Motorola Begins Android Oreo Soak Test for the Moto Z

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 22, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Motorola has already updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the update.

Reports out from AndroidPIT Brazil suggests that Motorola is now sending out Android Oreo Soak Test invitations to the Moto Z and Moto Z2 Force users enrolled for Motorola Feedback Network.

The reports further suggests that first Android 8.0 Oreo Beta may hit Moto Z and Moto Z2 Force users within 48 hours.

Apart from the Android 8.0 Oreo Goodies including new Settings and Notification panel UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Motorola might also add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Moto Smartphones may bring new Moto Key application that let's you securely save passwords, Moto Alexa, and new Moto Live Stream.

//AndroidPit

Yes, the OnePlus 3 and 3T will get Official Android 8.1 Update

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 21, 2017       

Yes, the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T will get the latest Android 8.1 Oreo update officially!!!

Today, OnePlus during OnePlus 5T A.M.A (Ask Me Anything) session on OnePlus forums announced that the OnePlus 3 and 3T would get Google's latest Android 8.1 Oreo update.

When asked by a OnePlus user Abhishek Sukumar about Android 8.1 Oreo for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T, OnePlus Staff Member Adam Krisko replied "Yes, later."

Google recently announced Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview for the Google Pixel and Nexus Smartphones. The Android 8.1 Oreo new feature includes Black and White Themes According to Wallpapers, new Power Menu, Settings, Oreo Easter Egg, and more.

Recently OnePlus started rolling out official Android 8.0.0 Oreo update with OxygenOS 5.0 to the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T. Get ready OnePlus 3 and 3T users, Android 8.1 Oreo is around the corner.

OnePlus Forums

Moto Z Play Droid gets November Security Patch with AppFlash

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 21, 2017       

Moto Z Play Droid is now getting latest November Security Patch with Verizon's AppFlash. Wondering what's AppFlash? Well the developers behind Evie Launcher "Evie" partnered with Verizon to make AppFlash, a home screen for App recommendations, Advertisements, and Discover tab just like Google Now Feeds.

If you own a Moto Z Play Droid you should have received the over-the-air update notification for November Android security update. The new build number is NDNS26.118-23-12-3.

Motorola's instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

Via: Reddit

Google Pixel 2: Fix For Buzzing Sound During Phone Call Coming Soon

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 20, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their new smartphones, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL impressing everyone right from day one. However, it was from software side where several users of both the phones complained to have issues.

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, most of Pixel 2 XL users are complaining about an issue which causes faint clicking/buzzing noise during phone calls.

However, turning off the NFC temporarily fixes the problem, but that's annoying.

Finally, a Googler posted in the product forum that the Buzzing Sound fix would be rolling out to the affected Pixel 2/ Pixel 2 XL users in the coming weeks.

We're rolling out a software update in the coming weeks which eliminates a faint buzzing sound on some Pixel 2 devices when the phone is placed to your ear during a phone call.

Google

Android Oreo coming soon to Nokia 6

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 20, 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. Nokia recently announced Android 8.0 Oreo beta for the Nokia 8 and promised the same for other Nokia Smartphones in the future.

Chief Product Officer, HMD Global Juho Sarvikas recently announced that the company will provide Android Beta preview for the Nokia 6 pretty soon. Juho Sarvikas said that Android Oreo for the Nokia 6 is around the corner.

But, what about the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and Nokia 7? Well, a few weeks back HMD's Chief Product Office on his twitter handle announced that the Nokia 3 , Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 will be soon getting Android Oreo Beta. The recently announced Nokia 7 will be added to the list pretty soon.

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.

Source: Juho Sarvikas | Image: Cnet

Neon Green Hammerhead USB-C Earphones from Razer looks Pretty Hot

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 20, 2017       

Most of the 2017 Flagship Smartphones including the latest Razer Phone has no 3.5mm headphone jack, that means you'll have to use the USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter or get some USB-C headphones to listen music.

Today, Razer announced Cool Neon Green Hammerhead USB-C Earphones. They’re made to match the Razer Phone, but you can easily plug them into any other device that has a USB-C jack.

The whole package costs $79.9 and includes USB-C Connector, Custom-tuned DAC for clean, unprocessed audio, Flat cables for tangle-free storage, Bi-flange ear tips in 3 sizes In-line microphone and volume control, and Custom carry case.

Buy Here

This is what Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S9 may look like

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 20, 2017       

In 2017 we saw some incredible decisions taken by some of the reputed companies over the globe. One such decision that stands out from every other is that Samsung releasing gorgeous Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus with infinity display.

And, they succeeded in doing that. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus is widely regarded as the best smartphone of 2017 and one of the best camera smartphone. However, both the Galaxy S8 were criticized for their poor fingerprint sensor placement and rear design language.

