The Japanese giant Sony may have decreased its expectations for its mobile business, but that doesn’t imply it has ceased making new devices. We’re getting fewer phones every year because Sony had to reduce its mobile division in response to the strong competition on the smartphone market.
Positively, it should make it possible for Sony to deliver Android OS updates considerably more quickly than in the past. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen, but at least devoted followers continue to receive updates on occasion.
Sony has made some work on updating all of its eligible phones to Android 13, although some devices are still awaiting the upgrade. Up until recently, one of those gadgets was the Xperia 10 III. According to XDA Developers, the Sony Xperia 10 III is currently receiving an upgrade with firmware version 62.2.A.0.367 in a few European and Asian nations.
The global dual-SIM (XQ-BT52) is eligible for this update, although release dates in various areas might vary. There are a lot more updates coming to the phone, but the changelog verifies that the upgrade includes the January 2023 security patch.
For instance, Sony Xperia 10 III devices will soon have a new lock screen, a brand-new Quick setting panel, and various improvements to the Camera app. Be sure to read Sony’s summary of some of the changes included in the Android 13 release.
The Xperia 10 III’s excellent 6-inch OLED display, which supports HDR and 1B colors, makes it one of the most intriguing mid-range smartphones on the market. The Xperia 10 III, which was first released in 2021, is quite likely to get one more significant Android OS update before Sony stops supporting the device.
If you plan to upgrade your Xperia 10 III to Android 13, keep in mind that your user data shouldn’t be affected by the software update. However, going back to a previous software version after upgrading to Android 13 will no longer be possible, at least not through official means.
Chinese company Xiaomi worked very hard to improve the user experience and smoothness of their Android skin. The MIUI operating system from Xiaomi is one of the best Android skins available. Even while some might disagree, the company has millions of honorable MIUI consumers who won’t accept anything other than the MIUI operating system. The eagerly awaited MIUI 14 was also made public at the Xiaomi 13 news conference. The new MIUI 14 delivers a brand-new design in terms of UI vision in addition to enhancing system fluidity. For instance, new enormous icons, big folders, desktop pets, etc., provide users a breath of fresh air.
It is important to note that MIUI 14’s huge folder’s design logic had a few problems. The places of the four icons are taken up by the full folder. Only three apps, however, may be launched by clicking immediately. After opening the folder, users will need to click the other programs to access them.
MIUI 14 fixes
Thankfully, MIUI has always been a system that values user input and experience. Xiaomi has now updated the beta version with some fixes in response to recent feedback complaints. More programs are now accessible in the huge file folder (Jiugongge version), and users can click them directly.
Thankfully, MIUI has always been a system that values user input and experience. Xiaomi has now updated the beta version with some fixes in response to recent feedback complaints. More programs are now accessible in the huge file folder (Jiugongge version), and users can click them directly.
Users who are not internal test users can also update the system desktop to version 4.39.9.5963-01031422. Some users have extracted the installation package, and you can search and use it yourself.
Following the update, when you select the Jiugongge app, you will see 8 icons instead of the previous four, all of which can be opened instantly. Additionally, a smart display can be set up. When sorting and making intelligent app recommendations, the system will automatically understand the user’s usage patterns. HarmonyOS from Huawei is where this feature originally surfaced. Despite being a fairly straightforward design concept, it significantly enhances the user experience. Chinese Android systems have largely contributed to its current popularity.
Today brings the release of Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3, which is anticipated to be the last significant preview before the stable rollout in March.
It is notable that it still includes the January 2023 security patch, which might be fixed in a later version (perhaps a Beta 3.1). The problems with Beta 3 (T2B3.230109.002) have been fixed.
