TechDroider

Motorola Moto Z3 Gets December 2018 Security Patch

The Motorola Moto Z3 is now getting the latest Android security patch, bug fixes, and improvements.

If you own a Moto Z3 you should have received the over-the-air update notification for December 1, 2018 Android security update. New software update for the Moto Z3 brings along Bug fixes and Stability improvements.

Note that the Moto Moto Z3 still runs Android 8.1 Oreo. Motorola has already announced that the Moto Z3 will be getting Android 9.0 Pie.

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

Image: Henry Gomez

How to Utilize Apps to Boost Your Content Creation

How to Utilize Apps to Boost Your Content Creation
Everyone can start a website or blog these days. Everyone has an opinion, and so many of the users on the Internet are focused on being the center of attention, rather than contributing to any sort of discussion or debate. Businesses find it hard to succeed in this attention market, and if you are a personal blogger, you can all but hope to kiss your dreams goodbye unless you can work tirelessly to create and engage with your own audience.

Being away from your phone when you hope to monetize your website is business suicide. The attention market doesn’t care if you need a day off. Between search engines and social media feeds alike, disappearing and not being consistent with quality production can damage your progress thus far.

Before you stress, however, it is easy to create compelling content on the go. Write up a draft of an article on your commute, edit it at your lunch, and by tomorrow morning you have a great post to send out. To create this content on the go, however, you are going to need to download a few essential apps:

What Apps You Will Need

The apps you will need to plan, draft, and create compelling content on the go include:

1. Education Apps
Education is one aspect of life we should never stop. Not only will it boost our understanding of the world around us, but it also enables you to create informative, engaging content. Luckily, with education apps like the edX online training app, you can take your learning one step further and actually further your web design and marketing skills for free. Available from the experts at edX training app, this innovative app allows you to stream and download online classes, test your knowledge with quizzes and search for any subject. What’s more, it has great reviews, scoring an incredible 4.6 out of 5 on Google’s Play Store.

2. A Note-Taking App

If you do not like the note-taking app that comes with your phone, then you have plenty of third-party apps to choose from. Try out a few and stick with the one with the easiest interface. If it has a cloud-backup system that allows you to access your notes between your phone and computer, then even better.

3. A Blogging App

If your website is hosted on WordPress, you can quickly draft posts through the WordPress app. You will probably want to review it on a computer beforehand, but for drafts it is ideal.

4. Social Media Apps

Social media apps for the top platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are needed for marketing and PR. With Facebook, however, try downloading their Facebook Pages app for more control.

There are so many ways you can create a successful blog and make a profit off of it, but you need to be dedicated. Don’t let your misconceptions about your dream cloud your judgment. You need to know what to expect before you go in. Managing a successful site takes a lot of work, and you need to be able to succeed in a variety of different roles. So, start learning more on a regular basis, and use the apps outlined here so you can get into the habit of creating great content regularly.

Galaxy S10 Lite Leaks Online

Samsung is all set to announce the NEXT Galaxy S Smartphones early 2019. The company plans to launch 3 Galaxy S10 phones namely Samsung Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10 Lite.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is going to be a cheaper variant of the Galaxy S10/ S10 Plus with low end Specifications and Design Changes.

Ice universe just posted a Case render of the upcoming Galaxy S10 Lite showcasing the Side Fingerprint sensor, and Dual Rear Cameras. It is rumored to feature Flat Screen with a Display hole for Front facing Camera.


Moto X4 Android 9.0 Pie Update is on Its Way

Motorola is planning to release the latest Android 9.0 Pie update to its Moto X4 Smartphones. Android 9.0 Pie update Release Notes for the Standard Moto X4 and Moto X4 Android One are now live.

With Android 9.0 Pie, you'll get new Recents, Rotation suggestion, Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness, Smart replies, App actions, Text selection, Redesigned Quick Setting tiles and Notification Panel, Redesigned Volume Options, Brand new Settings, Privacy, Digital Wellbeings (Dashboard) and Winddown Mode.

