SmartThings Find helps you find your lost Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung introduced a new ‘Offline finding’ feature in its Find My Mobile app earlier this year in August, allowing users to locate their lost or stolen Galaxy devices without requiring network access on the missing device. At the time, the feature was only available in select regions. However, Samsung recently started rolling it out widely with version 7.2.07.19 of the Find My Mobile app. While Samsung is yet to release a statement about the Offline finding feature, the company has now rolled out a new feature in the SmartThings app that offers similar functionality. The new SmartThings Find feature is based on the same principles, and it makes use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies to help users find select Galaxy smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds.

Talking about the new feature, Jaeyeon Jung, VP and Head of Samsung’s SmartThings team, said, “Utilizing the latest in BLE and UWB technology, SmartThings Find will make your life less stressful when it comes to searching for misplaced Galaxy devices. With the added advantage of using AR in conjunction with maps and sound to guide you back to your devices, SmartThings Find is a simple and visual solution that will help you easily locate your favorite devices. This is just one example of the new meaningful mobile experiences that UWB technology will bring to people across the world.”

To use the new SmartThings Find feature, you’ll first need to complete a quick registration process in the SmartThings app. Once the process is complete, you will be able to find select Galaxy smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds using the new service. As with the Offline findings feature, SmartThings Find will also work even when your missing device is offline.

Samsung explains that once a device is offline for 30 minutes, it will produce a BLE signal that can be received by other devices. If you report your device as lost via SmartThings Find, any nearby user with a Galaxy device or tablet who has opted for helping find misplaced devices will be able to alert Samsung’s server about the missing device’s location. The server will then notify you about the same and help you locate your missing device. The missing device’s location will only be revealed to the device’s owner, and all SmartThings Find user data will be encrypted and securely protected.

The lost device’s location will be displayed on a map, and once you’re nearby, SmartThings find will also give you the option to ring your device to locate it quickly. Furthermore, the service includes an AR-based Search Nearby function, which will display color graphics that will increase in intensity when you get closer to your lost device. To make use of this new service, you’ll need to update to the latest version of the SmartThings app. You can check out the video embedded above to see the feature in action.

It’s worth noting that the SmartThings Find feature will only be available on Galaxy smartphones running Android 8.0 Oreo or later, Galaxy Watches running Tizen 5.5 or later, the Galaxy Buds+, and the Galaxy Buds Live. The BLE finding capabilities of the service will be available on all supported devices, but the UWB feature will only be available on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 2. In case you have a supported device, you can download the latest version of the SmartThings app from the Play Store link below.

SmartThings (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Samsung Mobile Press

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OnePlus 8T update to OxygenOS 11.0.2.3 optimizes 5G, power consumption, and more

OnePlus has released a new OxygenOS stable update for the OnePlus 8T that’s focused on optimizing the system, Bluetooth, and network for a better experience. One of the big changes is the optimization of OxygenOS’s “intelligent 5G function”, which the changelog says should extend the battery life of the 8T.

In terms of overall system performance, the release of OxygenOS 11.0.2.3 for the OnePlus 8T promises to improve power consumption and reduce heat generation. The update also improves system stability and fixes an issue where icons don’t display on the home screen.

Credits: XDA Recognized Developer OldDroid

In addition, OxygenOS 11.0.2.3 also makes some changes to Bluetooth performance, including improved connection stability, and a fix to the gallery that saw some abnormal display issues when loading a preview photo. There doesn’t appear to be any major new features in the update, but it should provide OnePlus 8T owners with a better experience.

OnePlus 8T Forums

OnePlus has been incredibly busy this year, releasing several new devices and continuing to issue important updates for its devices. Recently, the company rolled out OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 for its OnePlus 8 series, which included Canvas AOD and bumped up the Android Security Patch level to October 2020.

OxygenOS 11.0.2.3 Changelog & Downloads

Changelog

• System
  • Optimized system power consumption and reduce heat generation
  • Fixed the issue that icons are not displayed on the desktop in a small probability
  • Improved system stability and fixed known issues
• Bluetooth
  • Optimized Bluetooth connection to reduce latency
  • Improved connection stability
• Gallery
  • Fixed the abnormal display issue with leading preview photo
• Network
  • Optimized the intelligent 5G function to extend battery and endurance capacity

Downloads

• Europe
  • Full OTA to 11.0.2.3
  • Incremental OTA from 11.0.1.2
• India
  • Full OTA to 11.0.2.3
  • Incremental OTA from 11.0.1.2

Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for providing the download links!

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POCO X3, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, and 10 others now support augmented reality apps via ARCore

The list of devices that support Google Play Services for AR is growing so quickly it’s hard to keep up. Earlier this month, Google added support for over two dozen new devices, and even more support was added just the other week. Now, even more handsets are getting support for augmented reality apps via Google’s ARCore SDK.

