While Android 14 did just launch earlier this week, the wheels in the software division at Google keep turning. And yesterday, they pushed out the second beta for Android 14 QPR1. This is the quarterly platform release which should be coming out around December of this year. And in this new beta, there are a few new features here that look really nice.
First up is the new software update page. It’s been pretty boring for many years now, just showing text about what Android version and security update you were on. As well as the last successful check. Now, the new page shows a bit of color, and is spruced up a bit.
Now it shows you that your Pixel is up to date, as well as showing your system update, Google Play system update dates. And it also has a shortcut to look for app updates. This will basically just send you over to the update page in the Google Play Store.
It is now more of a dashboard than just a page. When you tap on the System update, it’ll take you to the same old software update page as before. Where you can then check for an update. And the same thing for the Google Play System update.
Clock app now shows weather for different cities
On the list of cool features that we didn’t know we needed, is the weather inside the Clock app. Basically, if you have multiple cities in the clock app for the time difference, you can also see their current weather. It doesn’t get super in-depth. Just basically showing the current temp, the high and low as well as the conditions. It’s an interesting feature to add, and I’m not sure how often I’d use it, but cool to have.
This is all part of the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2, so it’s worth noting that this could be removed before the feature drop comes in December. Or it could be changed altogether. We’d have to wait and see.
Researchers have found a new EvilProxy phishing campaign that targets Microsoft 365 accounts. To trick users, the threat actors exploit the open redirects from Indeed.com website. Users need to remain vigilant with interacting with job listings to avoid scams and other cyber threats.
EvilProxy Targets Microsoft 365 Accounts In Recent Phishing
In a recent post from Menlo Security, researchers explained about a new phishing campaign from the EvilProxy phishing service to target Microsoft 365 accounts. The threat actors specifically target organizations, luring the users by exploiting Indeed.com website’s open redirects.
Indeed.com is a popular job search platform boasting a huge number of employers, employees, and new applicants from around the world. It’s a common recruiting platform for both job hunters and recruiters, hence, is familiar to most professionals.
Briefly, the attack begins via phishing emails including Indeed website’s links. The attackers exploited Indeed’s open redirection to redirect the visitors to a phishing web page mimicking Microsoft’s website. Since the redirection originates from the genuine “Indeed.com” website, the potential victim would likely trust the phishing page finally appearing on the screen.
For this, the attackers used the phishing-as-a-service “EvilProxy” subscription-based platform promoted on the dark web. Whereas the target victims mostly include the C-suite and key executives among US-based organizations from various sectors.
Upon landing at the phishing page, the victim then enters the Microsoft 365 account credentials on it. At this point, the EvilProxy service facilitates the redirection to the original Microsoft domain, tricking the user into believing everything as genuine. Whereas, in the background, it hands over the victim’s login credentials to the attackers.
The researchers have shared the details about the attack in their post. Besides, they also advise the users to stay wary of such threats by using robust MFA methods (such as security keys), verifying the URLs before entering login credentials, and using session isolation solutions. Moreover, organizations should also conduct appropriate awareness sessions for the staff to prevent cyber threats.
Elon Musk has been trying hard to make X (formerly Twitter) profitable. Just about every change he’s made has been to get more people on X Premium, and we don’t know if it’s working. However, the billionaire might be bring something that will bring more people to the premium side. Accoridng to X user @aaronp613 (via Fone Arena), X Premium could have three payment tiers.
At the moment, there’s just the one payment tier for X Premium. It costs $8/month if you sign up on the web, and you get a handful of different perks. These include reduced ads, advanced text formatting, the ability to undo and edit posts, etc. You can read our post X Premium: Everything you need to know if you want to know more information.
X could have three payment tiers
Right now, this is still a rumor, so you’ll want to take this information with a grain of salt. We’re not 100% sure if the company is going to come out with this change. However, with Elon Musk, chances are that it will happen.
