Firmware News: Samsung Pauses One UI 4.0 for Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, Google December Updates, RealMe X7 UI 3.0 Beta Access, and More

Welcome everyone to the weekly edition of firmware updates. This time around, we are preparing to cover some interesting updates from the OEM industry as 2021 prepares for an exit. While last week Samsung's One UI 4.0 update on its premium foldable devices made headlines, following users' complaints, the company has now decided to halt the proceedings. What the scenes are like, read along to learn more.

Devices Lined Up for Today

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3

Vivo

Several Devices

RealMe

RealMe X7 Max 5G

Google

Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 Users Report Major Issues Post One UI 4.0 Update

Last week, Samsung introduced the One UI 4.0 update to its premium foldable devices, Galaxy Z Flip3 and Z Fold3, in South Korea. The users have already started reporting a range of issues they are troubled with. 

Talking about the issues, some users complained about their phone getting bricked or sending it into recovery mode. There were also reports for the performance getting lowered alongside screen flickering once the update is concluded. The camera app and the functionality of the Dual Messenger feature also went under the radar.

It seems that Samsung pulled the update back temporarily for that very reason. You can expect the company to investigate the issues and come up with an answer real soon. Samsung hasn't made anything clear when you can see the update roll out again. Maybe it will work around the company's expansion schedule to other countries). As of now, the employees are talking to affected consumers and trying to troubleshoot the issues.

Vivo

Vivo Reveals the first Batch of Smartphones that will Receive OriginOS Ocean

Vivo's OriginOS Ocean has been among the anticipated UIs of 2021. On December 9th, the copy organized an event where the new OS was unveiled. Considering that the OS was previously exclusive in the Chinese market and the same was distributed as Funtouch OS overseas, the release lists among the major ones alongside Color OS 2, One UI 4.0, and others.

A list of smartphones that will get the new OriginOS Ocean somewhere in the future was posted during the event. Surprisingly the numbers touched a staggering amount of 47. 

Here is what the list o device looks like:

Although we can't say much about the elements to expect, scenes are made clear for a new feature that all the phones will probably get. Translating roughly as "Child Guardian," the feature will link the concerned device owner to their parent's device, helping the grown-ups see how the phone is positioned. It will let the parents know about their child's posture. Other things like how long the device is being used, which app is being used, and more can also be visualized.

What are your thoughts on this feature? Let us know in the comment section below.

RealMe

RealMe X7 Max 5G Prepares for RealMe UI 3.0 Early Access

The high-end devices, including Realme GT and the GT Master Explorer, started RealMe's Android 12 campaign featuring the 3.0 version of their firmware. The scenes revolving around the trial periods were exclusive for these two devices. Finally, the Realme X7 Max 5G gets the opportunity to enjoy the much-awaited beta access.

Getting Yourself the Early Access to RealMe One UI 3.0 

To understand the update procedure better, walk through the official detailed guide by Realme. 

The Update has Some Requirements: 

• Your smartphone shouldn't be rooted.
• The smartphone must be running the latest software (RMX3031_11.A.21).
• The required storage is at least 10 GB,
• The battery count must be at 60% or higher. 

Things to Keep in Mind

• As this is an Early Access program, you can't expect every device owner to get the opportunity. Only a few volunteers will be accepted. 
• Considering the beta nature, you can expect to encounter bugs and issues. 
• In case you decide to roll back to Android 11, you'll lose all your phone's data.

There has been no official confirmation on the release date for the stable Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 firmware for the X7 Max. The Realme GT that got its beta access back in October still awaits the stable version.

Google

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro Gets December Updates with feature Drop feature

Similar to Samsung's consistency with the security patches every month, Google is pretty strict about introducing a new Android update every month to its Pixels that too on the first working Monday.

For that matter of fact, the OEM industry found itself in a state of shock when the recently launched Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro missed out on the update last Monday. Thankfully the duo has started receiving the December update, precisely a week later.

Just how the regular monthly update goes, the new firmware brings the latest security fixes, but this time around, the surprise Feature Drop announced previously was also introduced.

Google is known to distribute its updates on various sections, so it will likely take a day or two before reaching your device. With that being said, if you can't see the update notification as of now, there is nothing much to worry about.

The Android 12L Beta 1 Gets Improvement Updates

The first-ever Beta built of Android 12L is now made available for development. Although the Android 12L Beta 1 was limited on the Lenovo tablet and some Pixel devices, developers can now employ the Android Studio and emulate their apps on large displays.

The Android Developers Blog has recently posted a list of improvements made on the Android 12L Beta 1. The changes mostly correspond to the larger screens; however, the Pixel device owners can also install the Android 12L Beta build and enjoy the same. For doing this, they need to simply sign up with their Google account and opt for interest in the Android Beta Program. 

• The new update focuses on optimizing the overall user experience on devices with large displays.
• With the new update, a series of usual bugs are fixed.
• Improved optimizations.
• Includes December security patches.
• The new update brings a refined notifications panel, quick settings bar, polished lock screen, optimized overview, and home screen. 
• With the new update, the other areas of the UI have started using a two-column layout (for screens above 600dp)
• The update brings new multitasking features. The taskbar now lets you tag and drag app icons from the ones recently used directly into split-screen mode. 

Additional News

• Samsung Galaxy A50 Gets Latest Android Security Patch. With version number A505GNDXS9CUK3, the new update is live for the devices in Taiwan, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
• The Android 12 (Go edition) has finally arrived for low-end smartphones. However, keep in mind the new firmware will not be available until next year.

A Quick Round-Up

• Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 Users Report Major Issues Post One UI 4.0 Update
• Vivo Reveals the first Batch of Smartphones that will Receive OriginOS Ocean
• RealMe X7 Max 5G Prepares for RealMe UI 3.0 Early Access
• Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro Gets December Updates with feature Drop feature
• The Android 12L Beta 1 Gets Improvement Updates

Wrapping Up

This wraps up today's edition of firmware updates that have been making noises over the past week. We hope you had a great time reading the hotshots from the OEM industry. Thanks for your time.