LightBlog

lundi 9 novembre 2020

Upgrade your security with 2 years of NordVPN and NordPass password manager for $99

Whether it’s Gmail contacts or tax details, most people have personal data stored online. To keep that information truly secure, you need to use encrypted connections and strong passwords. The Essential Nord 2-Year Subscription Bundle helps you do just that, with a top-rated VPN and well-reviewed password manager. You can get it now for just $99 at the XDA Developers Depot.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4VLggCtOdY

Every day, hackers steal information from millions of unfortunate people (you can check to see if you’re a victim here). Many more individuals are tracked across the web by online stores and social media sites. 

This bundle helps you avoid both scenarios. One half is NordVPN, a service that earned the rare “Outstanding” rating from PCMag. Available on most devices, this VPN uses double-encryption to protect your data. 

It also operates a strict no-logging policy, while 5,508 worldwide server locations around the world give you access to local content. NordVPN is rated at 4.6 on iOS and 4.4 stars on Android.

To keep your online accounts secure, the bundle also includes NordPass — described by PCMag as “an easy-to-use password manager with attractive web and mobile apps.”

NordPass keeps all your login details in a secure vault, allowing you to sign in with a tap. In addition, you can securely share these details with friends and family.

These subscriptions are worth $346 together, but you can get them now for just $99 with the bundle.

 
The Essential Nord 2-Year Subscription Bundle – $99

See Deal

Prices subject to change 

The post Upgrade your security with 2 years of NordVPN and NordPass password manager for $99 appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2UmFs7H
via IFTTT

Google Play and Google Pay are now being investigated for market dominance in India

Technology makes our lives easier, and bigger companies make it even easier with seamless integration throughout their ecosystems. But now, across the world, the conversation has started turning towards how some technology companies may have perhaps become too big for the market. Recently, the US Antitrust Subcommittee concluded that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google abused their monopoly and dominance. The Department of Justice in the USA also began an antitrust case against Google. And now in India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched an investigation against Google Play and Google Pay for their market dominance.

The news has broken courtesy of MediaNama, with information shared in a Twitter thread. The snippets highlighted are part of the order for investigation, which MediaNama has accessed.

Much like several other investigations across the world, the CCI investigation is looking into dominance by Google, using its dominant and monopolistic positioning in one business to unfairly prop up another of its own business to the point of shutting out competitors. Medianama states that CCI will look into these allegations towards Google’s dominance, revolving around Android and the Google Play Store, and how it is affecting Google Pay:

  • Exclusivity regarding mode of payment for purchase of apps, and in-app purchases: Google’s 30% cut on all purchases made on the Android app platform is being investigated.
  • Requiring OEMs to pre-install Google Pay as part of GMS on Android
  • Google Play Store search manipulation and bias by Google in favor of Google Pay: Even when users search for “pay” on the Google Play Store, the first result is Google Pay, and not Paytm or Phonepe.
  • Prominent placement of Google on the Play Store: Allegations made on rigging “User Choice”, “Editor’s Choice”, and “Top free apps” lists to favor Google Pay. Google Pay is also being promoted on Google Search for recharges and bill payments.
  • Google prioritizes Google Pay ads on the Play Store whenever a user searches for Paytm or Phonepe. This is not under investigation, but remains an allegation.

It’s important to note that these are allegations at this stage, and the CCI will then set out to investigate these allegations. Parties to the investigation will be given opportunities to present their side, and only when the allegations are adjudged to be true, will further action be taken.

The CCI investigation comes in the backdrop of a group of prominent Indian app developers criticizing Google’s behavior on the Play Store and in India’s digital money market. This outrage, in turn, started off when Paytm was briefly removed from the Play Store for violating policies on gambling.

The post Google Play and Google Pay are now being investigated for market dominance in India appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2IgXcP0
via IFTTT

Nokia 8 V 5G UW is a powerful new Android device headed to Verizon

HMD Global has announced the Nokia 8 V 5G UW, a new upper mid-range Android smartphone that will be available on Verizon. The hardware is similar to the Nokia 8.3 5G, save for a few key differences, namely the addition of mmWave antennas for Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network.

