Author: Robert Haba

Xiaomi stops providing security updates for some devices.

According to their Product Software Support Information page, Xiaomi has officially announced the end of security updates for some of its most popular products, marking a significant milestone for its fans throughout the world.

Although there is a strange silver lining for Xiaomi 11 Ultra customers, this move affects thousands of users who have been using these smartphones for their everyday digital demands. The decision represents the latest development in Xiaomi’s ongoing controversy surrounding its software support policy, which is ongoing despite the company’s success in maintaining older devices while giving priority to newer product lines.

Xiaomi devices reaching EOS

The Redmi 10C and Redmi 10 that have attained end-of-life (EOL) status running MIUI 14 based on Android 13 are among the devices on the list that would no longer receive security updates. For most users, that means they are no longer protected against recently found vulnerabilities, which may raise questions about long-term device security.

In a similar vein, HyperOS 1 based on Android 13 has reached the end of life (EOL) of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 11E Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, and POCO X4 Pro 5G. Updates in the form of security patches will no longer be available for mid-range phones, which were highly popular when they were first released due to their great specifications at low costs.

The impact on Xiaomi 12X

The Xiaomi 12X, which was marketed as a lightweight flagship model, is now among the phones that will not be receiving any more security updates. The 12X ends its update cycle with HyperOS 1, which is based on Android 13, just as the previously mentioned Redmi Note 11 series. Despite being ready for an upgrade, the Xiaomi 12 Lite will not get the HyperOS 2 update.

Xiaomi 11 Ultra Receives HyperOS 2

However, Xiaomi has revealed that the Xiaomi 11 Ultra would receive HyperOS 2 even though it has stopped receiving regular security upgrades, which is a welcome surprise for the majority of Mi enthusiasts. With the impending Android 15, this 2021 flagship luxury device—which was praised for its superb camera setup and high-end specs—will receive an update based on Android 14, but not HyperOS 2.

The terms for Xiaomi’s update strategy are called into doubt by this special treatment of the 11 Ultra. The fact that the 11 Ultra comes with HyperOS 2 indicates that Xiaomi may be offering prolonged software support for its flagship premium phones, maybe to keep its premium user base happy, even though the majority of the devices on the list are mid-range or low-cost phones.

It is advised that users of the impacted devices take extra security precautions, include exercising more caution when downloading apps from unidentified sources and maintaining strict protection for sensitive data.

March 4, 2025
Honor joins 7 years of updates club in 2025

Google shocked the Android smartphone community with the announcement that its new flagships, the Pixel 8 series, will receive an astounding seven years of Android updates. Samsung swiftly adopted this strategy for its premium Galaxy smartphones. Few brands have entered the “seven-year club,” though a few have extended their update commitments since then.

Honor is the newest member of that exclusive group. During its ill-named HONOR ALPHA Plan keynote address at Mobile World Congress 2025 today, the company said that it will provide seven years of Android updates and security fixes for its top Magic series handsets.

Honor updates are welcome

Magic lineup are typically HONOR’s best Android gadgets, including as tablets, folding phones, and slate-style phones. The first gadget to receive this policy will be the Honor Magic 7 Pro. This is a welcome change from company’s previous assurance that the Magic 7 Pro would receive OS updates for four years and security updates for five.

It is unclear, though, if this rule will apply to any other older devices in the past. It is also unknown which handsets in the future will have this, however the Magic V4, a foldable tablet, is probably going to be one. We will hopefully find out more details about this in the upcoming weeks and months. The Magic 7 Pro and other flagship devices will soon receive a far more comprehensive update commitment, which should delight HONOR enthusiasts for the time being.

March 4, 2025
A hands-on video shows the Google Pixel 9a being leaked.

In the lead-up to its anticipated release next month, Google’s Pixel 9a is just leaking. We have a brief hands-on video today that demonstrates its absence of a camera bump.

Here, we can see the phone in its Obsidian color scheme, which is simply black to those of us who are not Google users. The Pixel 9a’s extremely small camera bump—we mean, so minuscule in thickness—is also readily apparent, which means that it will not be the thinnest phone on the market by any means and that it will not contain high-end camera sensors, which call for considerably larger camera humps.

