The season of new smartphones has arrived, and apart from the new purple iPhone 12 that is making the Apple fans go gaga, there’s a lot happening in the world of smartphones. Xiaomi is pushing the barriers of mobile photography, new budget flagships are rearing their heads, and the never-ending cycle of software updates also continues.
As we wrap up April’s third week, a good number of devices have already started getting firmware updates for being future-ready. Let us walk through the essential firmware updates that these devices saw over the past week.
Which Devices are in today's news round-up?
OnePlus
OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro, OnePlus Watch
Samsung
Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy M40, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Watch 3
RealMe
RealMe X3 and RealMe X3 Zoom
Xiaomi
Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10 and Mi 9 SE
Motorola
Verizon’s Motorola One 5G UW
OnePlus
OnePlus 7 Gets “Hotfixes” with Oxygen OS 11.0.0.2
It was back in March 2021 when OnePlus started rolling out Android 11 for its devices. Sooner, several issues started getting apparent that called for urgent troubleshooting. Probably with a view of mitigating this issue, the company has begun providing a kind of hotfix starting with Oxygen OS 11.0.0.2 for OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T, and OnePlus 7T Pro. The update sees two forms, one for the Android 11 version and the other for 10. The firmware update for 11 weighs somewhere around 200 MB which includes the March security patch. While for Android 10, the update is over 2 GB.
Here is a look at the official changelog:
System
- Updates to Oxygen OS 11 version
- Fresh new UI visual design is set to bring you a more comfortable experience with various optimizations of details
- Optimize the stability of some third-party applications to improve the experience
- Updated Android Security Patch to March 2021.03
- Updated GMS package to 2021.01
- Since this is the upgrade of Android 11 version with many new features, the upgrade time may be longer. You might need to wait for the completion of the upgrade
Camera
- Updated the camera UI and optimized performance in some of the function paths to offer more convenient operation
- Newly added HEVC codec to reduce video storage size seamlessly. It makes sure you capture and shoot more without compromising on quality
- Th firmware features newly added access to a third-party app to share the picture just by pressing and holding it in preview
- Newly added the quick access to recording mode simply by pressing and holding the shutter button and then by sliding the button, you can easily zoom in or zoom out
- Newly added the playback display in Time-lapse mode to show the actual filming time
Ambient Display
- Newly added Insight clock style, a joint creation with the Parsons School of Design. It will change according to the phone’s usage data (To set it up: Settings > Customization > Clock on ambient display)
- Newly added Canvas feature that can automatically draw a wireframe picture based on a lock screen photo on your phone (Path: Settings - Customization - Wallpaper - Canvas - Choose photo preview and it can be generated automatically）
Dark Mode
- Added the shortcut key for Dark Mode, all you need to do is pull down the quick setting to enable
- Supporting automatically turn on feature & customize time range (For getting it done, follow as Settings -Display - Dark Mode - Turn on automatically - Automatically enable from sunset to sunrise/Custom time range)
Game Space
- It features the newly added gaming tools box for convenient switches of Fnatic mode. You can now choose three ways of notifications: text-only, heads up and block, just for your immersive gaming experience
- Newly added quick reply feature in a small window for Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram (You can enable it by swiping down from upper right/left corners of the screen in the gaming mode)
- Newly added mis-touch prevention feature. For enabling it, swipe down from the top of the screen, click and the notification bar will pop out
Shelf
- Newly shelf interface design, the interface is clearer and efficient
- Added weather widget, and the animation effect has been made smarter
Gallery
- Supporting Story function, automatically form weekly videos with photos and video in storage
- Optimization in the loading speed of the gallery, for faster and responsive image preview
OnePlus Watch Gets New Features
After running through a series of negative reviews since its release in the previous month, OnePlus Watch is set to bring features for enhanced usability. The company has planned for new updates, with one being released just a few days back. The firmware version B40 features improvement in various sections, including accuracy in tracking the walk and run activities, heart rate monitoring, and GPS improvement. Besides that, the update also works in fixing various bugs like the One with the raise to wake function.
For the time being, the update is exclusive for the OnePlus watches in the US and Canada but the update is expected to hit the global scene real soon.
It is significant to note that OnePlus is planning to roll out feature updates, including remote control ability, Always on Display, 100+ workout modes, and many more; however, the schedule is yet to get announced.
