Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 adds 'Swipe fingerprint scanner to open notification' feature to the Nexus 6P

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Yesterday, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 for selected Google Pixel and Nexus Devices. The new Android version includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users.

As reported by a Nexus 6P user on twitter, Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 also adds new gesture to open the notification shade using the fingerprint sensor. 



Google is expected the release final version of  Android 7.1.2 Nougat on April 3, 2017.

via: AndroidPolice

[Update] Some Nexus 6 users receiving Android 7.0 OTA on top of 7.1.1 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 16, 2017       

Few months ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 update for selected Nexus and Pixel devices and you may have noticed that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 were both not listed because Google won't be pushing further system updates to these devices.



Google guarantees Android system update for two years, so Android 7.1.1 is marked the end for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9. Now, Some Nexus 6 users on reddit are now receiving Android 7.0 OTA on top of Android 7.1.1 Nougat, Sounds weird? Here's the proof-

After Android 7.0 Update downgrade, the Nexus 6 users are facing various issues including Force Stop and App crashes. 

Phone app and acore keep force closing to the point to where the phone is unusable, I managed to make it to Update in settings and it shows a 56.1 Mb update for March security patches but the spam force closing won't let it. Gonna have to side load from the images on Google's site. - reddit user B_Stache

That said, if you have downgraded/updated your Nexus 6 to 7.0 via OTA, you should sideload Android 7.1.1 Image right away. Google has yet to announce anything official on the matter

Source: Reddit

Update: A Google employee has responded to the reddit thread, here's what he said:-

There was a recent OTA update for Android 7.0 that is causing confusion for some Nexus 6 users. For those of you that want to guarantee future OTA updates, you will need to get back on the 7.0 supported track. If you are experiencing issues after accepting the 7.0 update, please factory reset your device to help resolve any problems.
For any Nexus 6 users that want to continue flashing/sideloading future builds, you can stay on 7.1.1 and continue to do so.

Android 7.1.2 Nougat likely to release on April 3

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 13, 2017       

Back in January, Google announced Android 7.1.2 beta for a handful of Pixel and Nexus devices including Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. 

Google said that Android 7.1.2 will be an incremental maintenance release focused on refinements, which includes bugfixes, optimizations, and a small number of enhancements for carriers and users. Along with these enhancements, the beta also brought new gestures 'Swipe fingerprint scanner to open notification' feature to the Nexus 5X. 

Now, Rogers, the largest carrier in Canada has updated its Software update schedule and is planning to roll out a major update which will include VoLTE support and latest security patch for the Google Pixel on April 3. 

This new update is likely to come with the latest Android 7.1.2 OS, as Rogers is said to be testing VoLTE service on its Pixels with the Android 7.1.2 beta. 

Google has not said anything yet so naturally you should take it with a grain of salt.

Via: AndroidCentral

You can now find the Home Screen of your dreams with Google's #myAndroid

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 11, 2017       

One of the best things about Android is how easy it is to customize, and set up your smartphone exactly as you want it. From setting a launcher, setting a live wallpaper to setting the icon pack, Android devices allow for a great deal of customization.



With #myAndroid Taste Test, Google will help you to find the right home screen for you. It's actually a long quiz, with around 22 questions which creates three different "looks" for your Android device based on a combination of different launchers, wallpapers, icon packs, widgets and keyboards.

There’s a home screen for everyone, find yours at #myAndroid

Google might announce Android O at Google I/O perhaps with these features

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 08, 2017       

Google I/O, which is Google’s yearly developer conference, we get to find out just what Google has been working on and what their plans are for the near and distant future. This year's Google I/O will take place in May, but according to latest rumor, we already have details what we might see at this year's Google I/O.

According to latest report by VentureBeat, Google is expected to reveal the next version of Android OS, "Android O" followed by Multiple Developer Previews and a Fall launch. This latest Android OS will reportedly come with new "smart features."

The first feature will be called "Copy Less". This feature will predict the address you are trying to send to someone. For example, If you and a friend are having a conversation about where to eat dinner and you find a cool restaurant in the Yelp app, when you go back to your conversation GBoard would automatically show you a text suggestion after you type "it's at".

The next feature detailed includes "Finger gesture to trigger actions." For example, if you want to open Camera, just draw letter like a C on the screen. 

This year's Google I/O will take place from May 17 to May 19 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

Which of these features are you excited about most? Are there any other features that interest you? Tell us in the comments section below.

March’s Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 06, 2017       

Google's March 2017 Security patches and updates are now available for Supported Nexus Smartphones and Pixel Devices.


As you can see, we are sticking to Android 7.1.1 for all devices.

The new build no. are as follows-

Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27B), 

Pixel C (N4F26T), 

Nexus 6P (N4F26T), 

Nexus 5X (N4F26T), 
Nexus 6 (N6F26U- 7.1.1),

Nexus Player (NMF26X), 

and Nexus 9 (N4F26T)

You can download the factory images and OTA files from the below link-

Factory Images | OTA Files

March Android security patch coming to the Nexus 6P on March 7

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 02, 2017       

The Google Nexus 6P will start receiving the latest Android security patch next week.

