As we head toward June 2021, the big guns in the tech industry are busy, including new features to their devices. With that being said, let us look at the significant ups and downs that happened in the firmware industry over the last week.
Which Devices are in today's news round-up?
OnePlus
OnePlus7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus Nord
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Samsung Galaxy Active 2, Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Asus
Asus Zenfone 8, Zenfone 8 Flip, ROG Phone 5, ROG Phone 3, Zenfone 6
RealMe
RealMe X3, RealMe X3 SuperZoom
Oppo
Multiple Devices
OnePlus
Oxygen OS 11.0.1.1 on the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro
Recently OnePlus has been releasing Android 11 based Oxygen OS updates for its series 7 devices. Still, sadly users were reportedly facing a number of issues with their devices. As a solution, the company rolled out an update for the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro. The main idea of this firmware is to bring in fixes to all the known problems that have been embedded within the operating system.
Although the update makes room for fixes in varied sectors, connectivity is one of the significant ones to mention. Besides connectivity, we see quite a bit of optimization in-camera, gallery, security, and more. To have a clear idea, here is what the changelog looks like
System and Security
- Improvement in the overall system fluency
- You’ll now have the occasional issue that results in “Google Fi SIM card not accepting incoming calls” fixed
- The Android security patch has been updated to 2021.05
Shelf
- Improvement in the swiping experience of Shelf
Gallery
- Optimization in the loading speed of any previewing picture
Phone
- The update fixes the occasional issue where incoming call interface delays to get displayed
- No more abnormal display issue when making a call
Camera
- No more failing of mirror effect
- You’ll have the odd issue with the camera when zooming in the macro mode fixed
- The update fixes the abnormal issue with some of the buttons whenever you try taking pictures continuously in the Nightscape mode
Network
- Improvement in the 4G network communication
- Improvement in the stability of Wi-Fi connection
New Update Out for OnePlus Nord Featuring Latest Security Patch and Bug Fixes
One Plus's mid-ranger, the Nord variant, has started receiving a new firmware that sees home to the latest May 2021 security patch. In addition to the security patch, the update brings in a number of optimizations and improvements to fix tons of bugs that were earlier creating a problem for the users.
The firmware builds are different for Indian, European, and other global units. The Indian and European units come with version number 11.1.1.3.AC01DA and 11.1.1.3.AC01BA, respectively, while other regions will see the 11.1.1.3.AC01AA version. Although the update is limited to a few users, it is expected to reach every OnePlus Nord user soon.
A quick look at the changelog:
System
- The update fixes "the card coupon is not available" as a widget issue
- The update makes sure missed calls will no more be marked as call answered on another device in call logs
- Fixed majority of the known bugs and optimized the system stability
- The Android security patch has been updated to 2021.05
Network
- Improvement in the speed of Wi-Fi connection
Camera
- No more abnormal preview display issue in the Nightscape Tripod mode
- The update fixes the "Camera becoming unresponsive" issue when you try setting profile photo in any Contact
- Frame drops issue while shooting videos has been fixed.
- You'll no more have issues with the Flash effect as previously it would fail in some scenarios.
File Manager
- You'll not have any issues whatsoever while copying files to OTG storage
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 are Receiving New OTA Update
A piece of good news for Samsung wearable users. The company has released a new firmware for the smartwatch models of Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2, which is already a second one for the month. The update ties around the previously seen Tizen 5.5.0.2 but brings in visual improvisations. Also, you’ll have improved system stability with the update. The new firmware weighs just around 49MB, and you can it downloaded easily using the official wearable app.
Here is what the changelog talks about
- The “auto walking/running” icons have been enhanced
- Enhancement in the “inactive Alert” icon
- Improvement in the device stability
The Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G Devices are Already Getting the June 2021 Security Patch
Although we’re still to make our way to June, Samsung has already rolled out the latest security patch corresponding to 07.2021 for its Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G devices. Broadly speaking, the Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 5G are among the 4 variants of devices that are set to receiving the update.
For the Galaxy S21 series, the update is exclusive for the devices in South Korea with firmware versions G991NKSU3AUE8, G996NKSU3AUE8, and G998NKSU3AUE8, respectively, for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.
On the other hand, talking about the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the firmware version is F707BXXS3DUE1. The update is seeding n various European nations.
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Italy
- France
- Hungary
- UK
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Spain
Asus
Asus Rolls Outs Firmware Updates for Multiple Devices: Zenfone 8, 8 Flip, ROG Phone 3, ROG Phone 5, and Zenfone 6
This week, Asus came up with a massive update for its flagship devices, and this time, the new Zenfone 8, 8 Flip, ROG 3, ROG 5, and Zenfone 6 are feeling the taste.
