Mishaal Rahman

The best source for Android OS news. Senior contributor to Android Central, Android Authority, Android Police, and Android Headlines. Podcast + newsletter: AndroidFaithful.com.

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Last Notes

2024-08-02 16:07:48

We're less than two weeks away from the Made by Google 2024 hardware event, so naturally, more folks are going to be using them out in the wild.
Someone was recently spotted using the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at a Starbucks in Taiwan, giving us our first real-world look at the phone in one of its official cases.
https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-9-pro-fold-leak-starbucks-3467562/

2024-08-02 15:00:54

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Here are 5 more codes for y'all, grab 'em quickly!
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/893/024/794/046/105/original/bab35f340462e6db.png

2024-08-01 15:46:48

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GIVE AWAY! Here are 10 promo codes for my followers on Mastodon. Leave a reply once you're claimed a code :)
Use Google Lens or something similar to copy the code, open the Google Play Store app, hit your profile picture, tap Payments & subscriptions, tap Redeem code, and then enter the code.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/887/540/068/920/046/original/e41ba5606e7ff0b1.png

2024-08-01 00:15:43

Despite the (many) serious issues with the initial implementation, I still think Windows Recall was a cool idea, and I'm looking forward to trying it out on my Yoga Slim 7X once Microsoft brings it back.
ICYMI: Here's what Recall looked like before it was recalled.
(I recorded this little demo today, by the way😉)
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/883/879/529/873/516/original/ed46ebe464b52ac3.mp4

2024-07-31 15:17:22

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is here, bringing an upgraded chipset (the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro) and a 50MP front camera for $50 more than the Phone (2a)!
More details + specs and availability are in the article linked below.
https://www.androidfaithful.com/nothing-phone-2a-plus/

2024-07-29 21:34:15

Vehicle Motion Cues is a super helpful new feature in iOS 18 that reduces motion sickness while in a moving vehicle. If you're an Android user, an app released ~6 years ago does the same thing, & I'm happy to report that it really works!
More details👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/reduce-motion-sickness-android-3465907/

2024-07-29 17:54:05

Google says Quick Share for Windows doesn't support ARM devices like the new Snapdragon X Elite-powered PCs.
It turns out the app runs just fine, though, provided you skip the official installer. More details below.
https://www.androidauthority.com/quick-share-for-windows-on-arm-3465842/

2024-07-26 21:38:43

We thought the Galaxy Z Flip 6 doesn't support Samsung DeX, but turns out it does: just not the version most people are familiar with. It supports New DeX, not Classic DeX.
So yes, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is technically Samsung's first flippable to support DeX. More details in this article: https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-6-new-dex-3465384/

2024-07-26 21:16:47

Chrome OS is borrowing a simple, yet handy accessibility feature from Android: screen flashes for new notifications.
More details in the article linked below: https://www.androidauthority.com/chrome-os-notification-screen-flash-3465347/

2024-07-26 19:41:46

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@npub1rza…hkdr It's opt-in, so I don't mind.

2024-07-26 17:49:08

Google Chrome could soon be less annoying when downloading APKs
Chrome is preparing to no longer show the "file might be harmful" warning when downloading APKs, but only if Google Play Protect is enabled.
This not only makes sideloading APKs slightly less annoying when using Google Chrome but also reduces the number of steps it takes to sideload an app on Android.
Full details can be found in this article on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-chrome-downloading-apks-3465272/

2024-07-26 17:27:13

The Google Play Store is becoming more personalized with local recommendations
Google Play can now use your device’s approximate location to provide locally-relevant content recommendations.
More details👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-store-local-recommendations-3465221/

2024-07-25 20:15:39

This fall, Google will roll out an update to the Play Store's subscriptions page that'll make it clearer what you're getting for your money. You'll see a checklist of benefits for each subscription.
You can find a Google-made mockup of this new UI over in this article on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-store-revamped-subscriptions-ui-3464844/

2024-07-25 20:12:40

Samsung added two new audio settings in One UI 6.1.1 that I absolutely LOVE: boost dialogue and loudness normalization.
The former makes it easier to hear dialogue in TV shows and movies, while the latter normalizes volume levels of music.
More details on each feature can be found in this article on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-6-1-1-audio-features-3464824/

