HMD Global confirms Nougat 7.1.1 update for Nokia 3

Ijaz
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HMD Global confirms Nougat 7.1.1 update for Nokia 3

Now HMD Global owned and manufactured under Foxconn Technologies, Nokia Corporation or our trusted Nokia. After years of incubation, unveiled three Android powered smartphones – Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 couple of months ago. The latter two boarded Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box. Whereas, the smaller sibling among the three, the Nokia 3 houses a little outdated Nougat 7.0. However, HMD has confirmed to bring 7.1.1 for the Nokia 3, most probably before September this year.

 

While, HMD announced the return of the legendary Nokia in smartphone industry. It had assured atleast 2 years of uninterrupted support for all the Nokia phones. For the time being, HMD confirms the promise it made was not just a joke.

The fact, Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to Nokia 3 was officially revealed by Chief Product Officer of the HMD Global via twitter. Below you could see the tweet of Juho Sarvikas, CPO.

As we are already aware, the 7.1.1 is a minor upgradation from the Nougat 7.0. Mostly bug fixes and enhanced device optimization. The ‘App Shortcuts’ feature debuted with Nougat 7.1.1(API 25) will also be incorporated in Nokia 3.

Nokia 3 is totally different from its larger siblings, as far as hardware is considered, Even though the three are identical in design. At its heart lies Mediatek MTK 6737 chipset, contrary to the Snapdragon 430 seen in Nokia 5 & 6.

Meanwhile, OEM’s such as Samsung, Xiaomi are too late in providing major update for their eligible devices (I’m Not blaming, because they have got genuine limitations). Nokia keeping their promises in terms of software support will surely enhance its fan base and trust.

iPhone 8 Infrared Face unlock feature confirmed in HomePod Firmware

Harsh Soni
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iPhone 8 Infrared Face unlock feature confirmed in HomePod Firmware

Apple iPhone 8 is subject to several rumors, speculations, and leaks. Past leaks have suggested several features like wireless charging, infinity display, 3D camera, vertical dual camera, Iris scanner and much more. However, the latest leak seems to be trustworthy since it is coming all the way from the firmware of HomePod. The latest leak suggests that upcoming iPhone 8 could boost the infrared face unlock feature.

This Google HomePod’s firmware code base was firstly spotted by developer, Steve Troughton-Smith and has several references of “BKFaceDetect”, which presumably stands for BiometricKit. In the code, there is a new phone with the code name “D22,” which is assumed to be the iPhone 8.

The code also reveals that the HomePod is running on the full-fledged version of Apple iOS and depends on a shell app called SoundBoard for control. The leaked code base also confirms the existence of infrared camera, which could be there to detect a user’s face in the dark. The next iPhone from Apple is rumored to launch this year in September.

Latest samples reveal camera features of Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Harsh Soni
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Latest samples reveal camera features of Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is one of the much-anticipated devices by Samsung. The upcoming phablet is reportedly going to release on the company’s next Unpacked event, which is on August 23. The invites from Samsung is already distributed. Upcoming Galaxy Note 8 is also much-awaited device because it said to boast the Dual-camera set up and will become the first device from Samsung with dual camera.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is subject to many leaks and rumors and now the latest camera samples leaked by the tipster throws light on the camera’s features. The Galaxy Note 8 rear cameras are said to boast the 3D depth sensing technology.  However, you should note that this feature is also rumored in the upcoming iPhone 8.

The camera samples which can be seen above reveal the capability of Galaxy Note 8’s dual camera in shooting the great night shots. These samples also reveal that Samsung is indirectly going to compete with upcoming iPhone 8’s camera. However, we have to wait till August 23 to see what upcoming Note series flagship has for us.

Best Android Apps for rooted Android devices

Harsh Soni
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Best Android Apps for rooted Android devices

Rooting of the Android devices enables you to use the superuser permissions of the operating system, giving you more control. There are a bunch of reasons when the owners have to root their Android phone. In case you root your Android smartphone, you can get rid of preinstalled crapware, boost battery life and increase your phone’s processing power. Along these features and changes, there are a number of cool apps which are available on the Play Store just only for the rooted devices.

