2018 Moto G family includes Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and Moto G6 Play

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

In 2017 we saw several launches from Motorola, such as the new mid-range Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus, a few months later, the Moto G5s and Moto G5s Plus. Now, according to Evan Blass, it's time to get ready for the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and even the return of the "Play" edition with Moto G6 Play.

Just like the Moto G Play (G4 Play), the Moto G6 Play is going to be Motorola's ultra-budget Smartphone with average specs for 2018. Additionally, unlike the Moto E and Moto C series which comes with Mediatek Processor, the Moto G6 Play is expected to feature a Snapdragon SoC.

Motorola might reveal the Moto G6 series at the next Mobile World Congress that will take place in Barcelona in late February 2018.

In comparison to the Moto G5, Motorola is expected to at least implement the Snapdragon 435 with 3 to 4GB of RAM to the Moto G6 . The Moto G6 Plus, on the other is expected to come with the Snapdragon 630 or even Snapdragon 660, both SoC's being well above the current "Snapdragon 625" of Moto G5 Plus and Moto G5s Plus.

All said and done, these are just rumors, and none of them are officially confirmed by the company. We will update you in there's any info related to Moto G6. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Evan Blass | Concept: TechDroider x Motorola-Fans

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

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

[Update: Fake] Latest rumored OnePlus 5T launch date

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

We already know that OnePlus has started working on its next flagship Smartphone OnePlus 5T and according to the latest rumors the Chinese firm plans to release the device in upcoming months.

With the OnePlus 5T, OnePlus is considering moving the fingerprint scanner on the back and this will also allow OnePlus to implement the 18:9 6" display with 2160 x 1080p to the front. Additionally, the OnePlus 5T front design might resemble the recently leaked Oppo F5.

Back in June, during AMA (Ask Me Anything) event on Reddit, OnePlus revealed that they could have implemented a bezel-less display to the OnePlus 5, but due to lack of resources, the OnePlus 5 uses the same screen as the OnePlus 3T.

Now, according to the leaked Press Invite (Likely fake), OnePlus 5T may come in the first week of November. As you can see in the below Image there's a almost bezel-less phone outline containing a T in it.

All said and done, these are just rumors, and none of them are officially confirmed by the company. We will update you in there's any info related to OnePlus 5T.

GSMArena

Lineage OS update brings WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" fix

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

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"

New Motorola Moto X4 India launch date revealed!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

The Moto X4 was announced near the end of August, with the promise the device would launch in India on October 3, but the company cancelled the launch without any reason being given.

Now, Motorola India has revealed the new launch date for the Moto X4. The smartphone is set to launch on 13th November in India and will be available both Online and Offline.

With the Moto X4, you get a 5.2-inch Full-HD glass layered display with 3D glass on top, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 2.2 GHz octa-core processor, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage plus microSD support up to 256GB, Dual Pixel 12+8MP rear camera for the best low-light, zoom and blur background with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera with Panoramic Selfie, 3000mAh battery with Turbo-charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

What else new, though? Well, you get Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the front and back of the devices from scratches, Integrated Amazon Alexa Assistant, Quick Screenshot feature which allows you to just place three fingers on the screen for a moment to capture a screenshot anytime, and Moto Key to access your favorite password-secured websites on your phone or laptop with a simple touch of your finger. There's also an Android One variant for the people living in the U.S.

Although the phone was priced at €399 (Rs 30,000 approx.) in the European market, it is expected to be launched within the Rs 20,000 to Rs 23,000 price bracket in India.


Motorola India

The Google Pixel 2 has a new tiny power menu

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

The new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with a lot of Pixel Exclusive stuff including the new Launcher, Live Wallpaper, an updated Google Assistant, and a brand new power menu.

Yes, Google just added a new look to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's power menu. This is shown off in a new video surfaced online today. As seen in the video, the new Pixel 2 tiny power menu appears on the top left side making it easy to access.

There's no information if this new "Easy to Access" Power menu is coming to other devices or not. But Google Pixel and Pixel XL (2016) will surely get this feature. Also Read: The Google Pixel 2 has a hidden LED.

Until then enjoy the Pixel 2 Launcher which comes with Bottom Search bar, Google Pixel 2 Motion Camera Application, Pixel 2 Live Wallpapers, and other Pixel 2 goodies.

YouTube

Motorola Moto Z with Moto Pen Concept

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

Back in 2011, Samsung introduced the S Pen with the Galaxy Note. The S pen or Stylus pen is an input tool that provides a similar feel to an actual pen by detecting the pressure applied on the screen with great accuracy. It also comes with most loved Air command and tons of other cool features.

Now, Designer Skrubbe has come up with an exciting new concept of Moto Z Smartphone with Moto Pen. The thought of merging the Stylus and Moto Z is unlikely to be something Motorola would consider. But the question is whether or not you’d buy it? Leave your comments below.

Reddit

Android Oreo Beta coming soon to OnePlus 5

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update has already started.

