LineageOS 15 Android 8.0 O News, Features, and Release Date

 By Vaibhav Jain on September 23, 2017       

According to the latest reports, Google will be pushing Official Android O (8.0) update for the Pixel, Nexus and, latest Android One Smartphones in August. Along with the final Android O build, Google will also release the Source code, which will help developers building custom roms based on Android O.

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. LineageOS is one of the fastest growing community and it is now supporting thousands of devices. With the release of final Android O, Lineage is expected to announce the LineageOS 15 based on Android 8.0 for most of the existing as well as new Android Smartphones.

In this Article, we'll be tracking and updating all the News, Rumors, Features, and Release date of the upcoming LineageOS 15.

LineageOS 15 Android 8.0 O Expected Features:-

Starting with the Features, we have already seen the new features of Android O including Notification badges, Advance Snoozing, Notification timeouts, Background colors, Picture-in-Picture mode, Pinning shortcuts and widgets, New emojis, Autofill, and more. So, technically LineageOS will be coming with these new features including Android O's whole new Interface (White Quick Setting tiles, new Settings UI, and other apps).

Additionally, Lineage is expected to bring "Themes" functionality to the Custom Rom. We have seen Cyanogen doing wonders with its Theme Engine, but with the death of Cyanogen, the theme engine cannot be ported to Lineage. So, Linage will be bringing something new or might even merge with Substratum.

LineageOS 15 Android 8.0 O Release Date:-

As said, Google is now all set to release the final build of Android 8.0 along with its source code in August. So, expect LineageOS 15 or any other custom rom by the end of 2017. 

Note: All these are based on rumors, none of the information is confirmed by Official LineageOS community.

That said, we'll be updating the Article as soon as we get any news about LineageOS 15. Are you excited about the LineageOS 15? Let us know in the below comment section!

Update: 19/07/2017

[Official] LineageOS 15.0 progress 

While the cm-14.1 branch development hasn’t stopped, we’re also working on the next LineageOS version (15.0), based on the latest Android 8.0. We will refrain from giving any ETA, just patiently wait until the new branch is ready for release-time. 

[Download] Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps (Gapps for Lineage OS 15 / AOSP)

 By Vaibhav Jain on September 03, 2017       

Google recently launched the Next Iteration of its Android Operating System Android 8.0 Oreo. The Tech Giant also pushed Android Oreo source code to AOSP, helping the developers develop custom ROMs for their devices based on Oreo.

Most of the developers already got working Android 8.0 Oreo (AOSP or Lineage OS 15) build on their devices. AOSP based ROMs don’t come with Google services pre-installed, so you'll need to download and install Android 8.0 Oreo based Gapps on your device otherwise, you won’t get Google Play Services on Oreo based ROMs.

For now only Micro Gapps package is available for both ARM and ARM64 bit processor. Before downloading you'll need to find your device's CPU type. You can install CPU Z that gives you a readout about your device's hardware.

Download Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps

Open Gapps (Micro) for ARM

Open Gapps (Micro) for ARM 64

How to Install Android 8.0 Oreo Gapps

-Download Gapps from the above link
-Flash your Custom ROM (LineageOS 15 or AOSP)
-Install Gapps
-Reboot
-EZ?

Share your thoughts or queries in the below comment section!!

Official List of Xperia Smartphones getting Android 8.0 Oreo

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 31, 2017       

Sony has announced the list of Xperia Smartphones getting Android 8.0 Oreo. The update will be available for the below list of Xperia Smartphones

• Xperia X
• Xperia X Performance
• Xperia XZ
• Xperia X Compact
• Xperia XZ Premium
• Xperia XZs
• Xperia XA1
• Xperia XA1 Ultra
• Xperia Touch and Xperia XA1 Plus
• (Xperia XZ1 & Xperia XZ1 Compact will launch on Android Oreo)

That said, Sony may add new devices to the above list as the company plans to bring this major update to as many of our devices as possible.

Android 8.0 Oreo Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 30, 2017       

Android 8.0 Oreo Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Pixel/ Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player and Pixel C.

