WhatsApp to know show contact details while sending media.
While WhatsApp is mostly used for chatting, it is also popular for sharing media content. Now it often happens that people send an image to a different contact by mistake. The company is trying to solve this issue with their next update.
According to a report by mspoweruser.com, the new feature is now available on WhatsApp Beta version 2.19.173. With the new update, users will now be able to see the recipient's name right below the caption to ensure they are sending the media file to the right person. Currently, the app only shows the profile picture of the recipient on the top, which is not very helpful in instances where two or more of your contacts have set the same profile picture.
As mentioned above, the upcoming update will provide the name of the contact right below the option to enter the caption. This way, there will be reduced cases of sending an image or video to the wrong contact. This feature will also be applicable when sending images to a group.
As of now, the feature is made available only to the WhatsApp beta users. The company will be bringing the feature to the stable version soon. Also, currently the feature is only available on Android's beta version of the app, so we do not know if the feature will be making its way to the iOS version of the app or not.
Telegram is available on multiple platforms including MacOS.
Telegram has recently launched a new feature, which allows the user to add the nearby friends on Telegram by following just a few simple steps. This cool new feature is released by Telegram to make the user's work easier, instead of adding the contact number to the app manually and then message newly added people from the app. This new update is now available in the Google Play Store.
Telegram users can enable the new feature by heading over to Contacts > Add People nearby. This new feature will help you because you no longer have to manually add the number as this in-app feature will allow you to locate the nearby people into the setting menu.
The company has also revealed that the user can also add groups with this new feature, which will locate the nearby groups available to join and exchange the details between them. But, both the users should be inside this feature.
In the group situation, the chats are open to everyone and anyone can access to join the group chat in the add people nearby settings and also the user can create his own location-based group chat with the help of this menu. Telegram said that this new feature can be used for locations such as dormitories or apartment complexes.
Other new features in this update include the ability to transfer ownership of a channel or group, and the ability to toggle message previews for specific chats.
Project Mainline will update through the existing Google Play infrastructure.
Fragmentation in Android versions is the biggest challenge for Google to solve. While the Google Pixel line of smartphones is among the most secure Android-based smartphones out there, other smartphones suffer from huge vulnerabilities mainly due to running an older version of Android of missing the latest security patch. The latest report by Google on Android Pie rollout shows that less than 1% of all devices accessing the Google Play store are running on Android Pie. Another report shows us that less than 10% of devices accessing the Google Play store are sporting the latest Android security update.
Google is making a lot of efforts in order to tackle this fragmentation issue with things such as Project Treble, a major rearchitecting of Android resulting in a separation between the Android OS framework components and the vendor HAL components, extended Linux kernel LTS. It had also made security patch updates for 2 years a mandatory condition, and Android Enterprise Recommended program. At Google I/O 2019, the company announced its latest initiative to speed up security updates will be the Project Mainline rolling out with Android Q.
Project Mainline: Updating Android Q system modules through Google Play
For the past few months, developers have been tracking something known as “APEX” in the AOSP code. APEX, or the Android Pony EXpress, is a new package extension that is supposed to work just like an APK. Instead of housing an Android application, APEX is housing a native or class library. Which is basically a precompiled code that can be called by Android apps, Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL), and the Android Runtime (ART). Just like an APK, the APEX packages can be served to users over traditional package installation methods in Android like the Google Play Store/package manager or ADB or can be downloaded and installed manually like an APK.
Unlike an APK, the APEX modules can be used much earlier in the boot process than APK-based modules. Also, they are backed by the dm-verity and Android Verified Boot for increased security. Mounting the payload images in the APEX package requires the Linux kernel’s loop driver, so devices need Linux kernel version 4.9+. Also, Managing the APEX packages requires the new APEX daemon, introduced with Android Q. While it is possible for Android devices upgrading to Android Q running on kernel version 4.4 like the Pixel 3 series, it will require a lot of additional work on the OEM side. This makes us doubt that only the devices launching with Android Q and Linux Kernel 4.9+ will be supporting Project Mainline.
APEX works just like a APK
GNU/Linux distributions have always able to update major components without a full system update, but Android has always lagged behind. This is because Google chose not to distribute these packages using traditional Linux package management systems like dpkg and rpm because they don't support post-installation security features like dm-verify.
Since it takes a considerable amount of time for device makers to roll out updates, we see many devices running the outdated components for as long as months and even years. By distributing these components like the security patches as APEX packages, Google can bring the smartphone to the latest security patch without waiting for the manufacturers to roll out the update.
Google won't exert total control over all system components. However. the company has worked with the OEM partners to select a certain set of system apps (as APKs) and some system components (as APEX packages) to modularize. This will help them to improve security, privacy, and consistency for all users running on Android Q with project Mainline. They have provided us the list of system components on devices launching with Android Q what will be updated using APEX packages, however, we still don't know how they finalized on that list.