According to the leak, the X Premium tier will be split up into three different tiers. Based on the information presented, it looks like the main differentiating factor betweem the tiers is the amount of ads. The lowest tier, called Premium Basic, will come with full ads. Premium Standard, which sounds like the premium tier that we have now, will have half of the ads. At the top of the food chain, Premium Plus, won’t have any ads.
At this moment, we don’t have any more information on these plans. We don’t know if the ads will be the only factors making these tiers different or if the company will cherry-pick features that should go to each tier. We’ll need to wait a bit longer for this information.
Something interesting happened during the Google antitrust trial yesterday, reports Reuters. Patrick Chang was called to testify, he’s a former executive at Samsung Electronics’ venture capital arm. In any case, during the testimony, it was revealed that Google basically prevented Samsung from expanding its search app offering.
Google seemingly prevented Samsung from expanding search app offering
Chang worked at Samsung Next, and he urged Samsung to expand the offerings of Brach to its Android smartphones. Branch has the possibility to search within apps, by the way. It was said that this didn’t happen due to pressure from Google.
Branch Metrics’ founder and former CEO, Alexander Austin, testified in late September, and said that his company eliminated some of its software functions to fend off Google’s complaints. It gave up on making deals with wireless carriers and smartphone makers. Branch basically had to ensure that its searches never linked to the web, they had to stay focused on apps.
Google did push back during cross examination
Now, Google’s attorney did cross-examine Chang yesterday. He was asked about another possible explanation for Samsung’s disinterest in Branch. Google brought up the issues of clunky software and user disinterest in what Branch had to offer. We don’t have any info past that.
As many of you know, this trial has been ongoing since September 12. The DoJ is trying to prove that Google abused its monopoly of search, and some search advertising too.
The deals that Google made with companies to remain at the top of the food chain are well-known, but the details were not. A lot of additional info surfaced during this trial already, and we have around 5 more weeks to go.
If Google ends up losing this trial, that could mean the breakup of parts of its company, and various other repercussions. If not, well, it could still hurt the company quite a bit, due to all the info that surfaced. It remains to be seen, we still have plenty of testimonies to hear.
Fresh from the launch of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Samsung is gearing up to unveil a couple more affordable tablets. The Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ are expected to go official soon. In fact, the company seems to have already launched them without any fanfare. The new tablet appears to be on sale through the official Samsung website in one country.
The Galaxy Tab A9 is already on sale through Samsung’s website
The LTE version of the Galaxy Tab A9 is available to purchase on Samsung online shop in Guatemala (via WinFuture). The listing contains the tablet’s official renders (see images above and below) in gray color. The renders confirm its design. Since it is a budget tablet, there are chunky bezels around the display. Samsung has equipped the device with one camera each on the front and back.
The power and volume keys are on the right, while the SIM tray sits on the left. The bottom of the tablet should house the USB Type-C port, a speaker, and a microphone hole. There seems to be a second microphone on the right side. Overall, it’s a standard Samsung design with nothing special. Unfortunately, the listing doesn’t give us the Galaxy Tab A9’s spec details.
Well, we can see that the device supports up to 15W charging speeds and comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. But everything else is under wraps. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of leaks about the tablet in the past, so not much is left to know. Leaks have revealed that the device will sport an 8.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels.
The tablet is powered by MediaTek’s Helio G99 octa-core processor with a maximum speed of 2.2GHz. While this official listing shows the Galaxy Tab A9 in a 4GB+64GB configuration, there may be other options too. Don’t expect any S Pen support, wireless charging, or 5G cellular connectivity, though. This tablet is more about essentials than premium features.
Price and availability
Samsung has priced the Galaxy Tab A9 (LTE) at 1,499 Quetzal in Guatemala, which is equivalent to $191. The Wi-Fi version should cost less. Since the company hasn’t formally announced the launch, details about its pricing and availability in other markets are missing. Hopefully, the Korean firm will share those details soon. The Plus model, which is slightly bigger, should go official alongside it.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued Elon Musk for failing to appear for testimony over his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, now rebranded as X Corp., last year. The multi-billionaire was scheduled to testify before the SEC on September 15 but he didn’t comply, a Thursday court filing states. The Commission has requested the District Court for the Northern District of California to compel Musk to testify.