Nokia 8 V 5G UW: Specifications

Specification Nokia 8 V 5G UW
Build
  • Aluminum core and frame
  • Front: Gorilla Glass 5
  • Back: Gorilla Glass 3 vacuum-molded into a 3D shape
Dimensions & Weight
  • 171.90 x 78.56 x 8.99mm
  • 220g
Display
  • 6.81-inch LCD
  • 2400 x 1080 resolution
  • 20:9 aspect ratio
  • 120Hz refresh rate
SoC
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Mobile Platform
    • Octa-Core CPU (1 x 2.4GHz + 1 x 2.2GHz + 6 x 1.8GHz Kryo 475)
    • Adreno 620 GPU
    • 7nm EUV fabrication process
RAM & Storage
  • 6GB LPDDR4X RAM + 64GB storage
  • 8GB LPDDR4X RAM + 128GB storage
  • Expandable storage with MicroSD
Battery & Charging
  • 4500mAh battery
  • 18W fast charging via USB Type-C port
Rear Camera(s)
  • Primary: 64MP rear camera with Dual LED flash, ZEISS Optics,
  • Secondary: 12MP ultra wide-angle lens,
  • Tertiary: 2MP macro
  • Quarternary: 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera(s) 24MP front-facing camera
Audio
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • FM radio receiver
  • OZO audio
Connectivity
  • 5G SA/ NSA / Dual 4G VoLTE,
  • WiFi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz),
  • Bluetooth 5,
  • GPS/GLONASS/Beidou,
  • Single / Dual SIM
Software Android 10
Security Side-mounted fingerprint sensor

HMD Global said it “strategically” placed three mmWave antennas around the Nokia 8 V 5G UW’s chassis, one more than you’d normally find. The idea is to provide people with an improved mmWave experience, which is notoriously finicky with offering a reliable and consistent connection. Despite the inclusion of three mmWave antennas, the device is still just 8.9mm in depth.

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW features a 6.81-inch Full HD+ LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate alongside the i3 display processor from Pixelworks. Under-the-hood, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor and comes equipped with 6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage. Both options offer expandable storage via microSD.

A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is included for biometrics, and there’s a quad-camera setup comprised of a 64MP main rear camera joined by a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. It’s all contained in a build comprised of an aluminum core and frame, the back of which is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 3 vacuum-molded into a 3D shape. There’s also a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 for the display.

The device also offers a 4500mAh battery with 18W wired charging support, runs Android 10 out of the box, and has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing wireless headphones just yet. For those who like convenience, there’s a programmable Google Assistant button, making it very easy to start barking out requests.

Nokia 8.3 5G XDA Forums

Notably, the Nokia 8 V 5G UW isn’t part of the Android One program, unlike many of HMD Global’s other Nokia-branded smartphones. None of HMD Global’s carrier-branded devices are part of the Android One program, though HMD Global has committed to providing two years of OS updates and 18 months of security updates. Compare that to the Google Pixel 5, which offers three years of software and security updates.

Pricing and Availability

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW can be purchased from Verizon’s website, a Verizon store, or Best Buy beginning November 12. It’ll be available in Meteor Grey for $699. Verizon recently launched its 5G Nationwide network, so the new Nokia device comes at a fortuitous time.

The post Nokia 8 V 5G UW is a powerful new Android device headed to Verizon appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/32so71i
via IFTTT

Best Google Pixel 5 Deals: Where to buy Google’s new flagship

Google’s future is now! The Google Pixel 5 is out, and it’s an impressive piece of tech for the price. In our Google Pixel 5 review, Adam Conway mentions that “if you’re looking for a fantastic software experience with good performance, the Google Pixel 5 is definitely worth looking at”. The mid-range chipset may scare off those wanting the bleeding edge, but this flagship runs better than expected and comes at a more affordable price.

Offering a 6-inch, OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and 8GB RAM, you’ll be able to watch anything you like and it’ll be smooth and stutter-free. You’ll even be able to play games without any issue. Couple that with impressive front and rear cameras, you have a device that can stand with the best, while only costing $699.

Of course, retailers are always offering some great Google Pixel 5 deals, as they’re vying for you to purchase this flagship device from them. We’ve rounded up the best deals, so you can skip the research and pick up your new phone!

Where to Buy the Google Pixel 5

If you want to get your hands on the Google Pixel 5, you’ll need to decide if you want an unlocked version or something under a carrier plan. Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store have unlocked phones, while Verizon is the current carrier with the Pixel 5 available to buy.

Best Unlocked Google Pixel 5 Deals

For unlocked Google Pixel 5 deals, you can pick Amazon, Best Buy, or the Google Store.

Amazon

Amazon has both colors of the Pixel 5 in stock, and you know if you go with Amazon, you’ll have the easiest time getting an unlocked phone. With Amazon Prime, you’ll have two day shipping available to you. Finally, if you have an Amazon Prime Rewards card, you can pay $38.83 a month for 18 months, interest-free.