That said, we'll update the article as soon as we get more information regarding the rollout of Android Pie for the Moto X4. Stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram to get the first News.

Moto X4 Android 9.0 Pie Release Notes -

INTRODUCTION

Motorola is excited to announce a new software update for moto x4. This update brings important 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

Android™ 9.0 Pie improves your mobile experience from the new Intuitive Navigation and Recent App, an improved Do Not Disturb mode and a colourful settings menu, to anticipated longer battery life and revamped split screen. Android Pie also brings a redesigned Quick Settings, simplified volume controls, an easier way to manage notifications and more.

After installing the software update you may notice changes that include*:

Usability

Adaptive battery:
 go longer with a single charge. It prioritises battery power on the apps
you use the most and applies restrictions on the ones you use the least. Battery saver can now be activated from 70% or below.

Adaptive brightness: fewer manual adjustments to perform better. Machine learning takes
notes of your habits and automatically adjusts to your activities.

Quick settings improvements: no shortcuts anymore (toggles are no longer expandable,
but press and hold a toggle goes to the setting detail). The icons have been redesigned with a rounded concept and circular background.

Rotation key: Android Pie presents a temporary rotation even with the auto-rotate disabled. A rotation button is displayed whenever it detects that your phone has changed
orientation.

Dual SIM settings: by pressing the SIM Card toggle in the Quick settings, a full screen
activity is shown to select preferred SIM and manage data usage.

Redesigned Settings app: colourful icons for each selection with a circular background. It also warns if the phone is muted or in Do not disturb mode. Order, name and placement of the settings options have not changed.

Better screenshots: another handy Android 9.0 feature is the addition of the virtual screenshot button/shortcut to the power menu (the old power and volume down method (still works). You can also edit your screenshots immediately after taking them and a delete option is also available.

Improved audio controls: the volume slider is now vertical and close to the volume buttons. Users can switch between ring, mute and vibrate-only mode. Plus, media controls are now the default volume adjusted, and Do not disturb cannot be turned on/off via the volume keys anymore. Bluetooth device volumes are also accessed whenever connected. As usual, 'Volume Up + Power' changes the ring mode to vibrate.

Zoom in text:
you can finally manage the annoying mistakes of selecting incorrect text. Now, when you press and hold a phrase or text, it will automatically magnify at the pointer.It also helps you read small text and select words precisely.

New and updated emoji: 157 new emojis, as well as a gender-neutral concept.

Settings icon while on PIP mode:
tapping the new settings icon brings you to the app's PiP settings, where you can enable or disable the feature. 

Other UI changes: time is now on the left side and the search bar is now rounded. There is a new task manager/recents list that now shows a horizontal list instead of a vertical one and includes the split screen capabilities by pressing the app icon above the thumbnail. Dragging the split screen border will select the app you want in full screen
Notifications

Notification UI changes:
 notifications now have rounded corners. It also supports inline images/stickers and distinguishes single/group conversations.

Dismissing notifications: Android Pie will now suggest a couple of actions to you for the type of notifications you usually dismiss. It will offer to turn off frequently dismissed notifications by asking you if you would like to stop seeing these notifications or keep showing them.

Notification bar: maximum of 4 visible notifications in the status bar before the list is truncated with a dot to indicate more unseen icons.

Manage notifications: a shortcut at the bottom of the cards in the notification shade that allows you to see a user-facing list of recent notification activity. If it's something annoying, you can flip the toggle right there to disable unwanted notifications in the future.

Performance

Performance improvements:
applications will launch faster and use less memory, gaining performance and efficiency improvements.

Power efficiency: refinements to Doze, App Standby and Background Limits to improve battery life.

Background App privacy: the system restricts access to the phone's microphone, camera and other sensors (other than GPS). A persistent notification is shown if an app needs access while in the background.

Bluetooth enhancements: simultaneous connection of up to 5 Bluetooth audio devices. However, there is no option for simultaneous playback: users need to choose the device to be used. Android 9.0 also remembers the last volume level for paired devices.

