Microsoft Launcher v6 update enables landscape mode and new Feed design

Update 1 (08/24/2020 @ 08:35 PM ET): Microsoft Launcher 6.2 is now rolling out with the 4 new features we highlighted in the beta release. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on June 23, 2020, is preserved below.

Microsoft’s efforts in Android app development haven’t gone unnoticed in the Android community. The company has released and updated many of its applications and services for our favorite platform over the past couple of years. Microsoft Launcher, a home screen launcher replacement with over 10 million installs on the Google Play Store, is definitely one of the most notable ones. A new beta build of the upcoming major v6 update is now available (via AndroidPolice), and it adds a handful of welcome features.

The first and most noticeable new feature is support for landscape mode. To be honest, I rarely ever hold my phone in horizontal mode, but I can see how a lot of people could make use of it. Many major launchers have had landscape mode support for a while. Even’s Google’s default Pixel Launcher lets you rotate the home screen. The changelog also hints that the launcher is now more memory-efficient. Both of these features have been available since the first preview build of Microsoft Launcher v6 from January.

The update also introduces a redesigned Microsoft Feed. For those who aren’t familiar, Feed sits on the minus one pane on your home screen, and it displays information from various Microsoft services. You can check out your schedule or just browse the news. Feed now features a blurred background and more even spacing between cards. You can also create folders in the app drawer and double-tap anywhere to lock the screen. Both of these features have been available since the last preview build.

Microsoft Launcher’s new Microsoft Feed design. Image credits: Kerry Wan/AndroidPolice.

Here’s the full changelog below if you’re interested:

Microsoft Launcher v6 beta changelog

• Support landscape mode
• Updated Microsoft Feed design
• Beautiful Wallpapers
• Improved performance

Fix in this build:
• Add up to 3 rows in Dock
• Organize your App Drawer with folders
• Double tap to lock screen
• Improved app search
• Fixed bugs and crashes

You can try out the new features by opting into the beta program on the Play Store.

Microsoft Launcher (Free, Google Play) →

Update: Microsoft Launcher 6.2 Stable

Microsoft Launcher 6.2.200706 is now rolling out on the Google Play Store, and it brings support for landscape mode and the updated Microsoft Feed design. You can download the stable release from APKMirror.

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Android Studio’s Android 11 emulator will support the hinge sensor for foldable devices

The Android Emulator in Google’s Android Studio IDE is getting a major update with improved support for foldable devices (via AndroidPolice). The feature requires an Android 11 system image and AVD configuration that have yet to be released, however.

At last year’s Google I/O, Google updated the Android Emulator to include support for creating a virtual foldable device. Back in April, the company made it possible to create an Android Virtual Device (AVD) with freeform multi-window mode enabled. Alongside the Android 11 Beta release in June, Google teased an updated version of the Android Emulator that would bring extended support for foldables in the emulator featuring integration with the hinge sensor API and Jetpack Window Manager features. Now, Android Emulator version 30.0.26 adds support for a virtual hinge sensor and 3D view, provided you configure the foldable to run under a new Android 11 system image.

According to the release notes, the hinge sensor is enabled by default when the developer configures a virtual foldable device on top of a future Android 11 system image. Once configured, the emulator sends hinge angle sensor updates and posture changes to the guest. Existing foldable devices update the hinge sensor angle and posture when the developer presses the toolbar’s fold or unfold buttons.

The updated Android Emulator update also introduces cross-compilation from x86_64 to arm64 hosts, support for virtio-gpu host coherent blob resources, USB passthrough on Windows, the ability to hide the device frame for the current AVD, a toggle for meteredness support, and several bug fixes.

While foldable devices haven’t become mainstream, there are early signs they could be the next evolution of smartphone design. Samsung is pursuing the world of foldable devices with its Z Fold series. Microsoft has recently launched its dual-screen Android device called the Surface Duo. Meanwhile, Google has been prototyping foldable Pixel devices in the past, though there’s no indication these projects are intended to evolve into consumer products. With improved developer tools in place, though, developers will have the opportunity to create apps that take advantage of these unique form factors.

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Google releases an AdMob mobile app for Android

If you’re an Android app developer whose app(s) have in-app ads implemented as a revenue source, then you’ll know how important it is to keep track of your earnings. Google’s AdMob mobile advertising platform easily lets developers monetize their apps with in-app advertisements. Recently, Google released a mobile client for AdMob on the Google Play Store (via 9to5Google).

