Here's What's New in Official Android 8.0 Oreo for Galaxy S8

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 08, 2018       

Just a few hours back, we wrote about the official rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo on the Samsung Galaxy S8 throughout the U.S., India, Germany and Brazil. While this update might seem like a really modest improvement over the Android 7.0 Nougat, there is actually way more than meets the eye.

Android Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Samsung has add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new UI and enhancements. Below screenshot shows the full changelog of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Oreo Software Update.


The Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 weighs in at around 487MB and comes with the latest February 2018 security patch. The update is already rolling out to the users of Galaxy S8 users in phases. If you did not receive the update wait for few days or try checking for it manually by heading over to system updates section in the Settings app. Make sure you've at least 50 percent juice left on your phone before updating it.

Android Oreo for the Samsung Galaxy S8 Rolling Out Now

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 08, 2018       

If you own a Samsung Galaxy S8 running Android Oreo Beta you should have received the over-the-air update notification for Official Android Oreo update. The regular (non-beta) users will get Android Oreo within 24 hourse.

Android Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Samsung has add several new features to the latest software update.

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new design and enhancements.

The Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 weighs in at around 487MB and comes with the latest February 2018 security patch. The update is already rolling out to the users of Galaxy S8 users in phases. If you did not receive the update wait for few days or try checking for it manually by heading over to system updates section in the Settings app. Make sure you've at least 50 percent juice left on your phone before updating it.

Lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user gets Official Android 8.0 Oreo update

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 07, 2018       

A lucky Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user in Vietnam just recieved the Official Android 8.0 Oreo Software Update with firmware version G935FXXU2ERB2.

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

The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Samsung Smartphones comes with latest Samsung Experience 9.0 with new design and enhancements.

There's no information when Samsung is going to push the public rollout of Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Samsung is yet to start Official 8.0 Oreo rollout for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus by the end of February, so expect the S7 family to get update after a few months.

Image:Cnet | Via:1 | 2

Latest Google Play Services fixes Android's 'Check for update' [Download Here]

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 07, 2018       

The latest Google Play Services with version 12.2.09 appears to activate the Check for update button on Pixel and Nexus Smartphones.

According to a reddit thread, after installing the latest Google Play Services 12.2.09, the Pixel and Nexus users were able to pull the latest February security patch from Settings>System>System update>Check for update.

You can download and install the latest Play Services from Google Play Store after joining the Beta (Scroll to the bottom of the App listing page, and join the beta).

Download Google Play Services v12.2.09 [Beta]

February 2018 Android Security Update Goes Live For Xiaomi Mi A1 Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 06, 2018       

Xiaomi Mi A1 users running Android Oreo Beta has picked up a new software update that introduces the February 1st, 2018 security patch.

That’s all that is detailed in the new software version(OP31.170623.026.8.2.1). The most severe issue patched by Google in the February security is a vulnerabilitiy that enable a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to execute unauthorized code within the context of a privileged process in the Media framework.

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

February Security Update Release Notes are live for the Moto Z, and Moto Z2 Family

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 06, 2018       

Motorola seems to be gearing up to unleash a wave of February Security updates onto its devices. We first saw February 2018 release notes show up for the Moto X4, and Moto G4/Plus, but we are now seeing it for the Moto Z and Moto Z2 Phones.

Motorola mentions that the February update for the Moto Z 2016 includes 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. Apart from the February 2018 update, there's no mention of any improvements or features for the Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, and Moto Z2 Play.

The most severe issue patched by Google in the february security bulletin could enable a remote attacker to use a specially crafted file to execute unauthorized code within the context of a privileged process in the Media framework.

There's no information when the company will release February 2018 Security Update. We’ll update you as soon as the February 2018 security patch starts rolling out. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Yesterday, we saw many websites reporting the news that Motorola is rolling out Oreo to a large number of devices including the Moto X4, Moto Z and Z2 Series, Moto G5, Moto G5s Plus, and Moto G4 Plus. Well, the news is quite misleading as the Official Press Release from Motorola only says that the Moto X4 is getting the Oreo update in Australia starting today and the eligible devices for Oreo includes Moto Z and Z2 Series, Moto G5, Moto G5s Plus, and Moto G4 Plus. That said, Don't get spun by Internet rumors.

