TechDroider: android

Google Posts New Android 8.1 Images for Pixel and Nexus Devices

Google Posts New Android 8.1 Images for Pixel and Nexus Devices
Google has updated its software page with new files of January Android 8.1 for the Pixel and Nexus devices on Verizon, Softbank, and Telstra.

Pixel 2 owners on Verizon are getting a new Android 8.1 Software (r8) with build number OPM2.171019.016. For Softbank Nexus 6P owners, the Android 8.1 update arrives with build of OPM5.171019.014 (r9). And Nexus 5X users with Telstra/Softbank, you are getting a new Android 8.1 with build of OPM5.171019.014.

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Via: Droid-Life

Download: BlueStacks with Android 7.0 Nougat Beta for PC

Download: BlueStacks with Android 7.0 Nougat Beta for PC
BlueStacks, one of the best Android emulator for Windows and Mac is now getting Android 7.0 Nougat Beta. This means you'll be able to use all the Android Nougat features and applications on BlueStacks emulator.

The biggest advantage of using an Android emulator is to access and use all the applications that aren't compaitable with desktop platforms. For example, you can use Instagram, Clash of Clans, Critical Ops, and other Android-Exclusive games on PC or Mac with ease.

You can now download the latest beta version of BlueStacks which runs on Android 7.0 Nougat from the below link. Here are the minimum system requirements:

OS: Windows
Processor: Intel/AMD Processor with virtualization extensions (VT/SVM) enabled in the BIOS.
RAM: 4GB RAM
HDD: 4GB Disk Space
You must be an Administrator on your PC
Up to date graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendorBlueStacks N Beta will work on systems that fulfill the minimum systems requirements. However, for a superior gameplay experience, Recommended System Requirements are mentioned below
Recommeded system requirements:

OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i5-680 (passmark 3500) or higher processor with virtualization extensions enabled in the BIOS
Graphics: Intel HD 5200 (passmark 750) or higher
Memory: 6GB or higher
HDD: SSD (or fusion)
Internet: Broadband connection to access games, accounts and related content


AOSP Commit reveals next version of Android as "Android Pi"

AOSP Commit reveals next version of Android as "Android Pi"
The latest commits in AOSP (Android Open Source Project) reveals that the next Android version will be called as "Android Pi", which Mishaal Rahman‏ (Editor at XDA) assumes is shorthand used for Android Pie.

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."


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.

Source: Mishaal Rahman‏

iPhone X EMUI Theme now available for Huawei Honor Phones [Download Here]

You can now transform your Huawei Honor or Mate Smartphone running EMUI 5 and above to iPhone X with the help of the iOS X theme. Huawei smartphones like the Honor 7X, Mate 10, or P10 already runs or can be upgraded to EMUI 5 for this theme to work.

Screenshots:



Download: Play Link

Official LineageOS 15.1 based on Android 8.1 Oreo is in the works!!!

LineageOS 15.1 based on Android 8.1 Oreo is in the works!!!
Just a few days ago, Google released the official Android 8.1 Oreo update to the Pixel and Nexus Devices. Android 8.1 features a lot of changes over the Android 8.0.

With Android 8.1 you get a brand new Pixel 2 launcher, Power-Reboot menu, Dim Navbar keys, and my favorite one is Black and White theme depending on the Wallpaper used. 

Those of you waiting for the Oreo based Official LineageOS ROM, here's an update for you guys. Linage is skipping Android 8.0 Oreo LineageOS 15.0 in favor of the Android 8.1 Oreo LineageOS 15.1.


Up to now, news on Oreo-based LineageOS 15.0 has been almost non-existent, but we’re in a position now where we can document some of our progress here.

As many of you have seen (and we’re sure some of you are running them right now), a number of unofficial LineageOS 15.0 builds exist, some of which are built by our very own maintainers. These are in no way representative of a final product, but definitely let you all experience some of the features Android 8.0 has to offer.

Once that the basic framework has been put in place and devices are successfully booting LineageOS 15.0, some features are being brought forward, most of which are dependent on what was previously known as the CMSDK. A large focus while doing this has been to evaluate the need to carry-forward or otherwise clean up the leftovers from our inception last year.

However now that Android 8.1 has been released, we’re anticipating moving straight to the 15.1 branch where we’ll merge all our work done for 15.0 and finish the porting effort.

Like always, we won’t be giving any indication as to when we might be close to a releasable product, but keep waiting patiently, and as we reach big milestones, we’ll be giving you some more status updates.
Source: Lineage

Android 8.1 Oreo Officially rolling out starting today!!!

Android 8.1 Oreo Officially rolling out starting today!!!
Android 8.1 Oreo is rolling out today (Tuesday) with December Security Patch. The update will be available through OTA for eligible Pixel and Nexus Smartphones.

Android 8.1 eligible devices includes Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P.


If you are enrolled to Android 8.1 Oreo Beta you'll automatically get a stable release within a few weeks.

Android 8.1 Change-log: 

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.


Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2 is Live for Nexus and Pixel Devices

Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2 is Live for Nexus and Pixel Devices
Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview 2 is now available for the eligible Nexus and Pixel devices. It it is the Last Android 8.1 Beta and arrives in as build OPP6.171019.012. The new version is readily available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P.

The 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 8.0 Oreo). The update requires a full device reset, so user data on the device will be removed.

If you are already running Android 8.1 Developer preview 1, you can easily update to DP2 via an OTA Update which weighs in at around 169MB.

Google is calling this near-final system images and says that it should be used for final testing. We may get stable Android 8.1 Oreo by the end of December.



Complete list of Motorola devices getting Android Security Patches [US Only]

Complete list of Motorola devices getting Android Security Patches [US Only]
Motorola has updated its Software Support page with the list of devices getting upcoming Security patches. However, you'll need to select a particular product and it's carrier in order to see whether your device is eligible or not.

We've compiled the list of eligible Motorola devices [US Only] getting Android Security Updates:-
  • Moto E Series
    • Moto E4
    • Moto E4 Plus
  • Moto G Series
    • Moto G4
    • Moto G4 Plus
    • Moto G4 Play
    • Moto G5
    • Moto G5 Plus
    • Moto G5s Plus
  •  Moto X Series
    • Moto X Pure
    • Moto X4
  • Moto Z Series
    • Moto Z Play
    • Moto Z
    • Moto Z2 Play
    • Moto Z2 Force

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!!