Developer-reported and user-reported issues
Fixed an issue where notifications in a notification group were sometimes displayed with straight corners instead of rounded corners. (Issue #264287776, Issue #265529116)
Fixed an issue where the message in the notification shade that indicates an active VPN connection overlapped with the message about apps with active foreground services. (Issue #266075977)
Fixed an issue where the overflow menu couldn’t be accessed when editing Quick Settings tiles. (Issue #263484657)
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device with vibration enabled to vibrate for too long after it received a notification. (Issue #239676913)
Other resolved issues
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused messaging apps to crash or fail to send notifications.
Fixed a GPU issue that prevented apps from using certain visual effects.
Fixed an issue where Quick Settings tiles for a work profile were not added after setting up a new device.
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Pixel launcher to crash when using the Search bar in the app drawer.
Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented a device from being unlocked using a pattern after the Google Assistant was activated.
Fixed an issue in the com.android.qns system process that sometimes caused crashes.
Fixed an issue with the Pixel launcher that prevented Chinese text input from being recognized when typing in the Search bar in the app drawer.
Fixed an issue where when entering and exiting Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode from an app after changing the screen orientation, the system Settings app crashed with a “Settings keeps stopping” message and then the system Settings app couldn’t be opened.
Fixed an issue with the System UI that sometimes caused it to crash from a null pointer exception.
Fixed an issue where the connection status of a Bluetooth device sometimes did not match the actual device state.
Fixed an issue where the Pixel launcher crashed when a user tapped a web search suggestion for a query term.
Fixed an issue that caused status bar icons to overlap with the date text when font and display settings were set to their maximum level on a device.
The “list of Recent apps sometimes becomes sluggish if the screen orientation is changed while the list is open” has one more problem, though.
As Google typically publishes betas after the most recent monthly Android security patch has issued, Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 lingering on the January 2023 security patch level is extremely peculiar. That is not anticipated until February 6th, Monday.
If you have installed the QPR2 Beta, leaving the program will result in a wipe and your next opportunity to exit without losing data will be in March after the stable launch.
Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 system images are available for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. as well as in the Android Emulator.
Snoopy Tech, a Twitter tipster, has published a number of documents that appear to be original Samsung docs. The sites add to the previously disclosed material we revealed in the original post below by listing the complete One UI 5.1 changelog.
The information in the tweets below also includes some existing OneUI 5 features, but the new ones are marked with “5.1” next to their description. Features market with the number “1” are those that’ll be exclusive to the Galaxy S23 series, S21 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, S20 Ultra, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 3, and Z Fold 2.
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 devices with OneUI 5.1 will go on sale. Older Galaxy flagships are also anticipated to receive the new software, although initially, it appears that the Galaxy S23 series will get some special features.
The new OneUI 5.1 features and updates are now clear to us thanks to a thorough leak from WinFuture. Instead of making substantial design modifications, the program will introduce a variety of functional enhancements. The entire OneUI 5.1 changelog has been placed at the end of this article. Let’s discuss some of the most noticeable modifications that the new software is expected to make for the time being.
What’s new?
With OneUI 5.1, the Gallery app is expected to receive the most new features. Now, you may share albums with your loved ones. By utilizing AI to recognize family members’ faces, the app will suggest images to add to your family albums. For what it’s worth, this function is already available in Google Photos. Up to six family members will each receive 5GB of free media storage from Samsung.
Additionally, the Gallery app’s search function is getting more practical. Now, you can look up multiple people at once. Instead of utilizing their tagged names, you may also search for people by looking up their faces.
With the Effects button on the side of the screen in the Camera app, OneUI 5.1 will make it simple to alter the color of selfies. The Advanced menu now makes it simple to use the Expert RAW app as well.
With OneUI 5.1, the AR Emoji Camera also gains greater functionality. Now, you can use Mask mode to take pictures of up to three people and swap out their faces for emojis.
OneUI 5.1 also has a new battery widget. From your home screen, you can check the battery life of your phone and any Galaxy devices that are connected to it, including your Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, and more.
Depending on the phone mode you’ve selected, you can also set alternative backgrounds for the lock screen and home screen. As a result, by selecting several modes, you can have various backdrops for business, sports, and more.