    Google Pixel 5
    Ease, convenience, and two day shipping. What more could you want from Amazon for your Pixel 5 purchase? Prime Rewards cardholders can also pay for the device over 18 months, interest-free.

Best Buy

If you want an unlocked Pixel 5 but want to activate it with a carrier today, you can grab one from Best Buy and save! If you activate with Sprint, you’ll save $100, and if you decide on Verizon, you’ll save $50. You can’t argue with flat savings like that, and you won’t need to fuss around getting your phone activated with your carrier once it arrives either!

    Google Pixel 5
    Buy the Google Pixel 5 from Best Buy and activate today, and you can save up to $100 on your purchase, depending on your carrier!

Google Store

You can’t go wrong grabbing the Pixel 5 from Google themselves. You can order the Google Pixel 5 right now at the Google Store–no waitlist needed! If you qualify for Google Financing, you can also pay off the phone over 24 months at 0% APR.

    Google Pixel 5
    Get the Pixel 5 straight from Google! If you qualify, you can split the $699 into 24 monthly payments with 0% APR.

Best Carrier Google Pixel 5 Deals

Looking to grab a Pixel 5 on a carrier plan? Right now, you can go with Verizon.

Verizon

Are you on Verizon, or looking to switch? Then you’re in luck, as the Pixel 5 is available at this carrier. If you trade in an eligible phone, you can save up to $550, which really takes a chunk out of the $699 asking price.

    Google Pixel 5
    The Google Pixel 5 is available at Verizon! You can grab either the black or green version, and you can save up to $550 off if you trade in an eligible phone.

The post Best Google Pixel 5 Deals: Where to buy Google’s new flagship appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/347nZV6
via IFTTT

Xiaomi Android 11 Tracker: Here are all the official MIUI beta and stable builds to download and install

Following the arrival of the first public beta of Android 11 back in June, Xiaomi published similar AOSP-style beta builds for the Mi 10/10 Pro and the Redmi K30 Pro (e.g. the Chinese variant of the POCO F2 Pro) later that month. Shortly thereafter, the Chinese OEM started rolling out MIUI 12-based closed beta builds for these phones, however, the underlying layer of Android was still based on the beta codebase. Now that Android 11 hits the stable milestone, Xiaomi has already prepared stable MIUI 12 builds on top of the latest iteration of Android.

The first batch of global devices to receive the MIUI 12-infused stable Android 11 update includes the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro. Many more Mi, Redmi, and POCO branded smartphones are expected to get the update in the coming days. This article will serve as the central repository of download links for all Xiaomi devices that have received their official Android 11 updates, including the ones powered by Android One instead of MIUI.

It is worth mentioning that the MIUI versioning scheme doesn’t have a one-to-one correspondence with the version of Android. While Xiaomi is expected to unveil a new version of MIUI — tentatively MIUI 13 — with new features in the near future, the company will continue to produce MIUI 12-based Android 11 builds for compatible devices during the transition phase.

The compatible devices will initially get the taste of Android 11 through the MIUI beta channel (which has now been rebased on top of the stable Android 11 codebase), and then through the stable channel builds. Features on Xiaomi devices are often decided more by their MIUI version and less by their Android version. So you can take a look at our other trackers for MIUI 12 builds.

Download: MIUI 12 stable update rolling out to several Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices

Download the MIUI 12 Closed Beta for Xiaomi and Redmi devices



Xiaomi Android 11 Update List: Which phones have received the stable update?

This article covers Xiaomi (Mi), Redmi, and POCO devices that have received a stable Android 11 update—be it a “stable beta” or actual stable build—in any region. Cross-flashing different regional builds is technically possible but only do so if you’re familiar with the process.

Here are the devices that currently have an Android 11 build based on the stable Android branch available. Note that the devices are sorted alphabetically for their codename.

  1. Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (cmi) — Added on 09/09/2020
  2. Redmi K30 Pro / POCO F2 Pro (lmi) — Added on 09/09/2020
  3. Xiaomi Mi 10 (umi) — Added on 09/09/2020

Generic flashing instructions are available at the bottom of this article. However, we advise users to refer to the device forums for specific flashing instructions for their device, in case there are any variations or special instructions that need to be followed. Notably, the concept of a downgrade ROM isn’t applicable here. First, check the Anti-Rollback Protection status of your model and then flash the appropriate stable Android 10-based Fastboot firmware if you need to revert back.



