[Update: Launched in India] LG’s take on foldables is the G8X with its dual screen attachment

Update 2 (12/20/19 @ 7:20 AM ET): The LG8X ThinQ has been launched in India for a price of ₹49,999 (~$702).

Update 1 (10/22/19 @ 4:30 PM ET): The LG G8X is launching in the US on November 1st. It will cost $699 (Dual Display included). The original article as published on September 6, 2019, is preserved as below.

There was some debate on whether LG’s next device would be the LG G8X or the LG V50S and today the company put that to rest. Announced at IFA 2019, the LG G8X ThinQ is the company’s second device to feature the Dual Screen accessory. This time, however, it’s not reserved for Korea only and they’ve made some key improvements.

Specifications	LG G8X ThinQ
Size	159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4mm, 192g
Display	6.4-inch 19.5:9 FHD + OLED FullVision (2,340 x 1,080 / 403ppi)
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Memory	6GB RAM
Storage	128GB (microSD)
Rear Cameras	12MP Standard (F1.8 / 1.4μm / 78˚) 13MP Super Wide (F2.4 / 1.0μm / 136˚)
Front Cameras	32MP Standard (F1.9 / 0.8μm / 79˚)
Battery	4,000mAh ( Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)
OS	Android 9 Pie
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 5 / NFC / USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Compatible)
Biometrics	In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
Audio	Stereo speaker, 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC, DTS:X 3D Surround Sound, 3.5mm headphone jack
Colors	Aurora Black

 

First, let’s talk about the phone itself, which is the least exciting part of the announcement. There aren’t a huge number of differences between the LG G8 ThinQ and LG G8X. The G8X is slightly larger with a 6.4-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a small waterdrop notch. Interestingly, the resolution is lower than the LG G8 (3120 x 1440).

The LG G8X also has dual cameras on the back. The main sensor is 12MP with f/1.8 aperture and the secondary camera is 13MP at f/2.4 with 136-degree wide-angle field-of-view. LG is shipping some new camera software, including “AI Action Shot,” which can automatically increase shutter speed when detecting fast-moving subjects. The front camera is 32MP.

In terms of performance, we’re looking at basically the same as the G8. The LG G8X has the Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (expandable), and a slightly larger 4,000mAh battery. Again, it features Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging.

We also can’t talk about an LG phone without mentioning audio. The LG G8X features a stereo speaker, 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC, and DTS:X 3D Surround Sound. Oh, and they are still sticking with the 3.5mm headphone jack. LG also says the microphone is automatically turned up when capturing video for ASMR recording. Yes, they really said that.

Dual Screen

Now, on to the Dual Screen accessory. LG has made several key improvements over the Dual Screen we saw with the LG V50. It now connects to the phone via USB Type-C rather than pogo pins. The display on the Dual Screen is the exact same as the LG G8X for symmetry. LG even included a fake waterdrop notch on the Dual Screen just to make sure they look the same.

The hinge has been improved and it can rotate a full 360-degrees now. A lot of people thought the original Dual Screen should have some sort of display when closed, a la the Galaxy Fold, and now there is one. It’s a small 2.1-inch display that can show the time, date, battery, notifications, etc. LG also claims the Dual Screen uses less power now.

The problems with the Dual Screen are still present, though. You still have to deal with a rather larger gap between the two displays. App support is not great if you want to stretch one app across both screens. The Dual Screen also adds a good amount of thickness to the LG G8X.

Availability

The LG G8X and Dual Screen will be available in “key markets” later this year. LG did not share pricing information. It will be available in one color: Aurora Black.

Source: LG

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Update: Launching in USA on November 1

LG G8X ThinQ, LG Dual Screen Available In U.S. Beginning Nov. 1

LG has finally announced the pricing and release date for the LG G8X. It will be launching in the US on November 1st for $699. That’s a pretty decent price when you consider LG is bundling the Dual Display accessory with it. So you’re getting two displays in one device. It will be available from Amazon, AT&T, and Sprint.