If you’re migrating from an earlier Galaxy or another Android phone, one Galaxy S23-only feature will make it simpler to set up your new phone. By scanning a QR code on your previous device, it uses Bluetooth Low energy to assist you in moving your Wi-Fi networks, Samsung account, and Google account to the new device. According to the source, the Galaxy S23 series will have “AI Restoration,” another new OneUI 5.1 feature. It isn’t specifically mentioned in the changelog, though.
One UI 5.1 features
Camera
Changing the hue for a selfie just got easier: Easily change the hue of your selfies with the Effects button on the side of the screen.
Quick access to Expert RAW: The Expert RAW app allows you to capture high-quality images without any processing or compression, perfect for those who want to edit their photos later. Accessing Expert RAW is now easier from the Advanced menu.
Gallery
Common family album: With Shared Family Album, sharing photos with your family is easier than ever. Gallery recommends photos to add to your shared family album by recognizing your family members’ faces. You also get 5GB of storage per family member (up to 6 people).
Improved handling: Processing automatically removes shadows and reflections to make your photos look great. You can also recreate GIFs for better resolution and clarity.
Convenient information display: If you swipe up when viewing a picture or video in your gallery, you can see at a glance when and where the picture was taken, on which device, where it’s stored, and more.
Search has become more powerful: You can now search for more than one person or item at a time. You can even search for people without tagging their names, just by clicking on their faces.
Choose a location to save screenshots: Now you can save screenshots and screen recordings in a folder of your choice by setting it up in the advanced features.
AR Zone and AR Emoji
Use 3 Emojis in AR Emoji Camera: Take fun photos and videos with friends (up to 3 people) in mask mode. You can replace your friends’ faces with other characters by clicking the emoji.
Layout and editing improvements in AR Doodles: The brushes are now available on the main AR Doodle screen for quicker access. You can also resize and move drawings after you create them, and the new eraser tool lets you erase just a portion of your drawings without completely erasing them.
Widgets
New battery widget: With the new battery widget you can check the battery level of your Galaxy devices. Right from the home screen, you can see how much battery your smartphone, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch and other supported devices have left.
Intuitive weather widget: The new illustration style and a summary of the current weather conditions make it easy to know the weather information, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, raining or snowing.
Modes and Scenarios
Different wallpapers depending on the mode: Set different wallpapers on the lock screen and the home screen depending on your current activities. Choose a background for work, one for sport and more by setting different modes.
More conditions and actions for scenarios: Run scripts automatically when you turn on airplane mode or mobile hotspot. Scripts can now open some apps, adjust left/right audio balance, and more. New actions now let you control Quick Share and touch sensitivity, as well as change the ringtone and font style.
Connectivity
Collaboration in Samsung Notes: Create a shared note that multiple people can edit at the same time. Write a report with colleagues, take notes for a study group, or draw a picture with a friend. The possibilities are endless.
Inviting to shared apps made easy: Now you can easily invite people to shared albums, notes, and calendars using a link that can be shared across apps like messenger, email, and social networks.
Advanced multiple controls between Galaxy Book and smartphone: Now you can use your Galaxy Book’s mouse, keyboard, or trackpad not only with your Galaxy tablet, but also with your Galaxy smartphone. You can easily copy and paste text and drag and drop images from one device to another as if it were the same device.
Media output for WiFi speakers: If you want to continue listening to music on Wi-Fi speakers via Spotify Connect and the built-in Chromecast™, simply open the media output from the quick access toolbar, not the music apps.
Continue surfing on the PC: If you surf the Internet on your smartphone with Samsung Internet and then continue browsing on your PC, you can find the websites you opened on your smartphone and continue browsing them with the PC browser.
Samsung Dex
Improved multitasking in DeX: In split screen mode, you can now drag the splitter in the middle of the screen to resize both windows. You can also snap a window to one of its corners so that it takes up a quarter of the screen.