In this article, we have rounded up the Best Android Apps for the rooted Android device.

SuperSU

Rooting the Android device is really useful and potentially a security risk. The SuperSU is a permissions manager that which made for the rooted Android devices. The app carefully monitors the apps that request Superuser access so that the user can grant or revoke permissions as needed. It is available for free of cost.

Dumpster

It is the app similar to the desktop OS’s Recycle Bin. Dumpster allows you to recover deleted images, video and music files as well as uninstalled apps. Deleted files are sent to the dumpster and from there, just like you do in PC, you can recover the content which you have deleted previously. This app is for the rooted Android device and helpful to free up space for new installs and other content. Dumpster app can also run without root, however, the root access makes it more efficient with regards to memory and battery. This app is also free of cost.

Servicely

Servicely is a task killer app that runs a service every 60 seconds, which can be further, changed by configuration, and automatically kills selected applications on your kill-list. This app is useful in preventing extreme power drain. This app runs more smooth on the rooted Android device and it comes free of cost.

Liveboot

Rooted Android users will glad to have this Chainfire’s Liveboot app, which does something really cool and potentially useful to the users. This app comes free of cost and uses root permissions to display the logcat and dmesg to your screen when booting your Android device. This app lets you modify what to show on screen, color coding, and the option to overlay it on top of your boot animation.

Flashify

Android users who have rooted their smartphone and who do a lot of tinkering with the back end of their phone system. They are going to end up repeating the tedious process of flashing boot, recovery and other .img files to and from their smartphone or tablet. Flashify reduces tedium by automating the process. Users can flash boot and recovery images, create full backups and sync backups between devices and desktop. This app comes for free but users can get the more GB of back up storage by purchasing full version.

Good Mood Droid Gesture Control

This app enables you to add multitouch gesture controls to you rooted an Android device. Good Mood Droid Gesture Control let you add four-finger swipes to hide the status bar or open applications as well as four-finger pinching to return to the home screen like gestures. This app costs USD Dollar 5.55. In this app, you can also try for the extra functions and custom gesture definition.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 appears on FCC ahead of August 23 launch

Harsh Soni
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Samsung Galaxy Note 8 appears on FCC ahead of August 23 launch

Samsung has already sent out the press invites for the Unpacked event on August 23 in New York, where the tech giant is expected to unveil none other than the Galaxy Note 8. As the event date coming closer, lots of leaks are popping up regarding upcoming phablet. In latest, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has been spotted at the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The device listed on the FCC website is having the model number SM-N950F. This model number is speculated to be the upcoming Galaxy Note 8, because the Galaxy Note 7, Note 5, Note 4 and Note 3 respectively came with model numbers like SM-N930, SM-N920, SM-N910, and SM-900.

The U.S. variant of the already launched Galaxy S8 was SM-G950U and the U.S. model of the Galaxy S8+ is SM-G955U. That is why the SM-N950U that has appeared on FCC is said to be the U.S. edition of the upcoming Galaxy Note 8.

The reports are also pointing that Galaxy Note 8 will be available in at least four editions. However, all things will become clearer when the phablet will launch during the Unpacked event on August 23.

Cortana for Android undergoes a complete overhaul

Ijaz
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Cortana for Android undergoes a complete overhaul

Since, Microsoft officially released its personal Device Assistance “Cortana” for Android users on March this year. Cortana has been receiving bunch of upgrades and updates in-order to reach the level of its Windows app counterpart. Now, the latest v2.9.0 update brings a major renovation in the overall make-up of the Cortana.

Changelog of the app in the Play Store reveals that, “Cortana 2.9.0 as a major evolution”. Implementation of hamburger menu by replacing previous bottom navigation bar has enhanced the visual appearance and the change is easily noticeable. The hamburger menu now makes the access of Cortana settings effortless.