Now, Samsungmobile.News has come up with an exciting new renders based on actual leaks of Samsung's next flagship. The phone’s fingerprint scanner is placed on the back, just like current Galaxy S8.  If you take a closer look at the phone’s front, you’ll also notice that it has tiny top and chin bezel, which makes device beautiful.

According to reputed tipster @MMDDJ_, the Samsung Galaxy S9 will feature a single camera while the Galaxy S9 Plus will come with dual camera setup. Samsung may ditch the headphone jack with both the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus.

Credits: Samsung News

Get OnePlus 5T's FACE UNLOCK Feature on Any Android Smartphone

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 19, 2017       

The recently announced OnePlus 5T comes with bunch of new features and upgrades over the previous OnePlus 5. The main attraction of this device is it's Edge-to-Edge Screen and FACE UNLOCK feature. OnePlus claims that the face unlocking on the OnePlus 5T can be used to unlock the phone in 0.4 seconds. But, unlike Apple's Face ID, the system can't be used directly for payments via the Play Store.

Well, the OnePlus 5T Face Unlock is nothing but an advance and active Trusted Face Android feature which was introduced back with Android 5.0 Lollipop. It's available on all the Android devices and you can enable it by following the below steps.

Get OnePlus 5T's FACE UNLOCK Feature on Any Android Smartphone

• First off, Open Settings - Security and Locations -  Smart Lock. You'll be required to confirm your PIN/Pattern to continue.

• In the Smart Lock settings, tap on "Trusted Face" (Set up facial recognition). 

• Tap on "Set up". For best results find a spot indoors that's not too bright or too dim. Also hold the phone at eye level. 

• Select next and register your Face. 

• To use the Face Unlock feature, simply hold your device to your face level. After a successful recognition the bottom icon on the screen will change from "face" to "unlocked". Enjoy!

About the OnePlus 5T

With the OnePlus 5T, you get a 6.01-inch FHD Optic AMOLED 18:9 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 16MP + 20MP with f/1.7 aperture for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera, 3300mAh battery with Dash Charge, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

3 Advances in Bio-metrics and Smartphone Security

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 17, 2017       

The term “biometrics” is one of those words that many of us are familiar with, but we might not be able to define it if we were on a quiz show. To help you win that top prize on Jeopardy someday, biometrics are body measurements. Thanks to some pretty amazing advancements in technology, we now use different types of biometrics as security features in our devices like smartphones. As Study notes, biometric security measures the unique characteristics that we have in our bodies; in turn, these biological traits will verify who we are and give us access to our portable devices. 

Or, as Android Central states, instead of having to remember the bunch of letters, numbers and characters that make up a traditional password, in the land of biometric security, we are the password. Here are three of biometric's coolest applications:

Iris Recognition

Iris recognition works by measuring and scanning a smartphone owner’s iris pattern. Each one of us has a different pattern of color our irises, so smartphones that are equipped with this form of biometric security can scan the user’s eye to verify his or her identity. For example, if you own a Samsung Galaxy S8, to use the iris scanner to authenticate yourself, you will lift the phone to eye level at arm’s length, and wait for the innovative scanner to capture the iris data from your peepers. The Galaxy S8 is able to do this process pretty quickly and unlock your

phone. The technology also works from a longer distance and will not get fussy and stop working if your eyes are not perfectly centered with the phone.

Fingerprint Scanners

Another cool type of biometric security involves fingerprint scanners. As you have probably been told from the time you were a kid, your fingerprints are unique, so they are a reliable way to allow — or not allow — someone into a smartphone. Fingerprint scanners work by measuring the arches, loops and whorls on the finger. If the sensor detects your unique print, it will let you get into your phone.

As M2Sys.com notes, while fingerprint scanners used to be used only by the government, the military and law enforcement, they have become increasingly popular over the past five years and are now found in a number of smartphones, including the Touch ID feature that is found on many recent-model iPhones.

Facial Recognition
As the name implies, this type of biometric security uses your face to gain access to your smartphone. Apple announced Face ID not too long ago, and it has gotten a lot of attention as people wonder if it is possible to “fool” this form of security with a photo or other methods. 

As Wired notes, a team from the website tried hard to crack the Face ID system in a number of ways without any success. The new Apple iPhone X, which features Face ID, uses more than a 2D facial check; it will use a grid of 30,000 infrared dots projected onto a face, along with an infrared camera reading the distortion of the grid to create a 3D image of your face.

As the years go by, it will be interesting to see what other advances will be made in biometric security and its application to smartphones. It is nice to know that we no longer have to recall complicated passwords to access our trusty devices and rely instead on certain unique parts of our bodies.