Settings
Settings suggestions: Suggestions are now displayed at the top of the settings screen, letting you know about useful features to try or settings that need your attention so you can enable or try them right away.
Samsung Internet
Improved search: You can now search by folder name in bookmarks or by group name in tabs. Improved search logic allows you to find what you’re looking for, even if something is misspelled.
Setup Wizard
Faster and easier initial setup of your new Galaxy: If you’re switching to a new Galaxy from a Galaxy or other Android device, simply scan the QR code on your old device to automatically migrate your Wi-Fi networks, Samsung account, and Google account to the new one Device to transfer without typing anything.
Weather
Detailed weather information at a glance: Useful weather information is now displayed on the main screen of the Weather app. You can check severe weather alerts, daily weather reports, hourly precipitation and color temperature charts.
Calls
Bixby text calls: Use Bixby text calls to automatically answer calls and find out the purpose of the call. You’ll see what the caller is saying in a text chat, and you can tap or type replies to have them read aloud to the caller. Bixby text calls are only available in English and Korean.
OneUI 5.1 availability
According to information accidentally put out by Samsung itself, One UI 5.1 would be coming to “flagship models released after Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip.” This means the update should be headed to the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S22 series, and nearly all of Samsung’s foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Since the software will debut with the Galaxy S23 series in February, it should start showing up on older Galaxy phones by March.
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra updates
Starting with devices in Europe, Samsung has started distributing the December security update to the Galaxy S20 series. SamMobile claims that certain countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Southeast Europe, Spain, Switzerland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, and the UK, have access to the update. Firmware version G98xBXXSFGVK7 will be installed on all devices in the series. The patch from December will address 67 security flaws.
Previous Samsung Galaxy S20 series updates
November 7, 2022: The Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are receiving the stable version of One UI 5. At the time of writing, the major OS update is only available in Switzerland and Germany. Other markets should follow soon.
November 1, 2022: The latest security update for unlocked versions of the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Ultra is rolling out for users in the US. According to SamMobile, this is the October 2022 security update and comes with firmware version G98xU1UES3FVI6. The new update will fix a variety of privacy and security issues and may also provide stability and bug fixes.
September 15, 2022: Samsung has rolled out its September security update for the Galaxy S20 series. According to SamMobile, the LTE versions will receive firmware version G985FXXSFFVHA. As for the 5G variants, they will get firmware version G986BXXSFFVHA.
July 28, 2022: The August 2022 security update is arriving for the Galaxy S20 series in Germany (via SamMobile). As usual, the update is expected to hit other countries in Europe before coming to other parts of the world. Firmware version G98xBXXUEFVG5 will be coming to the Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20 Plus 5G, and Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G. The LTE versions will instead be getting firmware version G980FXXUEFVG5.
July 11, 2022: Samsung has started rolling out the July 2022 security update to Galaxy S20 series devices in Europe (via SamMobile). The update is firmware version G98xxXXSEFVF4 and appears to only contain the security patch with no other new features.
May 12, 2022: Samsung has started rolling out the May 2022 security update to carrier-unlocked Galaxy S20 series devices in the US (via SamMobile).
March 28, 2022: Samsung has started pushing out the One UI 4.1 update to the Galaxy S20 series in some parts of the world.In the US, the update is going out to carrier-locked models with firmware version G98xUSQU2FVC5 (h/t SamMobile). It also adds the March security patch to the phones.
January 31, 2022: Samsung pushed the February update to the Galaxy S20 series ahead of time. Firmware versions G98xFXXUDEVA9 and G98xBXXUDEVA9 came to 4G and 5G devices, respectively (h/t SamMobile).
January 13, 2022: Samsung rolled out the January 2022 security patch to Galaxy S20 devices in the US. Per SamMobile, the update included firmware G98xU1UES2DUL2 and ten fixes from Samsung, with an additional 52 from Google.
December 28, 2021: Samsung kicked off the stable Android 12-based One UI 4 rollout to the S20 family starting in Switzerland (h/t XDA-Developers).