Source: LG

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Update 2: Launched in India for ₹49,999 (~$702)

LG has launched the LG G8X ThinQ in India. The smartphone with its Dual Screen will cost ₹49,999 (~$702). The phone will be available across offline retail outlets from December 21, 2019.

Source: NDTV Gadgets

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ASUS updates the ZenFone 6 with November 2019 patches and new camera, sound, and UI features

Early last month, ASUS rolled out the stable Android 10 update for the ZenFone 6/ASUS 6Z, bringing all the new features introduced in Google’s latest software release. Shortly thereafter, the company released kernel sources of the Android 10 release. Later in November, the company released the Android 10 update for the ZenFone 5Z and now the company is releasing yet another update for the ZenFone 6/ASUS 6Z.

The latest update for the ZenFone 6/ ASUS 6Z brings the Android security patches for November 2019, along with updated APN settings, adjustments for the boot animation, and more. The “Integrated ultrawide camera and main camera on the zoom slider” feature mention in the release notes below most likely refers to the ability to use the zoom to switch between the main camera and wide-angle lens without having to tap on the dedicated button. Here are the official release notes for the latest release (v17.1810.1911.110):

1. Updated security patch
2. Updated APN settings
3. Adjusted the boot animation
4. Support six new languages in India (Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil)
5. Enabled Brazil Vivo VoLTE/VoWiFi
6. Integrated ultrawide camera and main camera on the zoom slider
7. Added a setting to change the styles of power button menu
8. Added an option to adjust the ringtone volume once incoming call occurs
9. Fixed that user can’t have phone call when using the 3.5mm headphones without mic
10. Added the ability to show AM/PM with 12hr clock-format

The update has already started rolling out to users worldwide, but the company is currently pushing it to devices in small batches. If you haven’t received the update notification yet, you should receive it in the next couple of days. You can, however, head over to the “System update” section in Settings to check if the update is available on your device.

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Source: ASUS ZenTalk (1,2)

Thanks to Telegram users @Wichaya for the “About Phone” screenshot!

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New ColorOS 6 update for the Realme XT and Realme C2 bring December 2019 patches and other features

Over the last month, Realme did a great job of releasing updates for the vast majority of its devices. Along with improvements to ColorOS, the updates brought Android security patches for November 2019 for these devices. The company has started rolling out ColorOS updates with the Android security patches for December 2019. The company has already released the December security patches for the Realme 3 Pro, Realme 1, and Realme U1. And now, the Realme XT and Realme C2 are next in line to receive the latest security patches.

Realme has started rolling out ColorOS 6.0.1 for the Realme XT featuring the Android security patches for December 2019 along with a few improvements to the camera and notification center. Here’s the official changelog for the ColorOS update (vRMX1921EX_11.A.14) for the Realme XT:

• Security:
  • Android security patch: December, 2019
• Notification Center and Status Bar:
  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center
• Camera:
  • Updated nightscape algorithm of front camera, fixed the probabilistic black spot issue
• Theme Store:
  • Updated font change supporting in Theme Store
• Known issue fixed:
  • Fixed the issue of app startup animation splash screen when white wallpaper

Along with the Realme XT, the company has also started rolling out a ColorOS update for the budget-centric Realme C2. As with the Realme XT update, the ColorOS 6.0 update for the Realme C2 brings the Android security patches for December 2019, improvements to the Notification center, a new flash on call feature, and some minor bug fixes. Here’s the official changelog for the ColorOS update (vRMX1941EX_11.A.21) for the Realme C2:

• Security:
  • Android security patch: December, 2019
• Launcher
  • Added click the blank area to back to the launcher on recent task interface
• Notification Center and Status Bar:
  • Added fast switch toggles of dark mode in notification center
• Settings:
  • Added flash on call feature
• Known issue fixed:
  • Fixed the issue of volume bar blocked by the camera while horizontal status

The ColorOS updates for both the devices have started rolling out to users in India. In case you haven’t received the update yet, you can download the OTA package from the links below and manually flash it on your device.