According to rumors, the Pixel 9a will be launched on March 19 and go on sale on March 26. With 128GB of storage, it will start at $499, while 256GB will cost $599. 8GB of RAM, a 6.28-inch OLED screen with a maximum brightness of 2,700 nit, the Tensor G4 SoC at the center, a 48 MP primary camera, a 13 MP ultrawide, and a 5,100 mAh battery are all included in both models. It will come pre-installed with Android 15 and be available in Porcelain, Iris, and Peony in addition to Obsidian.

February 25, 2025
5 devices today receives HyperOS 2.1 global update
Xiaomi has widely distributed the HyperOS 2.1 worldwide update, which brings the newest features and enhancements to a wide variety of phones, including tablets, high-end flagships, and budget-friendly models. The update release is a significant step toward Xiaomi’s goal of offering consistent software updates across its range of devices worldwide.

Devices receiving HyperOS 2.1 update

The global update is now available on the following devices:
Xiaomi’s worldwide software strategy has advanced significantly with this deployment, which offers the newest HyperOS capabilities across a range of device categories and pricing points. The inclusion of both high-end and mid-range devices in the rollout demonstrates Xiaomi’s dedication to maintaining software parity throughout its whole product line.

Building on the basis established by the original HyperOS, this update 2.1 offers a number of enhancements on these products. Better UI elements, system animations, and enhanced system performance are in store for the users.
February 24, 2025
Get the best price on the Google Pixel Watch 3! Limited time #deal

Currently on sale at a number of shops, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a well-liked smartwatch that retails for $300 for the 41mm variant. Since it usually costs $350, this pricing represents a $50 save. Additionally, it is the lowest price we have seen for the Pixel Watch 3 since the holiday sales last year. The Pixel Watch 3 is available for purchase on Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from Google; if you have a comparable gadget to trade in, you can save even more.

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
Best pick
~~$349.99~~ $299.74Buy on Amazon

Does Google Pixel Watch 3 worth it?

Although there are many wristwatch options available, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is our top pick if you want one with some flair. With a brightness of up to 2000 nits, the display provides more screen real area than earlier Pixel Watch models, ensuring visibility even on bright, sunny days. Google even offers a large selection of Pixel Watch Bands that you may mix and combine to fit your own style preferences.

However, if you are considering a smartwatch, you probably want to know what the Pixel Watch 3 has to offer in terms of fitness and health. Cardio load measurements, which show you how hard your heart works every day, can help you get better at training. It may be used to help you improve your running form, create personalized runs, and attain goals with real-time advice.

Since the Pixel Watch 3 works well with gadgets like Google Pixel phones, it may be even more alluring if you already own a Google Pixel phone. If you have a Google TV set up with your home theater system, you can use the Pixel Watch 3 to control it, as well as your Pixel phone camera. Additionally, you may record music and mental notes with the Pixel Watch 3, and Google AI will help you turn them into text.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a fantastic smartwatch choice for fitness fanatics or anyone wishing to update their watch because it can last up to 36 hours between battery charges. Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store are all offering a $50 discount on the 41mm model, bringing its price down to just $300.

February 23, 2025
A sample of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra displays outstanding night photography

Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, just lately commended the upcoming Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s photographic capabilities. He has now released the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s first official camera sample, which shows a nighttime picture with intricate lighting. The sample supports Xiaomi’s boasts of significant breakthroughs in mobile photography with its remarkable clarity, noise management, highlight suppression, and color correctness.

However, the watermark data is the most interesting detail. Instead of using the primary sensor, the new 200MP periscope telephoto camera was used to take the picture. With its f/2.6 aperture, 100mm focal length, and corresponding 4.3x optical zoom, the ISOCELL HP9 sensor offers notable gains in low-light and telephoto capabilities.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra faces fierce competition when compared to rivals. A 200MP HP9 sensor with an 85mm focal length and an f/2.67 aperture is also used by the Vivo X200 Pro. The 200MP ISOCELL HP3 sensor in the Honor Magic7 RSR, on the other hand, has a brighter f/1.88 aperture and a 70mm focal length.