In addition, support of hand-free calling and texting elevates the overall productivity of the app as a Device Assistant.

Google Playstore lists following changes with the new release of Cortana:

  • Quick hands-on control of your reminders
  • Move reminder to top right corner
  • A redesigned settings page to easily manage Cortana
  • Hands-free calling and texting
After all, most of the Android folks prefer smart and advanced Google Assistant over Cortana or any other assistance, this update is much needed for the Cortana to grab attention of Android users.
Overall, the makeover seems to be attractive and a decent move from Microsoft’s side.
Watch Demo of Cortana’s Actions in Android below:

Moto Z2 Force Edition with 360-camera Moto Mod launched

Harsh Soni
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Moto Z2 Force Edition with 360-camera Moto Mod launched

Moto Z2 Force Edition is launched at the company’s event in New York. Newly launched Moto Z2 Force Edition is having a shatterproof display which is not easily damageable even if you drop it. Apart from this, Motorola has also announced the 360 Camera Moto Mod.  The Z2 Force Edition is already up for pre-order in the US across all major carriers and will be available in Mexico, Brazil, and other countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa later this year in summer.

Moto Z2 Force Edition is built from 7000 series aluminum. The device has a 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) Super AMOLED display and is powered by Snapdragon 835 processor. The device has dual rear cameras, a 2730mAh battery to fuel the phone and is be available in Super Black and Fine Gold, along with Lunar Grey color variant exclusively on T-Mobile.

On the other hand, the 360 Camera Moto Mod is capable of recording 360-degree 4K video with 3D audio. The video can be edited on the Moto Z2 Force Edition smartphone itself and even live streamed directly from the phone. The 360 Camera Moto Mod is having a price tag of $299 and will be available starting August 10.

It’s time to bid farewell to the Adobe Flash

Ijaz
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It’s time to bid farewell to the Adobe Flash

The World Wide Web has evolved with a tremendous pace over the last two decades. Definitely, lots of advancement in the Internet added new fixtures over the time, but at the same time lost some features, which we have got a nostalgia attached to it. Now it seems, our good-old multimedia companion of mid 2000, The Adobe Flash software is breathing its last.

The creator Adobe Solution Network has officially proclaimed the slow death of Adobe Flash to happen soon. It is expected to be completely wiped out in 2020.

Adobe Will stop updating and distributing the Flash Player

The Flash Player which allowed users to stream rich multimedia content over the web as well as locally in their PC’s or phones. It was first developed by Macromedia and in 2005, Adobe acquired it.

The dawn of modern graphics and multimedia languages such as HTML5, webGL etc proved to be the doom of Flash Player. The HTML5 that we use in modern web pages provide much better visuals than Flash player could provide. Eventually, an extra plugin such as Adobe Flash player is not the need of current generation devices.

Vulnerable to malicious attack and being hack-prone, Adobe is obliged to pull the plug rather than providing support which is absurd.

However, their are folks fighting to keep the Adobe Flash alive as open-source as a memento for our future generation. A petition filed by some users at GitHub states: “Killing Flash means future generations can’t access the past“. For the time-being, whether the petition succeeds or not, is still a matter of uncertainty.

Best Google Play Store alternatives for 2017

Ijaz
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Best Google Play Store alternatives for 2017

Google Play Store – the official app store of devices running Android OS, is the primary source of apps for an Android user. Safe, secure and availability of millions of apps in the Play Store makes it most trusted and resourceful app store. Although, Play Store is rich in wide variety of apps, their are other third party App stores which may have useful apps that may not be available in the Play Store. Also, the advantage of getting paid Google Play content free in these App stores, lures users to switch to a Play Store Alternative.

play store alternatives

So, if you are looking for a good, secure and safe Google Play alternatives. Have a look at our best Google Play alternatives over here. Since, Google allows only the installation of apps downloaded from its Play Store. Make sure that you have granted “unknown source” apps installation permission to the system.

