Android 11 Beta 1.5 brings Google Pay fix and more minor updates

Android 11 Beta 1 was released last week and like most beta software it has its fair share of bugs. Today, Google is addressing some of those issues with a “minor” update. Android 11 Beta 1.5, as Google calls it, brings a few noteworthy fixes, including good news for Google Pay users.

One of the biggest issues people had with Android 11 Beta 1 was the inability to use contactless payments through Google Pay. This is a fairly common issue with Android beta releases, but it’s annoying nonetheless. Google said a fix would be coming soon and it appears it is in today’s update. Check out the full changelog below:

General

• Devices no longer crash (reboot) while using gesture navigation to switch apps in different orientations while rotating the device at the same time.
• On Pixel 3 and 3a, users setting up devices after reset can now activate a pSim service if the phone is currently using an eSIM service.
• Fixed issues that users were having when using contactless payments through Google Pay.

Bluetooth

• The system no longer incorrectly enforces the Bluetooth privileged permission for RemoveBond. This resolves issues that could affect pairing, unpairing, and bond reset flows for Bluetooth devices, such as for Forget Watch on Wear OS devices.

Google also notes that there are several issues with Android Auto in Android 11 Beta 1.5, so you may want to avoid it if that’s something you use a lot. If you’re already using a Pixel device enrolled in the Android Beta program you’ll get this update automatically. We’ll also add links to the factory images, OTA files, and GSIs in the chart below.

Device	OTA	Factory Image
Pixel 2	Link	Link
Pixel 2 XL	Link	Link
Pixel 3	Link	Link
Pixel 3 XL	Link	Link
Pixel 3a	Link	Link
Pixel 3a XL	Link	Link
Pixel 4	Link	Link
Pixel 4 XL	Link	Link

GSI Downloads

x86+GMS	Link
ARM64+GMS	Link
x86_64	Link
ARM64	Link

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Source: Google

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Google is making it easier for developers to build Google Assistant voice actions

Google Assistant is a very powerful tool by itself, but it gets even better when you use it with other apps and services. Today at Voice Global 2020, a conference for voice tech, Google is announcing several improvements to make it easier for developers to build new experiences with Assistant. At the forefront of this effort is the new web-based Actions Builder IDE, but that’s just the start.

Actions Builder

Actions Builder is a new graphical interface that allows developers to visualize the conversation flow with Google Assistant. Developers can manage Natural Language Understanding training data and get advanced debugging tools. Actions Builder is integrated into the Actions Console to make it easy to build, debug, test, release, and analyze Actions in one place rather than switching back and forth between the Actions Console and Dialogflow.

Actions Builder

Updated Actions SDK

Next up is the updated Actions SDK for developers who prefer to work with their own tools. There is now a file-based representation of the action and the ability to use a local IDE. The SDK enables local authoring of Natural Language Understanding and conversation flows but also bulk import and export of training data. The Actions SDK also includes a command-line interface for developers who prefer to work with their own source control and continuous integration tools. Lastly, a new conversation model has been introduced alongside improvements to the runtime engine in order to make it easier to design conversations and for users to get faster and more accurate responses.

Home Storage, updated Media API, and Continuous Match Mode

Home Storage

Another new feature is called Home Storage. This provides a communal storage solution for devices connected on the home graph. Developers can then save context for individual users, such as the last save point from a game. Updated Media APIs allow for longer-form media sessions and let users resume playback across Google Assistant devices. A user could start playback from a specific moment or resume a session, for example.

Media API Improvements

Continuous Match Mode is another new feature that allows the Google Assistant to respond immediately to commands for more fluid experiences by recognizing defined words and phrases. Google gives the example of a game currently using this called “Guess The Drawing.” Continuous Match Mode allows the user to vocally guess the drawing until they get it correct. Google Assistant will announce that the microphone will remain listening temporarily so users know they can speak freely.

AMP for Smart Displays

Lastly, Google has announced that Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) will be coming to Google Assistant-enabled smart displays like the Nest Hub. AMP-compliant articles such as news articles will be viewable on smart displays later this summer. We’re not sure how this will look on smart displays, but Google says there will be more updates in the coming months.

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Google says that Assistant is used by over 500 million people every month in over 30 languages across 90 countries. Google is investing in improving Assistant so that it’s more natural to use, and a large part of that effort has to involve developers and other third-parties. For example, Google’s conversational Duplex AI has been used to contact businesses to update over 500,000 business listings. As another example, Google mentions how Bamboo Learning brought their education platform to the Google Assistant so families can teach their kids at home with fun lessons on math, history, and reading.

