it appears that we’re getting the full Android 8.0 experience here. From Picture-in-Picture Mode, to Notificiation Dots from Google Pixel, there is a lot to take in. Additionally, Motorola has added several new features and enhacement from their side.

Recently a Moto X4 user on Reddit (u/wkrick) found that the new Moto Launcher now has a "Dark Theme" option which can be enabled from the Launcher settings. The Dark Theme mode on Moto Launcher basically turns the white background to dark.

As you can see in the below Image, after enabling the Dark Theme, folder background and app drawer turns dark. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

This might be Motorola’s new Moto E5 Play

Evan Blass just published what could be the first image of the Moto E5 Play. Motorola's Moto E line has been one of its most successful lines of low-end phones ever, so it makes sense that Lenovo and Motorola would want to follow-up last year's Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus with a Moto E5.

As per reports, the Moto E5 Play will be available via Verizon Wireless. Pre-paid carrier Cricket Wireless will also offer the same handset under the Moto E5 Cruise name. Assuming that the leaked render is the final design, the Moto E5 Play looks like Moto C from the rear and Moto E4 Plus from the front.


The fingerprint sensor is most likely moved to the rear with batwing logo thanks to brand new Motorola branding.
This might be Motorola’s next Moto E5 Play
The recent leaks says that the Moto E5 would feature a Snapdragon 430 CPU. There's no information regarding the Price, or Specifications of the Moto E5 Play. We got the Moto E4 and E4 Plus last year around July, but Motorola probably needs to release something to get sales back on track. Thoughts?

Evleaks


January 2018 Security Update is now live for the Moto G4 Plus

Moto G4 Plus has picked up a new software update that introduces the January 2018 security patch.

If you own a Moto G4 Plus in the Brazil or India you should have received the over-the-air update notification for January 1st, 2018 Android security update. That’s all that is detailed in the new software version (NPIS26.48-36-2), though there is a mention of "KRACK" Fix. It’s a WiFi vulnerability that breaks WPA2 by forcing nonce reuse.

Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

Related: Motorola Moto Phones Android 8.0 Oreo Update Info

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. We will let you know once the update is out for other countries. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.


Moto G5 Plus Picks Up January 2018 Security Patch

Moto G5 Plus has picked up a new software update that introduces the January 2018 security patch.

If you own a Moto G5 Plus in Brazil you should have received the over-the-air update notification for January 1st, 2018 Android security update. That’s all that is detailed in the new software version (NPSS25.137-93-4), though there is a mention of "KRACK" Fix. It’s a WiFi vulnerability that breaks WPA2 by forcing nonce reuse.


Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. We will let you know once the update is out for other countries. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.
Moto G5 Plus Picks Up January 2018 Security Patch



Winter Sports and Blocks AR Stickers Now Available for Download

New Augmented Reality (AR) Stickers themed around winter sports and blocks are here for your Google Pixel and Pixel 2.

AR Stickers are exclusive to Pixel Smartphones. It lets you add virtual characters and playful emojis directly into your photos and videos to bring your favorite stories to life. With the winter sports themed Stickers, you can dress up videos and photos with freestyle skiers, twirling ice skaters, hockey players, and more.

The new Blocks AR Stickers lets you add microphone, balloon, flashy, energetic characters and other objects created with Blocks.

You'll need to Install both the Winter Sports and Blocks in order to get the new AR Stickers. Also there's a new update available for the AR Stickers App. Get them here:

Winter Sports
Blocks
AR Stickers

New Emojis for 2018: All 157 Characters

New Emojis for 2018: All 157 Characters
Unicode today announced its list of new emoji for 2018. The new Emoji 11.0 is scheduled for June 2018. Unicode says that the version number of emoji is jumping from the previously-released Emoji 5.0 to Emoji 11.0 (instead of 6.0).

Thanks to Emojipedia, we've our first look at how the 2018 Emoji may shape up when released by the various OEMs.

The man and woman emoji can now have various hair styles (white-haired, red-haired, curly-haired and bald), and the new superhero and supervillain support genders and skin tones. The new leg and foot also support skin tones.

The new 2018 emoji will be available for both Android and iOS mobile phones in August or September.

“The emoji list being announced today is final, so that vendors can start work on this year's emoji. We'll release the final specification for Emoji 11 in synchrony with the Unicode 11 release, targeted in June. Users can expect to see support for these new emoji rolling out in the second half of 2018.” - Unicode president Mark Davis told Emojipedia

Here's What's New in Official Android 8.0 Oreo for Galaxy S8

Here's What's New in Official Android 8.0 Oreo for Galaxy S8
Just a few hours back, we wrote about the official rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo on the Samsung Galaxy S8 throughout the U.S., India, Germany and Brazil. While this update might seem like a really modest improvement over the Android 7.0 Nougat, there is actually way more than meets the eye.

Android Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Samsung has add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new UI and enhancements. Below screenshot shows the full changelog of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Oreo Software Update.


The Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 weighs in at around 487MB and comes with the latest February 2018 security patch. The update is already rolling out to the users of Galaxy S8 users in phases. If you did not receive the update wait for few days or try checking for it manually by heading over to system updates section in the Settings app. Make sure you've at least 50 percent juice left on your phone before updating it.

Android Oreo for the Samsung Galaxy S8 Rolling Out Now

If you own a Samsung Galaxy S8 running Android Oreo Beta you should have received the over-the-air update notification for Official Android Oreo update. The regular (non-beta) users will get Android Oreo within 24 hourse.

Android Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Samsung has add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new design and enhancements.

The Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 weighs in at around 487MB and comes with the latest February 2018 security patch. The update is already rolling out to the users of Galaxy S8 users in phases. If you did not receive the update wait for few days or try checking for it manually by heading over to system updates section in the Settings app. Make sure you've at least 50 percent juice left on your phone before updating it.



Lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user gets Official Android 8.0 Oreo update

Lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user gets Official Android 8.0 Oreo update
A lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user in Vietnam just recieved the Official Android 8.0 Oreo Software Update with firmware version G935FXXU2ERB2.

Apart from the Android 8.0 Oreo Goodies including new Settings and Notification panel UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Samsung has add several new features to the latest software update.


The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new design and enhancements.

There's no information when Samsung is going to push the public rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Samsung is yet to start Official 8.0 Oreo rollout for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus by the end of February, so expect the S7 family to get update after a few months.

Image:Cnet | Via:1 | 2

February 2018 Android Security Update Goes Live For Xiaomi Mi A1 Beta Testers

Xiaomi Mi A1 users running Android Oreo Beta has picked up a new software update that introduces the February 1st, 2018 security patch.

That’s all that is detailed in the new software version(OP31.170623.026.8.2.1). The most severe issue patched by Google in the February security is a vulnerabilitiy that enable a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to execute unauthorized code within the context of a privileged process in the Media framework.

For a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.
February 2018 Android Security Update Goes Live For Xiaomi Mi A1 Beta Testers


February Security Update Release Notes are live for the Moto Z, and Moto Z2 Family

Motorola seems to be gearing up to unleash a wave of February Security updates onto its devices. We first saw February 2018 release notes show up for the Moto X4, and Moto G4/Plus, but we are now seeing it for the Moto Z and Moto Z2 Phones.

Motorola mentions that the February update for the Moto Z 2016 includes WPA2 WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" Fix. The Key Reinstallation Attacks (A.K.A KRACKs) was first discovered by Mathy Vanhoef of imec-DistriNet, KU Leuven. It’s a WiFi vulnerability that breaks WPA2 by forcing nonce reuse. Apart from the February 2018 update, there's no mention of any improvements or features for the Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, and Moto Z2 Play.

The most severe issue patched by Google in the february security bulletin could enable a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to execute unauthorized code within the context of a privileged process in the Media framework.

There's no information when the company will release February 2018 Security Update. We’ll update you as soon as the February 2018 security patch starts rolling out. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Yesterday, we saw many websites reporting the news that Motorola is rolling out Oreo to a large number of devices including the Moto X4, Moto Z and Z2 Series, Moto G5, Moto G5s Plus, and Moto G4 Plus. Well, the news is quite misleading as the Official Press Release from Motorola only says that the Moto X4 is getting the Oreo update in Australia starting today and the eligible devices for Oreo includes Moto Z and Z2 Series, Moto G5, Moto G5s Plus, and Moto G4 Plus. That said, Don't get spun by Internet rumors.

February Security Patch Release Notes:
Moto Z
Moto Z Play
Moto Z2 Play
Moto Z and Moto Z Force

February 2018 Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

February 2018 Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices
Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for February 2018 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,  Pixel C, Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL and Pixel XL.

For now, we have February 2018 Security Firmware files based on Android 8.1.0 Oreo for the Pixel 2(OPM1.171019.019) and Pixel 2 XL (OPM1.171019.018), Pixel (OPM1.171019.016) and Pixel XL (OPM1.171019.016), Pixel C (OPM1.171019.016), Nexus 6P (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015), and Nexus 5X (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015).

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File


New AR Stickers Coming This Week

In a blog post, Google announced that they're enabling the Pixel Visual Core, hidden image-processing chip inside the Pixel 2 family of phones for 3rd Party Apps including Instagram, WhatsApp and Snapchat for better image processing speed and efficiency.

Google also announced that they're adding new Augmented Reality (AR) Stickers themed around winter sports later this week.


AR Stickers are exclusive to Pixel Smartphones. It lets you add virtual characters and playful emojis directly into your photos and videos to bring your favorite stories to life. With upcoming winter sports themed Stickers, you can dress up videos and photos with freestyle skiers, twirling ice skaters, hockey players, and more.

Related: Get Star Wars AR Stickers On Any Android Smartphone!!!

Later this week, we’re adding new Augmented Reality (AR) Stickers themed around winter sports, so you can dress up videos and photos with freestyle skiers, twirling ice skaters, hockey players, and more. Like all AR stickers, these characters interact with both the camera and each other, creating a fun-filled way to enhance the moments you capture and share. - Google Blog

Xiaomi is announcing the Redmi Note 5 on 14th Feb - but there's a catch

Xiaomi is announcing the Redmi Note 5 on 14th Feb - but there's a catch
Xiaomi's Redmi Note line has been one of its most successful lines of mid-ranged phones ever, so it makes sense that the company would want to follow-up last year's Redmi Note 4 with a Redmi Note 5.

Xiaomi today announced that it will be launching a new Smartphone on 14th Feb. And the new Smartphone is none other than the Redmi Note 5.

As spotted by Smartprix, Xiaomi's official teaser page clearly shows the mentions of Redmi Note 5. But the catch is Xiaomi will most likely rebrand the Redmi 5 Plus (earlier launched in China) as Redmi Note 5 for India and other markets.

The Redmi 5 Plus, soon to be called Redmi Note 5 features a 5.99" 18:9 Screen, Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB Internal Storage, 12 MP (f/2.2, 1.25 μm) Rear Camera, 5MP front shooter, 4000 mAh battery, and MIUI 9 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat. Thoughts?