As listed on Vodafone's website, March security patch for the Nexus 6P will begin rolling out from March 7. There's no information regarding the release date of this month's security patch for the Nexus 5X, However, it is likely to get the new update along with the Nexus 6P.



The update will carry a build no of N4F26T, and will come with "5 March 2017" Security patch level. It will be available via FOTA and will cost approximately 39MB.

Last week, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Nougat Beta for the Pixel and Nexus devices. So, those who are running Android 7.1.2 Beta will not be able to receive March security patch update via OTA.

Source: Vodafone

Google announces "Google Assistant" for all Android 6.0 and above devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 26, 2017       

In what could be called as a surprising news, the Google Assistant is now officially coming for all Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android Nougat with Google Play Services.

The Google Assistant will start rolling out this week for the English users in the U.S., followed by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as German speakers in Germany.

Just long press on the Home button or say “Ok Google” to get started!

Source: Google Blog

Get Pixel-Like Navigation Keys on any Android Smartphone (No Root)

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 25, 2017       

Google's Pixel and Pixel XL runs custom version of Android with some exclusive features including a new set of navigation keys.

The Pixel key layout uses a solid triangle (back), circle (home) and square (recent apps) for the three main Android keys, with the home key having a white border around it. 



You can get Pixel-Like Navigation Keys to your non-Pixel Phone with an app called Pixbar. Pixbar modifies your device's navigation bar to have solid buttons. Currently, you can only use this application on Smartphone with Stock buttons (Nexus, Motorola or Android One). 

Screenshots

You can purchase this application just for 0.99$ on Google Play, it doesn't require a rooted Smartphone.

Via: Droid-Life

Nexus 6P gets Android 7.1.2 Beta

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 25, 2017       

Last month, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Beta for selected Nexus and Pixel Devices, although the Nexus 6P wasn't on the list , but did Google said 6P will get the update "soon."

Now, If you're using the Nexus 6P and has enrolled in the beta program, you should be getting a new update of size 1.293GB which comes with the requisite bug fixes and performance improvements. The build is NPG05F.

via: Androidcentral

Motorola Releases Android Nougat Kernel Source for the Moto Z Play

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 21, 2017       

Recently Motorola started rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Moto G4 Plus, Moto Z, Moto Z Force and Moto Z Play and now the Company has released Android Nougat kernel source for the Moto Z Play to its Github .

It's very useful for Developers to make a stable Custom Roms, by using these Kernel Sources. Developers can go ahead and Download the Source from Github.

Next Iteration of Android Will be Called as Android 'Oreo', Hints a Google Executive

 By Unknown on February 20, 2017       

Google will be announcing the next iteration of Android at the Google I/O Keynote event in May. However, the new OS will be available only in the form of Developer Preview till the official launch in September/October. 

Nevertheless, the search giant might have started on the features to be included in the next OS, but the internet is already abuzzed with the name of the OS. Keeping on the trend, Hiroshi Lockheimer, the Senior VP of Android tweeted a GIF of an Oreo Cake. However, Hiroshi was proved to be wrong in numerous occasions in the past. 

@dcseifert 🤔 pic.twitter.com/u8nMzjTIO1

— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) February 20, 2017

That said, if Google sticks to their timing as previous years, we will see the name of name of next Android iteration in the first week of March. 

Android Pattern Lock System Can be Hacked Within Five Attempts: Report

 By Unknown on February 13, 2017       

Pattern locking system is the most secure way of protecting your Android smartphone from threats. In new research from Lancaster University, it is said that the Android Pattern locking can be hacked within five attempts. Sounds Interesting, right? Let' see how this actually works. 

As you might be aware of the fact that, to unlock your smartphone, you need to draw your pattern to get the device unlocked and use it. If you failed to unlock the phone within five attempts, then the phone will be locked for 30 seconds. 

That said, a person from the university mentioned above has developed a new algorithm, which keeps track of a person's unsuccessful attempts at the pattern lock and suggests a pattern using advanced computer vision algorithm software. 

Also, this new algorithm even works without a video footage by just recording the fingerprints of the customer. However, this feature works accurately when the algorithm is exploited using video recording. 

This proves that the Android locking security system is still vulnerable to attacks like this. 

SOURCE

HTC 10 Evo with Snapdragon 810 SoC Launched in India for Rs. 48,990

 By Unknown on February 09, 2017       

HTC 10 Evo, the name which we heard a little three months ago in India is again into the news. Back then, the Taiwanese company just announced the phone in India without any details regarding the availability and pricing. Today, the phone has a pricing that is Rs. 48,990. 

A whopping price tag and a mere Snapdragon 810 SoC. That's what HTC is all about. Diving into the specs of the phone, it has a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage with support for expandable storage up to 2TB via a microSD card slot. 

