Tired of waiting for WhatsApp to release dark mode?
Almost every app on Android or iOS has a Dark Mode feature. Giants like the Facebook Messenger and even the Amazon Kindle app has it. Even Google and Apple are working to bring system-wide dark mode in Android and iOS respectively. We have heard rumors of WhatsApp trying to bring a dark mode to it's Android and iOS apps for quite some time now. If you don't want to wait, we have got a way for you to enable it right now.
How to enable, force dark mode in android
If you are using an Android phone and running the Android Q beta build in your smartphone, you can easily enable dark mode in WhatsApp right now. All you need to do is to go to settings, go to display, go to the theme and enable dark mode. The Android will go into a system-wide dark mode. You will also notice there is a message saying, "Supported apps will also switch to dark theme". Now you need to turn on the "Override force-dark" option in Developer options. If you don't know how to enable it Developer options, just got to about phone and tap the build number 7 times.
After turning on the Override force-dark switch, you will see that most of the apps switch to dark mode. This will force the WhatsApp to go into dark mode also. This will let you use the application in complete dark mode. This shows how close the company is to release the dark mode for other devices. The company might be testing the final features before rolling out the dark more, ironing out the bugs so that the end user does not face any problem. However, it has to be said that before they do, they should work on the colour scheme a bit better as its quite painful to the eye to use the application with the dark mode in its present state.
iOS 13 Public Beta is even available for iPhone SE.
After a long wait, Apple has finally released the Public Beta version of iOS 13. The company announced the new OS at WWDC 2019. It was first made available as Developer's preview where only the developers were allowed to install it. Now anyone with a compatible device can install the iOS 13 Public Beta by just following these steps.
Before we begin
Take a complete backup of your iPhone before starting with the process
Your iPhone should have at least 60% charge
Make sure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection
As this is a Beta version, there might be some bugs here and there, which is why we recommend not to install it on a smartphone that you use on a daily basis
How to download and install iOS 13
Step 1: Open up the Apple Public Beta profile page on the Safari browser of your iPhone
Step 2: Log in to your Apple Account (If Prompted)
Step 3: Tap on "Download Profile" on the webpage and click on "Allow"
Step 4: Now an Install Profile page will open under your device's settings menu. Here tap on Install on the top right corner
Step 5: Accept everything and click on Restart when prompted
Step 6: Once the device is restarted, head over to Settings>General>Software Update and let it check for any available updates
Step 7: It should automatically start downloading the iOS 13 Public Beta. If not, tap on Download & Install
Step 8: Once the Download is finished tap on Install and enter your passcode (if asked) in order to confirm the install.
The installation process will restart your iPhone and it will take some time. Once the process is complete, go through the finishing process and start using your Apple iOS Device on the latest version of iOS 13 Public Beta.
Here are the best apps for screen recording on Mac
Screen recording is a great feature and comes handy from time to time. The feature allows users to create a recording of what is happening on their screen. This feature can act helpful when you want to give a quick tutorial about something to someone. If you are using a macOS powered laptop or desktop, here the top five screen recorders available.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow 8 is quite expensive for a screen recorder.
As soon as you go and search the word ScreenFlow on your Mac's App Store, you will be astonished by seeing the price tag on it. The app is priced at around USD 130 (roughly Rs. 9,000). However, it does bring plenty of features to justify that price tag. Apart from being able to record the screen on your Mac, it can also record screens of your iOS devices and even use their cameras. It also offers multi-channel audio recording and professional editing tools.
QuickTime
If you do not want to install a third-party program or spend money for screen recording, then Apple's QuickTime is there to rescue. The application not only allows watching videos but it also has a screen recorder hidden inside. The app does not bring in tons of feature but it will do the main task, which is screen recording in this case, seamlessly.
GIPHY Capture
GIPHY Capture allows you to make a GIF of what is happening on your screen.
GIPHY Capture is a free app available on the Mac app store. As the name suggests, the app records GIFs instead of recording MP4 or AVI videos. So, this also means that the app has a 30-second record limit. However, this app can come in really handy when you want to shoot really short tutorials.
Record it is a basic screen recording application available for free on the app store. Though the app also has a paid version, the free one limits on some features. One of the biggest bummers here is that it maxes out at 720p. However, it also brings features like iOS device recording and webcam support.
Screen Record Lite
As the name suggests, Screen Record Lite is a simple and light Mac program that lets you record your screen. Apart from recording the screen, it can also record you using the webcam and it even gives a decent editing screen.
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.