November 10, 2021: According to Droid-Life, the Galaxy S20 series is now receiving the November Android security patch through the Verizon network. Usually, a Verizon rollout means most other countries/variants are getting it at the same time. Unfortunately, the security patch appears to be the only thing that’s new in this rollout.
September 30, 2021: Next month’s security update is rolling out now to the Galaxy S20 lineup in South Korea. Per SamMobile, the update carries firmware version G98xNKSU1EUI3 and should have some other fixes included aside from just the October 2021 patch. However, we won’t know what’s included until the rollout comes to other countries.
September 17, 2021: The Galaxy S20 trio gained the September 2021 Android security patch across the world, including unlocked and carrier-locked models. According to SamMobile, the update brought firmware version G98xxXXSADUH5.
A day before the Honor 80 series and foldable Magic Vs were officially unveiled, Honor unveiled MagicOS 7.0, which is based on Android 13. The new version, which replaces Magic UI 6.2, will be available on all incoming Honor smartphones. MagicOS offers an aesthetic makeover along with a number of remarkable features.
Flat icons, fluid animations, and the new Honor Sans font are all part of MagicOS 7.0’s more streamlined design. Larger, more accessible folders are now housed on the home screen. A more individualized experience is made possible by the new widgets. A new built-in video editor was also unveiled by Honor.
The smooth file transfers, smart clipboard, call management, and notification handling between MagicOS devices and other Honor laptops and tablets are now known as MagicRing, according to Honor. A split-screen keyboard, smart widgets, and task manager support are further advantages for foldables. Another novelty, Magic Text, lets users scan and save text to PDF while also identifying text in photos.
Faster app launches and improved system-level power consumption management are promised by Honor OS TurboX, while MagicGuard takes care of system, privacy, and financial security concerns as well as malware protection for devices.
A preliminary list of the devices that will get the MagicOS 7.0 update in China was also released by Honor. The China-specific device list will be shared in due course, along with the global rollout schedule and list.
When it comes to upgrades, carrier-locked phones typically lag behind their unlocked counterparts since carriers enjoy taking the time to customize stock firmware. While this is true for many phones in the US, Samsung’s experience is unique. US carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S22 series are now receiving the same treatment as the unlocked ones, following the August security patch’s international rollout to the company’s newest flagships late last month.
With this month’s security patch, Samsung began distributing software version S908USQU2AVG6 to carrier-locked models of the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra in the US yesterday. According to SamMobile, the three have joined their Russian, Korean, and Latin American counterparts in utilizing the August security patch, leaving only the unlocked variations in the US and Asian regional models.
The firmware for the carrier-locked models appears to be a simple security patch, similar to the last update that went out to these devices globally. However, Samsung claims in the changelog that the “overall stability of functions” has been improved, so expect updates to the system apps or other undocumented changes along with it.
As always, we’ll keep this article updated as more Samsung devices get the August 2022 security patch in the US.
Galaxy S10 series
Verizon
Galaxy S10e: SP1A.210812.016.G970USQU6IVH2, released August 31st
Galaxy S10: SP1A.210812.016.G973USQU6IVH2, released September 2nd
Galaxy S10+: SP1A.210812.016.G975USQU6IVH2, released September 2nd
Galaxy S10 5G: SP1A.210812.016.G977UVRU8HVH1, released August 31st
Yesterday, Samsung updated the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 with its One UI 5 beta upgrade, which is based on Android 13. Owners of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 can now enroll in the beta program.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 was promised three significant OS updates and shipped with Android 10 out of the box. Owners of the Fold 2 can anticipate receiving Android 13 as the last significant OS upgrade. Even for Galaxy S22 devices, the stable version of One UI 5 is still not ready for release, but the beta version is currently accessible for download in South Korea. Other locations should soon receive the update.