ColorOS 6.0.1 (vRMX1921EX_11.A.14) for the Realme XT

ColorOS 6.0 (vRMX1941EX_11.A.21) for the Realme C2

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Galaxy S10 Lite leaked specifications reveal Snapdragon 855, 48MP main camera with tOIS, and more

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S11 series early next year but along with the new flagships, the company has some other interesting devices currently in the works. Rumors about the upcoming Galaxy S10 Lite popped up earlier this year in October, along with a Galaxy Note 10 Lite. The Galaxy S10 Lite was later confirmed in an FCC listing and now we have more concrete details about the upcoming smartphone.

According to a recent report from WinFuture, the Galaxy S10 Lite will feature a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC coupled with 8 gigabytes of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. These details were revealed in a data sheet procured by the publication which highlights the specifications of a Samsung device with the model number SM-G770F. Interestingly, the Galaxy S10 Lite doesn’t have an Exynos variant which is quite unlike the other Galaxy S10 variants sold outside of the US.

Along with the aforementioned details, the spec sheet also reveals that the Galaxy S10 Lite will feature a 48MP f/2.0 primary camera with tilt-OIS for stabilization. The main camera will be accompanied by a 12MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle camera and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera. For selfies, the device will feature a single 32MP f/2.2 shooter housed within a punch-hole at the top of the display. Powering the device is an impressive 4,500 mAh battery with 45-watt fast charging support. Additionally, the spec sheet also reveals that the device will measure in at just 8.1mm thick.

Seems like #GalaxyA91 nd #GalaxyS10Lite are in fact two different devices. Actually S10 Lite is very likely the yet unreleased SM-A905 I told you bout back in June nd which comes with 6.7″ FHD+ sAMOLED flat display, centered punch-hole, SD855, 48MP TiltOIS + 12MP Ultra Wide + 5MP pic.twitter.com/lCwSGSfJsr

— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) December 19, 2019

The report also reveals that the Galaxy S10 Lite will be available in three color variants — black, white, and blue — and it will run Samsung’s One UI 2.0 based on Android 10 out of the box. As far as the pricing is concerned, Samsung is expected to release the device for €679.99 (~$755.98) in Europe, but the pricing may differ around the continent based on the taxes and duties. It’s also worth noting that famed leakster OnLeaks has now confirmed that the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy A91 are two separate devices, which doesn’t fall in line with what we learned from previous leaks.

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Source: WinFuture

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Xiaomi releases kernel sources of the Android 10 update for the POCO F1, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Mix 3, and Mi 8 series

Back in October, Xiaomi started rolling out a stable release of MIUI 11 for several Xiaomi and Redmi devices. Since then, the company has released its latest Android skin for devices like the POCO F1, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Mix 3, Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro, and Mi 8 Explorer Edition. Now, the company has released kernel sources of the Android 10 update for these devices.

If you’re a developer looking to release an Android 10 based custom ROM for these devices or if you’re a power user looking to improve your phone’s performance, you can now access the kernel sources from the link below. The dipper-q-oss branch on Xiaomi’s GitHub contains the kernel source code and device tree source for the Android 10 updates released for the aforementioned devices.

Xiaomi has been doing a great job of releasing kernel sources for its devices over the last couple of months. The company recently released kernel sources of the Android 9 Pie build for the Xiaomi Mi Note 10/Mi CC9 Pro, along with kernel sources of the Android 10 build for the Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro. At this rate, the company is expected to release kernel sources for more of its devices in the coming weeks.

Kernel sources of the Android 10 update for the POCO F1, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Mix 3, and Mi 8 Series

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Facebook is developing its own OS to reduce dependence on Android

Despite the recent privacy scandals, mishandling of user data, and a potential federal injunction looming in the distance, Facebook seems to be going full steam ahead with its ambitions. According to a recent report by The Information, the company is now developing its own operating system to reduce dependency on Google’s Android. The development, as per The Verge, is being led by Mark Lucovsky — an ex-Microsoft official who co-authored the Windows NT operating system.