OnePlus Announces OnePlus 5T

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 16, 2017       

You are probably watching along to the OnePlus live stream, but the OnePlus 5T is now official with enhanced and upgraded design over the OnePlus 5 that offer a new level of functionality and convenience.

As for the rest of the story that has been leaked in various forms over the past weeks, this is what we are looking at. So, we have a "new era of OnePlus Smartphone, opening up new ways to experience the world".

With the OnePlus 5T, you get a 6.01-inch FHD Optic AMOLED 18:9 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 16MP + 20MP with f/1.7 aperture for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera, 3300mAh battery with Dash Charge, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

What else new though? Well OnePlus has also added Face Unlock feature that uses 100 identifiers to make sure you are you before unlocking.

OnePlus 5T  starts at $499 (64GB) / $559 (128GB) and available for purchase starting November 21.

November security patch rolling out to Moto Z2 Force

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 15, 2017       

The Moto Z2 Force on Verizon just got a new software update with latest Android security patch, bug fixes, and improvements.

If you own a Moto Z2 Force you should have received the over-the-air update notification for November 1 Android security update. The new build number is NDXS26.183-15-5.

Motorola's instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

November Security update is now live for Nokia 3

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 14, 2017       

The  Nokia 3 just got a new software update with latest Android security patch, bug fixes, and improvements.

If you own a Nokia 3 you should have received the over-the-air update notification for November 1 Android security update. While this update would have been more exciting if it had brought Nougat 7.1.2, which is already available for Nokia 5, Nokia 6, and Nokia 8.

Nokia's instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

Via: NPU

Google Removes UC Browser From Google Play

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 14, 2017       

Google has removed the popular "UC Browser" from the Google Play Store. However, the Official UC Browser Mini is still there and can be downloaded.

Recently Indian government cracked down on UC Browser for allegedly sending user data to remote servers in China. The browser is owned by Chinese internet giant Alibaba.

UC Browser is the sixth most downloaded Android app in India, and crossed 500 million downloads few weeks back.

There have been no announcements done on the subject either from Google or UC Web. We'll let you know once we get more information regarding this. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Lenovo Introduces the New Moto Tab, an Everyday Tablet Designed for Entertainment

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 14, 2017       

Lenovo today announced it's first Moto-branded tablet Moto Tab, an everyday, versatile tablet designed for the entertainment. Available starting November 17, the Moto Tab features a refined design with a sleek metal frame and soft-touch back that’s comfortable to hold. It offers long-lasting 7000mAh battery, a beautiful display that looks good in any light, and increased onboard memory with expandable storage.

Moto Tab will sport a 10.1-inch FHD display with IPS panel. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor paired with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage (Expandable upto 128GB). The Tab will pack a 7,000 mAh battery while running on Android Nougat 7.1.1 out of the box.

It comes with USB Type-C port, Fingerprint sensor, Dual Speakers with Dolby Atmost sound. The company will also launch Alexa Assistant Dock and Mouse-Keyboard for Moto Tab soon.

It will be available in United States for AT&T subscribers starting 17 November 2017 for $ 299.99 which amounts to Rs 19,500. Thoughts?

Poll: Are You Going to Buy the Moto X4?

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 13, 2017       

Today, Lenovo and Motorola resurrected the Moto X series with the launch of Moto X4 Smartphone in India.

It's a good idea to buy a Moto X4 if Design, Stock Android and IP68 feature are your primary concern.

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.

So we're curious to find out how many of our readers are planning to buy the Moto X4. In case you're wondering, the smartphone will be sold today at 00:00 Midnight starting at Rs. 20,999 for 3/32GB and 22,999 for 4/64GB.

So, Will you buy the Motorola Moto X4?

Poll: Are You Going to Buy the Moto X4?#Motorola #MotoX4

— TechDroider (@techdroider) November 13, 2017

Motorola Announces Moto X4 in India, Sales Start Today

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 13, 2017       

Motorola has finally launched it's much anticipated Moto X4 Smartphone in India. The device will go on sale on Flipkart starting Today from 23:59 midnight onwards.

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

Moto X4 will be available starting today in Black and Sterling Blue color options. It starts at Rs. 20,999 for 3/32GB and 22,999 for 4/64GB Memory. Launch Offers includes:

1) Exchange offer: Additional Rs. 2500 off on exchange of your old Smartphone.

2) Upgrade offer: Up to Rs. 3000 extra off on exchange of your old Motorola Smartphone.

3) 10% discount on HDFC Cards

4) 50% Buy back value

5) 340GB Airtel Data

Steal Deal... Right? Which one would you buy?

