Android O Breaks Apps that Overlay on top of the Status Bar

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 11, 2017       

The Android O comes with some new features such as notification channels, advanced doze mode, self destructing notifications, and tons of other tiny features. We have already listed the completely new features of the Android O here.

With previous Android versions, apps have been able to operate on top of other apps and system UI elements for certain functions. However, with the arrival of Android O, such apps results in huge UI mess and eventually breaks the status bar.



This happens because the TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY is deprecated and replaced with TYPE_APPLICATION_OVERLAY. This means that, while system overlays will still continue to function for the most part, apps will no longer be able to draw over the status bar.

This feature also stops Twilight (Night Mode) covering parts of the screen like the status bar or keyboard, which would defeat the purpose of the application. 

Since this is just the first Developer Preview for Android O, Google might add new or remove some of the existing features in future builds. 



Via: XDA

Google Nexus 6 Spotted on Google Git Running Android O Preview

 By Unknown on April 10, 2017       

Google's Nexus 6 has been done and dusted. It's been three years since Motorola and Google launched the Nexus 6 and the search giant has already stopped providing software updates to the phone. 

However, it now appears like the phone will receive Android O update. According to the Google Git, Google is testing the phone with the latest Android O Preview, which means that the search giant still has plans to release the update to the phone. 



Google has a knack of testing upcoming Android versions in older phones to test the compatibility. If we're not wrong, the company is continuing the same with Nexus 6 as well. 

That said, Google recently released the Android 7.1.1 update for Nexus 6 owners, concluding it as the last OS update to the phone. Since then, Google did not release the Android 7.1.2 update as well to Nexus 6. 

LineageOS gets new update, adds new Gallery App and Quick Settings tiles

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 08, 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 gallery app, more reliable LineageOS updater, new floating button in the Recorder app, and new Quick Settings tiles.



The new gallery application adds easier navigation between timeline, albums and videos, it also enables fullscreen video playback. The new floating button in the Recorder app allows you to choose when to begin a screen recording. Pressing record will create a floating view, from which you can begin the recording.



In addition to, the LineageOS now supports 15 new devices: Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1, AT&T LG G3, Verizon LG G3, ZUK Z1, International Samsung Galaxy S4, Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4, International LG G5, T-Mobile LG V20, LeEco Le 2, YU Yuphoria, YU Yureka, Lenovo Vibe K5/K5 Plus, GSM LTE Samsung Galaxy Note II, SK Telecom Samsung Galaxy Note II, and Korea Samsung Galaxy Note II.



via: AndroidPolice | Source: Lineage

Android O to Come With Support for Self Destructing Notifications Feature

 By Unknown on April 06, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google released the first Developer Preview of Android O to developers. The next iteration of Android is expected to come with some new features such as notification channels, advanced doze mode, etc. We have already listed the completely new features of the Android O here. 

Speaking about the notifications channel feature, Google will allow users to customize what they want to see in the notification shade. For example, you can limit the OS to display a notification when a screenshot is captured.



And now, Google announces a new feature to the developers called 'notification timeout,' which essentially allows developers to push a self-destructive notification. For instance, in India, we love shopping, and there are numerous portals to shop from, and the major one is Myntra. These days, Myntra run several discount offers, and they push notifications for the same now and then. 

Myntra pushes a notification, and you open the app after few hours due to your busy schedule, and by the time you open the app, the offer is long gone. With this self-destructive notification feature, developers can choose a certain time for killing the notifications, and after that time, notifications will be destroyed automatically. 



Nevertheless, this feature will be very much useful for the developers out there. 

Here's what's new in Android 7.1.2 for Pixel and Nexus Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 04, 2017       

Android 7.1.2 Nougat is now Official and is readily available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus Player, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The latest Android version comes with tons of new features, fixes and improvements. Google also shared the Android 7.1.2 Nougat changelog, which some of you will find rather interesting.



Here's the official changelog for the Pixel and Pixel XL:

Today, and over the next few weeks, we will begin the rollout of Android 7.1.2 to Pixel and Pixel XL devices. This update contains a number of bug fixes, added features, and general performance/stability improvements. A few changes and updates that we want to highlight are listed below:

• Improved fingerprint swipe performance
• Bluetooth connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts

Some of the other fixes are with the early shutdown issue, a fix for the small number of users experiencing pink banding on the camera, and a fix to the audio popping issue some users were experiencing at high volumes.

With Android 7.1.2 Google improved the fingerprint swipe gesture performance and Bluetooth connectivity, while a new feature has been added as well, Battery Usage Alerts.



Here's the official changelog for the Nexus phones:

Today, and over the next few weeks, we will begin the rollout of Android 7.1.2 to Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. This update contains a number of bug fixes, added features, and general performance/stability improvements. A few changes and updates that we want to highlight are listed below:

• Enhanced notification stability
• Fingerprint swipe on 5X/6P
• General connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts

Android 7.1.2 adds Pixel-exclusive Fingerprint swipe feature to the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, that allows you to "swipe" the scanner to access the notification shade. Google says that they improved notification stability, Connectivity and adds Battery Usage Alerts. You can grab the Android 7.1.2 Factory Images and OTA's for the Google Pixel and Nexus phones here.

Source: Google | 2

[Updated] Android 7.1.2 Nougat Now Available for Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 03, 2017       

Surprise! Android 7.1.2 Nougat with April 2017 Security patch is now available for the Pixel and Nexus Devices. 

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



For now, we have Android 7.1.2 OTA files for the Pixel (N2G47E, N2G47J), Pixel XL (N2G47E, N2G47J), Pixel C (N2G47D), Nexus 6P (N2G47H), Nexus 5X (N2G47F), and Nexus Player (N2G47H).