Security, Privacy, Consistency are the main benefits on Project Mainline
Immediate updates to Conscrypt, the Java security library, and the media components, which accounts for nearly 40% of recently patched vulnerabilities will surely help make Android devices safer. Updates to documents UI, the permission controller will help implement privacy. Standardizing the timezone data will help keep all the devices on the same page and standardized ANGLE will help game developers a lot.
If the OEMs decide to go through with the Project Mainline, it will help improve the security on Android and decrease the fragmentation issue.
Google recently announced a new feature for Gmail dubbed dynamic email. The new feature is currently available under a beta program and it will be made available to the masses on July 2.
As the name suggests, the dynamic email feature will allow users to take action within the message. It can be helpful when responding to official emails and you do not want to send or receive multiple email messages about the same subject.
Google's blog post on dynamic emails, reads, "With dynamic email, you can easily take action directly from within the message itself, like RSVP to an event, fill out a questionnaire, browse a catalogue or respond to a comment."
"Take commenting in Google Docs, for example. Instead of receiving individual email notifications when someone mentions you in a comment, now, you’ll see an up-to-date thread in Gmail where you can easily reply or resolve the comment, right from within the message," it further added.
According to Google, the feature will allow companies like OYO and Pinterest to send interactive emails where the users can interact within the email without needing to leave the Gmail interface. Also, with threads like Google Docs, users will no longer need to receive multiple emails as everything can be made available in one message.
End users need not make any changes to their Gmail app as the features will be made available to all the users without needing to make any changes. However, G Suite accounts will need to go to their Admin console to bring such changes for the emails they send to their clients or colleagues.
The official version of Android Q will be released in August.
Google recently announced the Android Q and it is already running on some smartphones as a part of a Beta program. Now smartphone manufacturers have also rolled out lists of devices that will be getting the Android Q update. Check out the list to find out if your device made it to the list.
Google
When we speak about Android updates, Google is the first company that comes to the mind. This year, the company will be rolling out the update for all the Pixel devices. Also, Android Q will be the last major update for Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL.
Google Pixel
Google Pixel XL
Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2 XL
Google Pixel 3
Google Pixel 3 XL
Google Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 3a XL
Samsung
Samsung is usually late when it comes to pushing out Android updates. It is highly due to the fact that these phones come with a heavy skin layered on top of Android. This year, the company will be rolling out the major update for the following devices.
Samsung Galaxy S10e/S10/S10+
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+
Since the company has not yet rolled out the complete list, we don't know which of the mid-range phones will get the update.
OnePlus
OnePlus is also one of the quickest companies when it comes to delivering Android updates. The OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T are already a part of Google's Android Beta testing program. Here's a list of devices that will receive the Android Q update.
OnePlus 6
OnePlus 6T
OnePlus 7
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi
Xiaomi recently rolled out a list of devices that it promised will be receiving the Android Q update. According to the list, the following devices will get the update later this year or early 2020.
Realme has not yet rolled out the list of devices that will be receiving the upcoming update. However, as the Realme 3 Pro is a part of Android Q Beta program, it is expected to be one of the first smartphones to receive the update. Also, the Realme X, which was launched recently will get the update.
Huawei
Though Huawei recently faced a lot of issues from the US government, the company has confirmed the Android Q update for a couple of smartphones including the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, P30 Pro, P30, P30 Lite, Mate 20, Porsche Design Mate 20 RS, Porsche Design Mate 10, Mate 20 X, Mate 20 X (5G), P20 Pro, P20, Mate 10 Pro, Mate 10, Huawei P smart 2019, Huawei P smart+ 2019 and the Huawei P smart Z.
Apple iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max will come with triple camera setups on the back.
Apple will be launching its flagship smartphones in the month of September. Just like last year, the company will be bringing three new smartphones, which are expected to be called iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Max and iPhone 11R. Here's everything we can expect from the upcoming Apple launch event.
What to expect?
According to the leaks and rumours, the name of the upcoming devices from Apple will be iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Max and iPhone 11R. Reports suggest that these devices are expected to release in the late-September. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected to be available at a starting price of USD 999 and USD 1,099 respectively. iPhone 11R, on the other hand, is expected to come with a starting price of USD 799.
Unfortunately, the leaks and rumours claim that Apple has decided not to introduce 5G modems on its newer iPhones until 2020. Apple feels it's not necessary to introduce 5G connectivity to the 2019 iPhones. Also, there will be no 3D touch setup in the upcoming iPhones.
iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are expected with a 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED displays respectively. Both the iPhones will be coming with the A13 chipset. Also, the 2019 iPhones will have a triple camera setup with an Ultra-wide lens and broader zoom technology. Rumours suggest that the camera array will be square in design and it will be placed on the top left on the iPhone.
Apple is also expected to introduce reverse wireless charging on their flagship iPhones, which will allow users to charge their iPhone with other iPhones. Also, the reverse wireless charging feature will help the users to charge their devices like the Apple Watch and Airpods by simply placing them on their new devices on the go. iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are also expected to adopt USB Type-C port instead of Apple's Lightning port.
iPhone 11R
The budget-friendly iPhone 11R is expected to launch with the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max which has introduced two new colour variants those are Lavender and Green along with the White, Black, Yellow and Red. The upcoming iPhone 11R is expected to feature a 6.1 inches LCD display. It will also sport the upcoming A13 chipset same as other iPhones. Unlike the flagship models, the iPhone 11R might get a dual camera setup with increased zoom technology.