Asus Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip
Corresponding to the firmware version 30.11.51.50 and 30.11.55.43 for respective devices, the update brings in the following changes.
- Optimized the overall Phone call quality
- Improvement in the camera quality
- Improvement in the system stability
- You’ll now have enabled VoLTE on Telekom, Germany (Limited to Zenfone 8 only)
- You’ll have enabled VoLTE on Tele2, Russia (Limited to Zenfone 8 only)
- You’ll have enabled VoLTE & VoWiFi on O2, Czech Republic (Limited to Zenfone 8 only)
Asus ROG Phone 5
Holding down version number 18.0840.2104.47, we see the following changes in the ROG Phone 3
- The Android security patch has been updated to 2021-04
- The update fixes the issue where the 5G connection would unintentionally get regulated by system mode.
- The icon cropping problem in App Drawer has now been resolved.
- You’ll have the occasional popping problem of advertisements while playing game fixed.
- The narrative error in the protection clause has been fixed on the corresponding privacy homepage.
- The problem of too small Chinese text in a photo or other album editing has been fixed.
- Abnormal temperature display issues in Armoury Crate have been fixed.
- No more account sync trouble. The issue where it automatically re-enables after changing system modes has now been fixed.
- No more failure to sleep or wake up the machine using the power button
- Fixed the echo issues during calls
- The update has fixed the accessory case for Zenfone. It will now appear in search settings.
- The issue where the refresh rate for Chrome was locked while you try opening YouTube in a window has now been resolved.
- Notifications are now displayed normally when calling with WeChat.
Asus ROG Phone 3
The firmware version for ROG Phone 3 is 17.0823.2104.147, and it brings in the following changes.
- VoLTE/VoWIFI has been enabled on MTS (Russia Only).
- The April 2021 Android security patch has been included
- Occasional Launcher crash issues have been resolved
- The update fixes the issue where you were unable to output the screen through HDMI to the ASUS MG279Q monitor
- This firmware sees an updated APN list
Asus Zenfone 6
With the firmware version 18.0610.2104.145, you’re expected to see the following improvements in your Zenfone 6
- The Android security patch has been updated
- The APN version has been updated
- No more status bar issue, where it cannot slide out while playing videos or games in full screen
RealMe
Android 11 Based RealMe UI 2.0 is Now Live for RealMe X3 and X3 SuperZoom
Having been almost 2 months since the beta version was released, the RealMe X3 and X3 SuperZoom are finally getting the stable version of RealMe UI 2.0. The new firmware sees tons of new features that cover the section from customization to performance. The devices will now get new color options for customizing the themes. Moreover, the update will bring massive improvement in data transfer and connectivity as well.
The Android 11 based firmware that weighs 668 MB is seeding for the users who’ve already participated in the beta testing program earlier. However, if you’re a regular user, expect the update to hit your phone real soon.
Additional News
- Huawei to hold a live stream event coming June 2. This event will focus on the new HarmonyOS, and it is expected that Huawei is set to officially announce the new operating system during this live stream
- Oppo shares a road map for the eligible devices that will get the ColorOS 11 update. According to it, the following devices are set to receive the update, followed by Oppo A5 (2020) and Oppo A9.
- Find X2, F17 Pro
- Reno4 Pro
- Reno3 Pro
- Reno10x Zoom
- Reno2 F
- Reno2 Z
- Reno2, A52
- F11, F11 Pro
- F11 Pro Marvels Avengers Limited Edition A9, and F15
A Quick Round Up:
- Here is Oxygen OS 11.0.1.1 for Fixing Some Issues on the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro
- New Update Rolls Out for OnePlus Nord Featuring Latest Security Patch and Bug Fixes
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 are Receiving New OTA Update
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G Devices are Already Getting the June 2021 Security Patch
- Asus Rolls Outs Firmware Updates for Multiple Devices: Zenfone 8, 8 Flip, ROG Phone 3, ROG Phone 5, and Zenfone 6
- Android 11 Based RealMe UI 2.0 is Now Live for RealMe X3 and X3 SuperZoom
- Huawei to hold a live stream event coming June 2
- Oppo shares a road map for the eligible devices that will get the ColorOS 11 update
Final Words
With that, we wrap up this week's firmware news. Make sure to let us know if any of them featured the smartphone that you own. Further, don't forget to join us next week as we expect an upcoming bundle of surprising firmware updates.