This week, on our weekly firmware news roundup: MIUI 11 is now being delivered to 11 more Xiaomi devices, the original Pixel is set to receive its last update during the next month, and more!
What's New This Week?
Asus
- ZenFone 6 is now receiving the latest version of Android
- Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL receive a fix which enables the 90Hz refresh rate even at low brightness levels
- The original Pixel reaches its end of life
Xiaomi
- MIUI 11 is now being delivered to 12 more devices
Samsung
- Note 10 series is getting an Android 10 beta in India
- The third beta update for the Galaxy S10 series is here and it brings a ton of bug fixes to the table
- Galaxy S9 is now receiving November's security patch
- Galaxy A70s just got its first update
Asus
ZenFone 6
Another update is here for the Asus ZenFone 6. And this time, it brings the latest Android version with it!
The changelog doesn't mention anything about what we can expect to find in this update. But, since it includes Android 10, chances are that we are going to at least find some Android 10 features in there.
Some of them include Google's new navigation system, dark mode, improved privacy, Focus Mode, and more.
As far as we know, the update is currently being pushed in India and the US. But, we expect that it'll soon go global.
Surprisingly enough, the update only weights 800 megabytes. This could be due to the fact that the ZenFone 6 is running a stock version of Android.
But, still, considering that you're getting a whole new OS with new features and everything, that's rather impressive.
Now, do keep in mind that the size may vary depending on your region and carrier as well.
Pixel 4
One of the biggest advantages that the Pixel 4 offers compared to other smartphones is its 90Hz display. The higher refresh rate makes all animations appear smoother and that's particularly useful for gaming.
However, the only problem with it is that you can't use it while the brightness is set below a specific level. Thankfully, the latest update fixes that - but only partially for the Pixel 4.
While the Pixel 4 XL can now work in 90Hz regardless of the brightness level, the Pixel 4 is still limited to a brightness level of 42%. Anything lower than that and the screen switches back to 60Hz.
We understand that Google may be looking for ways to increase battery life. But, we'd really appreciate if we actually had a choice here.
Also, the update seems to have brought a new bug to the table when switching your display off and on while in 90Hz messes up the gamma and contrast ratio and makes everything look a bit too vibrant - if that makes sense.
Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in the near future. Other than what we already mentioned above, the update also includes the latest Android security patch.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL
Bad news for Google Pixel and Pixel XL owners - your phone is set to receive its last update this December.
You've probably been already alarmed by the fact that both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 series has already received Android's latest security patch, while the original Pixel series didn't get anything.
And as far as we know, you're not going to get that patch at all. However, what you're going to get is some features that are going to be included in both November's and December's updates.
After that? Well, nothing is guaranteed. Google is not inclined to keep on pushing new features or even security updates for that matter.
The official agreement is 2 years of software support and 3 years of security updates. But, regardless of that, you still got Android 10.
Xiaomi
MIUI 11 - Numerous Devices
MIUI 11 is already available for 12 devices - and it now becomes available for 12 more! To be more specific, those are the:
- Xiaomi Mi 9 SE
- Mi Mix 3 and 2S
- Mi 8 Lite/Pro/Explorer/SE/ and 8
- Max 3
- Redmi 7 and Note 7 Pro
- And Redmi K20
At this point, we haven't heard anything about Android 10 yet. So, we assume that this is nothing but a new user interface with everything else that MIUi 11 brings on top of it.
Some of these new features include a system-wide dark mode, new animations, themes, design, and more.
The update is currently only available for the Chinese models. But, we assume that the global variants aren't too far away from receiving the update either.
According to our sources, chances are that everyone will have the version of MIUI by the end of the month or in early December.
Samsung
Note 10 Series
The Note 10 series started receiving One UI 2.0 beta with Android 10 on top of it quite some time ago. However, it's only now that the update is being delivered on India as well.
Of course, only beta members can get access to it. And since this is a beta, you can expect to encounter a few bugs and issues.
That being said, if you're considering installing the beta version, the very least that you can do is to backup everything that's important first.
You can enroll in the beta by opening the Samsung Members App, tapping the bell icon, then go to the "Registrations for One UI Beta Program" notice. After that, just find the "Enroll button" in order to register.
As for the update, in case you haven't heard about it, One UI 2.0 doesn't bring a UI overhaul or anything like that. However, it does include a lot of Android 10 goodies, improved privacy, Google's new navigation system, a native screen recorder, enhanced dark mode, Focus Mode, and more.
Do keep in mind that updating to the latest beta version is rather heavy. We're talking about 1.8 gigs here. So, consider turning on your Wi-Fi before downloading.
Galaxy S10 Series
Another Android 10 beta update is here and it seems to focus quite a lot of bugs and issues. As for availability, it should be ready to download in countries that already had the second beta version up till now.
It's the third beta update for Germany, US, and South Korea - and the second one for pretty much anyone else.
Do keep in mind that one of the biggest issues that are currently known with this beta version is that Samsung Dex doesn't work with Windows 10 and Mac computers. There will definitely be a fix at some point. But, nobody knows when.
Regarding the bug fixes, there are truly way too many of them to mention here. But, still, here are some of the most interesting ones:
- Fixed the issue when the notification bar wouldn't come down in landscape mode
- Volume buttons now work normally
- Galaxy Store no longer crashes when applying new fonts
- Videos are now visible in the video library
- Wi-Fi icon now appears when connected
- Clock is now present on the lock screen
- The 'Data service is not supported' error message has been fixed
- Keyboard and camera stabilization
- And more
The update size is just a bit over 500 megabytes. So, consider turning on your Wi-Fi before downloading it.
Galaxy S9 and S9+
A new update is here for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ and it brings the latest Android security patch with it. However, as far as we know, it's currently only available in some Asian regions.
To be more specific, we're talking about Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. Of course, we're expecting that more regions will join this list. But, at the moment, we just don't know when.
Mind you, this update doesn't simply fix Android related issues - but also Samsung ones. So, don't ignore it.
Since it's nothing more than a security update, we're not expecting to see any new features and because of that, the download size should be rather small as well.
Galaxy A70s
The Galaxy A70s was recently launched and it's now already receiving its first update. The changelog doesn't mention anything about a newer security patch. But, we suppose that it includes the latest one. Still, that's nothing but pure speculation at the moment
It weighs just a bit more than 300 megabytes while bringing the option of using the side button for Bixby and a couple of other, new features.
To be more specific, we now have USB Type-C headphone support and "Link to Windows.
USB Type-C headphone support is pretty self-explanatory. All you have to do is plug in a USB Type-C headset or 3.5mm headphones to the USB port with an adapter - and they should normally work through there.
Link for Windows, on the other hand, is a feature that allows you to partially control your phone through a Windows 10 PC. You can do things like reading notifications, using apps, replying to texts, etc.
That's all for now. We'll let you know if anything else comes up. So, stay tuned!
Closure
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