The concept of the Android app is pretty simple. It allows you to view your AdMob dashboard right from your mobile device. Previously, the dashboard was accessible from Google’s website, so the release of a dedicated app makes keeping track of your earnings a bit simpler.

The app uses Google’s standard Material Theme design and is set up to show you a summary of estimated earnings, metrics to see how well your app is performing, information about your payments, user insights, and trends in revenue. The tabs up top let you filter data by 4 time periods: Today, yesterday, 7 days, and 28 days.

The app is currently listed on Google Play as “Early Access”. That means the app is still in development, so expect there to be bugs and missing features. Still, if you’re interested in checking your advertising review from the AdMob network on-the-go, then download the Android app from the Play Store listing embedded below.

Google AdMob (Free, Google Play) →

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Google posts factory images, Android 11 beta, and kernel sources for Pixel 4a

Earlier this month, Google launched the Pixel 4a (code-name “sunfish”), the company’s second mid-range Pixel smartphone. At a price of $349, you get a 5.81″ OLED display, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage, a 3140 mAh battery, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Google’s excellent camera and software support. Late last week, the phone officially went on sale, and today, Google has uploaded or started to upload all the tools, files, and documentation needed by developers interested in running custom software.

Google Pixel 4a Forums

When Google released Android 11 Beta 3, they promised to eventually make the beta available for the Pixel 4a. If you have the device, you can now opt into the Android Beta Program, allowing you to receive an OTA update to the latest Android beta release. If you don’t want to wait for the beta to roll out, you can alternatively flash the Android 11 Beta 3 factory image or sideload the full OTA file. The build number is rpb3.200720.005, which matches the builds for the other Pixel phones currently eligible for the Android 11 beta.

Download Android 11 Beta 3 for the Google Pixel 4a: Opt into Android Beta Program ||| Factory Image ||| OTA

If you want to return to the stock software on the Pixel 4a, you can extract and flash the latest factory image firmware from the link below. The latest build carries a build number of QD4A.200805.003, corresponding to the August 2020 Android Security Patch Level. There are two sets of factory images available: One for JP/Verizon units and another for unlocked units.

Lastly, Google has started to upload the device tree and kernel source code for the device. These will be helpful starting points for any developer interested in building a custom kernel to boot TWRP and/or an AOSP-based custom ROM. It’ll take some time for the sources to be fully uploaded, so keep an eye out on the links below.

Factory Images ||| Kernel Source Code ||| Device Tree

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Samsung may add S Pen support to the next high-end Galaxy S phone

Samsung’s next Galaxy S flagship smartphone series, which could be marketed as the Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S30 series, is expected to launch in early 2021. A new report from South Korean publication The Elec states that there will once again be 3 separate models. In a twist, the publication reports that the top model will feature S Pen support.

The S Pen has long served as a key differentiator between the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series. It’s an inductive stylus with Wacom’s digital pen technology that works on all Galaxy Note devices with an active digitizer layer underneath the display. Although it doesn’t require a battery to function, Samsung did add a battery to the revised S Pen they launched alongside the Galaxy Note 9; the battery powers a small Bluetooth Low Energy chip and a six-axis motion sensor that are used for gesture detection. The most recent upgrade to the S Pen came with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, wherein Samsung significantly reduced the latency down to 9ms to make writing feel much more responsive. Thanks to the S Pen, the Galaxy Note series has long held a productivity advantage over the Galaxy S series, but that could change with the next Galaxy S flagship.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Review: For Those Ahead of the Curve

If The Elec is to be believed, the upcoming Galaxy S series, code-named “Unbound,” will come in be three models. The project names are allegedly M1, N2, and O3, with the top-end O3 model featuring S Pen support. This “O3” model may be marketed as the “Ultra” device, though that remains to be seen.

Regardless, by bringing stylus support to the Galaxy S series, the future of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line is now in question. There has long been speculation that Samsung may kill off the Galaxy Note series to instead focus on its new flagship foldable Z line. For what it’s worth, The Elec claims Samsung is gearing up to introduce a Galaxy Z Fold “3” with S Pen support, which was rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 before its launch.