February Security Patch Release Notes:
Moto Z
Moto Z Play
Moto Z2 Play
Moto Z and Moto Z Force

February 2018 Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 05, 2018       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for February 2018 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, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL and Pixel XL.

For now, we have February 2018 Security Firmware files based on Android 8.1.0 Oreo for the Pixel 2(OPM1.171019.019) and Pixel 2 XL (OPM1.171019.018), Pixel (OPM1.171019.016) and Pixel XL (OPM1.171019.016), Pixel C (OPM1.171019.016), Nexus 6P (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015), and Nexus 5X (OPM3.171019.014, OPM5.171019.015).

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

New AR Stickers Coming This Week

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 05, 2018       

In a blog post, Google announced that they're enabling the Pixel Visual Core, hidden image-processing chip inside the Pixel 2 family of phones for 3rd Party Apps including Instagram, WhatsApp and Snapchat for better image processing speed and efficiency.

Google also announced that they're adding new Augmented Reality (AR) Stickers themed around winter sports later this week.

AR Stickers are exclusive to Pixel Smartphones. It lets you add virtual characters and playful emojis directly into your photos and videos to bring your favorite stories to life. With upcoming winter sports themed Stickers, you can dress up videos and photos with freestyle skiers, twirling ice skaters, hockey players, and more.

Related: Get Star Wars AR Stickers On Any Android Smartphone!!!

Later this week, we’re adding new Augmented Reality (AR) Stickers themed around winter sports, so you can dress up videos and photos with freestyle skiers, twirling ice skaters, hockey players, and more. Like all AR stickers, these characters interact with both the camera and each other, creating a fun-filled way to enhance the moments you capture and share. - Google Blog

Xiaomi is announcing the Redmi Note 5 on 14th Feb - but there's a catch

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 05, 2018       

Xiaomi's Redmi Note line has been one of its most successful lines of mid-ranged phones ever, so it makes sense that the company would want to follow-up last year's Redmi Note 4 with a Redmi Note 5.

Xiaomi today announced that it will be launching a new Smartphone on 14th Feb. And the new Smartphone is none other than the Redmi Note 5.

As spotted by Smartprix, Xiaomi's official teaser page clearly shows the mentions of Redmi Note 5. But the catch is Xiaomi will most likely rebrand the Redmi 5 Plus (earlier launched in China) as Redmi Note 5 for India and other markets.

The Redmi 5 Plus, soon to be called Redmi Note 5 features a 5.99" 18:9 Screen, Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB Internal Storage, 12 MP (f/2.2, 1.25 μm) Rear Camera, 5MP front shooter, 4000 mAh battery, and MIUI 9 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat. Thoughts?

List of Xiaomi Phones that are likely to get MIUI 10

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 04, 2018       

Just a few weeks back during the MIUI 2017 summer meeting in China, Xiaomi's Vice President, Hong Feng announced the MIUI 10. He said that the software is in the development and will be available for testing this summer.

MIUI 10 is expected to be based on Android 8.0 Oreo. Android 8.0 Oreo comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Xiaomi is also expected to add several new features to the latest software update.

Xiaomi may also include face unlock and swipe gestures with the MIUI 10. Feng says that the OS will be available for most of the devices later this year.

Xiaomi Redmi, Redmi Note, and Mi Phones will obviously get MIUI 10, but the question is which Xiaomi Smartphones will get it? So, below is an unofficial list of the Xiaomi devices which are likely to get Android Oreo based on MIUI 10. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

• Mi 6
• Mi 5
• Mi 5S
• Mi 5S Plus
• Mi 4
• Mi 3
• Mi 4S
• Mi 4C
• Mi Mix
• Mi Mix 2
• Redmi Y1 / Lite
• Mi Note 2
• Mi Note 3
• Redmi Note 3 / Pro
• Redmi Note 4 / 4X
• Redmi 5 Plus
• Redmi 5
• Redmi 5A
• Mi 5X
• Mi Max
• Mi Max 2
• Redmi 4 / 4X / 4A
• Redmi 3 / 3S / Prime
• Redmi Pro
• Redmi 3X

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi 6X Leaks: Is this the Xiaomi Mi A2 with Android One?

Via: 4GNews

[Updated] Android 9.0 to feature Native Call Recording

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 04, 2018       

The last time we updated you on the status of the Google's upcoming Android P, we told you that it was in the works and the first developer preview is near finalized and might hit on March 14 (Pie Day).