The SEC seeks the court’s help to make Elon Musk testify in the Twitter probe
This SEC investigation dates back to March 2022 when Musk’s stake in Twitter crossed five percent (the social media company was traded publicly at the time). The US securities law requires investors to notify the SEC when their stake in a company surpasses this threshold. However, Musk delayed this filing by ten days. In the meantime, he continued to purchase more Twitter shares.
This lag allowed him to save millions of dollars (an estimated $156 million), as he could buy Twitter’s stock at a lower price. Had he reported the purchase on time, the company’s share prices would have gone up (which did happen after his delayed disclosure), making him pay more for further purchases. The SEC subsequently launched a probe into the matter and served Musk with a subpoena in June 2022, seeking his testimony.
The Tesla CEO appeared for half-day sessions of testimony before the SEC by videoconference twice in July 2022. The Commission wasn’t fully satisfied, though. It claims to have received thousands of new documents surrounding the matter from various parties following Musk’s appearances, with Musk himself submitting many. It wanted to hear more from the multi-billionaire, who went on to fully purchase Twitter in October.
The two parties eventually agreed on a September 14, 2023, date for the testimony. Two weeks before that, Musk asked the SEC to push the testimony by a day, to which it agreed. However, on September 13, he told the Commission that he would not appear for testimony. Musk raised several objections, including an unfavorable location in San Francisco. The SEC promptly addressed his stated objections but he still failed to appear.
Musk alleged that the Commission harassed him
After Musk failed to appear for testimony on the scheduled date, the SEC proposed new dates in October and November. The Commission also allowed him to pick a location of his choice. However, he said that he would not appear for testimony in any location. The SEC reached out to him several times asking if he had changed his mind, only to get a denial.
Meanwhile, Musk alleged that the Commission harassed him, adding that his counsel needed more time to review relevant material. After failing to make him appear for testimony over his purchase of Twitter, the SEC is now seeking the court’s help. It remains to be seen whether it works. The legal filing from the Commission reveals that a hearing on the matter will take place on November 9.
Google drops quarterly updates for its own Pixel phones, which are referred to as “Pixel Feature Drops” and offers some new features and sometimes some enhancements. Not just for new phones, but also old ones. Which is really nice of Google to do. Since a lot of smartphone makers want you to buy a new phone to get these features.
Here, we’re going to go over every single new feature that comes in these Pixel Feature Drops. So you can see what’s new, and take advantage of these new features.
What is a Pixel Feature Drop?
Google started the Pixel Feature Drop a few years ago, as a way to roll out some new features about four times a year. Without making everyone wait on a new version of Android – which really only comes once a year now. It was likely done to get people to update their phones more often, instead of skipping some of these monthly security updates.
The first feature drop for Pixel came back in December 2019, and they’ve been going strong ever since. These Feature Drops are rolled into the security updates, so it looks like a larger update than it actually is. Which can be a good thing.
What devices are eligible for a Pixel Feature Drop?
This is a list of the current Pixel devices that are eligible to get these updates:
Older devices are no longer receiving security updates nor Android updates, and thus won’t get this Feature Drop, unfortunately.
When are they released?
These are quarterly updates from Google. So the released about once every three months. Google typically releases them in March, June, September and December of each year. Sometimes these may get moved around, due to features not getting ready and such. But those are the months they aim for.
Typically, the first Monday of those months (March, June, September and December) is when you can expect a Feature Drop.
What’s new in the October 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
The September Pixel Feature Drop got delayed a month, along with Android 14, and launched in October. Along with Android 14, it does bring a good amount of new features to the Pixel. Here’s what’s new this month.