While the report provides a limited amount of information about how Facebook plans to use the new operating system, it does point out that currently Facebook’s Oculus and Portal devices run on a modified version of Android. This leads us to believe that with its new operating system the company plans to replace Android on its VR and smart devices. And one of Facebook’s AR and VR heads, Ficus Kirkpatrick, mirrors this sentiment. According to Kirkpatrick, “it’s possible” that Facebook’s future hardware won’t need to rely on Google’s software which could possibly remove Google’s control over the company’s hardware.

Andrew Bosworth, Facebook’s head of hardware, also told The Information that the company “want(s) to make sure the next generation has space for us. We don’t think we can trust the marketplace or competitors to ensure that’s the case. And so we’re going to do it ourselves.” Along with the aforementioned Oculus and Portal devices, Facebook is also working on AR glasses. Bosworth reveals that these glasses, codenamed “Orion”, could arrive as early as 2023. Interestingly, Apple is also expected to come out with its own pair of AR glasses around the same time. Facebook is reportedly also working on a brain control interface for its glasses, which could allow users to control them with their thoughts.

The report further suggests that Facebook is hoping to take a similar approach as Apple with its hardware in the future. Facebook is reportedly also working on its own custom chip hardware, alongside a voice assistant that it confirmed earlier this year. It’s worth noting that Facebook’s previous attempt at developing its own OS did not work out well. Back in 2013, the company created a forked version of Android that ran on an HTC device and it wasn’t well-received.

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Source: The Information

Via: The Verge

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[Update: Available] Onida launches a smart TV in India with Amazon’s Fire TV software

Update 12/20/19 @ 1:38 AM ET: The Onida Fire TV with Amazon Fire TV interface is now available for purchase. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on December 11, 2019, is preserved as below.

Onida, formally known as MIRC Electronics, is an Indian TV brand that was very popular in the 1990s and early 2000s for its CRT televisions. After plummeting initially to the wave of Plasma TVs, and eventually LCD and LED TVs, and competition from international brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG, Onida has transitioned into a smart TV brand and now has a decent portfolio of Android TVs. In partnership with Amazon India, Onida has now launched two new smart TVs, bringing a Fire TV software experience to these TVs and skipping the requirement to buy an Amazon Fire TV Stick separately.

The new range of smart TVs launched by Onida and Amazon includes a 32-inch HD TV and a 43-inch Full HD TV. Running the Amazon Fire TV software, the Onida smart TVs support OTT video platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, YouTube, Zee5, Sony LIV, Sun Nxt, and others, out of the box. The remote bundled with the TV has an inbuilt microphone that can be used to interact with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. The remote also features dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Zee5, Sony LIV. The screen supports a contrast ratio of 1200:1 and has a claimed brightness of 300 nits.

In terms of audio, the Onida TVs with Amazon Fire TV interface use a dual speaker setup with a combined audio output of 16 watts. They also feature DTS TruSurround and Dolby Digital Plus for sound enhancement.

Each of these Onida TVs comes with dual-band SISO Wi-Fi, three HDMI ports, one Ethernet, and one USB port. Additionally, they support input via composite video along with analog audio cables, TOSLINK aka optical audio, and output through a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Onida TVs audio-out capabilities via Bluetooth 5.0. The TVs can also be paired to and controlled using an Amazon Echo device with the help of an Alexa skill.

The Onida smart TV lineup with Amazon Fire TV interface will be available in India starting December 20th exclusively via Amazon. The 32-inch model will be available for ₹12,999 while the 43-inch Full HD variant will come for ₹21,999.

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Update: Onida Fire TV is now available for purchase

The Onida Fire TV is now available for purchase from Amazon.in. As is common practice with TVs sold online, Onida will contact the customer within 48 hours of delivery to schedule an installation free-of-cost. However, keep in mind that often in such scenarios, any additional equipment needed in the installation (such as a wall mount) might be separately chargeable.

Buy Onida Fire TV 32-inch from Amazon.in

Buy Onida Fire TV 43-inch from Amazon.in

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