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Amazon Fire Toolbox helps install Google apps, change launchers, and more on Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon’s Fire tablets might not give you a true Android experience, but they are enough to satisfy users with basic needs, especially kids. Their dirt-cheap pricing comes at the cost of locked bootloaders, no Google Play certification, and a heavily customized skin (Amazon’s Fire OS) that is often based on older Android versions. Fortunately, the aftermarket development community has managed to overcome most of these limitations. There are a lot of guides out there on the XDA Forums to teach you how to sideload Google apps, replace the stock launcher, and debloat Fire OS. Now, thanks to XDA Senior Member Datastream33, owners of Amazon Fire/Fire HD tablets can more easily sideload Google Play Store, replace the stock launcher, and remove all Amazon bloatware apps with an easy-to-use application.

Amazon Fire XDA Forums ||| Amazon Fire HD 8/HD 10 XDA Forums

Dubbed as Amazon Fire Toolbox, the app is compatible with a myriad of Fire tablet variants, starting from the latest iteration of the Fire HD 8 to every other variant since 2014’s Fire HD 6. It communicates with your Fire tablet using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which means you have to enable USB Debugging beforehand. As soon as you install the required drivers, the app can recognize your device and show a menu like the following.

The options are rather self-explanatory, e.g. clicking on “Google Assistant” will help you to replace Alexa with Google Assistant. Expand the list below to see the complete feature set of the toolbox.

Features supported by Amazon Fire Toolbox

• Manage Everything Amazon – Disables/hides every app installed by Amazon from the tablet.
• Remove Lockscreen Ads – Installs Automate, and Amazon Lockscreen Ads Blocker 4.5 automatically.
• Install Google Services – Installs the Google Framework, and the Play Store.
• Power Options – Allows you to force the tablet to power off, reboot, boot into Recovery, and boot into Download Mode.
• Install YouTube Vanced – Installs the modified version of YouTube that includes Background playback, Adblocking, resolution force, etc.
• Install Smart Youtube TV – Installs the Youtube client found on Smart TVs, and gaming consoles. It supports 4K video, doesn’t require Google Services, ads are blocked, and it is designed with big screens in mind.
• Built-in-Updater – An updater that checks for the latest versions of the Toolbox and installs them.
• WallChanger – Change lockscreen wallpaper to a custom image.
• Lockscreen Wallpaper – Sets the lockscreen wallpaper to a custom wallpaper (Gens 8+ only).
• ADB Shell – Starts a ADB shell.
• Restore Everything Amazon – enables/unhides ALL Amazon apps back onto the tablet.
• Sideload Apps – Sideload any app streight onto your tablet.
• Parental Control Hide – Hides all dialogs produced by Parental controls.
• Install Google Assistant – Replaces Alexa with Google Assistant.
• Driver Detector – Detects and installs Fire tablet drivers if needed.
• Density Modifier – Changes the Pixel Density (DPI) to custom values.
• Manual Restore/Remove – Allows the user to manually select apps to restore/remove.
• System Backup/Restore – Creates system backups, and can even restore them!
• Screen Recorder – Records the tablet’s screen without using third party tools (sound or mic isn’t recorded).
• Screen Capture – Takes a screenshot of everything on the tablet’s screen.
• Custom Launcher – Allows the installation of custom launchers.
• TBShell – Toolbox Shell that allows the use of modifications without changing settings from within the Toolbox itself.
• Hybrid Apps – Allows the user to install Netflix and Disney+ without the use of the Amazon Store.
• Modify System Settings – Change the status of the Navigation bar, disable automatic system/app updates, and turn off Over The Air Updates
• User Management – Adds and removes user profiles.
• Push and Pull – Copy files to tablet, and copy files from tablet to PC.

This Windows-only app is coded using Visual Basic, and Linux support is in the pipeline. The developer is also planning to include a stock firmware flasher and a built-in rooting module in the toolbox, although there’s no timeline for when any of these changes will roll out.

Amazon Fire Toolbox — XDA Download and Discussion Thread

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10 Great Deals on Audio Gear Available Today

You should never have to settle for sub-par headphones or weak speakers. Right now, you can upgrade to premium audio gear that’s sure to deliver for a fraction of the usual price.

Check out the 10 deals below, and see what catches your eye. Right now, you can get up to 71% off MSRP at the XDA Developers Depot.

Urbanears Jakan Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones

Offering 12 hours of battery life and distortion-free audio, these lightweight headphones offer “a good balance between design, price, and sound quality” in the words of L&B Tech Reviews. They also feature built-in controls and an ergonomic design. Right now, they are 50% off at just $39.95.

XBuds Wireless Stereo Earphones with Charging Case

These stylish true-wireless earphones provide crisp audio quality via Bluetooth. They can auto-pair with your device in seconds, with touch controls for your music and a hyper-directional mic for hands-free calls. They’re normally $39.99, but you can get them now with a charging case for $27.99.