New Camera app
Google is rolling out a new camera app with the Pixel Feature Drop this month. The biggest change is that there is now a toggle at the bottom to switch from photo to video. You’ll also get easy access to modes like Night Sight, Portrait and Slow Motion. This seems like a good way to make it easier to switch modes, without making the camera app unintuitive. But it will take some time to get used to.
Custom clock and Wallpaper collections
Also part of this update this month, there’s new custom clock and wallpaper collections. You will be able to tweak your lock screen and use some different clocks there. Which is a nice change.
Dual Screen Interpreter Mode
This is only for the Pixel Fold. It was announced back at Google I/O in May, but this feature will let you interact with someone that speaks another language, all on your Pixel Fold. It works on both screens simultaneously. So you can type something on the larger screen and show the person the translated sentence(s) on the other side. It’s really neat and will be fun to play around with.
New charging notifications
With this feature drop, Google is adding a new charging notification that will appear if there is an issue with the charging accessory, cable or wall adapter. So you won’t just plug in your phone and leave it, only to find out it didn’t charge, or barely charged.
What’s new in the June 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
For the June 2023 feature drop, the update is actually fairly small. This makes sense, as the next Feature Drop will coincide with the stable version of Android 14 dropping. So here’s what’s new for June 2023.
Cinematic wallpapers
With this feature drop, Google is rolling out Cinematic Wallpapers. According to Google, this is being powered by Google AI, and allows the Pixel to transform 2D wallpaper photos into dynamic 3D scenes. Giving you a pretty magical look for your home screen and lock screen.
Daily Readiness on Fitbit
Google is also rolling out a slew of Fitbit features with this feature drop. Including Daily Readiness onto your Fitbit. It was previously only available in the Fitbit app, now it’s available on your wrist. Daily Readiness helps you see how ready you are for the day, and for doing any type of workout.
Recorder Speaker Labels
First announced at the Pixel 7 event last October, Recorder Speaker Labels are finally rolling out in this Feature Drop. That’s going to make it easier to export your recordings to Google Drive. As it is able to label who is speaking and when.
Macro Focus Video
For the Pixel 7 Pro only, Macro Focus Video is rolling out. This allows you to use the macro focus feature while you are recording video as well.
And more
There’s a few more features coming in this feature drop, here’s the full changelog:
Pixel Phones
Safety Check + Emergency Sharing: Google Assistant is giving you extra peace of mind by making it easier to start emergency sharing, or schedule a safety check if you’re feeling unsafe, all with just your voice.
Car Crash Detection + Emergency Sharing: In addition to contacting emergency services, Car Crash Detection just got even more helpful – it can now share your real-time location and call status with your emergency contacts.
Macro Focus Video (Pixel 7 Pro): Now you can capture incredible detail on video with Pixel 7 Pro’s impressive Macro Focus feature.
Emoji Wallpapers: Mix and match over 4,000 of your favorite emojis with different patterns and colors to create a unique live wallpaper that fits your personality and mood.
Recorder Speaker Labels: Pixel’s Recorder just got smarter. It now lets you export transcripts into Google Docs, generate speaker-labeled video clips, and search for speakers within recordings.
Palm Timer (Pixel 6 and newer): You can take self-timed photos by simply raising your palm to trigger the timer with Pixel 6 and newer devices.
Pixel Watch
Blood Oxygen Tracking: Pixel Watch can now check your nighttime oxygen saturation (SpO2) and help you identify changes in blood oxygen levels while you’re sleeping.
High & Low Heart Rate Notifications: Your Pixel Watch can also track your heart rate and let you know if it falls outside of your normal thresholds.
Expanding existing features to more regions, languages and devices
Multi-Device Controls: Quick access to smart home controls.
Smart Features: Reduced rattling in vibration mode, Adaptive Charging and Magic Compose.
Google Assistant: Now more personalized and relatable with an array of voice options.