2024-07-25 19:44:17

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https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/news/epic-s-new-game-strategy-for-mobile-stores

2024-07-25 19:44:10

Oh wow, Epic Games is pulling Fortnite and its other games from the Samsung Galaxy Store in protest of the Auto Blocker change I first reported on earlier this week.
I should note that the pop-up in One UI 6.1.1 already tells you how to turn off Auto Blocker. Plus, sideloading is technically already disallowed by default in Android.
However, Sweeney and Epic have been fighting against what they call "nag" screens and any extra hurdles to sideloading, so I can see why they'd take this stance.

2024-07-25 18:32:13

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If you're wondering why I'm using a Huawei phone, it's because the P60 Pro has a great camera. That's pretty much it. Otherwise I would not use Android without GMS. It's a pain.

2024-07-24 13:55:01

If Google was planning to let you run Chrome OS off your Android device, would you do it?
You can do it right now with a bit of tinkering, eg here's my Pixel 8 Pro hooked up to an external monitor running Chromium OS in a VM, but there's no official route to do so yet.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/841/802/585/719/015/original/f9a10775a2f2194b.jpg

2024-07-24 13:39:44

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@npub19y6…zc37 would blocking publishers even be effective with the sheer number of them out there?

2024-07-24 13:23:39

Mini scoop:
Google has consolidated 3 teams (Android Developer Experience, Google Play, & Ecosystem Trust) to improve the end-to-end experience for Android app developers.
This new team is led by Google's Sam Bright.
More details over on Android Police: https://www.androidpolice.com/google-play-consolidated-teams/

2024-07-24 13:17:32

Google Play wants to make it easier to discover new apps and great content
Today, Google Play unveiled a Collections widget, Comics tab, personalization opt-out, & the ability for Play Points members to win Pixel hardware, etc.
More details 👇
https://www.androidfaithful.com/google-play-wants-to-make-it-easier-to-discover-new-apps-and-great-content/

2024-07-23 12:36:02

Heads up: Auto Blocker is turned on by default on Galaxy devices launching with One UI 6.1.1, which means that sideloading apps is blocked by default.
If you're a power user, you can temporarily (or permanently) turn off Auto Blocker. Here's how👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/enable-sideloading-one-ui-6-1-1-3463446/

2024-07-23 12:32:18

Samsung has upgraded its Auto Blocker feature in One UI 6.1.1 to be even more restrictive.
The new "maximum restrictions" mode blocks device admin apps, attachment downloads, hyperlinks, and more.
More details on this privacy update can be found👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-6-1-1-auto-blocker-maximum-restrictions-3461151/

2024-07-23 12:29:05

Samsung said the Galaxy Ring won't require a subscription...but fine print suggests that only "currently available" Samsung Health features won't need one and that "different terms may apply" for future features.
More details👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-ring-future-features-subscription-3463439/

2024-07-23 12:26:22

Samsung Messages is no longer preinstalled on new Galaxy devices in the U.S., starting with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Samsung confirmed to Android Authority that the removal of the Samsung Messages app is, indeed, limited to the U.S. right now, and that the decision was made to accelerate the adoption of (Google's) RCS implementation and the Google Messages app.
https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-drop-samsung-messages-google-messages-reason-3463520/

2024-07-23 11:57:20

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@npub1c98…sq6y it means you don't need to download more ram if you buy this phone because it already has ALL THE RAM

2024-07-22 20:48:50

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Google's Find My Device network has a lot of promise. There are tons of Android phones it can piggyback off of. But the opt-in process and default setting make it less effective at finding your objects. When it works, it's great, though. I hope the improvements that Google promised us will make the network better.