MIUI 12 based on stable Android 11: Download Links

You can find download links of MIUI 12 based stable beta and stable releases below. These builds are first sorted with device codenames, and then according to their regions and release. Recovery ROMs and Fastboot ROMs are both included, wherever present.

1. Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (cmi)

Sr. No. Channel, Build Number, and Region Recovery ROM Fastboot ROM Added On/Status Last Updated
MIUI 12 Stable Beta (China)
1.1. V12.1.2.0.RJACNXM Download Link September 9, 2020
1.2. V12.1.3.0.RJACNXM Download Link September 29, 2020
MIUI 12 Stable Beta (Global)
2.1. V12.1.2.0.RJAMIXM Download Link September 10, 2020

2. Redmi K30 Pro / POCO F2 Pro (lmi)

Sr. No. Channel, Build Number, and Region Recovery ROM Fastboot ROM Added On/Status Last Updated
MIUI 12 Stable Beta (China)
1.1. V12.1.2.0.RJKCNXM Download Link September 9, 2020
1.2. V12.1.3.0.RJKCNXM Download Link September 29, 2020

3. Xiaomi Mi 10 (umi)

Sr. No. Channel, Build Number, and Region Recovery ROM Fastboot ROM Added On/Status Last Updated
MIUI 12 Stable Beta (China)
1.1. V12.1.3.0.RJBCNXM Download Link September 9, 2020
1.2. V12.1.5.0.RJBCNXM Download Link October 1, 2020
1.3. V12.2.2.0.RJBCNXM Download Link November 9, 2020
MIUI 12 Stable Beta (Global)
2.1. V12.1.2.0.RJBMIXM September 9, 2020


Flashing Instructions for Android 11-based MIUI 12

Note that these are generic flashing instructions that should generally be applicable across Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices. However, there is a possibility that there is a variation that is unique to your device, so we strongly advise visiting your device forums for device-specific instructions.

Recovery ROM Installation for Android 11-MIUI 12

Recovery ROMs come with a .zip file extension and can be installed either through the Local Update method from within MIUI, or through the recovery environment. Newer versions of the stock MIUI recovery don’t offer any option for sideloading, but you can use a custom recovery like TWRP for installing these ROMs, though do note that device-specific instructions may differ in that case.

  1. Local Update method:
    1. Transfer the download .zip file to your phone, and ensure you place the file in the “downloaded_rom” folder in the internal storage of your device. If no such folder exists, create one in your internal storage base directory.
    2. Within your phone, navigate to Settings > About Phone > System Update, and then press the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, and select “Choose Update Package”.
    3. If the “Choose Update Package” option is missing, tap on the MIUI logo 10 times to activate the option.
    4. Choose the downloaded .zip file.
    5. Wait for the update to install.
  2. Recovery method:
    1. Rename the downloaded .zip file to update.zip and transfer it to the base directory of your phone’s internal storage.
    2. Reboot your phone into recovery mode by powering it off and then pressing both the Power and the Volume Up buttons together.
    3. Scroll to the “Install update.zip” option using the volume keys, and select the option using the power button.
    4. Wait for the update to install.
    5. Choose the “Reboot” option if your phone does not reboot by itself after installation is completed.

Fastboot ROM Installation for Android 11-MIUI 12

Fastboot ROMs come with a .tgz file extension and require a Windows computer for the installation, as well as a phone with an unlocked bootloader. However, despite being comparatively more complicated to install than Recovery ROMs, Fastboot ROMs are sometimes the only way to boot into a working system. For instructions on unlocking the bootloader of your phone, check your device’s subforums on XDA.

  1. Download MiFlash Tool on your Windows computer. The latest version can be found in Step 1 of this link. Once downloaded, extract the tool and install it. It is also advisable to have ADB and Fastboot installed, just in case you need it.
  2. Reboot your phone into Download mode by powering it off and then pressing both the Power and Volume Down buttons together.
  3. Connect your phone to the computer using the appropriate USB cable.
  4. Download the Fastboot ROM .tgz file and extract it. Remember the extract location, as you will need to paste the address into MiFlash Tool.
  5. Run MiFlash Tool on your Windows Computer and in the address bar within the tool, paste the extract location from Step 4.
  6. Click “Refresh” within MiFlash and the app should automatically recognize your device.
  7. Click “Run” within MiFlash to flash the ROM file to the device.
  8. The progress bar within MiFlash will turn green, which indicates that the ROM was successfully installed. Your device should boot automatically to the new version.