Android Spotlight Features: Unknown Tracker Alerts and Find My Device.
Google Assistant Expansion: Google Assistant in new languages and locales for Pixel Watch.
Wear OS Expansion: New tiles for Spotify and WhatsApp on your wrist.
Elevate Your Style: New Metal Links bands are coming to the online Google Store and in Google retail locations starting June 16, 2023 – choose from Brushed Silver and Matte Black – for $199.99.
Cinematic Wallpapers: Thanks to the power of Google AI, Pixel can transform your 2D wallpaper photos into dynamic 3D scenes for a truly magical look.
Auto-pause: Pixel Watch will automatically pause your run, walk or bike exercise If you need to stop at a light or take a quick breather – and automatically resume tracking your workout once you start again.
Fitbit Updates (coming week of June 12):
Notifications in more languages: Support for more global characters and right-to-left text on your device (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4, Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3)
Daily Readiness: Daily Readiness Score on your wrist (Available on all Fitbit smartwatches and trackers).
Menstrual Health tile: Manage menstrual health from your smartwatch (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4).
Switch styles: Pick a new clock face right from your smartwatch (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4).
Get your exercise mode just right: Choose from a full list of exercise modes on your tracker (Available on Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3).
More designs for your tracker: Four new clock faces are now available in the Fitbit app gallery (Available on Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3).
What’s new in the March 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
This time around, the feature drop is mostly aimed at older Pixel devices. Bringing Pixel 7 features to older devices. Which is definitely nice to see from Google. But here’s what’s new.
Faster Night Sight
Google has improved and added some new algorithms to the Tensor chip, which has made Night Sight faster on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. So you’re able to get low-light photos a whole lot faster now.
Magic Eraser
Magic Eraser debuted on the Pixel 6 in 2021, but now it is moving to older Pixels. If you have a Pixel 4a or later, you’ll be able to take advantage of Magic Eraser. Meaning that more people will be able to get rid of those photo bombers in your photos. As well as other distractions on your photos.
Direct My Call+
Google is also expanding Direct My Call+ to older Pixels, bringing it to the Pixel 4a or later. So now more Pixel users will be able to see call menu options before they’ve even been spoken to them.
Health Connect
Health Connect is an app that Google created last year, and was in beta for quite some time. Now it’s out of beta and available on Pixel devices. So you can use Health Connect to sync your health and fitness data across platforms. So far, this works with Fitbit and Samsung Health. So you can switch from the Pixel Watch to the Galaxy Watch 5 without losing any data.
What’s new in the December 2022 Pixel Feature Drop?
The December 2022 Pixel Feature Drop was released on Monday, December 5, 2022. And it’s the first big feature drop since the Pixel 7 series was released in October. So quite a few features here were already announced in October as “coming soon”.
VPN by Google One
Announced in October with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the VPN by Google One is now rolling out to all those users in the December 2022 update. This is a free feature, which you previously, needed to subscribe to Google One and be paying for at least 2TB to be able to enjoy.
For Pixel 7 users, this feature is going to be free for the next five years. It’ll likely last longer than your Pixel 7, to be quite honest.
Clear Calling
Clear Calling is another feature that was announced in October and will remain exclusive to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, at least for now. But basically, this feature is able to reduce the background noise and enhance the sound of the voice. So that others’ are able to hear you better in loud environments like a bar or club.
The demos we experienced of this feature at the Made by Google event in October were pretty incredible. So we’re expecting this to be mind blowing.
Recorder Speaker Labels
The last feature in this feature drop which is limited to the new Pixel 7 series is, Recorder Speaker Labels. The Recorder app debuted a few years ago on the Pixel 4 and has been pretty incredible. But Google continues to improve it, and now, it can label individual speakers that are being recorded. It can also add in line breaks, making it easier to follow along.