2024-07-22 20:47:46

Despite its faults, the Android Find My Device network actually gave me some peace of mind the other day.
I checked one bag for my flight back home from Beijing. When I landed in San Francisco and got to my next gate, the United app still hadn't been updated to say whether my bag was loaded onto my next flight.
When I boarded my flight, they said it was slightly delayed because they were still waiting on some bags.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/832/102/515/619/122/original/8f9cb8b4f23c9540.jpg

2024-07-22 20:15:42

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For a bunch more camera samples, check out this album: https://albums.ente.io?t=Jknj3szw#BY9Jx9XL61QgSVxCoGuyiRjXnWYbZTByUwuaSp4SS7mV
Hands-on with Ultra HDR in Android 14: The future of photography: https://www.androidpolice.com/android-14-ultra-hdr-hands-on/

2024-07-22 15:52:59

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Everything else about this phone is quite impressive, though, especially for its price. The phone in question is the Blackview Hero 10, a folding flip phone that costs as low as ~$351 with the right discounts.
My review: https://www.androidfaithful.com/blackview-hero-10-review/

2024-07-22 15:52:44

Honestly wonder how many people fall for this, frankly deceptive, bit of labeling that some brands use. No, this phone doesn't have 36GB of RAM.
You don't see Google, Samsung, or other major smartphone brands advertise more memory than what their phones actually physically have in RAM, even though they also use swap space.
(The label does have "12+24GB" in small text, but I still feel this misleads most regular users.)
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/830/941/095/298/078/original/79d3e37e80807d86.jpg

2024-07-21 19:47:26

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@npub1ena…gg70 guess I need to book another flight to China. Shenzhen, here I come!

2024-07-20 23:45:19

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@npub1c98…sq6y I'll take this kind of merch over another water bottle any day 🤣

2024-07-20 09:28:05

Since typing on a tiny keyboard is tough, @SamsungMobileUS added a "suggested replies" feature that uses on-device AI (Gemini Nano) to recommend replies. This works on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover screen and connected One UI Watch 6 devices.
More details can be found in the article linked below.
https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-suggested-replies-one-ui-3460745/

2024-07-19 23:35:11

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 might not have Samsung DeX, but it does have a better desktop mode
When you connect your Z Flip 6 to an external display, you don’t just get a mirrored screen anymore.
I've got a bunch of photos of the Z Flip 6's not-DeX mode in the article linked below
https://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-z-flip-6-desktop-mode-3461615/

2024-07-19 23:32:17

One UI 6.1.1’s Live Effect feature is Samsung's take on the Google Pixel's Cinematic Wallpapers
Live Effect turns any ordinary photo into a 3D photo, which you can set as your wallpaper
More details and a demo can be found in the article linked below
https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-live-effect-wallpaper-3461602/

2024-07-19 13:52:06

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is a thin and light book-style foldable with flagship specs
https://www.androidfaithful.com/xiaomi-mix-fold-4-launch/

2024-07-19 13:50:46

Xiaomi unveils the MIX Flip, its first flippable phone with a massive battery and outer screen.
https://www.androidfaithful.com/xiaomi-mix-flip-launch/

2024-07-19 02:51:51

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Y'all know what I'm really here for, though 👀
Excited to learn more about Xiaomi's new foldable devices!
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/810/884/236/518/864/original/f2098a6e88bc5ef0.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/810/884/401/376/651/original/20a09c33aeb0442c.jpg

2024-07-19 01:15:28

With Android 15 Beta 4, the "device diagnostics" menu that I revealed last month is now live!
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-device-diagnostics-3453163/

2024-07-18 23:15:41

Google may finally let you set a manual charge limit on Pixel phones
The Android 15 update could let you stop your Pixel phone from charging once the battery level reaches 80%.
More details + screenshots can be found 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-manual-charge-limit-3462210/

2024-07-18 01:51:19

This flippable phone is only $351 right now, but is it any good? I took the Blackview Hero 10 for a spin recently and was really impressed by its folding hardware. The software, though, not so much...
Review linked below.
https://www.androidfaithful.com/blackview-hero-10-review/

2024-07-18 01:43:44

Shared my thoughts on Galaxy Unpacked the other day on the podcast, as well as my first impressions of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6!
Wish I could've been there for the show when it was live, but I had to travel somewhere to see some exciting stuff I'll talk about later this week 👀
https://www.androidfaithful.com/episode/leaky-cringey-hardware-marathon-android-faithful-episode-53/