The smartphone is also rumoured to get the reverse wireless charging feature and a and USB Type-C port. The iPhone 11R is also expected to sport a 3,100 mAh battery, which is a bigger battery compared to other upcoming iPhones.
Reliance Jio is known for bringing fast, reliable and affordable internet connection to the masses. After its success in the 4G space, the company is now expanding its portfolio with broadband services. While it has been in the news for a while now, we finally have a tip on how much it might cost.
As the name suggests, Jio GigaFiber uses a fiber optic network to ensure a fast and stable Internet connection. The company started rolling out the service as a part of a public beta program first in some regions like New Delhi and Mumbai. It is soon set to be available to the masses at an affordable rate.
According to a recent leak, the Jio GigaFiber is expected to crush the competion in the broadband space by offering really cheap internet. As per the report, the base plan will start at just Rs. 600 per month and it will offer speeds of up to 50Mbps. As promised, there will also be a 100Mbps plan, which is expected to cost around Rs. 1,000 per month.
To recall, a few months ago, there was another leak that said the company will be offering a Triple Play Plan at Rs. 600 per month. The plan was said to offer 100GB data per month at speeds of 100Mbps. Apart from the GigaFiber internet, the users will also get complimentary access to Jio's HomeTV service and a landline connection.
Although these prices sound realistic when considering Jio is the one offering them, these leaks should still be taken with a pinch of salt.
Netflix is a popular media-streaming application and the company tries to make it even better by adding new features. In order to get some ideas about the features, they conduct a hackathon every year, where they allow users to showcase some cool hacks for the app that can help in making the user experience better.
This year, someone came out with a hack called Project Rumble Pak, which became one of the most popular hacks in the whole event. The hack brings vibration to your smartphone making the content watching experience more intuitive and immersive. The employee who made the hack used an episode of the TV show Voltron to demonstrate the feature in action using a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
A blog post made by the company about the Project Rumble Pak Hack, said, "The Project Rumble Pak hack day project explores how haptics can enhance the content you’re watching. With every explosion, sword clank, and laser blast, you get force feedback to amp up the excitement. For this project, we synchronized Netflix content with haptic effects using Immersion Corporation technology."
Though the feature sounds cool, it is not sure whether it will make its way to the official version of the app or not. However, if the company is able to bring some sort of option, it would be much appreciated by people who tend to watch a lot of action content on Netflix.
PUBG Lite will run smoothly even on low-end computers
Player Unknown's Battlegrounds or PUBG is a popular battle royale game available on multiple platforms including PC, mobile, PlayStation, Xbox and more. While the game gained more popularity since the introduction of its mobile version, the company is trying to help users with low-end PCs to enjoy a full-fledged version of the game.
A few months ago, PUBG Corp. announced a new version of PUBG dubbed PUBG Lite. As the name suggests, the new version allows users with low-end PCs to play the game smoothly. While the steam version of PUBG requires a high-end PC as well as a purchase of Rs. 999, the new version aims to solve both the problems.
Apart from being light-weight, the PUBG Lite is also free to play, which means anyone with a basic Windows PC or Laptop can download the game and enjoy it. The game was initially introduced in Thailand and it later made its way to a few other nations. Now, the game is finally arriving in India as well as countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
PUBG Lite will first come as a part of a beta program, for which users can register, starting today. The registrations will last for 13 days and interested users can head over to lite.pubg.com to create an account for free.
As far as the minimum specifications are concerned, the official website suggests the user should have at least an Intel Core i3 CPU coupled with 4GB of RA. The PC should have at least 4GB storage available and the graphics need can be taken care by the Intel HD graphics.
BSNL brings Abhinandan 151 promotional offer in India.
BSNL has launched a new plan called Abhinandan 151. As the name suggests, the plan costs Rs. 151 and it is available for pre-paid users living anywhere in India. Apart from offering unlimited calls, the new plan has a lot more to offer.
To begin with, the plan offers unlimited local, STD as well as national roaming calls. Further, the plan brings 180 days of validity, but there is a catch. The benefits offered by the plan will only be valid for the first 24 days. Also, the plan offers 1GB of daily data along with 100 SMS messages per day.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has launched the new Abhinandan-151 plan as a part of their new promotions. The promotional offer will be available for 90 days starting today. In order to activate the plan, users will need to get a recharge of Rs. 151 on their pre-paid number. However, if they have enough balance on their phone, they can activate the plan by simply sending the message "PLAN 151" to 123.
Also, the company has extended the deadline of their Bumper Offer till June 30. As a part of this offer, users can get additional 2.21GB data per day with recharges of Rs 186, Rs 429, Rs 485, Rs 666, Rs 999 and Rs 1,699.
Meanwhile, the company has also introduced a new service at *121#. The service allows the users to dial the number in order to get the best special tariff vouchers the company has to offer.