Spatial Audio
This feature won’t be fully available until January 2023, but Spatial Audio is coming to the Pixel Buds Pro (only). Spatial Audio will allow you to feel more immersed when listening to movies and shows through your Pixel Buds Pro. It’s a feature that Apple has had for quite some time, and is now finally coming over to Android.
Security and Privacy Settings
Security and privacy is always a big deal for Google, and it is continuing to provide updates to the new unified hub for security and privacy settings in this new unified hub. It includes some new action cards that notify you of any safety risks and provide easy steps to enhance your privacy and security.
Pixel Wallpapers
As always, Google is including some new wallpapers with this update. So you’ll have a refresh in the Curated Culture section of the Wallpaper app. There are a few new wallpapers here to help celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.
Fitbit Sleep Profile
Google is finally rolling out the new Fitbit Sleep Profile that was announced back in November. This is going to help you get deeper sleep insights through Fitbit’s Premium Sleep Profile feature, on your Google Pixel Watch. It provides users with a monthly sleep animal and longitudinal analysis of your sleep. This is going to help you find ways to improve your sleep over time. If you wore your Watch to bed for 14 nights in November, you will see your animal today.
New Wear Tiles
Google is also bringing in a few new Wear OS tiles for the Pixel Watch. These include a new Contacts Tile, as well as an additional Weather Tile. This new Weather Tile will give you easy access to see things like when is Sunset or Sunrise, among other things. The Contacts Tile will give you quick access to calling and/or texting your favorite contacts, on your wrist.
Fall Detection
Google is adding Fall Detection to the Google Pixel Watch in 2023. This is already available on Pixel smartphones. Fall Detection will contact emergency services if the Pixel Watch senses that you’ve taken a hard fall and are unresponsive.
Other odds & ends
There’s a few more updates here for the December 2022 feature drop, which includes expanding a few features to more regions and in new languages. Like Cough and Snore Detection, as well as Live Chat Translate.
Samsung has announced the Exynos 2400, its next-gen flagship chipset for smartphones. The new chip brings a notable performance boost over the previous solution in the lineup, the Exynos 2200. As expected, it is heavily focused on artificial intelligence (AI) performance. It will power the Galaxy S24 series next year, at least in some markets.
The Exynos 2400 brings almost a 15 times increase in AI performance
Generative AI is all the rage right now. The tech has fundamentally altered the way we use online tools and services. Ongoing research and developments mean there are no boundaries to what AI can create and accomplish in the future. All major tech companies are preparing for this future where applications of AI may expand to many new fields. Unsurprisingly, the focus on mobile AI is growing too.
A few days back, Google kind of redefined mobile AI with its Tensor G3 processor for the Pixel 8 series. Samsung is now going the same route with the Exynos 2400. According to the company, its upcoming smartphone processor brings a massive 14.7x boost in AI performance compared to the Exynos 2200, which shipped with the Galaxy S22 series in some markets (Galaxy S23 used a Snapdragon chip globally).
Samsung didn’t go into details, but the Exynos 2400 appears to take mobile AI to a whole new level. The company demoed a text-to-image AI generation tool for smartphones using the new chip as a reference board. Thanks to a 1.7x faster CPU, we are in for a notable boost in overall performance too. The Korean firm is touting an improved GPU as well.
The Exynos 2400 features the Xclipse 940 custom GPU based on AMD’s latest RDNA 3 architecture. Samsung says the new chip offers enhanced ray tracing. It can render optical effects such as global illumination, reflection, and shadow more effectively and realistically, enabling an immersive gaming experience. That said, early benchmark scores of the Xclipse 940 GPU are disappointing, so wait for the full picture.
Samsung yes yet to detail the specs of the new chip
Samsung unveiled the Exynos 2400 during its System LSI Tech Day event in San Jose, California on Thursday. It was more of a teaser than an official launch. The company talked about the aforementioned CPU, GPU, and AI boost without going into details about its specs and other features.