Adding S Pen support to Samsung’s foldable lineup makes perfect sense considering these foldable devices feature large, expansive displays. Samsung will also be able to keep Note loyalists happy by adding S Pen support to the Galaxy S series, which is among the most popular smartphone lineups on the market.

Whatever happens, bringing S Pen support to the Galaxy S line and/or ditching the Galaxy Note would be a big change for Samsung’s smartphone business. However, with the company setting its sets on a foldable future, the Note series may no longer be interesting enough to act as its regular fall flagship.

Featured image: the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Photo credits: Max Weinbach.

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ASUS ROG Phone 3 unbrick tool is now available

Over the last couple of years, ASUS has managed to establish itself as a true gaming smartphone brand through its Republic of Gamers (ROG) series. The recently launched ROG Phone 3 packs in some of the most powerful hardware you can find in a smartphone, like the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, a 6,000mAh battery, two USB-C ports, and a 144Hz high refresh rate AMOLED display panel. The Taiwanese brand has also been receptive to the aftermarket developer community on XDA, as you can already pick up the official bootloader unlock tool as well as the kernel source for this phone from ASUS’ download portal.

ASUS ROG Phone 3 XDA Forums

ASUS ROG Phone 3 XDA Review: The King of Gaming Smartphones is back

However, modifying your device is not without its risks, and it can even lead to you temporarily bricking your phone. If you don’t want to pay a visit to a service center or ship your phone to one but like to bring your monster gaming phone back from the dead, you need to find an appropriate flashing tool that can communicate with the device using the built-in Emergency Download Mode (EDL) of the Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. Luckily, XDA Senior Member deadlyindian has collected all the required packages, so that you can use them to flash your ASUS ROG Phone 3 (including the Chinese Tencent variant) back to stock.

Unbrick tool for the ASUS ROG Phone 3

You need a PC running Microsoft Windows 7 or newer to run the flasher. There are two batch files: The first one is required for sending the low-level software binaries (usually referred to as programmers) in the EDL mode, while the second one is intended for flashing the actual firmware using the Fastboot interface. The flashing process will wipe your phone and re-lock the bootloader. Make sure to use the USB Type-C port on the side of the phone for the whole operation.

Buy the ASUS ROG Phone 3 from Flipkart

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Motorola Moto G9 Play launches in Germany with budget specs and a large battery for €169

Motorola just announced the Moto G9 in India earlier today, and now the company has also unveiled the Moto G9 Play, which is set to debut in Germany.

Many of the specs of the new Moto G9 Play are similar to that of the Moto G9. You get a large 5,000 mAh battery, 20W wired charging support, a triple camera setup comprised of a 48MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, and a 6.5-inch LCD at HD+ resolution. The G9 Play also features 64GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card as well as 4GB of RAM.

As you can see, the 3 rear cameras and LED flash are arranged in a rectangular camera bump that’s centered on top on the rear. The fingerprint scanner is located below the camera bump, with Motorola’s logo emblazoned on the button.

Motorola Moto G9 Play: Specifications

Specification	Motorola Moto G9 Play
Display	6.5″ HD+ LCD TFT display 20:9 aspect ratio
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC 4x performance Kryo 260 CPU cores (Up to 2.0GHz) 4x efficiency Kryo 260 CPU cores Adreno 610
RAM & Storage	4GB LPDDR4 + 64GB Expandable via microSD
Battery & Charging	5000 mAh battery 20W fast charging
Fingerprint sensor	Rear fingerprint sensor
Rear Camera	Primary: 48MP, f/1.7 Secondary: 2MP, depth, f/2.4 Tertiary: 2MP, macro, f/2.4
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.2
Other Features	Wi-Fi 802.11ac Bluetooth v5.0 NFC 3.5mm headphone jack
Android Version	Android 10

One small change to the G9 Play is it features a dedicated Google Assistant button, allowing users to quickly summon the assistant without uttering the key phrase. Being a budget phone, the G9 Play also features a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Moto G9 Play also ships with Android 10 without many major modifications besides Motorola’s suite of first-party apps, so the software experience remains close-to-stock. Many of the usual Moto Experiences are available, along with tools that will allow users to choose their preferred font, colors, and animations.

The Moto G9 Play is now available in Germany in blue and green for a retail price of €169.99. Motorola hasn’t confirmed availability in other regions yet, but we can expect the device to launch in Latin America, the Middle East, and other parts of Europe in the near future.

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