The Shenzhen-based company OnePlus typically announces the Android Beta preview before the final update. Just a few days back. the company announced Android Oreo beta for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T so many could test Android Oreo before Public roll-out.

But, what about their latest flagship OnePlus 5? Well, OnePlus's Co-founder Carl Pei on his twitter handle announced that the OnePlus 5 will be soon getting Android Oreo Beta.

Once Available (Open Beta Program for OnePlus 5), you'll need to do is flash the Oreo Beta firmware on your OnePlus 5. Once you migrate to the Beta path, you will continue to receive Open Beta OTAs. You will NO LONGER receive the regular Official Stable OTAs.

Carl Pei (Twitter)

[Download] Pixel 2 Launcher with Google Now and Notification Badges

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 15, 2017       

Just a few days ago we reported that Google Pixel 2 default Launcher is now available for all the Android devices but some of the features only work when installed as a system app.

Well, the new Pixel 2 Launcher Mod enables Google now and weather without installing as a system app, it also enables notification badges (Android O feature) for Nougat. The developer "paphonb" has also added few interesting custom features to the launcher.

The APK weighs in at around 2.53 MB and can be downloaded from the below link. Note that you can access the Google Feed from the leftmost screen.

Recently Google updated its Wallpaper Application with Pixel 2 wallpaper and other interesting categories. Google Wallpaper will be the best complement for Pixel 2 launcher.

Direct Download: Pixel 2 Launcher (XDA)

First Look at Razer’s Smartphone

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 15, 2017       

Razer is now all set to unveil its very first smartphone during an event on November 1st.

Razer phone will have a 5.7-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution which is same as the LG G6. It’ll have a Snapdragon 835 processor, 8GB RAM with a single 12-megapixel dual rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, and 64GB of internal storage.

Razer plans to position its Smartphone as a gaming device. We haven't seen any possible renders or live images of the Razer Phone, but that's going to change today, thanks to an alleged leak.

Via: Techbyte

Motorola announces Rose Gold and Cool Black Moto G5s

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 14, 2017       

Motorola has officially announced the Moto G5s in 2 new accents - Rose Gold and Cool Black.

Starting October 23, the Rose Gold and Cool Black version of the smartphone will be available in Chinese markets and there's no indication if or when it will come to other regions. There's also likely to be a limited number available, so if you want one, better start looking on how to import it now or those who can make it to the China, it would be great if you can bring me one too.

With the 5.2-inch display and complete metal body, the Moto G5S features Snapdragon 430 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. It comes with 3000mAh battery. Unlike Moto G5S Plus, the Moto G5S has single rear camera with a 16MP Sensor, and 5MP selfie shooter.

It runs Lenovo's own ZUI based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and comes with all the Moto Actions. The whole package costs 1599 Chinese Yuan (242 USD).

That said, we will let you know if Motorola plans to release these special edition Moto G5s color variants in any other regions. How bad you want one of these? Let us know in the below comment section!

Official Android 8.0 Oreo Beta now available for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 14, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update has already started. 

Chinese smartphone firm, OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS Beta update based on Android 8.0 Oreo for the OnePlus 3 and 3T. The OnePlus 3T receives OxygenOS Beta 16, and the OnePlus 3's version is OxygenOS Beta 25.

With Android 8.0 Oreo Beta for OnePlus 3/3T, you'll get new Settings and Notification panel UI, latest features including Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, and new emojis.

Note that most major aspects of the phone are working as expected but fingerprint actions may be slower than you are used to, shortcut to access Google Photos is unavailable, some stability issues with NFC and bluetooth. OnePlus plans to optimize performance and compatibility of 3rd party apps in the next update.

OnePlus has already confirmed that the "Flagship Killer" OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T won't be getting any major OS updates after Android Oreo. You can download the OxygenOS beta based on Android Oreo from the below link.

Android Oreo Beta: OnePlus 3T | OnePlus 3

Android 8.1 is Coming Soon!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 14, 2017       

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

Amazon Alexa and Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod in high-quality render

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 13, 2017       

Modular phone was first introduced by LG back at the MWC 2016 with the LG G5. However, it was Lenovo who took the concept to a whole new level with their Moto Z range of phones. Motorola is betting big on the modular phones.

Also Read: Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod First Real Life Images!!!

And today, here's our first clear look at the upcoming Amazon Alexa and Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod.

Just like the Google Assistant, Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant developed by Amazon. It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, and other real time information, such as news.

The Insta-Share Printer Mod instantly prints your photos just after capturing. It is made up of compact hardware from digital printers and applications and can be easily attachable to the smartphone with the help of magnetic pins at the back. Having said that, theses module are being developed by Motorola and was first introduced few months back.

There's no information on when this product will go on sale. We'll notify you once we get more information.

Source: Evan Blass 

Download Pixel 2 Camera App with Motion Photo for Google Pixel and Pixel XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 13, 2017       

There's no denying that the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with one of the best Smartphone Camera Sensor. But what makes the Pixel 2 Camera excel at taking photos is the Google Camera Application.