Veho STIX True Wireless Earphones

If you regularly hit the gym or pound the streets, the Veho STIX earphones might be your best option. They are water-resistant and designed to stay in your ears during exercise. They also offer crisp sound via Bluetooth 5.0 and helpful touch controls. Worth $249.95, they are now down to just $69.99 with a charging case.

Marshall® Acton II Wireless Smart Speaker

Rated at 4.6/5 stars on Amazon, this Alexa-enabled Marshall speaker combines classic looks and cutting-edge technology. You can use your voice to control playback and smart devices around your home, and the companion app lets you fine-tune the audio output. It retails for $299.99, but you can get it now for $219.99.

Urbanears Rålis Portable Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker

If you need something a little more portable, consider the Urbanears Rålis. This wireless speaker offers 20 hours of battery life and support for multi-host playback. In addition, it “sounds outstanding” according to Cult of Mac. Normally $199.99, the speaker is now only $109.99.

EVEN H4 Wireless Headphones with EarPrint Technology

Thanks to patented EarPrint technology, the highly-rated EVEN H4 headphones learn the way you listen to music and adapt the sound to match. They also have 40mm Beryllium-coated drivers, and you get 20 hours of playback on a full charge. Worth $99.99, they are now $79.99 when you use code SAVE20EVENH4 at checkout.

WT2 Plus AI Real-Time Translator Earbuds

These unique earbuds use artificial intelligence to provide live audio translations for 40 languages and 93 accents. The technology has earned CES Innovation and IF Design Awards, and the earbuds deliver great audio quality, too. They are currently 33% off MSRP at $199.99.

Decibullz: Custom Moldable True Wireless Earphones

These unique earbuds have ear tips made from thermo-plastic material, meaning you can enjoy a custom fit. Once fitted, they provide excellent Bluetooth sound quality, with 24 hours of battery life. Normally priced at $149, this Kickstarter success story is now only $98.99.

Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Once you put on the AONIC 50 headphones, you won’t want to take them off. They offer adjustable noise cancellation, 20 hours of battery life, environment mode for hearing your surroundings, and support for multiple codecs via Bluetooth 5.0 and AUX. They’re usually $499, but you can get these high-end cans now for $399.

Jam Audio Live True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Thanks to ultra-light silicone tips, the Live True earbuds are comfortable to wear for hours. A built-in mic lets you take hands-free calls, while the supplied charging case holds enough juice for 48 hours of playback. Worth $99, they are currently just $39.99 with this deal.

Prices subject to change

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Fairphone 2 with Snapdragon 801 officially receives a beta of Android 9 Pie

Much of the conversation in the tech world revolves around large companies like Google, Samsung, and Apple. They have the resources to pump out devices and dominate the space, but there are smaller players as well. Fairphone is one such player and it has been around for quite a while, actually. The company is now rolling out a beta of Android 9 Pie to its Fairphone 2.

This news is significant for a couple of reasons. First of all, back in 2018, the Fairphone 2 was the first and only phone with the Snapdragon 801 to get Android Nougat. The Fairphone 2 was released in 2015 and in 2016 Qualcomm announced it would not be providing support for the Snapdragon 801 on Android 7.0 Nougat. Now, not only is the 5-year old device moving past Nougat, it’s skipping straight to Android 9 Pie.

Fairphone 2 XDA Forums

Announced on Twitter, Fairphone says a beta version of Android 9 is now available for the Fairphone 2. The company is starting the beta test with the current group of people who are signed up for beta releases. Maarten Derks, a tech lead at Fairphone, says they will open up registration for new testers soon. If you’re not in the beta group already, sit tight.

We’re excited to announce that a beta version of Android 9 is now available for Fairphone 2! This makes it one of only a few Android phones released in 2015 to still receive continued software support and we couldn’t be prouder. #daretocare #longevity #sustainability pic.twitter.com/OBLl1Lz8Y2

— Fairphone (@Fairphone) June 16, 2020

If you’re unfamiliar with Fairphone, the company is all about using ethically sourced materials and limiting waste. The Fairphone 2 has a modular design to make it easy to repair, rather than throwing the device away when something breaks. It’s designed to be able to last a long time, which makes software updates very important. Beyond the Snapdragon 801, the Fairphone 2 sports 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 2,420 mAh battery, and a 5-inch 1080p display. The company also has the newer Fairphone 3 available.