All you have to do to try out the beta is go to the Samsung Members app. You’ll have the option to sign up for Samsung’s beta program there. Simply launch the app and select the banner for the beta announcement. You can register by entering your information on the registration page that is linked by the banner. After that is finished, you ought to see an update notification.
If you choose to install it, as with any beta, you can encounter issues. Always make a backup of your data before updating to the One UI 5 beta.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will receive Android 13 as its final major operating system, but it won’t be the last upgrade. the object
Although Android 13 will be the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s last major operating system, it won’t be the last upgrade. More security updates for the gadget are still planned, although they should stop in late 2024.
Although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, this strategy has been employed by Google for a while and makes a lot of sense.
This is due to the phased rollout strategy giving Google more time to monitor the rollout and identify any potential difficulties in advance, effectively lowering the possibility that new app versions may seriously affect the devices on which they are installed.
The most recent version of the app, Android Auto 8.2, is currently available to users. Fortunately, there is a quick method to download the program without having to wait for it to appear on the Google Play Store.
You should be aware that this alternate option essentially involves manually downloading Android Auto 8.2 onto your smartphone. To accomplish this, you must download the standalone APK installer and then run it on your device.
The Android Auto 8.2 APK installer should first be downloaded from this page. Once the download has finished, navigate to the file’s destination and tap it.
You should be prepared to move on at this point if your Android device is set up to permit the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. If not, the operating system should automatically prevent the installation and ask you to approve its completion.
When the installation is complete, which shouldn’t take more than a few seconds, Android Auto should function normally. When manually installing the most recent update, you do not need to remove the version that is already installed on your device.
What’s new in Android Auto 8.2
There isn’t much information available on this front because Google hasn’t published a thorough changelog. However, based on the most current user comments on social media, it appears like Android Auto 8.2 doesn’t bring about any noteworthy changes other from a bug that most users would find annoying.
The weather and temperature icons in the status bar appear to be gone in Android Auto 8.2, although as was previously said, this is probably simply a quirk since hardly everyone notices it.
Since no workaround has been found, it appears to be a server-side bug that Google should be able to resolve without releasing another update.
What’s not included in Android Auto 8.2
Since everyone seems to be anticipating the revamp of Coolwalk in Android Auto, you’ll likely be disappointed to learn that version 8.2 doesn’t bring any changes in this area.
In other words, if you hurriedly downloaded and installed Android Auto 8.2 in the hopes of obtaining Coolwalk, this UI change isn’t yet accessible. You should also be aware that Google will enable the new function with a server-side switch, so the distribution of Coolwalk isn’t dependent on a specific Android Auto update.
The majority of the code for Coolwalk is already present, therefore Google is currently only focusing on final polishing. This indicates that the release of Coolwalk shouldn’t be too far away, even though there is currently no other information on the ETA.
If you don’t want to manually install version 8.2 on your smartphone, the wait shouldn’t be too long as the automated deployment of Android Auto upgrades normally ends after a few weeks. In other words, as part of the gradual deployment described above, this most recent version of the app should be made available to all Android smartphones running Android Auto by the end of the month.
The Android 13 October update is releasing now and contains nine fixes in front of upcoming Pixel phones.
This second update boasts nine enhancements across Audio, Connectivity, User Interface, and Wi-Fi after only five changes were made last month.
The Android 13 UI is the focus of this month’s updates, which also address empty Quick Settings tiles and widget compatibility issues. As well as fixing a device crash when playing audio from local storage, there is a fix for several programs that don’t display an icon in the media player.
Use the following device key to interpret the Android 13 Pixel changelog:
*[1] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a (5G)
(This only applies to the first issue under Audio, with everything else in the October update benefiting all Android 13 Pixel devices.)
Audio
Fix for issue occasionally causing audible humming or noise artifacts during calls while using wired headsets *[1]
Fix for issue preventing device volume controls in media player notification to work under certain conditions
Connectivity
Fix for issue causing launcher crash when connecting to VPN in certain conditions