You can download the OTA's from the Link below:

• Pixel (N2G47E, N2G47J)
• Pixel XL (N2G47E, N2G47J)
• Pixel C (N2G47D)
• Nexus 6P (N2G47H)
• Nexus 5X (N2G47F)
• Nexus Player (N2G47H)

Download: Firmware Images

Update: The Firmware Images are now live as well.

Update: 7.1.2 OTA's and Firmware Images are now available for the Pixel C and Nexus Player.

[Updated] April 2017 Factory Images Now Available for Nexus and Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 03, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for April 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 April Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27D), Nexus 6P (N4F26U), Nexus 5X (N4F26U), Nexus 6 (NBD92G,N6F26Y),  and Nexus 9 (N4F26X). 

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Update: Android 7.1.2 OTA's now Live for Nexus and Pixel Phones

Screen Pinning: What It Is and How to Use It

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 28, 2017       

Back when Android Lollipop launched, Google introduced "Screen pinning" feature which temporarily locks specific app, and you cannot access any other apps, cannot see notifications, or return to the home screen, until a specific shortcut is tapped to take you out of it.

You may consider yourself a Android master, but chances are even you've forgotten Screen Pinning feature. When Screen Pinning is active, the following behavior happens:

• The status bar is blank, and user notifications and status information are hidden.
• The Home and Recent Apps buttons are hidden.
• Other apps cannot launch new activities.
• The current app can start new activities, as long as doing so does not create new tasks.
• If screen pinning is activity by another app that is not a device owner or by the user directly, the user can exit by holding both the Back and Recent buttons.

Screen pinning feature could be extremely useful, for example, when playing games, you may accidentally tap the home button or back button. This may kill some games, at least it can be very annoying.

How to enable screen pinning on your Android Device?

By default, screen pinning is not enabled. To enable this feature you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Security and go to Advanced section to enable Screen pinning at the bottom of the list. (Note: You can also set password to protect the screen pinning).

Step 2: After enabling it, open the Recent apps screen and tap on the little push-pin button in the lower right corner of the front-most card to get started.

Tap and hold back button to exit screen pinning. If you request password for unpinning when pinning the app, you will be directed to the lock screen to proceed.

[Download] Android O Preview Images for Pixel/ XL, Nexus 5X, 6P, Player, and Pixel C

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 22, 2017       

Android O was surprisingly announced yesterday with tons of new features. The latest OS's Developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the official Android Emulator, and you also get an emulator for testing Android Wear 2.0 on Android O.

Also Read: Google announces Android O: Here's what's new


Download the Android O developer preview firmware images for the Pixel and Nexus devices from the direct link below:

• Nexus 5X "bullhead"
• Nexus 6P "angler" 
• Nexus Player "fugu" 
• Pixel C "ryu"
• Google Pixel "sailfish"
• Google Pixel XL "marlin"

Note that these are strictly development images and they could be very buggy and unstable, and are not suitable for daily use.

You can find the complete instructions of "How to flash a Factory Image" Here

Google announces Android O: Here's what's new

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Surprise! Android O is now official with a lots of new features. The latest OS Developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the official Android Emulator, and you also get an emulator for testing Android Wear 2.0 on Android O.

Here's what's new in Android O

• Notification channels: Notification channels are new app-defined categories for notification content. It let developers give users fine-grained control over different kinds of notifications. It also allows users to block or change the behavior of each channel individually, rather than managing all of the app's notifications together.

• Background limits: Android O puts a big priority on improving a user's battery life and the device's interactive performance. It put additional automatic limits on what apps can do in the background, in three main areas: implicit broadcasts, background services, and location updates.

• Autofill: With Android O. Users can select an autofill app, similar to the way they select a keyboard app. The autofill app stores and secures user data, such as addresses, user names, and even passwords.

• Picture in Picture (PIP): PIP display allows users to continue watching a video while they're answering a chat or hailing a car.

• Adaptive icons: With Android O, you can now create adaptive icons that the system displays in different shapes, based on a mask selected by the device. The system also animates interactions with the icons, and them in the launcher, shortcuts, Settings, sharing dialogs, and in the overview screen.

• Connectivity: For the ultimate in audio fidelity, Android O now also supports high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs such as LDAC codec. We're also adding new Wi-Fi features as well, like Wi-Fi Aware, previously known as Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN).

• Keyboard navigation: Android O adds more reliable, predictable keyboard model for "arrow" and "tab" navigation that aids both developers and end users.

• WebView enhancements: Android O enables multiprocess mode by default and adding an API to let your app handle errors and crashes, for enhanced security and improved app stability.

• Java 8 Language APIs and runtime optimizations: Android O now supports several new Java Language APIs, including the new java.time API. In addition, the Android Runtime is faster than ever before, with improvements of up to 2x on some application benchmarks.

• Partner platform contributions: Hardware manufacturers and silicon partners have accelerated fixes and enhancements to the Android platform in the O release. For example, Sony has contributed more than 30 feature enhancements, including the LDAC codec, and 250 bug fixes to Android O.

You can download the Developer preview images for Pixel and Nexus devices from here.

Which Android O feature are you most excited for?

Source: Android Developers

[Update: Beta 2] Google announces Android 7.1.2 beta for Nexus and Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Article: 31/01/2017

Google has just announced Android 7.1.2 Beta, which is an incremental maintenance release focused on refinements, so it includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users.

The initial devices to get Android 7.1.2 Nougat Public Beta includes, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. While, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 won't get 7.1.2 Update.



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 below link.


Download: Android 7.1.2 Factory Images

Via: Android Developers

Update: 21/03/2017

Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 with build NPG47I is now rolling out for selected Pixel and Nexus Devices

The update adds new Notification Gesture to the Nexus 6P and it also brings Pixel Launcher, Pixel-style nav buttons to the Pixel C.

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