Lei Jun expressed great confidence in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s abilities during a recent live stream, emphasizing that it has made notable advancements in night photography. We will soon find out how effectively it fulfills these promises as its official launch is scheduled for the end of this month.

February 23, 2025
Amazfit Bip 6 comes with AMOLED display and great features

The Amazfit Bip 6 is a new smartwatch that Amazfit has unveiled. With a bigger AMOLED display and offline maps, this wearable is an improvement over the Bip 5. Additionally, the business claims to have increased the precision of monitored health indicators including heart rate.

At a recent European launch event for the Active 2 smartwatch, the Amazfit Bip 6 was revealed. Previous leaks were believed to indicate a GTS 4 replacement. It has recently been shown, nevertheless, that this was the Bip 6 wearable.

Amazfit Bip 6
With this fitness tracker watch, monitor your fitness journey through automatic detection in walking, running, and more, across 120+ sports modes for comprehensive activity insights
Good choice
~~$89.99~~$59.99Buy on Amazon

According to reports, the Bip 6 has a number of improvements over the Bip 5, its predecessor. A bigger 1.97-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 380 x 450 pixels and a brightness of up to 2,000 nits is one of these. This takes the place of the previous model’s 1.91-inch TFT-LD display. The new watch is square in shape, weighs less than 30 g, and has a little larger body (46.3 mm).

Amazfit claims that the Bip 6 can operate for up to two weeks with normal use because to the battery’s increased capacity from 300 mAh to 340 mAh. The aluminum alloy frame has also been changed for a more upscale appearance. The watch comes in four colors—black, charcoal, stone, and red—and is five ATM waterproof.

Amazfit claims that the Bip 6’s BioTracker Dual-Light 5PD heart rate sensor provides more precise health metric tracking. You may monitor the quality of your sleep as well as your heart rate, stress, HRV, and SpO₂ level. There are 140 workout options, such as HYROX race, swimming, running, and cycling, as well as personalized AI-generated fitness regimens that include a strength training option.

In addition to having GPS, the smartwatch also offers offline navigation capability. It is important to note, nevertheless, that dual-band GNSS is not available. The Zepp Flow voice assistant has now been included, allowing you to respond to communications. Calendar reminders, Bluetooth calling, smart notifications, and remote audio controls are further features. Additionally, iPhone owners can manage their cameras remotely.

It is anticipated that the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch will be available in Europe in March. The wearable’s price and any plans to introduce it to the US have not yet been disclosed by the business. The earlier Amazfit Bip 5 retails at $89.99/£69.99/€89.99 (now $59.99 on Amazon) as a ballpark estimate.

Amazfit Bip 6
With this fitness tracker watch, monitor your fitness journey through automatic detection in walking, running, and more, across 120+ sports modes for comprehensive activity insights
Good choice
~~$89.99~~$59.99Buy on Amazon

February 22, 2025
Redmi K80 Ultra will come with a huge battery, packing over 7000mAh

When we last heard about it, the Redmi K80 Ultra was expected to have a battery with a minimum capacity of 6,500 milliliters. However, it was back in January. We have a new rumor from China today that makes it much more specific. Without a doubt, the usage of Si/C technology will enable the K80 Ultra to have a 7,400 mAh or 7,500 mAh battery.

According to reports, the phone will be powered by MediaTek’s as-yet-unannounced Dimensity 9400+ SoC and have a 6.8-inch “1.5K” LTPS OLED flat screen with symmetrical bezels on all sides.

The round camera island will be positioned in the upper left corner of the back, and the frame will be made of metal. The Redmi K80 Ultra will enable 100W wired charging. An IP68 grade for water and dust resistance and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader were also suggested in earlier speculations.

The formal introduction of the K80 Ultra may still be a long way off, considering it arrived in July of last year. Stay tuned since there will definitely be fresh rumors regarding it in the interim.

