TechDroider: android

November Security Update for Pixel and Nexus brings along Bluetooth Fix

November Security Update for Pixel brings along Bluetooth Fix
November Android Security update is now live for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL.

Along with the November Security Patches, Google has also fixed the Bluetooth issue on Pixel and Nexus devices. Here's the Changelog:
  • A-37943083 Bluetooth Improvements for Bluetooth devices only supporting AVRCP version 1.3.
  • A-63790458 Bluetooth Improved headset connection pairing.
  • A-64142363 Bluetooth Improved song info display on some Bluetooth carkits.
  • A-64991621 Bluetooth Improved metadata in some carkits.
  • A-65223508 Bluetooth Improved Bluetooth connections to some carkits.
Via: Reddit

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

August's 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 November 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, Pixel C, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL.


For now, we have November Security Firmware files based on Android 8.0.0 Oreo for Pixel 2 (OPD1.170816.018, OPD2.170816.015, OPD3.170816.016), Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR1.170623.032, OPR3.170623.013), Pixel C (OPR1.170623.032), Nexus 6P (OPR5.170623.011), Nexus 5X (OPR6.170623.023), and Nexus Player (OPR2.170623.027).
Note that for the Google Pixel, OPR1.170623.032 is for Project Fi and Canad, while OPR3.170623.013 is for everyone else. For Google Pixel 2 OPD2.170816.015 is for DTAG, OPD3.170816.016 for Verizon, and OPD1.170816.018 is for everyone else.

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Speed Test: Android 8.1 Oroe VS Android 8.0 Oreo

The recently announced Android 8.1 comes with lots of new features and UI enhancement. The Android 8.1 still is a developer preview but let's see how it fares against the Android 8.0 in a Speed Test.


Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview is now Official and is readily available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The latest Android version comes with tons of new features, fixes and improvements. Google also shared the Android 8.1 Oreo change-log, which some of you will find rather interesting. 


Speed Test: Android 8.1 Oroe VS Android 8.0 Oreo

Here's what's new in Android 8.1 Dev Preview for Pixel and Nexus Devices

Here's what's new in Android 8.1 Dev Preview for Pixel and Nexus Devices
Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview is now Official and is readily available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The latest Android version comes with tons of new features, fixes and improvements. Google also shared the Android 8.1 Oreo change-log, which some of you will find rather interesting.


Neural networks API

The Neural Networks API (NNAPI) provides apps with hardware acceleration for on-device machine learning operations. The API supports on- device model creation, compilation, and execution. Apps typically do not use NNAPI directly; instead, NNAPI is meant to be called by machine learning libraries, frameworks, and tools that let developers train their models and deploy them on Android devices.

Notifications

Apps can now only make a notification alert sound once per second. Alert sounds that exceed this rate aren't queued and are lost. This change doesn't affect other aspects of notification behavior and notification messages still post as expected.

Improved targeting for low-RAM devices


Android 8.1 (API level 27) adds two new hardware-feature constants, FEATURE_RAM_LOW and FEATURE_RAM_NORMAL, to Package Manager. These constants allow you target the distribution of your apps and APK splits to normal- or low-RAM devices. 

These constants enable the Play store to promote a better user experience by highlighting apps especially well-suited to the capabilities of a given device.

Autofill framework updates

Android 8.1 Developer Preview (API level 27) provides several improvements to the Autofill Framework that you can incorporate into your apps.

Programmatic Safe Browsing actions
  • You can control whether your app reports known threats to Safe Browsing. 
  • You can have your app automatically perform a particular action—such as going back to safety—each time it encounters a URL that Safe Browsing classifies as a known threat.
WallpaperColors API

Android 8.1 Developer Preview (API level 27) adds support for managing wallpaper colors. This feature lets you create a WallpaperColors object from a bitmap, a drawable, or by using the first three most visually representative colors. You can also retrieve details of the first three noticeable colors of a wallpaper.

Shared memory API

Android 8.1 (API level 27) introduces a new SharedMemory class. This class allows you to create, map, and manage anonymous shared memory that can be used by multiple processes or apps.