2024-07-17 01:23:50

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@npub1amv…0dd0 haha

2024-07-17 01:14:24

The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro just got announced if you're looking for some new earbuds. They have 12.4mm titanized diaphragm drivers, offer hybrid adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and up to 12 hours of battery w/o ANC. Price is $79.99.
https://www.androidfaithful.com/oneplus-nord-buds-3-pro-announced/

2024-07-17 01:13:57

The OnePlus Pad 2 is a new flagship Android tablet that comes with the
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a 12.1" 3K resolution 144Hz LCD, and a keyboard, stylus, and folio case for just $485. Great value IMO.
Click below for the full specs & details 👇
https://www.androidfaithful.com/oneplus-pad-2-announced/

2024-07-17 01:13:21

The OnePlus Watch 2R just got announced, and it has the same Snapdragon
W5 Gen 1 + BES 2700 combo that made the OnePlus Watch 2 have amazing battery life. But it's also 25% lighter, which is awesome.
For the full details and specs, click 👇
https://www.androidfaithful.com/oneplus-watch-2r-announced/

2024-07-16 08:16:03

Samsung One UI 6.1.1 brings AI suggested replies to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and One UI Watch 6.
Chat Assist uses on-device AI to generate suggested replies on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover screen and Galaxy Watch.
Screenshots can be found 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-suggested-replies-one-ui-3460745/

2024-07-16 08:14:31

One UI 6.1.1 brings an upgraded Smart Select that's more like Circle to Search.
Samsung’s Smart Select feature has been revamped in One UI 6.1.1 with a new launch animation, toolbar UI, and the ability to tap on text or images.
A demo can be found 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-6-1-1-smart-select-3460706/

2024-07-15 17:38:34

Google Drive's automatic document naming feature is awesome!
Nowhere on this receipt is the business listed, but Drive figured it out anyways. I think it recognized the phone # then did a search & matched the business name. A simple mix of OCR and search, but still very cool.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/791/722/377/620/618/original/0a2aee37e3b784cb.jpg

2024-07-15 09:21:18

Messaging and VoIP apps will soon land on cars running Android Automotive
Google is preparing to open up its car OS to messaging and VoIP apps
More details 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-automotive-messaging-voip-apps-3460462/

2024-07-15 09:19:47

Google is bringing Ultra HDR capture support to more third-party apps
An update to the Jetpack CameraX library makes it possible for third-party camera apps to capture Ultra HDR images.
More details 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-ultra-hdr-camera-apps-3460456/

2024-07-14 02:27:58

This is the ideal eReader. You may not like it, but this is what peak readability looks like.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/782/478/973/796/054/original/6fff2c1422579b1c.jpg

2024-07-13 20:42:10

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Here's a ~4 minute hands-on video of the Essential GEM phone, by the way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEHc75hKltc
It did some pretty cool stuff, like how it handled rotation.

2024-07-13 20:40:23

The cancelled Essential GEM phone was such a weird device lol. It was absurdly tall and narrow and included microG instead of GMS with its Android 10-based build.
The way I found out a lot of details about this device back in 2019 was a wild story: https://web.archive.org/web/20191009060637/https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-next-device-early-testing/
Image credits: Rob from Nova Launcher
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/781/112/711/624/660/original/2a0cc9c5134081b9.jpg

2024-07-12 18:31:22

Bluetooth LE Audio supports appears to be coming to Wear OS 5, which could bring improved battery life while listening to music or other audio content! Your smartwatch and buds need to support the feature, though.
More details can be found in this article on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/wear-os-5-bluetooth-le-audio-3460343/

2024-07-12 17:03:28

Wear OS 5 is preparing to add a toggle for ultra-wideband (UWB), suggesting that future Android smartwatches will support the technology. This could let your watch pinpoint the location of item trackers or your car door.
More details can be found in this article over on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/wear-os-5-uwb-3460337/

2024-07-12 04:28:39

This is neat: Vivo's latest phone, the iQOO Neo9S Pro+ (that's a mouthful), has a new, seemingly faster way to enroll your fingerprint called "sliding enrollment."
As you can see in the video below from Weibo user 囧鸽, you can kind of wiggle your finger on the recognition area instead of lifting it and placing it down repeatedly.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/771/629/469/372/338/original/d844bead7ab8bdbc.mp4