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ZTE Axon 11 5G and 4G go on sale in Germany and may launch in the U.S. next year

ZTE’s Axon lineup is the flagship lineup from the Chinese OEM, giving us some competitive “flagship killers” over the years like the ZTE Axon 7 and innovative products like the ZTE Axon M dual-screen foldable. But the company had always underperformed in terms of general availability and marketing for otherwise-good products, which is the reason why they never really caught on. ZTE is taking another swing at releasing its products in international markets, as the company has now launched the ZTE Axon 11 5G and 4G variants in Germany, and is looking forward to a launch in the USA next year.

Specifications: ZTE Axon 11 5G

Specification	ZTE Axon 11 5G
Display	6.47-inch curved 3D AMOLED display 19.5:9 FHD+ (2340×1080), 100,000:1 contrast 90Hz refresh rate Waterdrop notch
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Adreno 620
RAM and Storage	6GB RAM + 128GB storage 8GB + 128GB 8GB + 256GB
Battery and Charging	4,000 mAh Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 Qi wireless charging
Ports	USB Type-C No headphone jack
Rear Cameras	Primary: 64MP, f/1.89 Secondary: 8MP, 120° wide-angle Tertiary: 2MP macro Quarternary: 2MP depth
Front Camera	20MP, f/2.0
Connectivity	Dual SIM
Security	Under-display fingerprint scanner
Android Version	MiFavor 10 based on Android 10

Specifications: ZTE Axon 11 4G

Specification	ZTE Axon 11 4G
Dimensions & Weight	159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9mm 168g
Display	6.47-inch curved 3D AMOLED display 19.5:9 FHD+ (2340×1080), 100,000:1 contrast Waterdrop notch
SoC	MediaTek Helio P70
RAM and Storage	<not specified>
Battery and Charging	4,000 mAh
Ports	USB Type-C No headphone jack
Rear Cameras	Primary: 64MP, f/1.89 Secondary: 8MP, 120° wide-angle Tertiary: 2MP macro Quarternary: 2MP depth
Front Camera	20MP, f/2.0
Connectivity	Dual SIM FDD: B1/3/5/7/8/20/28/32 TDD: B38 UMTS: B1/5/8 GSM: B2/3/5/8
Security	Under-display fingerprint scanner
Android Version	MiFavor 10 based on Android 10
Colors	Black

ZTE Axon 11: Pricing and Availability

Germany

The ZTE Axon 11 5G will cost €599 and will be available for purchase from OTTO.

The ZTE Axon 11 4G will cost €349.90 and will be available for purchase from OTTO, Saturn, MediaMarkt, Expert, 1&1, and Amazon.de.

International Markets

The ZTE Axon 11 5G and 4G variants will go on sale in Mexico, the Middle East, and other parts of Europe soon. ZTE mentioned to us that there is no plan for a launch in the USA, but a subsequent report from CNet claims that the company plans to launch in the region early next year, but with some changes in the hardware.

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Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom add lens correction profiles for the Huawei P40 Pro, Apple iPhone SE, iPad Pro, and more

A number of premium and mid-range smartphones these days feature a Pro mode in the camera app that lets users make manual adjustments to the ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure while capturing images. More often than not, the Pro mode also includes a RAW image capture setting that lets users save captured images as .dng files. While there are many benefits to capturing images in the RAW format, it does have a few drawbacks. For instance, when you capture images in a common format like JPEG, the smartphone can automatically correct geometric distortions or exposure issues in the images. However, when you capture RAW images, these issues aren’t fixed automatically. To address this issue, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom offer device-specific lens correction profiles for several Android smartphones that you can use to quickly correct your images.

Earlier this year in March, Adobe released lens correction profiles for a couple of newly released devices like the OnePlus 7T, Huawei Mate 30 Pro, and the LG G8 ThinQ. Now, the company has added profiles for even more devices that are supported in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and the Camera Raw plugin. The list of newly supported devices includes:

• Apple iPad (6th generation) back camera (JPEG)
• Apple iPad (7th generation) back camera (JPEG)
• Apple iPad Air (3rd generation) back camera (JPEG)
• Apple iPad Mini (5th generation) back camera (JPEG)
• Apple iPhone SE back camera (DNG+JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation) wide-angle camera (JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation) main camera (DNG+JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation) front camera (JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 4th generation) wide-angle camera (JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 4th generation) main camera (DNG+JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 4th generation) front camera (JPEG+HEIC)
• Apple iPod Touch back camera (JPEG)
• Huawei P40 Pro front camera (JPEG)
• Huawei P40 Pro rear main camera (DNG+JPEG)
• Huawei P40 Pro rear telephoto camera (DNG+JPEG)
• Huawei P40 Pro rear wide camera (DNG+JPEG)

It’s worth noting that these lens correction profiles are also supported in Adobe’s Photoshop Express and Lightroom apps on Android. In case you’re not sure if Adobe offers a lens correction profile for your device, you can follow this link and search for your device in the list of supported devices.

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