According to the latest commits in AOSP (Android Open Source Project), Google is adding In-Built/Native Call Recording support to Android 9.0. While recording the call, the device will produce a tone after every 15 seconds and the sound will be heard by both the parties on the call, allowing the other party to confirm the call is being recorded.

However, operators will be able to choose whether to enable or disable the call recording functionality as it is illegal to record calls in few countries.

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

[Update]

As clearified by Mishaal Rahman‏ (XDA) on Reddit:

The commits do not show evidence of Android P implementing native call recording or an API for third-party call recording.

I have been following these commits since before they were merged, and the gist of why this is inaccurate is because the mention of recording apps is just so Telecom can warn that a call may be recorded. It does this by playing an outgoing 1400Hz tone every 15 seconds while a call is being recorded.

The specific carrier that asked for this is Vodafone in Germany, which you can verify by looking up the MCC/MNC combination mentioned in the file name of one of the comments.

Via

Motorola Posts February 2018 Security Patch Release Notes for the Moto G4/Plus

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 04, 2018       

It seems that Motorola is gearing up to launch February 2018 Security Patches for the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus.

The February security update release notes are already live for the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus. Motorola mentions that the update includes 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.

So, the company is most likely to start February 2018 update official rollout for the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus by the end of this month. We will let you know once the update is live. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Related: Moto G4 Plus Gets New Android 8.1 Oreo Update Via AOSP ROM

INTRODUCTION

Motorola is excited to announce a new software update for moto g4 & moto g4 plus by Motorola. This update brings important security improvements to your phone.

For more information on Motorola updates and repairs, visit us at www.motorola.com/mymotog.

NOTE: You cannot downgrade to a previous software version after installing this update.

ENHANCEMENTS

This update introduces changes including the following:

• Android Security : Includes the updates of Android security patches through February 1st 2018.
• Fix for KRACK vulnerability: includes fix to address the KRACK vulnerability issue, which affects Wi-Fi networks.

Nokia's 7 Plus to have 18:9 display and an advance dual cameras

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 04, 2018       

Nokia 10 Concept

2017 was HMD's most successful year ever as Nokia phones sales soar. It seems that the company is planning to launch a bunch of Android Smartphones under Nokia brand in 2018.

Back in December 2017, we learned about the Nokia 7 Plus and other unannounced Nokia Smartphones via refrences inside Nokia Camera application. But now we have confirmed specifications + images of the Nokia 7 Plus, thanks to a new leak.

As you can see in the below image, the Nokia 7 Plus looks exactly similar to the Nokia 7 in terms of rear design but has dual-rear cameras and a 6 inches 18:9 display. On the Specificiation side, the Nokia 7 features Snapdragon 660 CPU which is of course faster than the Snapdragon 630 used in Nokia 7. It has 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage expandable up to 128 GB with MicroSD.

Taking a look at the Camera specs, we have 12MP + 13 MP with ZEISS Optics, 2X optical zoom, f/2.0 aperture, Dual PD all pixel focus, Nokia Pro Mode app, and Bothie.

HMD may announce the Nokia 7 Plus along with the Nokia 9 at MWC in Barcelona, Spain. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Image: Concept Creator | Via: Ithome

January 2018 Security update is now live for Moto X4 Android One owners

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 04, 2018       

The Moto X4 Android One is now getting the 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 January 1, 2018 Android security update. New software update for the Moto X4 brings along Bug fixes and Stability improvements. The new build number is OPWS27.1.1. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

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.

Moto X4 - Maintenance Release Notes

INTRODUCTION

Motorola is excited to announce a new software update for moto x4 by Motorola. This update brings important security improvements to your phone.

For more information on Motorola updates and repairs, visit us at www.motorola.com/mymotox.

NOTE: All information on your phone will be saved. You cannot downgrade to a previous software version after installing this update.

ENHANCEMENTS

This update introduces changes including the following:
Android security: Includes the updates of Android security patches through January 1st, 2018.

r/MotoX4 (onemanwufpack)

Download: Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ and Note8 Android Oreo build with February Security Patches

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 03, 2018       

You can now download and install the latest Android 8.0 Oreo firmware with February Security Patches on your Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, and Galaxy Note8 Devices.