2024-07-12 02:28:44

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This isn't a huge deal since you can add a lock screen or home screen shortcut to open Google Wallet, but Google Wallet adding a Quick Settings tile just for Samsung devices will resolve this minor issue.
Google Wallet is working on a confusing new Quick Settings tile (APK teardown): https://www.androidauthority.com/google-wallet-quick-settings-3459881/

2024-07-12 02:28:27

Samsung Galaxy users will soon finally get a Quick Setting tile for Google Wallet!
AssembleDebug reports for Android Authority that Google Wallet will soon add a Quick Setting tile, fixing the issue I mentioned back in January. For reference, Samsung got rid of the AOSP Wallet Quick Setting tile and Quick Access Wallet feature. And since Google Wallet itself doesn't provide its own Quick Setting tile, that means you can't access your Google Wallet cards through a Quick Settings tile.

2024-07-11 23:36:07

Circle to Search will start rolling out support for symbolic math problems on July 24.
Meanwhile, multi-window Gemini will roll out sometime in Q3, so it could be this month, next month, or September.
H/T /u/FragmentedChicken
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/770/476/347/560/031/original/c680561a5e7bf8e9.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/770/476/438/091/421/original/c48b1eabe5ab7149.jpg

2024-07-11 15:40:58

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I've only had the Z Flip 6 for a day lol and I'm asking Samsung to add a full app drawer to the cover screen so we can launch whatever app we want. Right now I have to manually add apps like Google Wallet to the MultiStar widget after unfolding the device.
Being able to add any app wouldn't solve the issue with Assistant/Gemini, though, so I hope Google eventually adds a cover screen-optimized UI for the Assistant/Gemini window soon.

2024-07-11 15:40:48

Viewing my boarding pass through Google Wallet on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6's cover screen - very cool!
Not being able to talk to Google Assistant or Gemini on the cover screen - not so cool.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/768/609/050/909/131/original/e5cc0feed64664d5.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/768/609/251/926/731/original/f1aef55b17239bd3.jpg

2024-07-11 14:58:49

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@npub1gtg…mwtm technically nothing, it's just a really really small squareish that maybe apps aren't optimized for.

2024-07-11 14:46:53

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I also like that simple image edits using the Samsung Gallery app don't remove HDR from photos. When I tried to add text to this photo on my OnePlus Open using its stock gallery app, it disabled HDR. That wasn't the case when I moved the file to my Z Flip 6 and added it there.

2024-07-11 14:46:44

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Hopefully with the Android 15 update and its cover screen API, more third party apps get updated to take advantage of flippables like the Z Flip 6! Until then, you can enable any app on the Z Flip 6's cover screen by adding the MultiStar widget after installing that plugin within Good Lock.

2024-07-11 14:25:04

Android 15 is adding support for Thread connectivity, which will allow future smartphones with a Thread radio to control Matter devices locally.
More details can be found 👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-thread-network-3459010/

2024-07-10 17:39:37

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@npub130r…th66 that's odd, but I don't have enough non-Samsung devices with Auracast to test that. Just my Pixel 8 Pro

2024-07-10 17:38:57

Here's the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro versus the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro!
A very radical change in design that I know many feel is uninspired, but I prefer earbuds with stems as they're more comfortable for me and are easier to use gestures with.
#GalaxyUnpacked   
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/763/409/836/014/160/original/34601ac89b109d44.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/763/410/012/574/648/original/a5a71bbef05069b1.jpg

2024-07-10 17:29:59

I've got the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in hand!
Will be setting up and using these soon. Let me know if you have any questions about these devices!
#GalaxyUnpacked
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/763/374/562/175/277/original/770e530d2c1a3331.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/763/374/969/969/364/original/108a7670088e1e2c.jpg

2024-07-10 16:37:10

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This still needs to be confirmed, but a Samsung spokesperson also told The Verge that the Ring works with any Android phone.
https://www.theverge.com/24194938/samsung-galaxy-ring-hands-on-price-unpacked-2024

2024-07-10 16:36:50

FYI: I asked a Samsung product manager directly about if the Galaxy Ring only works with Samsung Galaxy phones and was told it works with any Android 11+ phone with Samsung Health installed.
I know a footnote on a press release says otherwise, but I was told that's not true.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/763/167/117/377/804/original/e8bfccfeaac947e9.mp4

2024-07-10 14:27:50

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@npub1e8q…ath6 the Flip 6 does not support DeX 😞

2024-07-10 14:03:39

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@npub1e8q…ath6 Will check!