Google announces Android 8.1 Developer Preview

Google announces Android 8.1 Developer Preview
Google has announced Android 8.1 Oreo's first developer preview with the final release coming in December. It is readily available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P.

Android 8.1 system images are available to download for the above mentioned devices, but that requires an unlocked bootloader. There's also an other option, you can enroll your device in automatic OTA system updates through the Android Beta Program. Once enrolled, your device will receive regular over-the-air (OTA) updates of all milestone builds in the Android 8.1 Developer Preview. When the next version of Android is released, your device will automatically update to the final version. 

You can also un-enroll your device at any time. The device will receive an OTA update to the most recent production version of Android available for that device (for example, Android 7.1 Nougat). The update requires a full device reset, so user data on the device will be removed.

Android 8.1 Oreo for Pixel Phones will be available in Coming Weeks

Just a few days back Google updated the Android SDK Build-Tools to version 26.0.2 with support for Android 8.1 and today along with the Pixel Visual Core announcement, the company also announced that an Android 8.1 update is coming in a few weeks for its Pixel Smartphones.


In the coming weeks, we will enable Pixel Visual Core as a developer option in the developer preview of Android Oreo 8.1 (MR1). Later, we will enable it to all third-party apps using the Android Camera API, giving them access to the Pixel 2’s HDR+ technology.


That means the Developer preview for Android 8.1 Oreo (MR1) will be available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL in the Coming weeks. Google might also bring new features including Pixel 2 exclusive stuffs for 2016 Pixel devices along with the Android 8.1 Update.

That said, there's no exact date yet for when Google will release the Android 8.1 Operating System. We'll let you know once we get more information regarding this.

Via: Droid-Life

Lineage OS update brings WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" fix

Lineage OS update brings WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" fix
Lineage community has updated all the official Lineage OS 14.1 builds with 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.

According to krackattacks.com, An attacker within range of a victim can serious weakness of WPA2 using key reinstallation attacks (KRACKs). Attackers can use this attack technique to read information that was previously assumed to be safely encrypted. This can be abused to steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, chat messages, emails, photos, and so on. The attack works against all modern protected Wi-Fi networks. Depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to inject and manipulate data.


If your device supports Wi-Fi, it is most likely affected. Google is expected to fix this vulnerability with its November Security patch, which will be available next month for Nexus and Pixel devices. Until then if your device is unlocked and have custom recovery, you can install the latest LineageOS 14.1 build.

LineageOS 15 based on Android Oreo is coming soon: "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. - Team Lineage OS"

Android 8.1 is Coming Soon!

Android 8.1 is Coming Soon!
It seems that Google has already started working on next iteration of Android OS i.e. Android 8.1 Oreo.

The confirmation came from a Reddit user, who noticed that the Android SDK Build-Tools 26.0.2 added the support for Android 8.1.0. Another thing worth noticing is that few Google Apps are already targeting API 27.

Also Watch:


//Reddit

Official Xposed framework out for Android Nougat 7.x

Official Xposed framework out for Android Nougat 7.1.x versions
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. After a long wait, Official Xposed Framework for Android Nougat is finally available, Thanks to Developer rovo89.

Xposed is now compatible with both Android 7.0 and Android 7.1 Nougat. All you need is a rooted Smartphone with Custom Recovery (TWRP, for example) installed. Just download the latest Xposed Installer apk and Framework and flash em on your Smartphone.

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.



Via: XDA

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

August's 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 October 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, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL.


For now, we have October Security Firmware files based on Android 8.0.0 Oreo for the Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR1.170623.027, OPR3.170623.008), Pixel C (OPR1.170623.027), Nexus 6P (OPR5.170623.007), Nexus 5X (OPR4.170623.009).

Nexus 6 (N6F27M, NGI77B) and Nexus 9 (N4F27P, N9F27M) gets October security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, OPR1.170623.027 is for Project Fi and Canad, while OPR3.170623.008 is for everyone else.

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Android 8.0 Oreo for Pixel and Nexus Devices
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

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

When is Android 8.0 Oreo Coming to Your Phone?

When is Android 8.0 Oreo Coming to Your Phone?
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.