In order for a device to support the ARCore SDK, which is used by augmented reality apps on Android, Google works with OEMs to calibrate the cameras and sensors in their devices to ensure they work properly for AR. Once everything is set, the devices are then whitelisted on Google Play so that Play Services for AR can be pushed to the device.

With Google Play Services for AR installed on your device, you can use advanced augmented reality capabilities, including Live View in Google Maps and AR+ Mode in Pokémon Go.

The following devices now support more advanced augmented reality features:

• Fujitsu F52A
• LG K92
• Motorola Moto G9 Plus
• OPPO A72 5G
• OPPO F17 Pro
• Sharp AQUOS Sense4
• Sharp AQUOS Sense4 basic
• Sharp AQUOS Sense4 lite
• Umx U3AR
• Xiaomi POCO X3/POCO X3 NFC
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
• Realme X50 Pro Player

ARCore can unlock some really cool features, and once Google Play Services for AR is pushed to your device, you can start using augmented reality applications and features right away. If your device isn’t on the list of supported devices, you may be able to manually enable it with root. It’s possible, however, that you’ll run into issues due to the lack of a proper calibration configuration. If you have one of the above devices and the app hasn’t been pushed to your device yet, you can sideload the latest version of the APK yourself to skip the wait.

Google Play Services for AR (Free, Google Play) →

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OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7T series get OxygenOS Open Beta 19/9 with October 2020 patches and front camera flashback fix

OnePlus is back again with a new Open Beta version of OxygenOS for both the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7T series, specifically Open Beta 19 for the OnePlus 7/7 Pro and Open Beta 9 for the OnePlus 7T/7T Pro. The last stable channel update for these phones rolled out a few days ago, featuring September 2020 security patches and a few other changes. The newest beta builds, on the other hand, finally brings in the October 2020 security patch.

XDA Forums: OnePlus 7 ||| OnePlus 7 Pro ||| OnePlus 7T ||| OnePlus 7T Pro

There really isn’t much else to report with this update, other than a fix related to the front camera. You can read the full changelog below:

• System
  • Improved system stability and fixed general issues
  • Updated Android Security Patch to 2020.10
• Camera
  • Fixed the flashback issue when switched to the front camera in particular cases

While the new beta is still based on Android 10, those looking for the Android 11 update for the OnePlus 7 and 7T series won’t have to wait much longer. The Chinese variants of these smartphones have recently picked up a new set of HydrogenOS beta builds with a similar changelog, which are apparently the final Android 10-based updates on the beta channel. According to the release note, the first public beta version based on Android 11 for the 7/7T lineup will be launched by the end of the year. The declaration is indeed in line with the previous claim made by the company.

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Download Links – OxygenOS Open Beta 19 (OnePlus 7 series), Open Beta 9 (OnePlus 7T series)

OnePlus 7 – Open Beta 19

• Global:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 18

OnePlus 7 Pro – Open Beta 19

• Global:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 18

OnePlus 7T – Open Beta 9

•  Global:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 8
• India:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 8

OnePlus 7T Pro – Open Beta 9

•  Global:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 8
• India:
  • Full OTA
  • Incremental OTA from Beta 8

Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the download links!

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Microsoft reportedly plans a big UI overhaul for Windows 10 next year

Microsoft is allegedly planning a major visual overhaul for Windows 10 next year. The UI refresh project, known internally as ‘Sun Valley’, has been rumored for the last couple of years. Screenshots of an improved Microsoft Groove (which ages it!) leaked some time ago but amounted to nothing. Now it looks like Microsoft has Q4 2021 in its sights for an update which will form part of the wider Windows 10 ‘Cobalt’ build (21H2).

According to Windows Central, we should expect to see a change in the Start Menu (which only just got updated), Action Centre, Taskbar, and a reskinned UI for File Explorer. Since the tiled revolution in Windows 8, there haven’t been any massive changes to the look and feel of Windows, so it’s certainly overdue for what one source describes as “reinvigorating”. Expect to see more use of the WinUI throughout the Windows Shell and bundled apps, which should see the end of those last few jarring moments where the switch between UWP and Win32 is less than seamless. The challenge for the team will be finding how to successfully apply Fluent Design to the creaky old Windows desktop, parts of which still look almost identical to how they did 30 years ago.

Given Microsoft’s track record for inflicting change on users who aren’t ready or aren’t interested, it’s refreshing to hear that Sun Valley may be, to some degree, completely optional, with a toggle back to the current UI on the cards, where possible. Of course, with any project, let alone one as big as this, timings can slip, and we may not see Sun Valley until 2022, but Microsoft is apparently keen to get it out next year if it all possible. In the old days, we’d have been using Windows 11 by now, so it’s not surprising that Windows 10 is overdue a new lick of paint.