February 22, 2025
One UI 7 Beta 4 could be the final beta release

Samsung has not yet finished the Galaxy S24 beta phase, but it promised a stable One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, for qualified Galaxy S models by Q1. One UI 7 Beta 4 has now been made available; it is a more compact upgrade than earlier iterations, but it includes a crucial camera function from the Galaxy S25.

Beta testers started posting on Reddit and other social media platforms that One UI 7 Beta 4 had begun to arrive on their devices a little more than a day ago. The United States, India, South Korea, and a few European nations are now implementing the update. The firmware is marginally smaller than earlier betas, with an average size of 1.4 GB, depending on the carrier and area.

Log Video is available on Galaxy S24 on One UI 7 Beta 4

Although the main focus of Beta 4 is bug repairs and speed enhancements, the Galaxy S24 trio now supports log (logarithmic) video recording, a capability that was formerly available with the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Photographers and videographers can benefit from log video recording in a number of ways. It has a flat color profile, which gives post-production color grading and editing more freedom, and a higher dynamic range, which preserves more details in highlights and shadows.

However, when compared to regular video recording, this format uses more storage space. Users must activate log video from the advanced video options in order to use it. Both pro mode and regular video mode are available for activation.

One UI 7 Beta 4 Changes

AI-powered camera filters are yet another noteworthy inclusion in Beta 4. These comprise pre-built filters like Shiver, Crystal, Breeze, Pulse, and Chill, to name a few. Additionally, users can use pre-existing photos to create custom filters.

In addition to these enhancements, the firmware fixes a number of problems and improves performance. Notably, it improves performance in other areas while resolving some difficulties with the quick panel and home screen.

Will this be final beta release?

Whether One UI 7 Beta 4 is the last beta release or how many more Samsung intends to issue before the Galaxy S24 series’ stable release is still unknown. Samsung has reaffirmed its goal to provide the stable One UI 7 version by the first quarter of 2025. The distribution schedule is yet unknown for other devices, including as the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Whether these devices would go straight to the stable release or undergo a beta period has not been verified by the South Koreans.

Some speculation suggests that One UI 7 could be skipped entirely, with Samsung instead opting to launch One UI 7.1 or even One UI 8.0 based on Android 16.

February 21, 2025
Huawei will speed up the public beta launch of HarmonyOS NEXT.

In March, Huawei is probably going to speed up the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta release. For a few mid-range phones and flagship tablets, the business is presently concentrating on closed beta testing. However, it might soon expedite software testing for the general public.

The HarmonyOS NEXT public beta program will begin operating on the fast track in March, according to FixedFocus. The new update will soon be available to users who have been waiting for it.

According to official information, the HarmonyOS NEXT closed beta second wave for the MatePad Pro 12.2, Nova 13 series, and Nova 12/Pro has begun. Next month, these models might go into public beta testing. Owners of the corresponding devices can get ready for installation and take advantage of certain stable software.

According to the tipster, NEXT will be pre-installed on the Pocket 3 foldable, which is anticipated to make its debut next month. In the meantime, work on the HarmonyOS PC version might also start in earnest in March.

The estimated weight of the public beta firmware is 2.0GB. The size of the software package may differ depending on the model. We advise having 8 to 10GB of storage available so that the update may be installed without any problems.

Since HarmonyOS NEXT has the ability to erase all data for improved optimization, make a backup of your device’s data in beforehand. For a smooth installation process, make sure you have a reliable internet or Wi-Fi connection. The battery needs to be charged, which you can do quickly!

Public beta journey for HarmonyOS NEXT

In October of last year, the business started the HarmonyOS NEXT public beta test. The Mate 60 series, Mate X5, and MatePad Pro 13.2 2024 tablet were among the flagship products for which it was first made available. It then made its way to Pocket 2 and Pura 70.

The HarmonyOS NEXT public beta pool now includes devices such as the MatePad Pro 11 2024 tablet and the Nova 12 Ultra/Star Edition. Compared to the closed beta versions, it provides a little more stable software experience. Huawei plans to expand this batch of smartphones in the near future.

February 19, 2025