Get Android 8.1 on Moto G5 Plus via Pixel Experience ROM

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 13, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Motorola has already updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the update and yes the Moto G5 Plus is one of them.

Google recently announced the beta version of Android 8.1 with tons of new features and enhancements for Pixel and Nexus devices. However, there's no information whether Motorola will update the Moto G5 Plus to Android 8.1.

Watch: Android 8.1 New Features!!!

But you can Install it right now via Pixel Experience ROM. Developer "jhenrique09" has successfully ported Android 8.1 Oreo based Custom ROM for the Moto G5 Plus. Additionally, most major aspects of the phone are working as expected (such as RIL, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.).

Also Read: Motorola Moto Phones Android 8.0 Oreo Update Info

With Android 8.1 Oreo, you'll get new Wallpaper Themes, Pixel 2 Launcher, Redesigned Power Menu, new Shutdown and Reboot Animation, Round Statusbar Icons, and Settings.

You'll need to Unlock Bootloader and Install TWRP Custom Recovery in-order to Install the Pixel Experience ROM based on Android 8.1 Oreo on Moto G5 Plus Potter. You can grab the Custom Rom ZIP file from below.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Screenshots

Downloads

Direct Download: Pixel ROM [Google Apps Included] (// XDA)

Download Flashable Official Android 7.1.1 Nougat for Moto G4 Play

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 12, 2017       

Android Oreo is already official and there we've the Moto G4 Play users who are still waiting for Android Nougat update for their Smartphones.

All we know at this point is that, yes, Lenovo is still testing Nougat on Moto G4 Play. The company isn’t providing a timetable like it did earlier this year, though. That’s likely because it doesn’t want to give false hope and disappointment to their customers.

If you own a Moto G4 Play with custom recovery installed, you can install the Android 7.1.1 Nougat with September security patch. XDA Developer "Q9Nap" has converted the last Official Android 7.1.1 Nougat Soak Test into a flashable zip file.

Just download the ZIP file from the below link and use TWRP recovery to flash it on your Moto G4 Play. I've been using this firmware from past couple of weeks and haven't found a single bug.

Also Read: Forget Nougat, You can now Install Android 8.0 Oreo on Moto G4 Play

Download: 7.1.1 TWRP Flashable | Via XDA

OnePlus 5T Early Unboxing Photos

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 12, 2017       

OnePlus is widely expected to unveil the much-anticipated OnePlus 5T on November 16th during an event. The OnePlus 5T specs and design is no longer a mystery, as the device have been already leaked multiple times.

Today, YouTuber Karl Conrad published a video that showed off the OnePlus 5T in all its glory. Since it was an early unboxing video and he probably broke the NDA, the video is now down. However, Zyad Atef (Slashleak member) managed to capture some screenshots of the video.

As you can see in the below images, the box contains the handset itself, along with a variety of different cases, and also a reviewer's guide.

OnePlus 5T vs OnePlus 5



OnePlus 5T Specifications:

The OnePlus 5T packs a 6" 1080p 18:9 Screen. It is 156.1 x 75 x 7.2mm in size, thus being 1.9mm taller, 0.9mm wider, and 0.1mm thinner than the OnePlus 5, in addition to weighing 162g instead of 153g. The device runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat with OxygenOS icing on the top. It has  Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 clocked at up to 2.45GHz, 6/8GB RAM, 64/128GB Internal storage.

Camera wise, the device features dual-camera setup entailing a 16-megapixel sensor (IMX 398) and a 20-megapixel one (IMX 376K), both made by Sony. It offers 3,300mAh battery with Dash charge support. It has a 3.5mm audio jack, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 support.

November Security update is now live for Moto X4 Android One owners

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 11, 2017       

The Moto X4 Android One just got its very first software update with latest Android security patch, bug fixes, and improvements.

If you own a Moto X4 Android One you should have received the over-the-air update notification for November 1 Android security update. New software update for the Moto X4 brings along Camera and Stability improvements.

Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

Screenshot:

About Android One Moto X4: 

The Moto X4 has a 5.2-inch full HD display, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, with 4GB of RAM, 32/64GB of storage and a 3000mAh battery inside powering the device. It does also have dual 12+8 megapixel cameras on the back of the device, and it is made of glass with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Android One Moto X4 is a little different than the Standard Moto X4 available in the Europe. It has Pure Stock Android, which means that it lacks Moto Apps including Moto Voice, Moto Access, Attentive display, or one-button navigation options. However, you'll still get Motorola Actions (Chop for Flashlight, Twist for Camera, etc.).

Google states this phone will receive an update to Android 8.0 Oreo before year’s end and it will be among the first to receive Android P.

Via: Reddit