The leaked firmware of February Security Patches with Official Oreo has been made available online and comes with build R16NW.G955USQU2CRB1 for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and R16NW.N950USQU3CRB1 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

XDA notes that these builds are able to be installed from the stock Samsung recovery, and are 100% safe to install. You can install them by first flashing version BQL1 via Odin on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, and flashing version BRA8 on the Samsung Galaxy Note8.

After installing the above firmwares you can sideload the OTA zip file via ADB. Note that ths procedure will erase the data on your phone. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Download software version BQL1 for the Samsung Galaxy S8 | Download Android Oreo OTA with February Patches for the Samsung Galaxy S8

Download software version BQL1 for the Samsung Galaxy S8+ | Download Android Oreo OTA with February Patches for the Samsung Galaxy S8+

Download software version BRA8 for the Samsung Galaxy Note8 | Download Android Oreo OTA with February Patches for the Samsung Galaxy Note8

Via: XDA

Moto Z2 Force on Verizon gets January 2018 Security Update

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 01, 2018       

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 January 1, 2018 Android security update. The new build number is ODXS27.109-34-4. Changelog says that the update also includes Meltdown and Spectre security patches. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

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.

[Download APK] Moto Camera with Spot Color for Moto G5s Plus

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 01, 2018       

Last night, we told you that the Moto G5s Plus is now getting a new Camera update with Moto X4's Spot Color feature which creates artistic photos by preserving one color in the frame and keeping other elements in monochrome.

The new Moto Camera 2 update is already available on Play store as version 7.1.9.6. If you haven't recieved the update you can manually install it by downloading and install the below .apk file (Thanks to XDA member Saadatrm.)

Download: Moto Camera (XDA)

Nokia 8 Price Falls by up to Rs 8,000; Here's the New Price!

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 01, 2018       

Back in September 2017, HMD announced the flagship Nokia 8 in India with top-notch specs and ZEISS Optics. The entire package was offered at a price of Rs 36,999 and according to retailer Mahesh Telecom, it is now available at Rs 28,999, following a drop of Rs 8,000.

The Nokia 8 features a 5.3-inch QHD IPS display with huge chin and top bezels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. The phone comes dual rear cameras with Zeiss Optics, Splashproof (IP54), OZO 360-degree Audio, and includes USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. The phone runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

The attraction for the phone is it's "Bothie" feature, which allows you to use both the front and the rear Camera's together. Another feature that might wonder you is its OZO Audio, which gives 360-degree sound with amazing quality. At the back, there are two cameras of 13MP with Zeiss optics along with an 13MP front-facing camera.

The Nokia 8 will be available in Polished Blue, Tempered Blue, Steel, Polished Copper Colour options. The device will pack a 3090mAh battery with quick charge support.

Moto Z Play Official Android 8.0 Oreo Beta [Screenshots]

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 01, 2018       

Just a few weeks back, Motorola started recruitment for Android Oreo beta testers for the Moto Z Play and today the company has started rolling out the update to the eligible users in the US and India. While this is only a beta program, it's still good to see that Motorola is working on bringing the latest version of Android for its users.

Android 8.0 Oreo Soak Test for the Moto Z Play comes with numerous enhancements over Android Nougat, such as faster booting, new Settings and Quick-Settings UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Motorola has also added several new features to the latest software update. Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Moto Z Play also brings the latest January 1st 2018 Security Patch, Stability and Camera improvements.

While the company has not revealed date of the official rollout of Android Oreo, it is believed that Motorola might release the official update by Mid Feb. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Below are some screenshots of the Android 8.0 Oreo Beta for Moto Z Play.

Cheers: LovinVEVO (XDA Member)

Moto G5s Plus gets Spot Color with new Camera update

 By Vaibhav Jain on January 31, 2018       

Moto G5s Plus is now getting a new Camera update with Moto X4's Spot Color feature which creates artistic photos by preserving one color in the frame and keeping other elements in monochrome.

The new Moto Camera 2 update arrives as version 7.1.9.6. The update is already rolling out to the users of Moto G5s Plus from January 30. If you did not receive the update try checking for it manually by heading over to My Apps section in the Play Store.

[Update] [Download APK] Moto Camera with Spot Color for Moto G5s Plus