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The LG K92 launches in the U.S. as a cheap 5G phone for $359

LG has joined the gold rush of affordable 5G phones with the LG K92 5G, which the Korean brand says is “designed to bring the benefits of 5G to a larger audience.” With a form of 5G now active in most major U.S. cities, the next stage will be persuading buyers to adopt it, which is where phones like the new K92 come in.

 

Boasting a four-lens camera array firing at 64MP, backed up with a 16MP camera on the front underneath the hole-punch cutout, there’s little compromise on the photo credentials, and given that the whole thing is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, it should be no slouch at processing either, especially given the 6GB of RAM on-board.

The near-bezel-less screen measures a whopping 6.7-inches, so it’s good to know it’s an FHD+ panel, not to mention it has stereo speakers with ‘3D’ sound. Power comes with a 4000mAh battery which can be recharged via a Qualcomm QuickCharge 4 adapter. 5G can be a massive battery drain, so we’ll be curious to see if this can add stamina to its list of qualities.

There’s 128GB storage, expandable up to 2TB with microSD, WiFi 5 support (but not 6), NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, and a fingerprint sensor on the side, while the two-tone Titan Grey shell back lends the device an individual, quirky air.

Of course, there are a few compromises—no wireless charging, and no Android 11 at launch, for example, but it’s an impressive offering for as little as $359, depending on your carrier. That means the LG K92 5G is competing against other budget 5G offerings, such as the OnePlus Nord N10 5G (U.S. pricing not announced yet), the Pixel 4a 5G ($499), and the TCL 10 5G UW ($399).

The LG K92 5G will be available in the U.S. from AT&T, Cricket Wireless, and US Cellular, with pricing and availability to be announced on a carrier-by-carrier basis, but some are already taking pre-orders with a November 6th release date. Whether that applies across the board, time will tell.

Specification	LG K92 5G
Build	Plastic
Dimensions & Weight	6.55″ x 3.04″ x 0.33″ 7.14oz
Display	6.7-inch hole-punch 2400 x 1080 resolution
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 690
RAM & Storage	6GB RAM 128GB storage Expandable storage up to 2TB via microSD
Battery & Charging	4000mAh Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0
Security	Fingerprint Sensor, side-mounted
Rear Camera(s)	64MP (main) 5MP (ultra wide) 2MP (depth) 2MP (macro)
Front Camera(s)	16MP
Port(s)	USB-C 3.5mm audio jack
Audio	Stereo Speakers with LG 3D Sound Engine
Connectivity	5G (Sub-6GHz) NFC WiFi 5 Bluetooth 5.1
Software	Android 10 with LG UI overlay

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Google App preps “Assistant Memory” and At A Glance media recommendations

It looks like Google is preparing to introduce new features to its Google App, with new strings pointing to an “Assistant Memory” feature and media recommendations in the At A Glance widget.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

The new strings were discovered in Google App 11.34.7.29. First up is an “Assistant Memory” feature, which the strings describe as an easy way to save and find your stuff. It’s a little unclear how it’ll work, but it sounds like you’ll be able to save notes and reminders here alongside an image to help jog your memory. Speaking of memory, this feature may be related to a “Memory Aid Locker” feature that’s been in the works for some time now. When strings for that feature first appeared in the Google App, we weren’t really sure what it was for. It’s possible that Google tabled the feature and is now finally returning to it, or they started from scratch on a new feature.

<string name="opa_memory_card_attach_photo_promotion_subtitle">"If you want to delete the screen capture and replace it with a photo, tap the little 'X' button."</string>
<string name="opa_memory_card_attach_photo_promotion_title">Did you know you can attach photos?</string>
<string name="opa_memory_card_first_use_promotion_subtitle">"Add a note or reminder below, or tap the 'Open Memory' button to learn more."</string>
<string name="opa_memory_card_first_use_promotion_title">Assistant Memory is an easy way to save and find your stuff!</string>

Whatever the case may be, Assistant Memory looks to join one of the many note-taking and reminder features that Google offers, from the dedicated Google Keep app to the reminders/lists that Google Assistant already lets you create.

Strings for another new feature relate to media recommendations in the At A Glance widget. According to the new strings, the widget may surface media recommendations based on context, like when you connect headphones to your device. So, let’s say you often connect your headphones, launch your preferred music service, and play a workout playlist. The At A Glance widget could seemingly learn this behavior and make a recommendation to launch your most frequently used media player as soon as your headphones are connected.

<string name="smartspace_media_recommendation_summary">Media suggestions when headphones connected</string>
<string name="smartspace_media_recommendation_title">Media suggestions</string>

It’s unclear when/if these features will go live for users of the Google App. It could take days, weeks, or even months. We’ll try and activate these features to show them off, but in the meanwhile, we’ll keep an eye out for their official rollout.

Google (Free, Google Play) →

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