With every new Android OS release, Google posts factory Images and OTA files for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android Oreo update with security patch of August 2017 are now 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 Firmware and OTA files based on Android 8.0 Oreo for the following

• Pixel – OPR6.170623.011 (Bell, Telus, Telstra, TMO, Sprint, USCC, Rogers/Fido), OPR6.170623.012 (other carriers) 
• Pixel XL – OPR6.170623.011 (Bell, Telus, Telstra, TMO, Sprint, USCC, Rogers/Fido), OPR6.170623.012 (other carriers) 
• Pixel C – OPR6.170623.010 
• Nexus 6P – OPR6.170623.013 (NOT for TMO/USCC/Fi) 
• Nexus 5X – OPR6.170623.013

Note that Google has already started rolling out the Android 8.0 Oreo Update through OTA for Verizon and AT&T Pixel and Pixel XL phones.

In case you haven't received the update and want to manually Install the Firmware or OTA. You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Download Android Oreo Superhero Wallpaper

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 25, 2017       

The Android 8.0 Oreo comes with a range of new features, including the key ones like autofill and picture-in-picture. Alongside these features, Android Oreo also brings along stronger security protections and speed improvements which are said to "keep you safe and moving at light speed". 

Google says, "When you're on your next adventure, Android Oreo is the superhero to have by your side (or in your pocket!)." Google also unveiled a superhero-themed statue of an Android Oreo mascot wearing a cape and it really looks cool.

Thanks to a Reddit user "lilmc01", you can now download the Android Oreo Superhero Wallpaper for your Smartphone. Download it from Imgur.

Work on LineageOS 15 (Android 8.0 Oreo) has started

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 23, 2017       

The Lineage team has already started work on LineageOS 15 (Android 8.0 Oreo) although we’re yet to see a working ROM out in the wild for users to try out.

The team posted on Github the Initial manifest files for LineageOS 15 based on Android Oreo, although that doesn't mean a LineageOS 15 release date is available.

Just a few days ago Lineage revealed that the LineageOS 15 is coming soon, and keeping its promise they have already started developing the latest OS.

That said, we'll keep you updated with every news of the LineageOS 15. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Android Edition Oreo Cookies First Look

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

Google has ended months of online speculation about the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system by revealing it will be called ‘Android Oreo’.

It seems that Google will be collaborating with Cadbury to release a special edition Android-themed Oreo cookies at various supermarkets and other retailers.

There's no information regarding the availability of these biscuits, but Google is expected to launch them by the end of September.

Here's our first look at the Android Edition Oreo cookies. We've cookie consisting of two chocolate wafers with a sweet green colored creme filling in between. Yummy!

Image: Dave Burke

Download Android 8.0 Oreo for Pixel and Nexus Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

Android 8.0 Oreo is now Available for Pixel/ Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player and Pixel C | Download the Factory Images right here!

With every new Android OS release, Google posts factory Images for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android Oreo update with security patch of August 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices with build "OPR6.170623.013". The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL.

Google has also started rolling out the update through OTA in phases to your Pixel and Nexus phones. In case you haven't received the update, you can download and flash the factory images.

Download: Android Oreo Factory Images

Download: Android Oreo Wallpapers and Ringtones Right Here

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

Android 8.0 Oreo is now official and is readily available for Pixel and Nexus Devices. It comes with brand new features, wallpapers, and ringtones. In case you don't own a Pixel or Nexus and want to get some taste of Android Oreo, you can grab and Install the latest wallpapers and ringtones from the below link.

Here's a preview of the wallpapers you will be getting in the downloaded zip file. Enjoy

• Android Oreo Wallpapers

• Android Oreo Ringtones

• Android Oreo Alarm Tones

• AndroidOreo Notification Tones

When is Android 8.0 Oreo Coming to Your Phone?

 By Vaibhav Jain on August 22, 2017       

Android 8.0 Oreo is now official and is readily available for Pixel and Nexus Devices. In case you don't own a Pixel or Nexus and want to know when your phone is getting Android Oreo then keep reading this Article.

Google has officially announced partnership with a handful of companies in order to get Android Oreo ready for dispatch by the end of 2017.

"We’ve been working closely with our partners, and by the end of this year, hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo."

If you ask me, Only flagship Smartphones will see Android 8.0 Oreo update by the end of 2017, while rest of the devices eligible for Android Oreo might get the update in 2018.

We'll let you know once we get specific dates regarding the availability of Android Oreo update.

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