The latest Pixel 2 Camera app features Motion Photo, Face Retouching, Portrait Mode and other cool stuffs. The Good News is that you can now install the Pixel 2 Camera app and use most its feature on your 2016 Pixel and Pixel XL.

The Motion Photos are very short video clip. Pixel 2 Camera app comes with three settings, "Motion off," "Motion auto," and "Motion on," which control when Motion Photos are captured.

Also Read: Google Pixel 2 Launcher now available to Download

The APK weighs in at around 64.3MB and can be downloaded from the below link. Note that you won't get all the Pixel 2 Camera features, but Motion Photo, Face Retouching and the exposure lock works perfectly.

Download: Pixel 2 Camera App | XDA

Moto G5s Kernel Source Code Released

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 13, 2017       

Motorola finally released the kernel source of its recently announced Moto G5s, allowing developers to start the development of custom ROMs for the device.

Motorola usually releases the kernel sources in just two weeks of the phone's launch, but this time around, the Lenovo-owned company took a little bit more time than the usual. Nevertheless, the company has released the code and developers can start working.

The kernel sources are available in the tar.gz file extension and also in the form of a .zip file. If you're interested in developing a custom ROM forMoto G5s, the go ahead to Github and download the kernel sources and set it up in the Android Kitchen.

The Moto G5s is the latest budget smartphone from the company packing decent specifications such as the Snapdragon 430 SoC ,3000mAh battery, Android Nougat, and a 16MP Rear Camera.

Google Pixel 2 Launcher now available to Download

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 13, 2017       

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL default launcher which comes with bottom search bar is now available to Download. You'll be able to Install it on any Android Smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above.

The Pixel 2 launcher comes with new features including the bottom Google Search bar, a Glance widget, and minor animation changes. Rest is same as the previous Google Pixel launcher.

The APK weighs in at around 2.52 MB and can be downloaded from the below link. Note that to access the Google Feed which is available on leftmost screen you'll need to Install the below APK file as the system application.

Recently Google updated its Wallpaper Application with Pixel 2 wallpaper and other interesting categories. Google Wallpaper will be the best complement for Pixel 2 launcher.

Download: Pixel 2 Launcher

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 has a notification light

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 12, 2017       

Recently announced Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with an always-on display which can be enabled via Settings. But, Did you know that the Pixel 2 (duo) has a notification light? It does. We don't think it's on by default, but it's a nice addition to the phone's always-on display.

Twitter user Darren Gloster uploaded an image confirming the feature (notification LED) for Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. As you can see in the above image, there's a greenish-blue color LED.

Just like the 2016 Google Pixel(s), you can enable the notification LED by following the below steps:

• Go to your phone's Settings. 
• Tap on Notifications. 
• Tap on the Gear icon in the top-right corner. 
• Tap on the toggle next to "Pulse notification light".

It could be a multi-color LED, so if you want to test it, you can install Light Flow from Play Store.

Also Read: Google: The Pixel 2 still comes with a headphone jack, but..

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Specs: With the regular Pixel 2, you get a 5.0-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 12.2MP 1.4 micropixels at f1.8 (OIS/EIS) for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 8MP front camera, 2700mAh battery, fast wired and wireless charging, IP67 water and dust resistance, and Android 8.0 Oreo.

The Pixel 2 XL isn’t much different, but it does have the bigger and almost bezel-less 6-inch pOLED Quad HD+ display and a bigger 3520mAh battery. The rest is the same.

Source: Darren Gloster

Android 7.1.2 Nougat update is now live for the Nokia 6

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 12, 2017       

We all know that Nokia is one of the fastest when it comes to updating it's Smartphones to the latest Android OS. Additionally Nokia Smartphone's Stock-like interface has never taken too long to update.

Just a few weeks back we reported that Android 7.1.2 Nougat update is in the works for Nokia 6 and now HMD has started rolling the update with latest October Android Security patch.

Android 7.1.2 is 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, it also brings new gesture 'Swipe fingerprint scanner to open notification'.

For now, the update is reportedly rolling out in phases for selected Nokia 6 users. This means that the Android 7.1.2 Nougat won't be coming to all devices at once, but selected users will get the update.

HMD recently announced that all the Nokia Android Smartphones inducing the Nokia 6 will be updated to Android 8.0 Oreo by the end of 2017.

Google Wallpapers brings Pixel 2 Wallpaper and Three New Categories

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 12, 2017       

The standalone Wallpapers app for Android recently picked up an internal server update which bought new wallpapers and categories. While the application changelog (Play Store) mentions nothing about this update, there are some noteworthy changes in the app itself.

Right after opening up the application, you can immediately notice a new category called 'Geometric Shapes,' which has all the colorful images. If you are a Google Pixel user, you can notice other two categories including Underwater, and Keep Looking.

Additionally, there's a new Pixel 2 Cityscape wallpaper, but you’ll need a Pixel or Pixel XL to access that one.

With the Wallpapers application, most of the Android users long search for a dedicated wallpaper service has ended and Google is regularly providing updates to the app.

Play Store