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer yshalsager for providing the download links!

The post Xiaomi Android 11 Tracker: Here are all the official MIUI beta and stable builds to download and install appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2FjVElE
via IFTTT

OnePlus accidentally pushed a stable update to some OnePlus 8 series beta users, causing data wipes

OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users recently received the OxygenOS 11.0.1.1 update on the stable channel. The update included the new “Canvas” mode, optimizations to background process management, October 2020 security patches, and more. Shortly after the rollout started, OnePlus accidentally pushed the stable update to OnePlus 8 series devices on the beta channel, completely wiping the devices in the process.

The issue was first brought to light on OnePlus’ community forums early morning on Saturday, November 7th, when OnePlus’ Community Consultant dsmonteiro shared the following statement:

“It seems like some users are reporting receiving the Stable update over the Open Beta 3, leading to a full data wipe. This information was already shared with the software team so it can be checked and addressed. Meanwhile, if you receive an update OTA, please double-confirm if it’s an Open Beta update. If it isn’t, please DO NOT install it.”

However, by the time the statement was posted, several OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users had already lost all of their data. Due to the mishap, many users lost their on-device images, videos, messages, etc. and, in several instances, even lost access to 2-factor authentication apps like Google Authenticator. Since the affected users weren’t able to transfer their 2FA keys, they were also locked out of their Gmail, Discord, LinkedIn, and GitHub, accounts. On top of that, some users were downgraded from the October 2020 security patches to the outdated August 2020 security patches.

OnePlus’ community forums are chock full of OnePlus 8 series users reporting this issue, and in response, the company seems to have stopped the rollout on the beta channel. However, the update is still rolling out to users on the stable channel. For users who received the update but didn’t restart their device, OnePlus has shared an APK as a temporary solution to avoid data loss. In case you’ve received the update on your device, you can download said APK by following this link. According to the OxygenUpdater team, the APK effectively cancels the pending update installation after a reboot, thereby preventing data loss.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time OnePlus accidentally pushed the wrong OTA update to one of its devices. Back in March this year, OnePlus posted incorrect links for OnePlus 7T EU and OnePlus 7T Global Open Beta updates, which led to users in India losing the region-specific features that aren’t available in the EU build.

The post OnePlus accidentally pushed a stable update to some OnePlus 8 series beta users, causing data wipes appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2I8GNwn
via IFTTT

You can now install the OnePlus Messages and Contacts apps on the OnePlus Nord

Earlier this year in July, OnePlus lifted the covers off the OnePlus Nord (review), the company’s first mid-range device in five years. Despite its affordable price tag, the OnePlus Nord packed in some impressive hardware, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chip, a 90Hz high refresh rate display, and a quad-camera setup. As with all OnePlus devices, the Nord shipped with the company’s highly-regarded OxygenOS custom Android skin. However, unlike other devices from the company, it included Google apps instead of OnePlus’ own suite of stock apps.

A glance through OnePlus’ community forums reveals that many Nord users didn’t appreciate this change. And since its launch, users have been unsuccessfully trying to sideload OnePlus’ stock apps on the device. It seems like OnePlus has finally listened to user feedback, as the latest version of OnePlus Messages and Contacts can be sideloaded on the OnePlus Nord.

As per a recent report from PiunikaWeb, OnePlus Nord users can now install the latest OnePlus Messages (v5.1.8.3) and OnePlus Contacts (v4.0.0.0) APKs on their devices. If you one of the many users who wish to use OnePlus’ stock apps on your OnePlus Nord, you can now download the APKs from the APKMirror links below. The latest OnePlus Messages release works as intended on both the OnePlus Nord and non-OnePlus devices, but the OnePlus Contacts APK is still buggy.

While you can successfully install OnePlus Contacts on your device, the app currently crashes upon selecting a contact. This is likely due to the fact that the app is incapable of functioning without the OnePlus Phone app. OnePlus may address this issue by releasing a similar update for the OnePlus Phone app soon.

It’s also worth noting that in order to use the OnePlus Messages app on your OnePlus Nord, you’ll have to set it as the default messaging app. You can do this by heading over to the Default apps section within the device settings, tapping on SMS app, and then selecting OnePlus Messages.

Download OnePlus Messages (v5.1.8.3) from APKMirror

Download OnePlus Contacts (v4.0.0.0) from APKMirror

The post You can now install the OnePlus Messages and Contacts apps on the OnePlus Nord appeared first on xda-developers.



from xda-developers https://ift.tt/32sxXQW
via IFTTT