2024-07-10 12:45:54

I'm here at the Galaxy Unpacked watch party in New York!
Ready to see and get some hands-on time with the new Samsung devices.
Let me know if you have any questions or things you want me to look into.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/762/259/049/729/186/original/88e817520976f215.jpg

2024-07-10 11:14:23

Android 15 may soon be even more accessible for color blind users by letting them adjust the intensity of its color correction modes.
More details on this Android 15 accessibility change can be found👇
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-color-correction-slider-3458931/

2024-07-08 17:36:18

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@npub166s…dcfc Touchpad is fine for me. Speakers are meh but it's not like I plan on listening to music/watching videos in public over the speakers.

2024-07-08 17:19:25

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Pro-tip: Check if your local Best Buy has an open box for one of these (or other Copilot+ PCs). I got this for $900 (16GB RAM/512GB storage), which is $300 off MSRP, in like-new condition.
Buy the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7X from Best Buy (affiliate link): https://howl.link/d5tafqd09habq
(6/6)

2024-07-08 17:19:20

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- This thing came with McAfee installed. It was a PITA to remove it; I literally had to boot into safe mode to get rid of it. Also, for some reason, during the first two boots on this machine, I couldn't launch most emulated programs. I suspect that may have been why the McAfee cleanup tool didn't work at first.
(5/6)

2024-07-08 17:19:13

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- Only major compatibility issue I've had so far is with VPN software; my provider doesn't offer a native ARM64 client yet, so I'm using OpenVPN with their profiles to get around that. Also wish Google Drive had an ARM64 client, but I'm just using OneDrive now instead and Drive's website when I need to.
(4/6)

2024-07-08 17:19:07

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- Microsoft's Prism emulator is doing a great job at emulating x86/x64 programs; lots of things I've installed (Discord, Foxit, Keepass2, OBS Studio, Signal, Telegram, Veracrypt, WhatsApp, WinMerge, etc.) seem to run just fine, albeit a bit "slower" (but not too much) Developer tools like ADB, scrcpy, JADX, dart, and even Android Studio seem to run via emulation. Python and OpenJDK have ARM64 ports.
(3/6)

2024-07-08 17:18:59

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- Speaking of which, the size/form factor is perfect for me. 14.5" is right in the sweet spot of being large enough to comfortably do work without being too large to carry around/fit in my backpack/sit on my lap.
- Performance is pretty decent. Haven't done any super intensive tasks yet (I've never even heard the fans run once yet), though for office tasks/writing/etc., I have no complaints so far.
(2/6)

2024-07-08 16:11:41

Last year, the Linux maintainers decided to drop Linux kernel LTS timelines from 6 years to 2. Many were wondering how this would affect Android devices, and I now have an answer:
Google will support its Linux kernel forks for an additional 2 years after upstream LTS ends.
More details on how this will impact Android security can be found in this article on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-extends-linux-support-3457871/

2024-07-08 15:34:55

Wireless power sharing on the Galaxy S24 Ultra coming in handy!
Power went out at home this morning because of Hurricane Beryl, so I've got nothing to do but chill at home. Quickly topping up my Galaxy Buds 2 Pro using my phone so I have something to do.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/751/599/482/951/250/original/49e13b7c818a7cdd.jpg

2024-07-05 20:38:03

The updated Google Maps color scheme is coming to maps embedded in third-party mobile and web apps.
The default color scheme is being updated on the Google Maps Platform, so you might start seeing the new colors in third-party apps soon.
More details on this upcoming change can be found in this Android Authority article: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-platform-color-scheme-3457832/

2024-07-05 18:59:34

Here's some mini...err, micro Fuchsia OS news for you on Friday:
Google is working on microfuchsia, a stripped down version of Fuchsia OS that's designed to run in a VM. And they're working on making it run on Android devices.
Read more on Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/microfuchsia-on-android-3457788/