Wi-Fi optimisation: Wi-Fi hotspot goes OFF in case of no connection. It disables automatically, preventing others nearby from connecting to your network. Stability improvements: includes changes that fix bugs and improve the stability of your phone.

Security

Security enhancements:
an alert tone will be heard when a call is being recorded to all parties. The pattern unlock also hides the swipe trail, instead of simply leaving the trail visible until the phone has fully unlocked. Better for security.

Data encryption: Android Pie will now perform client-side data encryption and/or decryption on the user's phone: authentication is required (password, PIN, pattern), plus Google backs up all information to the cloud and hacker attacks become much more difficult.

DNS over TLS support: it creates a secure connection to the DNS server before DNS queries and responses happen. For example, someone monitoring the connection will have a harder time seeing what you're doing. HTTPs by default: all applications built for Android Pie onwards will send and receive data via HTTPS by default, ensuring your data is better protected as you communicate with the app's servers, especially public Wi-Fi.


4 Programs for Authors That Will Change How You Write

Being an author is difficult. Perfecting the story you want to tell is a process, and mall and tedious things can make it happen slower than you want it to. 

Fortunately, there are programs created specifically for authors. These programs aim to help with the creation and completion of your work. To make your life easier, here’s a list of 4 programs that will help you improve your writing. Consider using a few to become the best author you can be!

1. Scrivener

Scrivener is the current cream of the crop when it comes to programs for authors. You can get this program through a one time purchase of around $45-$50 dollars. It’s like Word, but a souped-up and more author-centric version. Here are just a few things you can do with Scrivener:
  • Compile small docs into one big one easily 
  • Save documents as an ePub or Word doc 
  • Use templates designed for novels, screenplays, comics, scripts, etc. 
  • Crate character and scene sketches 
  • Storyboard your piece 
  • Store research files 
  • Set writing targets 
All these options give you an author’s dream tool belt. If you’re considering purchasing this program but are still on the fence, read a well-informed and thorough Scrivener review to help you decide.

2. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is like an old and reliable friend. Word is simple and easy to use, and that means easier writing. You might be a traditionalist or stick with what you know best, and that means using Microsoft Word as your word processing software.

While Word doesn’t have as many author-designed tools as Scrivener, it might be what you have or what you like. Luckily, Word still has plenty of features that are useful to an author.

In Word, you can create chapters and use them to navigate your document. You can also use their free book-writing template. It also has a spell and grammar check tool that you can use as you’re writing. Word might not be the most advanced, but it’s widely available. No matter what, you can always find ways to make Word work towards bettering your writing.

3. Grammarly

With the way education systems vary, not all of us are grammar experts. But, that shouldn’t stop you from being the best writer you can be! 

Grammarly is an app/browser extension you can purchase and download onto multiple platforms, including Microsoft Word and WordPress. If you fit Grammarly into your publishing budget, it’s bound to become one of your most trusted tools.

Grammarly has some amazing features that are bound to help you as an author. It checks your grammar in real time as you write. On top of that, experts have testified that it is incredibly accurate! If you’re a bit insecure about your grammar, or don’t have room in your budget for a line editor, consider Grammarly – it’s free!

4. Freedom

Freedom is a productivity app/extension that is designed to help you get as much writing done as possible. It’s easy to become distracted or disinterested when working, especially considering the popularity of social media. You might open a new tab to do “research” or get “inspiration” and the next thing you know you’ve spent two hours on Twitter.

Freedom was created to make sure that stops happening. Freedom offers multiple options to manage distractions, including a timer for how long you want to work, the ability to block specific websites, apps, and notifications, the option to block distractions on multiple devices, and more! If you struggle with keeping your attention on the piece that you’re writing, check out Freedom for help.

Creating is never easy, and it’s made even more difficult when technology is added in. Story building doesn’t exactly happen on pen and paper anymore. Luckily, using any one of these programs will help you become a better writer. So pick one, and see what you create!