Also Read: Android Wear 2.0 Goes Official; Brings In Google Assistant And Many New Features

Another noticeable change in the HTC 10 Evo is that it won't feature a 3.5mm headphone jack as the company has opted for USB Type-C audio. The 10 Evo has a 16MP camera at the rear with support for PDAF and OIS. Also, there's an 8MP camera on the front for taking care of selfies and video calls. 

The phone comes with plethora of connectivity options: 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS, etc. The phone boots Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out-of-the-box and is armed with a 3200mAh battery. The phone is up for sale via Amazon Indian and HTC's official site and will be available in only one color- Pearl Gold. 

Android Wear 2.0 Goes Official; Brings in Google Assistant and Many New Features

 By Unknown on February 08, 2017       

Google finally pulled the wraps of their Android Wear 2.0 today, as expected. It was one of the much-anticipated OS of all time and Google till date released five Developer Previews for the OS. 

Along with the Android Wear 2.0, Google also announced the rumored LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport, which are the first Smartwatches to come preloaded with the latest OS. 

Android Wear 2.0 brings in various new features with the major one being the Google Assistant, which is the Google's own AI engine, previously exclusive to Pixel phones. Other notable features include the 'quick way to respond to messages', which means that you can respond to arrived messages by handwriting or typing or by drawing an emoji, which is a great feature to have around. 

Also, Google is adding several new watch faces with the latest OS. Apart from this, the search giant also released the list of existing Smartwatches to be updated to latest OS and the list includes: ASUS ZenWatch 2 & 3, Casio Smart Outdoor Watch, Casio PRO TREK Smart, Fossil Q Founder, Fossil Q Marshal, Fossil Q Wander, Huawei Watch, LG Watch R, LG Watch Urbane & 2nd Edition LTE, Michael Kors Access Smartwatches, Moto 360 2nd Gen, Moto 360 for Women, Moto 360 Sport, New Balance RunIQ, Nixon Mission, Polar M600 and TAG Heuer Connected.

SOURCE

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 06, 2017       

Google's February 2017 Security patches and updates are now available for Supported Nexus Smartphones and Pixel Devices.

The new build no. are as follows-

Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF26V, NOF26V), 

Pixel C (N4F26O), 

Nexus 6P (N4F26O), 

Nexus 5X (N4F26O), 
Nexus 6 (N6F26R),

Nexus Player (NMF26X), 

and Nexus 9 (N4F26Q).

You can download the factory images and OTA files from the below link-

Factory Images | OTA Files

Nexus 6P is now getting February security patch update

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 06, 2017       

Google has now started rolling out latest Android Security patch i.e. February security patch for the Nexus 6P. The update costs 39MB and carries the build number of N4F26O.

As listed earlier by Telus, Google Pixel, Pixel XL and Nexus 6P were scheduled to get February security patch today. The update is now rolling out for the Nexus 6P globally and will be soon available for the Pixel and Pixel XL.



Let us know in comments below, have you received the latest February security patch on your Nexus 6P?

Via: GSMArena

February security patch coming to Google Pixel and Nexus 6P on February 6

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 05, 2017       

Telus, Canada's mobile operator has updated its software update schedule list revealing the February security patch update Release Date.

As listed, February security patch for Pixel, Pixel XL and Nexus 6P will begin rolling out from February 6. There's no information regarding the release date of this month's security patch for the Nexus 5X, However, it is likely to get the new update along with above mentioned devices.

Last week, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Nougat Beta for the Pixel and Nexus devices. So, those who are running Android 7.1.2 Beta will not be able to receive February security patch update via OTA.


Source: Telus | Via: Phonearena

Google Assistant coming soon to Nexus 5X/6P and Nexus Player

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 02, 2017       

Google's Pixel and Pixel XL comes with some extra Artificial intelligence in the form of the fledgling Google Assistant. When activating Google assistant, Four dots slide out in each respective direction, and then quickly aligning themselves horizontally. 

For now Google's Assistant is Officially Pixel exclusive, but it has been unofficially ported to tons of other devices via Xposed and other tweaks. 



According to a new report from Stephen Hall (Senior editor at 9to5google), Google Assistant will be Officially available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and the Nexus Player soon along with a major update.

Google has already announced Android 7.1.2 Beta for eligible Nexus and Pixel devices. It could be possible that final build of Android 7.1.2 might bring Google Assistant and more features to existing Nexus devices.

Android 7.1.2 Beta adds 'Swipe fingerprint scanner to open notification' feature to the Nexus 5X

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 02, 2017       

A few days ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Beta version for selected Google Pixel and Nexus Devices. The new Android version includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users.

As reported by a Nexus 5X user on reddit, Android 7.1.2 Beta also adds new gesture to open the notification shade using the fingerprint sensor. 

Google says to expect the final release of latest Android version (7.1.2) in just a couple of months. For now, users can grab the Beta Factory Images from Here.