However, earlier leaks have revealed that the Exynos 2400 will be a 4nm deca-core (ten CPU cores) chipset featuring one ARM v9.2 Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.1GHz, two Cortex-A720 cores at 2.9GHz, three more Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8GHz. The Xclipse 940 GPU is said to boast twice as many computing units as the Exynos 2200’s Xclipse 920.
The new chip will come with an integrated 5G modem capable of delivering downlink speeds of up to 10Gbps and uplink speeds of up to 3.87Gbps. It supports UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X memory with an 8.5Gbps bandwidth. The Exynos 2400 can handle up to 320MP resolution cameras and supports 8K video recording at 60fps. It may offer a two-way satellite communication system as well.
Samsung‘s One UI 6.0 beta program is now open for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The company has started enrolling interested users in the program in India and the US. It should soon be available in other markets as well. The Galaxy S22 series, meanwhile, is now picking up its second One UI 6.0 beta update.
One UI 6.0 beta is available for the Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung started public testing of the One UI 6.0 update for Galaxy devices, which brings Android 14, in early August. The company first opened the beta program for the Galaxy S23 series in Germany, South Korea, and the US. It later expanded its availability to China, India, Poland, and the UK.
Over the past two months or so, Samsung has pushed five beta updates to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. It simultaneously opened up the program for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, and a couple of Galaxy A series mid-range devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 now joins this list as the first foldable model.
Spotted by X/Twitter user @tarunvats33, the first beta build for the new foldable is rolling out with firmware version F946BXXU1ZWJ2. The download file pushed over the air (OTA) weighs almost 2.7GB, which is expected for a major OS update. It bundles the October 2023 security patch as well.
Samsung may soon roll out One UI 6.0 beta for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in other markets (some of the remaining five countries in not all). If you’re interested in testing out the company’s Android 14 update, you can enroll via the Samsung Members app. The app will show a banner when the beta program is open in your country.
Tap on the banner and follow the on-screen instructions to register. Once you complete the enrollment process, the beta build will roll out as a regular OTA update. As usual, you can manually check for the update from the Settings app. Go to the Software update menu and tap on Download and install.
The Galaxy S22 is getting its second beta update
Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Galaxy S22 is also getting a new One UI 6.0 beta update. It’s the second beta build for the 2022 Samsung flagships. The rollout has begun in the UK with S90*BXXU6ZWJ3 and an OTA download size of around 1.4GB (for the Ultra model). Once again, the October security patch is part of the package. A wider rollout of this update should be just around the corner.
It has been a full year since Apple last released an iPad, and rumours of the company preparing to launch a new one have been circulating since June. Now, despite earlier rumors from analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo stating that Apple would not launch any new iPad models in 2023, a recent report from 9to5Mac suggests that Apple might launch the new iPad mini 7 in late 2023 or early 2024. We’re still waiting on a more accurate assumption.
According to the report, the iPad Mini 6, launched in September 2021 featuring the A15 Bionic chip, has been due for a refresh for some time. Although the exact details about the iPad are still unclear, rumours suggest that it will retain the same beloved design as the Mini 6 and upgrade the internals for better performance. Furthermore, the company is also working on a new 11th-generation base iPad, which would receive specification upgrades while retaining design similarities with the iPad Air.
Two new iPad Air models
Perhaps the most exciting rumour of them all is that Apple is supposedly experimenting with two new versions of the iPad Air, codenamed J507 and J537. Both of these models, successors to the iPad Air 5, will feature a new chip but will differ in size and other specifications, similar to the iPad Pro.
Finally, when talking about the iPad Pros, they will also get a specification upgrade featuring the new M3 chips and will come in the familiar 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.
New Magic Keyboard
According to another report from Bloomberg, Apple is looking to improve the Magic Keyboard experience by changing its construction from plastic to aluminium, thus enhancing the in-hand feel of using the keyboard accessory. Moreover, the trackpad is also getting a significant upgrade, as it will not only incorporate a larger size but also include a new accelerometer sensor for a better experience.