Steps to enable third party App installation

  • Go to the Settings app.
  • Scroll down to Security.
  • Enable Unknown Sources

Apkmirror

URL: www.apkmirror.com

One of the greatest source of Android apps. Consisting of latest and collection of all previous versions makes it favorite among some users.

Apkmirror doesn’t have an official app store app. But, a well established website layout makes the app surfing easy. Sometimes updates of an app may hit the Apkmirror even before it officially get into Play Store. All the apps are free and verified secure to install as per Apkmirror.

Amazon (Underground) Appstore

Platform: Android 4.0 or above.

The e-commerce giant Amazon known for its best quality product also has got a very well designed app store in its name. Popularly known as Amazon underground app. Available for device running Android v4.0 and above, is all in one app for all Amazon based apps as well as other third party apps.

The Amazon store is not fully free, it also consist of some premium apps, for which we have to pay some pennies. Additional feature of the Amazon store includes:

  • Free App of the day: Everyday Amazon offers a paid app absolutely free.
  • Amazon Coins for doing payments exclusively in the Amazon store.

Apps and contents in the Amazon store is approved to be malware-free and secure.

Mobogenie

Platform: Android 4.1 or above.

Once a most popular and widely used third-party App store, lost its trust from the users because of its adware-virus like function. However, still there are folks using the Mobogenie without minding its annoying ads.

If its too irritating advertisements and pop-ups are neglected, the Mobogenie has got great collection of apps, all available free of cost.

Download from Mobogenie official site

Blackmart Alpha

Platform: Android 4.1 or above

The Blackmart Alpha is a greatest contender of Google Play. As the app store name itself implies that it is the Black Market of Android apps. Here you can find all premium apps absolutely free.

The app UI is almost blackish, imparting a feel of online Black Market. Most of the apps are claimed to be safe. But, not all.

Google Play Store doesn’t accepts it as secure.So, you can’t find it in the Google Play. If you would like to try the Blackmart, download it from third party websites.

Conclusion

In the above list we have provided only four of the Google Play Alternatives from 20+ available third party App stores for Android. Aptoide, Getjar, AIO, Opera Mobile Store can also be a good Play Store alternative.

Note: We, TheGadgetSquare team, recommends only the Google Play Store as a secure source of Android packages(APK), as we care for your safety. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that, the best alternative for Google Play is one and only the Google Play Store itself.

Huawei ships 21 percent more devices so far in 2017

Ijaz
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Huawei ships 21 percent more devices so far in 2017

Already performing pretty good in its parent country, the reputed chinese ICT firm – Huawei is heading to capture new heights in Smartphone market. The firm has shipped over 73 million Smartphones so far in 2017. Which accounts for a nearly 21% shipment done in last year during the same period.

Huawei Technologies Co. has registered a 9.8% market share of Smartphone business. And, currently is the third position holder in the Smartphone industry. Huawei claims of its revenue increased by a third fold in the first half of this year. Huawei is also getting good on-going sale which is being utilized in enhancing the shipment of its mid to high-range Smartphones.

This is what the CEO of Consumer business group of Huawei said about the rise in sale:

Huawei’s consumer business group continued to deliver extraordinary growth, beating the industry average and penetrating high-end markets around the globe.

The consumer business group also saw revenues increase 36.2% on year to CNY105.4 billion (US$15.622 billion) in the first half of 2017.

                     -Richard Yu, CEO

The major chunk is coming from its flagship P and Mate series, Huawei is throwing a great challenge towards the current two Smartphone leaders – Apple and Samsung. Evidently, By increasing the shipment Huawei has proclaimed an open war in markets where Apple and Samsung dominates.

Last month, a Singaporean analyst reported, Huawei had overtaken Oppo in Chinese market to become the market leader in Q2 of 2017. However, to become a global leader won’t be so easy, though.

 

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