Security Update for OnePlus Nord 100
The OnePlus Nord 1000 devices of North America and EU regions receive new updates with firmware versions Oxygen OS 10.5.7 – 10.5.7.BE81AA and Oxygen OS 10.5.9-10.5.9.BE83BA respectively. With the latest security patch 2021.03, the update also features improvement in overall system stability, including an optimized standby power consumption for the devices.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S10 Verizon’s Version Gets Camera and Security Updates
Verizon’s network aided Samsung Galaxy S10 has started receiving new software updates featuring the latest security patch of April 2021. Besides, the firmware version G973USQU5GUCH brings in new camera features as well.
A quick look at the changelog of the latest update:
Camera
- Pro Mode: Ultra-Wide
With the update, you have the Ultra-Wide lens available in Pro and Pro Video camera modes
- Auto Night Mode
An auto detection feature has been added which will help detect low light conditions and click photos in optimal quality
Security
- The update features the latest April 2021 security patch
Android 11 based One UI 3.1 Rolls Out for Samsung Galaxy M40
Having received the Android 10 update last March, the Samsung Galaxy M40 devices are getting Android 11 updates with the new One UI 3.1. The firmware version M405FDDU2CUC6, which weighs around 2 GB, features the latest March 2021 security patch as well.
Besides the new UI and security patch, the update also brings in other utilities like one-time permissions, a new version of the Samsung keyboard, and more.
Talking about geo-locations, the update is currently live for Galaxy M40 devices across India and can be expected to get global in the upcoming days.
New Updates are Live for Samsung Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch 3
If you own a wearable from Samsung, either the Galaxy Watch or the Galaxy Watch 3, there is good news for you as Samsung has started rolling out both devices. Currently, live in Korea, the update is expected to feature the US, Canada, and India devices next. Although it might take a bit longer before the update scenes get totally global, it is still nice to see that the company is looking to keep their older models updated as well.
A quick look at the changelog of the latest update:
- Improved Messaging App Stability
- Improved Wi Fi Stability
- Optimized System Stability
RealMe
RealMe X3 and RealMe X3 Zoom open for Real Me UI 2.0 Beta
After RealMe C3 and RealMe Narzo 10A, the RealMe X3 and RealMe X3 Zoom devices are about to join the party for accessing the new iteration of RealMe UI, the 2.0. If you own any of the devices and wish to have access to the beta release, all you need to do is find a source link to carry out a manual download. Once you are done downloading the file, simply head over to the “Software Update” section, click on the “Trial Version,” and continue with the “Early Access.” However, it is essential for you to note that only a limited number of devices are allowed to participate, so make sure you are quickly getting into it.
Xiaomi
New Phones are Lined Up for Getting Access to the Latest MIUI 12.5
Having been just a few weeks since MIUI 12.5 started rolling out in Xiaomi’s Mi 11 devices across China, the official MIUI Weibo account has recently announced good news stating the availability of the latest MIUI version across a few other devices as well. Talking about the devices in China, the ones that will receive access to MIUI 12.5 include Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra, Mi 10, and Mi 9 SE.
Although the rollout is dated to occur on 30th April, it won’t be a surprise if the developers finalize everything and launch the update well before the stipulated time.
Talking about the global release, MIUI 12.5 can be expected to release somewhere in May but initially for the devices like Mi 11, Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, Mi 10, and Mi 10 Pro, the past verdict from the officials. If this happens, MIUI 12.5 might see the light for other devices globally in the month of June or July.
Motorola
Android 11 is now live for Verizon’s Motorola One 5G UW
Verizon’s Motorola One 5G UW, which has been holding onto the Android 10 since last October, has finally started receiving the Android 11 update. The firmware version RPN31.Q1-51-30-1 sees the following changes:
- March 2021 Android security patch
- Latest UI features that include Chat Bubbles and One Time Permissions
Quick Round-Up:
- OnePlus 7 Series are Getting “Hotfixes” with Oxygen OS 11.0.0.2
- OnePlus Watch Gets New Features
- Security Update for OnePlus Nord 100
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Verizon’s Version Gets Camera and Security Updates
- Android 11 based One UI 3.1 Rolls Out for Samsung Galaxy M40
- New Updates are Live for Samsung Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch 3
- RealMe X3 and RealMe X3 Zoom are open for the Beta Version of Real Me UI 2.0
- New Phones are Lined Up for Getting Access to the Latest MIUI 12.5
- Android 11 is now live for Verizon’s Motorola One 5G UW
Wrapping Up
So, with that we wrap up this week’s firmware news. As we approach the last week of April the stage is already set for various devices to receive more interesting updates. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Also, if you think we missed out any significant update, feel free to let us know in the comment section below.