2024-07-05 17:07:32

Google Chrome is rolling out predictive back gesture support on Android 15.
This lets users see whether a back navigation swipe will exit the app and take them to the home screen.
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-chrome-predictive-back-3457693/

2024-07-05 17:01:51

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You can request an extension to November 1 if you need more time to update. These requirements don't apply to permanently private apps or apps built for Android Automotive OS.
I know this isn't really new information, but Google's support page detailing the target API level requirements hadn't been updated for this year until very recently, so some developers were wondering if the policy was still going to be updated. It will.

2024-07-05 17:00:51

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@npub13p9…6wp8 why not Milan

2024-07-05 16:37:45

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Interestingly, some users receiving the July 2024 OTA update on their Pixel 6 series device report seeing a message in the OTA dialog warning them about this issue.
Image: Jalay Patel on Telegram

2024-07-05 16:37:41

Google confirmed that the bug bricking some Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a devices is triggered by factory resetting them immediately after rebooting into an updated system.
They now recommend that you do NOT factory reset your phone within 15 minutes of booting into a new update. For those who already have, Google says they've identified the root cause of this bug and will share more information soon.
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/734/860/454/499/407/original/0c745ad9141039a1.png

2024-07-05 15:29:27

With "Quick Share V2," Google is working to bring Quick Share for Chrome OS in line with Quick Share for Android.
Google is also still working on enabling Wi-Fi Direct support in Chrome OS, which will speed up Quick Share transfers.
More details can be found in this Android Authority article: https://www.androidauthority.com/quick-share-v2-chrome-os-3457697/

2024-07-05 13:41:45

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Personally, I'm most excited by the Pad 2 and Watch 2R. If the Pad 2 offers similar value for money as the Pad 1 but upgrades the processor, then it'll be a great deal. If the Watch 2R offers similar battery life to the Watch 2 but weighs less, it'll be a great watch.

2024-07-05 13:41:41

OnePlus will be launching 4 new products soon on July 16 in Milan, including a new tablet, smartwatch, smartphone, and earbuds!
These include the:
* OnePlus Pad 2, a flagship tablet
* OnePlus Watch 2R, a "lightweight" Wear OS watch
* OnePlus Nord 4, an "all metal unibody" phone
* OnePlus Nord Buds3 Pro, a pair of "mid-range ANC" earbuds
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/734/167/787/749/963/original/0ce7113b783ed0d6.png

2024-07-03 21:33:48

Do you work for an OEM or on an AOSP project and want to enable the USB webcam feature Google introduced in Android 14 (QPR1)?
Good news, because Google has recently published documentation on how to do so!
Use a device as a webcam: https://source.android.com/docs/core/camera/webcam
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/724/699/994/993/792/original/3715d198ab341b82.mp4

2024-07-03 17:50:36

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Apart from a few models mainly sold in China, it's mostly been Samsung shipping Qualcomm ultrasonic scanners in their phones globally. Soon, though, I predict we're going to see more phones use ultrasonic scanners, whether it be Qualcomm's or Goodix's new module.

2024-07-03 17:50:32

General consensus here seems to be that people really like the Qualcomm ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanners in the Samsung Galaxy S series.
While my personal favorite is the side-mounted capacitive scanner (especially when integrated w/ power button), I do prefer ultrasonic UDFPS over optical UDFPS for the same reasons many have stated: Generally better, faster recognition; works with wet fingers; works under any lighting condition (ie. you don't get flashbanged at night).

2024-07-03 16:51:43

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@npub1dvy…g7pf No it's not a smart suitcase lol

2024-07-03 16:51:28

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@npub1c98…sq6y my personal favorite is side-mounted/power-button integrated tbh

2024-07-03 02:46:23

Kind of curious: How do y'all feel about ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanners? Do you like them more than optical scanners?
If you've switched from a Pixel or other Android phone to a flagship Galaxy S phone recently, how did you feel about the fingerprint scanner?
https://cdn.masto.host/androiddevsocial/media_attachments/files/112/720/266/880/823/725/original/9f0f60de5f8c40e5.jpg